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

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

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

Worship Leader
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 and enjoys the art of blending

Audio Engineer
Joanna Whaley

Joanna has been in worship ministry since her time as a student in college. Joanna has a pastoral passion who just happens to be able to create a compelling worship environment. She is the parent of three beautiful girls, and loves to spend time with them and take them to Disney World!

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