Church Officers

Jim Wrightson, Clerk of Session

Jim and his family moved to Clifton in March 1999, and they became members on the church soon thereafter. Raised in a Presbyterian family, Jim searched for a church as an adult. When he first visited Clifton Presbyterian Church, he immediately knew that CPC would be his church home. Jim feels blessed to have been able to serve as an elder previously. He continues to be a member of the personnel, the planning and the administration & finance committees

Evan Gass, Elder for Administration & Finance

Evan was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended a parochial school through much of his youth, giving him an early exposure to the beliefs, history, and various traditions of the Christian faith. He graduated from James Madison University in 2014, relocating shortly thereafter to Northern Virginia along with his wife, Emily. The two began attending CPC virtually during Covid, later joining in-person as regular services resumed. Evan spends his free time outside with his young daughters and dogs, baking, reading, and brewing the occasional batch of beer. He is deeply grateful for the CPC community, which has always been supportive and accommodating with his growing family.

Jen Basham, Elder for Building & Grounds

As a lifelong resident of Fairfax County, Jen was always looking for a church home. She discovered the Clifton Presbyterian Preschool while doing a presentation for the children about police officers. Seeing the spirit of the kids and love of the teachers, Jen enrolled her daughter, Jordan. Since then, Jordan was both baptized and confirmed through CPC. She was also married, and her own daughter was baptized by Pastor Diane. Needless to say, Jen found the church home she had been searching for. She was a deacon, is a member of the wedding committee, serves as part of the technical team and helps transport food for WFCM. Recently retired from a thirty year career in law enforcement, Jen currently works at Westfield High School. She is looking forward to sharing her love of golf as an assistant coach on the golf team.

Sara Caparelli, Elder for Family Ministry

I started attending Clifton Presbyterian at four years old as my mother Lynn Stanton-Hoyle was the pastor at Clifton from 1995 until 2018. I now live in the Clifton area with my husband, Lucas, and two children Lyla and Nico. I could not be happier that my family and I are now able to be a part of the community I felt was so instrumental in helping to raise me.

I am a licensed clinical social worker and I’m always inspired by Jesus’s example of serving those who are most forgotten and neglected. I love being outside with my family and friends, singing, getting to know new people, and traveling. CPC is an important intergenerational community and I look forward to finding new ways to bring us all together as well as continuing to help families feel supported.

Karen Williams, Elder for Community

I was born in Edinburgh, Scotland while my father was studying for his PhD in Theology. I grew up in Washington State and am a proud alumni of Washington State University. For the past 32 years I have worked as an international flight attendant for United Airlines, based at Dulles Airport. My husband, a pilot for United, and I built our home in Clifton in 1996. We both retired from the airlines last year. For the past 22 years, I have been a member of Vienna Presbyterian Church and most recently felt the “nudge” to worship at Clifton Presbyterian Church. I immediately felt at home and joined the church in 2025.

Kimberly Davis, Elder for Mission

From West Texas to New York City to Northern Virginia, Kimberly has carried her Presbyterian Church membership with her. A member since 1989, her daughter Katherine was baptized here 29 years ago. Kimberly has served as a Deacon, on Buildings and Grounds Committee, and on Communications Committee, and leads CPCs growing Earth Care and Sustainability Program. As the PCUSA faith community has continued to grow and evolve over time, she is grateful to be part of Clifton Presbyterian – a truly mission-oriented church.

Pat Swanson, Elder for Personnel

Pat has lived in Clifton and attended CPC since 1983. She is a retired teacher of the deaf, mother of 3 grown children and proud grandmother of 3 grandsons. Her hobbies are knitting, quilting, learning about winemaking, and calligraphy.

Pat was ordained as an elder at CPC in 1999. She has served as a deacon for 2 terms and has been on numerous church committees. She has been on 7 mission trips to Kenya and is currently active in Women’s Bible Study, Sermon Study, the Needlework Ministry, community food drives and the Annual Egg Hunt.

Brian Cress, Elder for Planning

Brian Cress served for 27 years on the pastoral team of Westminster Chapel in Bellevue, Washington. Following his years as a pastor Brian for 12 years was the Director of Development and Youth Mobilization for the International Justice Mission in Washington D.C. In his retirement now he works part time as a Real Estate Agent, full time grandpa and caring for their property here in Clifton. At CPC he is a regular participant in the monthly men’s prayer breakfast and has been a member of the Community Committee.

Suzanne Howell, Elder for Preschool

As both mother and pediatrician, Suzanne has dedicated her life to the well-being of children. She appreciates the opportunity to continue this calling as she becomes Elder for Preschool at CPC. Having joined the church in 2003, she has volunteered in many family activities and previously served on Session as Elder for Christian Education

Suzanne’s children grew up in the supportive community of CPC and were confirmed here. In the summer of 2024, the Howell family joined Pastor Diane and a team who traveled to Kibwezi, Kenya for service and learning. It was an experience of a lifetime—making connections with Kenyan Christians and witnessing God’s unfailing love in the world.

Joyce Rarumangkay, Elder for Stewardship

Joyce and her family moved from Indonesia to Virginia in 1989. She became a member of Clifton Presbyterian Church (CPC) in 2019 and has been actively involved in church leadership at both the local and national levels. Joyce has served on the National Capital Presbytery’s Church Development Committee and the PC(USA) A-Corporation Board of Directors. At CPC, she served as Elder for Communications and was a member of the Mission Committee. She currently coordinates CPC’s donation transport teams for WFCM and continues to support the church’s communications ministry. Joyce is deeply grateful to be part of the loving and caring CPC family.

Deborah Forbes Lorey, Elder for Worship

Deborah Forbes Lorey grew up and was confirmed in Northwest Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. She and high school sweetheart Mark lived in Boston; Lusaka, Zambia; and Burke before settling with their young daughters in Clifton in 2008. They found their church home at Clifton Presbyterian soon after, and over the years Deb volunteered with Vacation Bible School, children’s education, and two Girl Scout troops that the church kindly hosted. She is grateful to have had the opportunity to co-facilitate a grief support group and to serve as deacon, and to be part of CPC’s partnerships with the Lamb Center and Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, on whose board she served from 2020-2026. These past few years, singing in the choir has been one of her most reliable sources of joy. Deb currently teaches literature and philosophy in George Mason University’s Honors College and School of Art. She and Mark are beyond grateful to have raised their daughters as part of the CPC family. They cherish the intergenerational community and rich opportunities for service and spiritual growth they have found here at church.

Donna Bestebreurtje, Deacon

Donna Bestebreurtje is a proud Virginia native whose life is defined by love- for her family, her faith, and the great outdoors. A devoted mother to two daughters and a doting Nana to four grandchildren. Donna carries on the memory of her late husband, her high school sweetheart, with grace and joy.

Donna has run a successful tax business for almost 45 years. When she's not working or enjoying her grandchildren, you will find Donna on the tennis court, riding horses, kayaking or packing her bags for her next adventure. Her love of music is also wide-ranging from the Rolling Stones to gospel, a fitting reflection of a woman who embraces life fully and with an open heart.

Donna is grateful to be part of the Clifton Presbyterian Church community and is excited to serve the church and its community.

Mark Lorey, Deacon

Mark, Deb, Kate, and Maddie Lorey have been part of the Clifton Presbyterian family since Kate and Maddie were very young. Mark is grateful for the blessing of previously serving as Elder for Mission and as a nominating committee member at CPC. He has worked in international development and humanitarian organizations for more than 25 years, initially based in Africa and then in global roles based in the US.

Rene Law, Deacon

Rene was born and raised in Waynesboro, VA and is a lifelong Presbyterian. She and her husband, Stephen, have been active members of Clifton Presbyterian Church for over 20 years. Their two sons attended Clifton Presbyterian Church Preschool, youth Sunday School, and were confirmed in the church. Rene previously served two terms as an Elder and was a youth Sunday School teacher. She currently participates in the Needlework Ministry as well as the Family Ministry, Planning, and Wedding Committees. Rene is employed by Jones Lang LaSalle on a client account and manages a team that provides space planning and interior design services for the Verizon real estate portfolio across the US. She is honored to serve Clifton Presbyterian Church as a Deacon.

Kim Sykes, Deacon

I first came to Clifton Presbyterian Church in 1986. We were welcomed by Frances and George Cranston and immediately felt at home. My husband Mark and I soon joined the church. Both of our children were baptized and raised here. We became a part of the church community. CPC means so much to me, it’s our spiritual community. I am grateful for the love and support that is here as I explore God’s word and its meaning for my life.

I’ve attended Bible studies, served as a Deacon, taught Sunday school, chaperoned youth group field trips, taught Bible School, chaired silent auctions, and helped with women’s retreats. Now retired from a Juvenile Court career working as a counselor for teenaged boys and their families, I look forward to serving as a deacon, continuing to help prepare Lamb Center meals and with our Clifton Day meal fundraising. I Corinthians 13 is a favorite passage that I return to often.

Pete Daniels, Deacon

My first fifty years were spent in Arlington, where I met Pastor Diane. Twenty years ago, I moved to Clifton and have since served in various Elder positions here, including Finance, Clerk, Mission, Nominating, and PNC. Mission has been my favorite, though perhaps serving as Deacon will top that. I have worked as a mechanic, social worker, and insurance agent, and I expect to retire from Home Depot in a couple of years. I look forward to continuing to worship from the pews while serving as a Deacon for another year, helping bring us together as a congregation.

Beth Corish, Deacon, Co-Chair

I have been a member of CPC since 2009. My husband, Ed, and I have two adult children, Ben and Sharon. We both were Methodists and raised our kids in the Methodist church. When we moved to Clifton in 2007 we loved the town and decided to attend Clifton Presbyterian Church. Finding it a small and welcoming community we began our service to the church by volunteering to be greeters and ushers. Over the years I have served in the choir, needlework ministry, and as a Deacon. Most recently I served as the Worship Elder, where I was able to experience many challenges with COVID and finding creative ways to bring the Christ story outside and to the community with the Living Nativity event and the Flowering the Cross tradition. Our family enjoys the fellowship and service opportunities at CPC as a family of loving human beings working together in the spirit of service.

John McKey, Deacon

I was born and raised a Floridian and retired to Virginia following grandchildren. Mary and I have two boys and four grandchildren.

I have been part of the Christian community pretty much since the cradle, having significant experiences in the churches of my youth and young adulthood, including enjoying the experience of worshiping in the challenging cultures of Arabia. In response to Mary's mid-life call, I have learned how to incorporate the identity of a “preacher’s spouse” into who I am.

Sailing has been a part of our lives since before Mary and I courted in a small sailboat. Much of the sailing done in our middle years was as an extension of our church community. The most “fun” I have had at work is in manufacturing environments working closely with others.

Kathy Rehm, Deacon

I was born and raised in northeastern Ohio and have been a lifelong Lutheran. I served as a youth/teen Sunday School teacher and Parish Nurse at my previous congregation. My husband and I have two grown daughters and three grandchildren living in the Northern Virginia/DC area. We moved to Manassas Park in 2021 to be closer to our family. I looked for a Lutheran church in VA but never found a good fit. My grandson, Henry attended CPC Preschool and my daughter, Heather wanted to become a member of CPC so I attended a service and felt very welcome. Heather, George, Henry and Eleanor Scott became members along with me last year. Henry and Ellie were also baptized at CPC last year. They are all living in Germany for two years.

I have been attending the Tuesday morning Bible Study and have found true Christian sisters. I am a Master Gardener Volunteer and am looking forward to helping with the Grounds committee. Though the role of Deacon is new to me as Lutherans do not have Deacons, my many years as a registered nurse have equipped me with many of the same skills, particularly in service and compassionate care. I am looking forward to this opportunity.

Brenda Ference, Deacon Co-Chair

I have been a member of CPC since1987. Throughout the years I have helped CPC serve the Clifton community during Clifton Day, Spaghetti dinners, summer Bible School and numerous activities. As a member I have served as Deacon two times, sponsored a youth for confirmation and also was a member of the nominating committee that called Julie Hodges to serve as our Assistant and Youth Pastor. I have been on mission trips to Mexico and local areas.

There is a place in my heart for the wonderful music that has always been a part of the CPC service. The choir, the handbell performances, the special program that John Kim produces during the Christmas season, all enhance the spirit of our church.

Phil Squair, Trustee

My family and I have lived north of Clifton on our small horse farm since 1997, and we’ve enjoyed being part of the CPC family for many years. I have served on the Interim Pastor Search Committee, as Elder for the Personnel and Stewardship Committees, on the Nominating Committee, and as Deacon Chair. In addition, I was an active participant on CPC’s numerous NAILS mission trips to Cumberland, MD.

I am at my happiest when I can be outside. Whether I’m fishing, hiking, canoeing, tending the horses, mowing the pastures, or just sitting still, there’s always something right there to remind me of the love and glory of God.

Ted Smith, Trustee Chair

Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

Education: Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT – B.A.

Dickinson School of Law, Carlisle, PA – J.D.

Profession: Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice (former

Assistant U.S. Attorney), Middle District of PA, 1989-2011

Religious upbringing: Second Baptist Church of Germantown

(American Baptist Convention) – Philadelphia, PA

Prior PCUSA Positions Held:

●Elder, First Presbyterian Church, Carlisle, PA

●Clerk of Session, Monaghan Presbyterian Church, Dillsburg, PA

●Investigating Committee into Allegations of Pastor Misconduct, Presbytery of Carlisle (twice).

●Committee of Representation of Derry Presbyterian Church, Presbytery of Carlisle

●Trustee, Clifton Presbyterian Church, Clifton, VA

Mark Sykes, Trustee

Kim and I have been members of CPC since 1986 and it has been a meaningful part of our lives ever since. While raising our two children (Abby & Ben) we attended CPC services regularly. I served as a Sunday school teacher, Deacon, and Elder (Buildings & Grounds) during this timeframe. Now that I am retired, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve again with CPC. One of my favorite Bible passages is 1Cor. 13:12-13. "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully…So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."