Our Staff & Leaders
Our Pastors
Lead Pastor Jeff Nelson
Pastor Jeff grew up in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. He has his Bachelors Degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire and his Masters in Divinity from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. Jeff and his wife, Bridget…..
Associate Pastor Jennifer Tripoli
Jennifer Tripoli is our Executive Associate Pastor. She is a lifelong member who was baptized here in 1973 and married here in 1997. Jennifer joined us on staff in 2017 after years of volunteer work in various capacities. In January 2022, Jennifer was appointed
Associate Pastor Bridget Nelson
Bridget is our Associate Pastor of Programs. Bridget Nelson works with a great team of staff and volunteers to offer a wide range of programming to the children, youth, and families at Royal Oak First. From nursery care to high school Youth Group,
Governing Board
The Compass Team
The Compass Team is our governing board comprised of nine individuals. They help the church make strategic and efficient decisions as related to mission, vision and overall governance.
Administrative Staff
Operations Manager
Karen Calhoun
Karen has been a member at Royal Oak First since 2006 and joined the staff as Operations Manager in September of 2018. Along the way, Karen led “Parents’ Night Out” and “Career Ministry”, taught Sunday School (eventually becoming Superintendent), and
Community Support Director
Mike Monte
Michael Monte has been a member at Royal Oak First since 2005. After 15 years of volunteering In a variety of positions including our lunch program. Michael joined our staff in January of 2020. In addition to his volunteer work at Royal Oak First
Communications Director
Lee Trumbull
Lee joined the staff in June of 2021. A proud graduate of Wayne State University and a lifelong seeker of wisdom, she is excited to be a part of Royal Oak First’s mission! Lee is married and is the exasperated mother to six cats. She enjoys movies, music, reading and TV.
Worship and Arts Staff
Worship and Arts Director
Kyle Webber
Kyle Webber joined our staff in September of 2021. He is a graduate of Valparaiso University with a degree in Music Education. Upon graduation, Kyle was a middle school band and orchestra director in Sarasota, FL. Over the past 14 years, however, he has served full-time as
Assistant Worship and Arts Director
Erica Plesco
Erica Plesco was a long-time spectator, but joined as a member of Royal Oak First in early 2018; formally joining the staff in September of 2020 as the Worship Coordinator. Erica believes strongly in the power of authentic spiritual connection
Collaborative Pianist
Rachel Morin
Rachel is a pianist and teacher who gives lessons in her home in Troy. She holds doctorate and master’s degrees in piano performance and pedagogy from the University of Iowa and a Bachelor’s in Music from Cleveland Institute of Music. Rachel was music director for St. Andrew
Program Staff
Children’s Music Coordinator
Meagan Grammatico
Meagan Grammatico, MT-BC is an Elementary Music Teacher and Music Therapist in Ferndale Public Schools. She received her music education degree from Western Michigan University and her music therapy certification at St. Mary of the Woods College.
Congregational Care and Family Ministries Coordinator
Danielle Moody
Every person in our church is important to us and we work hard to know how everyone is doing. Danielle coordinates teams of callers, visitors, and card mailers to keep in touch with our congregation. Danielle is the person to call with any
Missions Coordinator
Karla Goetz
Karla Goetz settled in Royal Oak in 2010, and in 2016 found a church home at Royal Oak First. Her family was drawn to Royal Oak First because of its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and focus on service. Karla has spent the past 12 years as a stay at home parent
Sunday School Coordinator
Christine Ryckman
Christine creates an amazing experience on our second floor for kids Pre-K – 8th grade to grow in their faith on Sunday mornings. Using the Rotation Sunday School model, our kids learn Bible stories
Adult Discipleship Coordinator
Joyce Hollingsworth
Joyce is passionate about helping others grow in their faith and their journey as disciples. Joyce works to create a diversity of opportunities for people to learn and grow in small groups,
Building Staff
Custodian
George Bard
Custodian 248-541-4100 office@rofum.org
Kitchen/Meal Coordinator
Shirley Harris
Kitchen/Meal Coordinator (248) 541-4100 sharris@rofum.org
Weekend and Evening Custodian
Ben Graham
Weekend and Evening Custodian 248-541-4100 office@rofum.org