Our Team
FPC Staff & Leadership
The staff and leadership here at First Presbyterian Church is comprised of men and women who love, care and pray for every single person in the church.
If you have questions for any of our staff, feel free to reach out and email them or call our church office to speak with them.
Pastor Phil Price
Phil came to First Presbyterian Church as Pastor in September 2022, following previous pastorates in Twin Falls, Idaho (16 years), Evergreen, Colorado (5 years) and Middlesboro, Kentucky (3 years). Phil’s priorities in ministry include preaching and teaching, ensuring that everyone knows they are a child of God and we treat each other that way by finding ways for the congregation to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the neighborhood and beyond. Phil is a graduate of Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania and Union Presbyterian Seminary. Phil’s experience and energy in ministry include his devotion to adult, youth, and children’s faith formation, ecumenical and interfaith conversations, and serving on non-profit boards. Outside of ministry Phil enjoys reading widely and working with stained glass. He is married to Kathy and they have one grown son, Eric.
Heidi Paquin
Children's Ministry Director
Heidi joins us after 34 years with Salina Public Schools. While with USD 305, she took on various roles, including teaching at multiple grade levels and providing administrative support. After several years out of the classroom, she is anxious to work directly with children again. She looks forward to supporting our children in the FBI program as they continue to grow and learn about Christ. Heidi currently has two dogs (Charlie and Gracie) at home who provide her with great joy. She enjoys working in her yard and completing basic maintenance on her house. Heidi feels blessed to be joining the First Presbyterian Church family.
Meghan Hessman
CE Assistant
My husband and I moved to Salina in 2019 and have enjoyed raising our two children here. I am originally from Clay Center, KS and enjoy showing our kids around the surrounding areas and places we would visit when I was their age. I have loved being involved with the children's ministry and watching our children learn and grow in their faith. I am beyond delighted to work with Heidi and the children's ministry program. She does a wonderful job teaching the core and fundamentals of our Christian beliefs and I am proud to assist her.
Kirsten Lilak
Nursery Caregiver
Haley Lindenmuth
Nursery Caregiver
Dr. Richard Koshgarian
Music Director
A native of Rhode Island, Richard has degrees in music from Rhode Island College, The University of Michigan and The University of Iowa (orchestral conducting). He has been Music Director at First Presbyterian Church since 1993. The Chancel Choir (which is open to anyone who would like to make a joyful sound to the Lord!) sings during worship throughout the calendar year, offering to congregants a wide variety of sacred music designed to enhance the worship experience at First Presbyterian. In addition to singing weekly, the choir also presents two major works during the year (Advent and Lent) that are offered to the congregation. These works are typically performed with an orchestra of approximately 15 musicians.
Richard also teaches instrumental music at Sacred Heart Jr-Sr High School in Salina. In his spare time he enjoys jogging and exercise, reading and spending time with his two grandchildren! If you have interest in singing with the choir, please contact Richard at richard.koshgarian@gmail.com or 785-820-1738.
Trey & Makenzi Cullens
Youth Volunteer Leaders
Parker Freeland
Musician
"I grew up in a loving Christian home with 6 siblings in Minneapolis, KS, and took to the piano around age 10. I played all the way through highschool and college at Baker University, where I graduated from in 2013.
I moved back home a year after graduation to become the accompanist at our local highschool, where I stayed until May of 2019. During that time, I also accompanied and directed music at a local church and gave private piano lessons.
After many twists and turns, I left the accompanist job in 2019 to pursue graduate school in London, England. It was there that I met my husband, Jack, who graciously moved back to Salina with me in 2023. Since then, I have started accompanying at church and teaching piano again.
We're now settled here in Salina and are excited to start connecting with the community. I'm especially excited to start sharing in music and worship again with the First Presbyterian Church."
Jesse Smith
Worship Video Tech
Nicole Olson
Administrative Coordinator
Nicole comes to you with 14+ years of Executive Administrative work. She lives in Salina with her husband, 2 teenaged children, and a very happy puppy - Ollie! Nicole enjoys reading, flower gardening and supporting her kids in all their activities! She is a Salina native and a graduate of Kansas State University! She is excited to be at FPC!
Kathleen Pierson
Bookkeeper
Kathleen has lived in Salina for 43 years, 40 of them with her husband, Bill. The last few years in retirement have been spent recreating a recently purchased house and gardens. Prior to that, Kathleen was a bookkeeper/administrative assistant for Wilson-Murrow and Bill was an educator for USD 305. She is thankful for the opportunity presented by FPC to step out of retirement and begin a new chapter!
Steve Fowler
Building & Grounds Coordinator
Steve is pleased to be a part of the FPC family. "I was born and raised in the Salina area. I live in New Cambria with my wife, Melissa and our two dogs, Sayble and Peaches. We have one son, two daughters, eight granddaughters and one grandson. I enjoy all things outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, gardening and working around our son’s hobby farm. I love spending time with family and teaching and playing with the grandchildren. My favorite time of the day is quiet early mornings before the sun rises enjoying a cup of coffee."
Dennis Augustin
Week Day Custodian
Dennis is a native to Salina, fourth child of 8, graduating from Salina South High, Salina Tech and Arapahoe Community College. Worked along side his father in auto service many years, then moved on to work at the Salina Journal for 13 years. Also worked in chemical production and as sexton of Christ Cathedral for around 10 years. Now, semi-retired, catching my breath, regaining my health, enjoying the silent beauty of this Life. He likes spending his time at Planet Fitness, the library, church and with friends & family. Working part-time at First Presbyterian taking care of the building and grounds is a nice place to be.
