Reverend Dr. James C. King, Pastor/Head of Staff

Jim has been at SPC since January of 2018. He spent the previous 17 years as the Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Lewisburg PA, home of Bucknell University. Prior to that he was an Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown NJ, just across the river from Philly. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA, where he was a four year starter on the varsity tennis team, his Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena CA, and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA.  Jim’s hometown is Walnut Creek, CA.  Jim and Pauline’s grown children are Libby and her husband Henry, and Drew. Jim is a competitive tennis player, avid golfer, cyclist, and skier.

Reverend Nate Taylor, Associate Pastor

Nate joined the SPC team in October 2020.  Before joining us he spent 10 years in non-ordained ministry with young people at 4 different churches and 10 summers on staff at various camps.  He earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and his Master of Divinity degree from Union Presbyterian Seminary right here in Richmond, Virginia.  Nate is passionate about using wonder, humor, and critical thinking to engage our faith.  Nate enjoys painting, playing his Pantheon Steel Halo handpan, watching stand up comedy, and spending time with his wife Natasha playing games or watching Netflix and YouTube.  

Dr. Mark Patterson, Director of Music and Composer in Residence

Dr. Mark Patterson is a nationally acclaimed composer, conductor, and teacher.  In addition to leading the dynamic music ministry at Salisbury Presbyterian, he enjoys playing tennis, working in the garden, hiking, and spending time with his wife and two children. More information about Dr. Patterson can be found at www.MarkPattersonMusic.com.

Zach Roland, Director of Children’s Ministry

Zach joined the SPC team in this role in April 2025. Previously with SPC, Zach helped as an Assistant Youth Director from 2016-2021 and grew up a member of the Youth Group and Youth Choir in Middle and High School. He earned his Bachelor of Art in History – Secondary Education from Longwood University and Master of Education in Sport Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University. Zach enjoys sports, being outdoors, and spending quality time with his wife, Jaimie, and son, Brooks. He is passionate about helping young minds learn and grow, watching the “aha!” moments.

Marie Harper, Preschool Director

Marie graduated from Clarion University of PA with her BS in Habilitative Sciences and received her M.Ed. from VCU.  In 1998 she began to volunteer her time as SPP’s bookkeeper. She remained in that role for 4 years. In 2005 she was hired as a teacher in the Pre-K program. In August of 2011 she was hired as the Director of the Preschool.  Marie is married to her high school sweetheart, Ty and lives in Midlothian with their two children.  Her family’s passions include art, music and PETS!  

Heather Baum, Preschool Assistant Director

Heather Baum came to Salisbury Presbyterian Preschool as a parent and substitute teacher when her little girls were preschoolers.  With a degree in Early Childhood Education from Virginia Tech, she joined the preschool staff as the Assistant Director in 2010.  Her days are filled with hugs, smiles, and the joy of children learning through art, music, and play, embraced by God’s love.  Heather grew up in Northern Virginia where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Will, then settled in Richmond after college.  Along with two daughters, Heather and Will share a rescued lab mix who often joins them on hikes, camping trips, and outdoor adventures around RVA.

Kathryn Boyle, Facilities Manager and Office Administrative Assistant

Kathryn joined SPC’s staff in June of 2021. She boasts a BS degree in Marine Transportation from Texas A&M and her impressive background includes 9+ years combined active and reserve military service and merchant marine service. Prior to joining SPC’s staff, Kathryn took on the challenging task being a a Stay-at-Home Mom to her son Logan.

Kathryn, her husband Don, and their son Logan, have been members of Salisbury Presbyterian Church since December 2015. At SPC, Kathryn has enjoyed teaching the senior high discipleship class and journeying with the youth to Montreat. Kathryn was raised in the Presbyterian Church in Anderson, IN. Some of her favorite activities are spending time with her family, hiking and exploring national and state parks.

Meghann VanSant, Finance and Operations Manager

Meghann VanSant joined Salisbury Presbyterian Church in 2024 as Co-Finance and Operations manager; she took over the role in 2025. Meghann has over seventeen years of experience in the corporate world, with roles across a variety of financial planning & analysis functions. Meghann earned degrees in finance and economics from Virginia Tech, as well as her MBA from Duke’s Fuqua school of business. Meghann decided to step back from the corporate world to spend more time with her toddler, and is so excited to have found SPC! Meghann lives in Midlothian with her husband Jon, her two year old son Chase, and two mischievous rescue dogs who keep her very busy!

Amber Earley, Communication Coordinator

Amber has enjoyed her role as Communication Coordinator since August 2018. Her most fulfilling role since graduating from Radford University, has been as a stay-at-home Mom to her twin boys, Van and Thatcher.

Amber grew up in Chesterfield County and currently lives in Midlothian with her husband, Jarad, sons and two dogs. As a family they enjoy spending their summer days boating, doing water sports and hiking. Amber enjoys crafting, gardening and a good book.  

Pauline King, Music Makers Director

Pauline started as Music Makers Director in the Fall of 2018. With over 20 years of experience creating and leading ministries for kids, Pauline loves working with kids of all ages.  She’s married to Jim (yes, that Jim King!) and has 2 grown kids, Libby and Drew.

Jenny Kirkbride, Director of Children’s & Youth Choirs

Jenny has been working at SPC since 2013 in many capacities within the Music Department. Currently, as Director of Children’s and Youth Choirs, Jenny oversees music for kids aged 3 through high school, while directing our Junior and Youth Choirs. Jenny is a full time music educator for Chesterfield County Public Schools. She and her husband Nick are parents to two amazing kids!

Laura Candler-White, Organist

In September 2025 we welcome our new organist and accompanist, Laura Candler-White. We’re actually welcoming Laura back to SPC – she served here as organist from 2011-2016, and we are delighted that she is back in the Richmond area and able to step into this important role in our music ministry. Please stop by the organ bench when you are in worship next and introduce or re-introduce yourself, and welcome Laura to SPC. 

Marti Thompson, Handbell Director

Marti was born and raised in Ohio, where she attended Denison University and graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education. She taught public school music for 12 years before having children, then another 6 years here in Virginia. She and her husband and two boys moved to Midlothian in 1995 and have been members of SPC since then.

Marti has been a part of the music ministry in many different ways, beginning in 1998 when she accompanied the Youth Choir on their tour. Since then she has accompanied Cherub Choir, Junior Choir, Youth Choir, Jubilation, currently plays for Joyful Voices and has been known to fill in occasionally with the Chancel Choir. She was the Assistant Director of Music for a time, and has been the Handbell Director since 2000. In her spare time she enjoys riding one of her two horses, along with husband Steve.

Katherine Oros, Music Academy Coordinator

Kat taught music in public elementary schools for eleven years and has been teaching private lessons in her home for over twenty years. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Shorter College (Rome, GA) and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Florida State University. She sings professionally at River Road Presbyterian and is the lower choir director for City Singers Youth Choirs. A lifelong Presbyterian from south Georgia, Ms. Oros has been a Rodan and Fields brand representative for nine years. When she is not teaching or singing, Kat enjoys distance running, organizing spaces, and considers herself a nap enthusiast. She has two sons, Grant and Blake, who both take piano from their mom. Kat’s husband Dan is an engineer for the federal government who loves to golf. A Boston terrier, Chopper, completes their family. 

Carrie Haacke-Golden, Jubilation Choir Director

Carrie is a vocalist, choral conductor, private voice and piano instructor, and early childhood music instructor who has devoted nearly three decades to superior musical performance and music education. She has years of experience teaching choir in both public and private schools, as well as conducting both church and community choirs. Carrie earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal/Choral Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Millikin University in Decatur, IL and a M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from The University of Richmond. Whether conducting a choir, teaching early childhood music, or coaching a vocal student, Carrie’s ultimate goal is to help all music students reach their musical goals, while encouraging everyone to have fun making music throughout their lives.

Besides making music, Carrie loves spending time with her two daughters and her husband. They enjoy doing outdoor activities, traveling together and doing just about anything together as a family. She has 5 pets and adores animals. Carrie also enjoys gardening and has amassed an enormous yard full of flowers and plants.