Rev. Nina Merkle Nestlerode
Lead Pastor
Pastor Nina joined GSCC in August 2020 with 16+ years of experience in Disciple of Christ (DOC) congregational ministry and is a well established, strong preacher, also drawn to creative worship. She served most recently as Co-Sr. Pastor with her spouse in two different Midwest congregations. She has a passion to preach Gospel love for ALL people, to stand for justice for the vulnerable, and to love our neighbors and ourselves as children of God. She provides pastoral care for those struggling in difficult times, while strengthening the light of Christ in and to us all.
Pastor Nina holds a Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley CA. She also holds a degree in Business from the University of Oregon and worked as a Senior Financial Analyst for a large corporation before receiving her call into ministry.
Email Pastor Nina
Nina, her spouse Glenn, and their son Gabriel live in Twinsburg. Nina and Glenn also have an adult daughter, Elizabeth, who lives in New York City. Pastor Nina loves hiking, swimming, traveling, reading, watching movies, and listening to music!
Pastor Nina holds a Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley CA. She also holds a degree in Business from the University of Oregon and worked as a Senior Financial Analyst for a large corporation before receiving her call into ministry.
Email Pastor Nina
Nina, her spouse Glenn, and their son Gabriel live in Twinsburg. Nina and Glenn also have an adult daughter, Elizabeth, who lives in New York City. Pastor Nina loves hiking, swimming, traveling, reading, watching movies, and listening to music!
Kaleena Hensley
Administrative and Communications Assistant
Kaleena is the Administrative and Communications Assistant here at Good Shepherd. She and her family have been members of GSCC since 2011. Kaleena helps to bring organization and communication to our ministries, as well as helping to guide us into more efficient use of technology to better serve our members and community.
Kaleena, her spouse Robb, and their children James and Callan live in Bedford.
Email Kaleena
Kaleena, her spouse Robb, and their children James and Callan live in Bedford.
Email Kaleena
Holly Schwartz
Music Minister
Holly reminds us that music is one of the most moving forms of prayer and praise! Through the Adult Choir, Hand chime choir, and her leadership of the Worship Team, Holly adds a richness and joy to our worship and music ministries at Good Shepherd.
Holly is also our church librarian. If you would like someone to recommend a good book from our church library, she'll be glad to suggest a few of her favorites!
Holly is also our church librarian. If you would like someone to recommend a good book from our church library, she'll be glad to suggest a few of her favorites!
Jane Jowers
Pianist
Jane wows us every other week with the ease at which she moves from contemporary praise music on piano to the rich tones of the organ. She also has an amazing ear -- ask her to play an old hymn from memory and she'll blow you away!
Sophia Belli
Youth Minister
Sophia leads our youth through faith formation and fun activities monthly.
