
Meet Our Staff

Bridge Pastor
Reverend Dr. Sandy Selby
Dr. Sandy Selby brings experience in congregational and community-based ministry to her position as Bridge Pastor. She has served as interim minister of University Circle United Methodist Church in Cleveland, pastoral care minister at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Akron, and supply preacher in Presbyterian, Lutheran, Episcopal, United Methodist, and United Church of Christ congregations in Northeast Ohio. Concurrently, Sandy served as Pastor of Furnace Street Mission, a 100 year-old independent church that ministers with professionals who serve on the front lines in safety forces and in health and human services. For twenty years, she was an on-call chaplain at Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Akron Children's Hospital. Prior to following the call to ordained ministry, Sandy worked for BFGoodrich for eighteen years in finance and strategic planning. She received a Bachelor of Arts in History from Bucknell University, an MBA from the Darden School of the University of Virginia, and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from Methodist Theological School in Ohio.
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330.836.2226/wpcpastorselby@gmail.com

Office Administrator/Staff Coordinator
Dawn M. Pokorny
Dawn, has accumulated over 25+ years’ experience in management and office administration, which has equipped her with the skills necessary to excel in various environments. Dawn holds a degree in Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts, allowing her to merge a passion for service with her educational background. Throughout Dawn's career, she has successfully operated several businesses, focusing on both the restaurant industry and animal welfare, where her dedication to quality and care has always been a priority. In addition to her professional pursuits, she takes great pride in being a parent to six grown children and a grandparent to many wonderful grandchildren, who are an inspiration and continually remind her of the importance of family and community in all aspects of life.
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330.836.2226/wpcoffice1250@gmail.com

Treasurer
Jim Cole
Jim, is a proud native of Akron, Ohio, who enjoys
life alongside his loyal dog companion, Mork.
With impressive 50+ years of membership at Westminster and degrees in Business Administration and Computer Science from Heidelberg University, Jim is a valuable asset to his community. As a retired IT professional with extensive experience in supporting Human Resources department and Hourly and Salary Payroll departments at a major steel company, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Jim joined the Boy Scouts of America at age 11, he remains committed to the Boy Scouts as an Eagle Scout at the Unit and Council levels. Jim enjoys socializing with the church community through various events and activities at Westminster.
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330.836.2226/wpctreasurer1250@gmail.com

Staff Accountant
Lou Camerato
Lou Camerato our Staff Accountant, a native of Connecticut moved to Ohio in 1994 and resides in west Akron with his partner Bruce Kuhn and their dog Larry. Lou also has two children Aaron and Ellie and a granddaughter Ava. He holds a BS degree in accounting with a minor in finance from Central Connecticut State University and also attended Hartford Art School.
In 2022 he retired as Business Manager of St. Hilary Parish after a 44-year career in accounting and financial management. He also is an active artist that specializes in 3-dimensional assemblage art. Upon retirement Lou stepped back into his artistic endeavors and since then has received
numerous awards in local, Ohio and National art shows.
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330.836.2226/wpcfinance1250@gmail.com

Director of Family Ministry
Gwynne Rearick
Gwynne first realized her calling into the ministry while she was a student at Miami University. Upon graduation, she committed herself to training with Tentmakers International, and then began her first assignment as a youth director many moons ago, at Normandy United Methodist Church in Dayton, Ohio.
Over the years, Gwynne had changed from youth ministry to the music ministry, and served at several churches, before accepting the position as the Directory of Family Ministry here at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Gwynne said, "She is honored to have the opportunity to serve the youth and continually look for ways to expand and grow."
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330.836.2226/wpcfamilyministry1250@gmail.com

Director of Children's Choir
Valerie Stewart
Valerie Stewart graduated from The University of Akron with a bachelor of music (education) degree in 2007. She has been teaching elementary through middle school students general/vocal/instrumental music ever since! This past school year she was a finalist for Teacher of the Year with Akron Public Schools (2024). Along with this, she has experience with leading children’s choirs in church and community settings. She has certification in John Feierabend’s First Steps in Music, and will be taking the final level (III) in Orff Schulwerk this summer (2025). Vocal music is her passion and she is currently a member of Singer’s Companye (17th season), an Akron-based semi-professional chamber choir and has enjoyed serving at Westminster as a Choral Scholar (6 years). Over the years she has also sung for weddings and other community events. In her spare time she reads, and takes dance classes at the gym. Valerie and her husband Paul live in Cuyahoga Falls with their son Desi who also enjoys singing in the children’s choir!
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330.836.2226/wpcchildrenschoir1250@gmail.com

Director of Music/Organist
Nik Stackpole
Nik Stackpole brings a rich and diverse background in choral and ensemble music to our community. He previously served at The United Methodist Church of Kent, where he directed both the choir and handbell choir for five years. During his tenure, he had the distinguished honor of leading the choir in a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2024.​
Nik holds a degree in Music Education from Kent State University, specializing in choral and string instruction, with a focus on viola and keyboard studies. His academic background supports his work as both a performer and educator.​
In addition to his church leadership, Nik is an active member of the Stow Heritage Ringers, a community-auditioned handbell ensemble, and maintains a private teaching studio in Kent where he offers instruction in piano and strings. He is also an engaged member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Guild of Organists, Akron chapter, where he holds both the Service Playing and Colleague Certificates. Nik is also an active member of the Hymn Society, the Association of Pastoral Musicians, and the Ohio Music Education Association.
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330.836.2226/wpcmusicdir1250@gmail.com

Housekeeping
Pat Schumacher
Pat, a valued long-time member of Westminster Church who exemplifies dedication and service.
With strong commitment to keeping our church facilities clean and welcoming, She is a proud mother of two daughters, four grandchildren and a great-grandson. Pat also volunteers on multiple committees and lends a hand during church events whenever possible. Her background with a degree in accounting, including experience at Chapter 13 bankruptcy court, enhances her contributions to our community. Outside of church, Pat has served as a crossing guard since 1992 and enjoys gardening, reminding us all that a tidy environment fosters a sense of peace and community. Thank you, Pat, for your unwavering support in maintaining our sacred space!
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330.836.2226/wpcoffice1250@gmail.com

Custodian
Dave Bodnar
Dave, a native of Toronto, Ohio before joining the Navy in 1979 and proudly served until 1988. As our head custodian is committed to maintaining the integrity and security of the church property and building. He will address repairs and any issues that arise in a timely manner, ensuring safety for all occupants. Furthermore, he provides support for event setups to guarantee seamless execution.
Dave plays a crucial role in maintaining the appearance of the church. His dedication ensures that the space remains inviting and beautiful for all who visit. From exterior/ interior upkeep, Dave's efforts contribute to a warm environment for the community.
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330.836.2226/wpcbuilding@gmail.com