Pastor Shawn
Pastor Shawn has been serving at South Lake since 2009.
His call to serve the church began with his youth group experience when he was in seventh grade. His youth group at his home church in Iowa City, IA was a fun and faith-building place with committed leaders who loved God and loved teenagers. Those leaders continue to guide Shawn in his ministry through their wonderful example of relational ministry, as they serve as a constant reminder that loving people is at the heart of what the church is about.
Shawn is a self-professed geek who loves computers, video games, and science fiction books, movies, and TV shows. He is a dedicated Pittsburgh Steelers fan and occasional jogger and golfer.
He is married to Carrie, who is also a Presbyterian pastor, and they have two children, Benjamin, who is 6, and Birtukan, who is 5.
Leslie Rocha, Office Manager
Leslie is married to Rick, a professional photographer. They have two daughters: Riley, and Gaby 4. They also have two dogs: Sammy, a German shepherd/Doberman mix, and Fenway, a weimaraner. Leslie is the youngest of five children, and the only girl.
Leslie has worked as Finance Director for the Town of Oakland, Florida, and in Retail Banking and Investments.
Leslie and Rick love to play golf, though she says that it's much harder since having kids! She enjoys watching the latest movies, reading, and hanging out with family and friends.
Leslie loves her job here at South Lake Presbyterian Church because of the people and the hours. "You all make coming to work enjoyable."
Tiana Sandh, Music Director
This summer we welcomed Tiana Sandh as our new Music Director! She currently sings in the Praise Band in the 9:00 service, and leads the Traditional Choir in the 11:00 service. Tiana warmly welcomes newcomers to the music programs of the church.
DeAnna Cree, Organist
DeAnna Cree was born and raised in the rich farming cove of Martinsburg, Pennsylvania. While in high school, she studied piano, organ, voice, dance and trumpet At the age of 16, she secured her first position as church organist. She raised three children while working sixteen years at The Pennsylvania State University – Altoona Campus and received an Associate Degree – graduating with honors.
After meeting Dennis Foltz, her husband, she moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she worked for the City of Rio Rancho for four years. She and Dennis have lived in Florida for 10 years and she was organist for the United Methodist Church of Clermont and has substituted for the Presbyterian Church in Oakland and the United Methodist Church in Winter Garden.
De gives piano lessons to seniors, sings in the Kings Ridge Chorus and plays in a local trio called “Three Dazzling Dames.” Besides her love of music, she exercises regularly at Curves and sews Delightful CreeAprons - aprons that are each unique including cloth napkins to match.
Southlake Presbyterian Church is a good fit for De because she was raised in a church where everyone was friendly and knows your name. Her greatest pleasure is when she can touch someone’s heart or create a pleasant memory by playing a favorite tune on Sunday morning.
Joe Reece, Director of Finance
Joe was raised in a small town in Iowa, and lived on a farm for five years. He graduated from Simpson College, and worked for Massey Ferguson for 31 years. He served two 4-year terms as County Commissioner in Iowa. Joe and his wife Sally have lived in Clermont for 10 years. His faith journey began with Christian Congregational, he was baptized in the Church of the Brethren, and he has been a Presbyterian for 10 years.
Jerry Kelly, Caretaker
Jerry is originally from Columbus, Ohio and attended The Ohio State University with plans to teach elementary school. Instead, he followed the family business (he grew up working in a bowling alley concession) and worked in the restaurant industry for most of his career. Jerry is married to Susan and they have two wonderful grown children, Ryan, 24, now living in Winston-Salem, NC and Lauren, 19, still in college in New Port Richey, FL.
Most people know that Jerry had an accident in 2005 while doing one of his favorite things, putting up Christmas lights. Even though he is limited as a result of the accident, he still loves going overboard at Christmas with lights and music. Jerry's hobbies are reading mysteries, cooking for his family, music (especially Jimmy Buffett) and of course following the OSU Buckeyes.
Jerry says, "This church is very special to me and my family, and I enjoy taking care of it. Seeing and talking with staff and church members each day is what I enjoy the most."