Andrew Stehlik, Pastor

Pastor Andrew is originally from the Czech Republic. He studied theology in Prague and Edinburgh, and received Th.D. (Doctor of Theology) from Charles University in Prague for the study of Ancient Near East history and religion. He served two churches in the Czech Republic, the last one being in Prague. In 1999-2000, Rev. Stehlik was a mission partner in residence and a mission and theology interpreter with the Presbyterian denominational headquarters in Louisville and Louisville Theological Seminary. In the summer of 2002, he accepted a call from West Presbyterian Church in Binghamton, NY. From Advent 2009 he serves Rutgers Presbyterian church being attracted by its inclusive spirit. Andrew, having grown up in church under a totalitarian regime, considers the quest for truth, justice and peace to be an essential part of church’s calling. At the same time, he knows that curiosity, playfulness and creativity are integral parts of a living faith.

Ivy Beckwith, Director for Educational Ministries

Ivy Beckwith grew up in Guilford, Connecticut about 90 miles outside of Manhattan. She holds a BA in English, a Masters of Religious Education and a Ph. D. in Religious Education. She has held educational positions in churches in both the Midwest and on the East Coast. Most recently she served as the Minister to Children and Families at the Congregational Church of New Canaan in New Canaan, CT. Ivy has also worked in the Christian publishing industry writing and editing resources for children and youth. She is the author of several books on the spiritual formation of children and youth.

Mary Nelson, Organist & Music Director

Mary is a full time director of music at the Fairfield Country Day School in Fairfield, Connecticut. She is also the Co-Choral Director, Organist and Handbell Director for the Choate Rosemary Hall School as well. Mary holds a B.S. Degree in Music from the University of Wisconsin and a M.M. of Music Degree from the Hartt School of Music. She has done additional graduate studies at the Westminster Choir College and the Julliard School of Music. Mary has held church positions in Minnesota, Illinois, Connecticut and at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City.

James Balmer, Choir Director

James is also a full time director of music at the Fairfield Country Day School and the Co-Director of Choirs at the Choate School. Jim holds a B.A. degree in music from the College Misericordia, a M.M. in Music from the Hartt School of Music and he is a D.M.A. candidate in Choral Conducting from the University of Illinois. He has also done additional study at both the Julliard School and Westminster Choir College. Jim has also served churches in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut and at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City. Hall.

Dave Mammen, Church Administrator

Dave Mammen has been an executive of three nonprofit organizations concerned with development, serving most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Cross-Cultural Solutions, an international volunteer organization. He holds a B.A. from Michigan State University and a Master in City Planning degree from the University of Pennsylvania. He was a Fulbright scholar in Tokyo (1986) and a visiting Professor at Kyoto University (2006-2007), and served as Chairman of the International Division of the American Planning Association for ten years.

Holly Nedelka, Community Programs Advisor

Holly Nedelka is the founder/director of the Rutgers Child’s Play Program that began here in 1991. She created the Child’s Play when she was a stay-at-home mom with two small children, looking for a place she could connect with other parents as well as a fun activity for her kids. Holly directs the program at three other churches in NYC. She teaches Sunday School, and also works with the Children’s Aid Society. She attended Butler University as a dance major, and then Marymount NYC for early childhood education.

Dermonte Alleyne, Facilities Manager

Mr. Alleyne, a native of Barbados, has been on the Rutgers staff for the past 12 years, the past 4 years as Facilities Manager. Dermonte has extensive experience in the overall maintenance and management of commercial and residential real estate and holds all of the necessary certifications from the New York City Department of Buildings and the Fire Department of the City of New York. Mr. Alleyne is directly responsible for the complete oversight of all church properties, including all maintenance and security.

Staff List

Pastoral Staff

Rev. Andrew Stehlik, Pastor
Rev. Laura Jervis, Parish Associate
Rev. Charles A. Amstein, Parish Associate
Rev. Diana Austin Pastor, Parish Associate

Support Staff—Administration

Dave Mammen, Church Administrator
Patricia Pastás, Executive Assistant to the Pastor
Tina Forman, Bookkeeper
Dermonte Alleyne, Facilities Manager
Peter Rinaldi, A/V Technician

Program Staff

Ivy Beckwith, Director for Educational Ministries
Holly Nedelka, Community Programs Development Advisor
Jennifer Moore, Community Programs Administrative Assistant
Douglas S. Rowan, Men’s Support Group

Support Staff—Facilities

Sam Bugre, Security
Nigel Clarke, Maintenance
Ryan Greaves, Security & Maintenance
Frank Manzanet, Resident Superintendent
Michael Gilfillan, Security & Maintenance
Frederick Nurse, Security