FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF SANTA MONICA

Anne Premer – Congregation Care Associate

Anne joined the First UMC staff in 2016. Originally from New York, she graduated from the University of Delaware with a B.A. in Psychology. In June 2023, she received a certificate in Pastoral Care from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. After working years in the entertainment industry and experiencing some life-changing events, Anne felt compelled to follow a calling to serve in pastoral care. She is passionate about helping people and finds working with our older adults very meaningful, particularly as they face the challenges of aging. She feels privileged to bring God’s grace and healing touch of humor to our homebound members as well, always reminding them that they’re never alone and never forgotten. In her free time, she loves music, yoga, and having fun with family and friends.

Tricia Guerrero – Pastoral Associate

Tricia is a Pastoral Associate here at First UMC. She was born and raised in Texas and is a life-long United Methodist, discovering early on her passion for service and leadership. After 6 years of working in faith-based non-profits in Chapel Hill, NC, she came to California to attend seminary and then stayed after discerning a call towards leadership in the church. Tricia is passionate about helping all ages to know God’s love as real and to connect our faith to our daily lives. She finds this especially meaningful with children and youth, helping them to find places where their joy and passion intersect with the world’s needs. In her free time she loves to hike, read, and explore the sights and happenings in the community.

Jamie Jones– Children’s Ministries Coordinator

Jamie was born in Santa Monica and has been an active member of her church community throughout her life. She grew up participating in a variety of church programs, including the First UMC Preschool, Sunday School, CAST, Vacation Bible School, Summer Adventures, Youth group, Youth choir and bells, and service trips. She believes that service and kindness toward others are fundamental aspects of faith and strives to incorporate these values into all children and family ministry programs.

Jamie attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cell Biology, with an emphasis in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology. She is currently preparing for the MCAT and aspires to become a pediatrician.

In her free time, Jamie enjoys spending time outdoors, crocheting, and volunteering at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in their Pooch Therapy Dog Program with her dog, Jack

Dr. James E. Smith – Music Director 

Jim Smith has been the Music Director of First UMC Santa Monica since 1965. He spent 42 years as Professor of Music at Santa Monica College, nine of which were as chairperson, before retiring in 2010. His principle areas of concentration were Director of Choral Activities, conductor of the Santa Monica College orchestra, and teaching music theory. Before Santa Monica College, he held teaching positions at Sweet Briar College in Virginia, and The Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio. He received his Bachelor of Music degree from Oberlin College; his Master of Music degree from Northwestern University; and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Southern California. Read the September 2015 Sentinel celebrating his 50th anniversary.

Ty Woodward – Organist

Ty Woodward has played classical and theatre organ concerts throughout the U.S.  His recording credits include a solo classical recording on the former Aeolian-Skinner organ at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and a theatre organ recording on the Wurlitzer organ at the Auditorium Theatre in Rochester, N.Y. along with accompaniments for many choral recordings. Ty’s film credits include conducting a men’s chorus for the Bugs Bunny Episode “From Hare to Eternity”, and most recently he is the organist on the 2018 version of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch.

Ty holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Organ Performance and a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Southern California.  He is a former Dean of the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, and has served on the Commission of Liturgy and Music for the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.

He is currently Staff Organist at Disney’s El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, and Organist at First United Methodist Church, Santa Monica. As Principal at Diapason Pipe Organ Consultants LLC, he has worked with numerous churches on the design and installation of their pipe organs.

Christina Eddy – Business Administrator

Christina joined First UMC in early 2010. She has nearly thirty years of experience in non-profit work. She is a C.P.A. and received her M.B.A. from Notre Dame De Namur in 2000. Prior to 2010, she has served as Director of Finance of YMCA of San Francisco and as C.F.O. for JVS SoCal. It is one of her greatest joys to serve our church and connect people and resources so that the mission and ministry of First UMC moves forward with transformation and grace. She finds the connectional body of the church to transform the world authentic, encouraging, and a privileged responsibility. Her youngest son was a graduate of First UMC Preschool in 2012.  In her spare time, she enjoys family time, practices hot yoga daily, and enjoys hiking the trails of Mt. Baldy. 

Sarah Rold – Office Manager

First UMC has been part of Sarah’s life since she was a child. Visiting her Aunt Claudia and Uncle Phil Flanders every summer, they would bring her to worship on Sundays. So when she moved from Montana, after receiving her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Montana, to live somewhere much warmer, she continued to come to church and hasn’t stopped yet. Sarah also loves reading, scrap-booking, and most of all spending time with her husband and their sons.

Tina Gage – Communications Director

Tina has worked in the church office since 2015. She enjoys her job where she designs all things graphic – from the website, orders of worship and Sentinels, to the large sanctuary banners and special event signage. Tina graduated from UC Irvine in English, and has a masters degree in Fine Art from Claremont Graduate School. Tina lives in Calabasas with her sons. In her spare time, she enjoys painting, yoga, hiking and reading.

David Penson – Facilities & Membership Coordinator 

David originally hails from Phoenix, Arizona, and has actively attended church here at First UMC since 2005. He graduated from Santa Monica College with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. In his free time, David enjoys traveling with his wife, Jen. Stop by and say hello to David in the church office!

Brandon Searfoss, Program and Outreach Coordinator, and AV Tech

Brandon was baptized at First UMC and grew up in the church attending Sunday School, handbells and choir, youth group, and eventually became a youth counselor. He has explored several options with education but pursued a certification for cyber security. In his free time, he enjoys archery, gaming, fiddling with technology, and exploring the outdoors.

Javier Espinoza – Lead Custodian

Javier has been with First UMC for over fifteen years.  He brings with him a delightful smile and a work ethic like none other. He has family spanning from California to Mexico. His favorite local lunch spots are Tito’s and Tacos Por Favor. His commitment and kindness are daily symbols of all that we share together as a church community.

Dee Menzies – Preschool Director Emerita

Dee Menzies became Preschool Director in August 2019, following three months as Interim Director.  Building on the seven-year tenure of Batsheva Spector, the First UMC Preschool continues its 70-year history as one of the areas preeminent preschools, serving children and families through its developmental approach and dedication to each family.

Director Menzies, recently retired following 33 years as Head of School at Carlthorp, offers unsurpassed vision and dedication to the Preschool.  A highly-respected Santa Monica resident, active across the community, and long-time member of First UMC, Director Menzies brings recognized leadership and experience that will continue the Preschool’s excellence.

Dane Rold – Co Preschool Director

Dane was born and raised in Montana and moved to the Los Angeles area in 2008.  He has taught swim lessons, cooking classes and directed dozens of children’s theatre shows before starting in administration as Assistant to the Director at the preschool in Spring of 2014. Dane lives with his wife Sarah, has three young children. He loves spending time with family, reading, playing board games and going to the tide pools. He is passionate about continued education for teachers and is currently enrolled at CSUN for further Childhood Development education. Dane is inspired by the strong, lasting connections that form within the First UMC Preschool community, where families remain close long after their child’s preschool journey.

Johanna Holman – Co Preschool Director

Ms. Johanna was born and raised in Santa Monica, CA. For the last 9 school years she has taught in a classroom and this year she is stepping into Co- Director. This is a very exciting role for her and she looks forward to creating a wonderful community with the children, parents, and teachers. Ms. Johanna attended First UMC Preschool as a child, as well as her mom, so this place is extra special to her.