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.
Nikki Lehman, Elder for Family Ministry
English teacher at Chantilly High School, passionate about our youth, working to foster their reading and writing skills and encourage them to think for themselves. Member of CPC since 2012, currently leading the Cornerstone for Kids program, and have served as both an elder and a deacon in the past. Excited to embark in this new journey in my faith!
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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.
Terry Winkowski, Elder for Planning
Terry and her family moved o the Town of Clifton in 2007. She has enjoyed being a part of the many town and church events during the past 14 years. Terry was on the Board of Deacons from 2017-2020, serving as the co-moderator for two of those years.
Ashley Bybee, Elder for Preschool
Ashley Bybee has been a member of CPC for 10 years,since moving to Clifton from Alexandria. Ashley and her husband, Jon, have two sons, JD (12) and Tucker (10) who attend Union Mill Elementary School – soon Robinson for JD! She is glad to have her mother close by (Melinda Neese, nominated as one of CPC’s new Deacons!). Ashley works for the Institute for Defense Analyses where she is a Defense Analyst, working with foreign militaries to improve their management processes. When not working or at a baseball game, Ashley loves to garden, travel, and dote on the dogs, Copper and Blue.
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.
Peggy Cranston, Elder for Worship
Peggy was raised in Arlington, Virginia. She first became familiar with Clifton Presbyterian Church in 1973 when she married into the Cranston Family. Their two children were baptized at CPC when they were stationed in NOVA in the 1980’s. (And their granddaughter was baptized here in 2013.) When her husband, Stu, retired from the Air Force in 2000 they settled in Clifton and again attended CPC. Peggy volunteered on the wedding and flower committees and has been a member of the worship committee for several years. Peggy became a member of Clifton Presbyterian in 2019. She is also a member of the Clifton Community Woman’s Club and Welcome to Washington Club, International and enjoys bridge, golf, flower arranging, interior design, and especially her grandchildren.
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Barbara Brown, Deacon Co-Chair
I spent 30 years teaching hearing impaired children, first as a Speech Therapist, then as a classroom Special Education Preschool Teacher. Although I officially retired seven years ago from FCPS, I continue to substitute long term in Special Ed. I spend my free time indoors quilting, with a side of knitting and baking. Outdoors I enjoy nature, and spend many hours hiking, and on the water. A former Catholic, I began taking Bible study classes with Burke PC and Clifton PC about 10 years ago and began attending some of CPC services and activities. As one would expect from my teaching background, I especially enjoy service, mission, and supporting our youngest members. I decided to formally join CPC as I love the feeling of “family” and want to give back to CPC for all the love and support it has shown me.
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.
Tricia Hedrick, Deacon
In 2006, as a new Presbyterian, Tricia knew immediately that CPC would be her new church home. Friendly members who demonstrated their faith by community and missionary service. And, as well, there was a great choir.
Tricia served as a school counselor and as a therapist in practice. Her joy comes from reaching out to people and listening to the concerns of their heart.
At CPC, Tricia has served as a Deacon and Chair of the Board, an Elder for Outreach and Fellowship. She organized TLC (Thursday Lunch Club) for many years, sang in the choir, and played handbells.
She is grateful to the members of CPC for their love and support during difficult times and for this opportunity to serve again as a Deacon.
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Melinda Neese, Deacon
It was just before Covid hit when we moved to Clifton from Fauquier County and it went downhill from there — not the most auspicious start, but I love the small town feel in what has to be the best kept secret in northern VA. I grew up a Presbyterian in a military family but spent many years as an Episcopalian. CPC seems like a comfortable fit in my present life, and I look forward to many satisfying years to come. Interests include gardening, horseback riding, traveling, knitting, and watching grandchildren grow.
Sara Caparelli, Deacon
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 outcasted. I love being outside with my family and friends, singing, getting to know new people, and traveling.
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. (from Brooklyn!!). It was such a joy to have our daughter, Katherine, baptized here 26 years ago, just a few months before Pastor Lynn arrived. Then it was a comfort to have CPC’s strength and support when I lost Bill in 2016.Our PCUSA faith community has continued to grow and evolve over time, and I am grateful to support its further progress through Clifton Presbyterian.
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
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
Adam Lipinski, Trustee
I am very honored to be nominated for a trustee position with Clifton Presbyterian Church. For those who do not know me I have been with CPC since we moved into the area, about 16 years ago. My wife, Victoria, and I selected CPC because of the congregation’s emphasis on mission, the presence the CPC family has in the Clifton community, and the congregation itself. The CPC community has helped us raise my two daughters Nichole and Natalee. In fact, Natalee is to be confirmed as a member of the congregation. I was raised a Catholic and the jump to the Presbyterian USA church required some reevaluation of my approach to worship and organization of the church. This includes the governance of the church. I am prepared to serve as a trustee for the CPC and recognize scripture as the authority over church tradition and governance. I was originally ordained as a deacon and also served as the Elder for Personnel when Pastor Diane assumed the role of our pastor. I was trained as a lawyer and economist, both skills I believe will lend themselves well in fulfilling my mission.