Church Staff

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Church Staff

Rev. Scott Hoffman

Senior Pastor

Pastor Scott Hoffman began serving State College Presbyterian Church in April 2024, bringing nearly 20 years of ordained ministry experience and a lifelong connection to the Presbyterian Church. He and his wife, Ashlee, have two daughters, Kylee and Natalee, and Scott is grateful for God’s call to serve alongside the SCPC congregation.

Portrait of a smiling man in a blue suit and red tie

Rev. Scott Hoffman

Senior Pastor

Pastor Scott Hoffman began his ministry with State College Presbyterian Church on April 8, 2024. A native of West Virginia, Scott spent much of his childhood in southwestern Pennsylvania. As the son of a retired Presbyterian minister, the church has long been a central part of his life. Scott earned his Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education from Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA) and his Master of Divinity from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. In close to 20 years of ordained ministry, he has served congregations in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and Columbia, Maryland. Scott has been married to his wife, Ashlee, for over 20 years, and together they have two daughters, Kylee and Natalee. Scott is grateful for God’s call to serve alongside the congregation of State College Presbyterian Church.

Heike Burghart Rice

Director of Music Ministry

Heike Burghart Rice joined State College Presbyterian Church in January 2024, serving as organist, choir director, handbell choir director, and providing music leadership for children and youth through LOGOS. Heike and her wife, Sarah Gen, have three children and have called State College home since 2020.

Smiling woman with glasses and long brown hair, portrait

Heike Burghart Rice

Director of Music Ministry

Heike Burghart Rice began her work with State College Presbyterian Church in January 2024. She holds both a Master of Music and a Doctor of Musical Arts in organ performance. Heike comes to SCPC with experience serving in a variety of denominations, working with both adults and children as singers and instrumentalists. Heike believes that music in the church can “convey truths about God, set the scene for the narrative, serve as a vehicle for our expressions toward God and one another, offer catharsis, teach both young and old, and bring comfort, joy, and even fun.” At SCPC, she serves as organist, choir director, and handbell choir director, and also provides worship skills leadership for children and youth in grades 1–8 through the midweek LOGOS program. Heike, her wife Sarah Gen, and their three children have lived in State College since 2020.

Email:musicministryscpc@gmail.com

Michelle Fortin

Financial Administrator

Michelle has served as the Financial Administrator at State College Presbyterian Church since May 2017. She and her husband, Jeff, live in Centre Hall, where they enjoy caring for their chickens, bees, apple trees, garden, and cats, and they have two daughters, Abby and Libby.

Michelle Fortin

Financial Administrator

Michelle has served as the Financial Administrator at State College Presbyterian Church since May 2017. She was born and raised in Maine, where she attended college and graduate school. She and her family were New Englanders until they moved to PA in the 2010s. Michelle and Jeff live in Centre Hall, where they enjoy caring for their chickens, bees, apple trees, garden and cats. They have two daughters: Abby and Libby who live in Charleston, SC.

Email:finadmscpc@gmail.com

Laura Green

Church Secretary

Laura joined the staff of State College Presbyterian Church in August 2021. She and her husband, Terrance, live in PA Furnace with their three children, Abby, Timmy, and Quinlynn, and their dog, Link.

Laura Green

Church Secretary

Laura joined the staff of State College Presbyterian Church in August 2021. She grew up in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. Laura earned her Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies from Liberty University’s online campus in 2020. Prior to coming to SCPC, Laura worked as a legal assistant and office manager for a local attorney. Laura and her husband, Terrance—who is a physical education teacher, head track and field coach, and girls’ basketball coach in the Penns Valley School District—live in PA Furnace. They have three children, Abby, Timmy, and Quinlynn, and a dog named Link.

Email:officescpc@gmail.com

Cricket Hunter

Mission Associate

Cricket began serving as Mission Associate at State College Presbyterian Church in April 2022, helping connect the congregation with service opportunities, community needs, and mission partners. A longtime State College resident, she has a passion for bringing people together to use their gifts and talents to serve others and build community.

Cricket Hunter

Mission Associate

Cricket began serving as Mission Associate at State College Presbyterian Church in April 2022. She staffs the Social Justice and Mission Team, coordinating service project and mission engagement by small groups and the congregation at large. She is our point of contact for community needs and our mission partners. A longtime State College resident, Cricket brings a passion for connecting people and helping them combine their talents, enthusiasm, and wisdom to meet needs and build community. You may spot her walking to church from her home, where she and her spouse Dave share their yard with a chicken or two. Cricket’s extended family and daughters live in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Colorado, and beyond. She welcomes opportunities to sit—or walk—with others to hear about their passions and concerns for the communities we share.

Email:missionatscpc@gmail.com

Laura Essinger-Hileman

Interim Chrysalis Coordinator (LOGOS Middle School)

Laura E-H began serving as Chrysalis Coordinator in 2021 after many years of involvement in SCPC’s youth ministry and church community. A local math teacher and assistant director of the Penns Valley Marching Band, Laura is passionate about building meaningful connections among youth and the broader SCPC community.

Laura Essinger-Hileman

Interim Chrysalis Coordinator (LOGOS Middle School)

Laura E-H began serving as the Chrysalis Coordinator—the middle school component of SCPC’s midweek LOGOS program—in the summer of 2021. She first connected with SCPC during a college mission trip in 2007, became a member in 2008, and has been an active part of the church community ever since. Laura is a math teacher in the State College area, the assistant director of the Penns Valley Marching Band, and an active participant in SCPC’s YoPro (Young Professionals) group. She has been involved in youth ministry at SCPC since 2007, beginning as a LOGOS Geckos Activity Time volunteer and later serving as a Chrysalis leader starting in 2009. After graduating from Penn State in 2010, Laura remained in State College and continued her work with the Chrysalis program. Laura values the strong sense of community that Chrysalis creates and is passionate about fostering meaningful connections between youth and the broader SCPC community.

Email:scpcchrysalis@gmail.com

Laura Seeley

Stay and Play Preschool Director

Laura Seeley joined State College Presbyterian Church in Summer 2022 as the Stay and Play Director, bringing many years of experience in early childhood education and childcare leadership. Originally from New Jersey, Laura moved to Happy Valley in 2016 and lives with her husband, Bryant, and their family.

Laura Seeley

Stay and Play Preschool Director

Laura Seeley joined the staff of State College Presbyterian Church in Summer 2022 as the Stay and Play Director. She was born and raised in Toms River, New Jersey, and graduated from Rider University with a degree in Sociology and minors in Social Work and History. Laura began her career in early childhood education, where she served positions as a Lead Teacher and Director in several daycare centers that she helped open and run in New Jersey from 2008 to 2016. In 2016, Laura moved to Happy Valley and married her husband, Bryant, who works at Penn State. Upon moving to Pennsylvania in 2016 she worked at a local daycare center as their Assistant Director until 2020 when she and her husband had their third child and she became a stay at home mom for 2 years.

Email:stayandplayscpc@gmail.com

Dianna Danko

Stay and Play Assistant Director

Dianna Danko joined the Stay and Play staff in Fall 2022 after six years of serving on the Stay and Play Advisory Team. She lives in Bellefonte with her husband and three children, Gianna, Bianca, and Beau, and enjoys family time, camping, softball, Broadway shows, and trips to the beach.

Dianna Danko

Stay and Play Assistant Director

Dianna Danko joined the Stay and Play staff in Fall 2022 after serving for six years as a member of the Stay and Play Advisory Team. She is a graduate of Lock Haven University, where she earned a degree in Communications. Dianna and her family live in Bellefonte. She is married and has three children—Gianna, Bianca, and Beau. Dianna enjoys spending time with her family, camping, playing softball, attending Broadway shows, and visiting the beach.

Email:stayandplayassistant@gmail.com

Amy and Mike Gordon

Kitchen Coordinators (FISH and LOGOS)

Amy and Mike serve as Kitchen Coordinators for LOGOS and FISH, planning menus, coordinating cooking teams, and preparing weekly meals for children and youth. They bring care and experience to this ministry and work closely with families to accommodate special dietary needs.

Mike and Amy Gordon smiling together at a special occasion

Amy and Mike Gordon

Kitchen Coordinators (FISH and LOGOS)

Amy and Mike serve as the Kitchen Coordinators for LOGOS and FISH at State College Presbyterian Church. In this role, they plan menus, coordinate cooking teams, shop for food, and help prepare weekly meals. They are a helpful resource for families with youth who have special dietary needs and are happy to be contacted directly. Amy and Mike bring energy, care, and a wealth of experience to their work, and we are grateful for their leadership in this important ministry.

Email:scamygordon@aol.com

Todd Hockenberry

Building Manager

Todd joined State College Presbyterian Church in November 2018, bringing years of experience in facilities maintenance and hands-on work. He and his wife, Jill, live in Bellefonte and have three adult daughters and five grandchildren, and Todd enjoys Penn State and Pittsburgh sports.

Todd Hockenberry

Building Manager

Todd began his work with State College Presbyterian Church in November 2018. He was born and raised in Central Pennsylvania and spent 20 years working as a line clearance tree trimmer before transitioning into facilities maintenance. Todd and his wife, Jill, live in Bellefonte. They have three adult daughters and five grandchildren. In his free time, Todd enjoys watching Penn State and Pittsburgh sports.

Email:bldgmgrscpc@gmail.com

Chelsea Hockenberry

Assistant Custodian

Chelsea joined State College Presbyterian Church in January 2022 as the Assistant/Evening Custodian. A Bellefonte-area native, she has three children, Carsyn, Millie, and Parker, with her partner, Nick.

Chelsea Hockenberry

Assistant Custodian

Chelsea began working at State College Presbyterian Church in January 2022 as the Assistant/Evening Custodian . Chelsea grew up in the Bellefonte area with her parents and sister. She is the daughter of SCPC’s Building Manager, Todd Hockenberry. Chelsea has three children with her partner Nick- Carsyn, Millie and Parker.

Email: asstcustodianscpc@gmail.com

Jen Rote

Childcare Coordinator

Jen Rote serves as SCPC’s Childcare Coordinator, helping provide a welcoming and caring space for our youngest children. She coordinates Sunday morning childcare and plans activities for Little LOGOS. Jen brings experience working with children, along with a love of crafts and creativity, to her role at SCPC.

Jen Rote

Childcare Coordinator

Jen Rote began working at State College Presbyterian Church in July 2024 as a childcare worker, providing care on Sunday mornings and during Little LOGOS, which meets alongside LOGOS GECKOS on Tuesday evenings. She recently stepped into the role of Childcare Coordinator, where she helps staff the childcare room and plans activities for the children participating in Little LOGOS. Jen has been a wonderful asset to SCPC and brings both experience and creativity to her work with our youngest children. During the week, she works at a local daycare and enjoys creating fun, engaging activities that help children feel comfortable, included, and cared for. A State College native, Jen is the mom of one son, Noah, who is in seventh grade. Outside of work, she enjoys crafts and photography.

Church Staff

Rev. Scott Hoffman

Heike Burghart Rice

Michelle Fortin

Laura Green

Cricket Hunter

Laura Essinger-Hileman

Laura Seeley

Dianna Danko

Amy and Mike Gordon

Todd Hockenberry

Chelsea Hockenberry

Jen Rote

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Peace Be With You Today & Always!