Meet Our Church Staff

At Peace Presbyterian Church, our staff is a dedicated team of individuals who bring a wide range of gifts and experiences to serve God and the community. From pastoral care and worship leadership to youth ministry, music, administration, and childcare, each staff member plays a vital role in helping Peace be a welcoming, Christ-centered church. Get to know the people who help guide, support, and inspire our congregation every day.

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    Rev. To Be Determined

    PASTOR & HEAD OF STAFF

    We are entering an exciting new season in the life of Peace Presbyterian Church as we begin the search for our next Head of Staff. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) follows a thoughtful and Spirit-led search process to ensure that both the congregation and the pastor feel called into mutual ministry together.

    We give thanks for the faithful leadership and legacy of our founding pastor, and we look to the future with hope and expectation. We trust that the Holy Spirit is already at work—preparing both our congregation and the pastor who will one day serve alongside us.

    Please join us in prayer as we seek the one God is calling to be our next ministry partner here at Peace.

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    Rev. Dr. Paul J. Kirbas

    INTERIM PASTOR

    Paul brings a deep well of pastoral experience and theological insight to our congregation. He currently serves as President and CEO of the Graduate Theological Foundation, where he also holds the Paul Tillich Chair of Theology and Culture. A respected scholar and teacher, Dr. Kirbas is a Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics and has earned both a Doctor of Ministry and a Ph.D. His leadership, thoughtful preaching, and compassionate presence will guide us with faith and wisdom in the months ahead.

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    Rev. Mary Beth McSwain

    ASSOCIATE PASTOR

    Mary Beth is our Associate Pastor. A proud Presbyterian PK (Pastor’s Kid), she grew up in Winter Haven, FL. She studied Religious Studies at Stetson University, while also nurturing her creative side through Studio Art and Piano Performance. She earned her Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School in 2010 and was ordained in 2013 while serving as Associate for Worship Arts at Northminster Presbyterian in Tucson, AZ. Mary Beth later served at First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton (2016–2018) and has remained active in ministry throughout the presbytery while raising her two young sons.

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    Eirinn Camphire

    MINISTRY COORDINATOR

    Eirinn is a charter member of Peace who has long served in youth ministry and as an elder for mission. Since joining the staff full-time in 2019, she has taken on key roles in coordinating children, youth, and family ministries, congregational care, social media, virtual worship, and the Earth Care and Social Justice team. Inspired by Montreat in 2016, Eirinn is passionate about helping youth stay connected to God and one another. She and her husband, Chris, have two sons and enjoy traveling with family!

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    Dr. Elena Zamoldchikova

    DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

    Elena is an accomplished keyboard musician with degrees from the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, The Juilliard School, and Stony Brook University. She has performed internationally in Russia, the U.S., and Germany, including at prestigious venues such as the Moscow Conservatory and Alice Tully Hall. In addition to her solo work, Elena has served as an accompanist, church musician, and music director for Salt Marsh Opera. Now based in St. Petersburg, she teaches piano, music theory, and history in Tampa, New York, and Connecticut—and is currently accepting new students. Her recordings are available on CD and YouTube. She shares her home with her husband, Michael Oakes, and their pets.

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    Jenni Holt

    OFFICE MANAGER

    Jenni holds a degree in creative arts and a certificate in early childhood education. Before moving to Florida in 2015 with her husband, Richard, and their two children, she served in churches and schools in Kentucky and Georgia. At Peace, Jenni works full-time managing the church calendar, bulletins, facility use, and many behind-the-scenes tasks that support the church’s ministry. She also curates liturgical artwork for worship as the Sacred Art Curator and serves with the Fellowship Team to offer warm hospitality each Sunday. Jenni enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, knitting, cooking, eating, and singing!

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    Beth Walch

    FINANCIAL MANAGER

    Beth has been a member of Peace since 2014 and has volunteered in various capacities before joining the staff part-time. She is an active member of both the Administrative and Fellowship Teams. In addition to serving as the church’s bookkeeper, Beth is an attorney specializing in estate planning (Wills and Trusts). She offers estate planning services and document reviews. Beth is also a Notary Public and provides free notarization services. To schedule an appointment, please contact Beth at 941-713-1388.

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    Deidre Anderson

    VOLUNTEER PARISH NURSE

    Deidre is a longtime member of the Congregational Care team, offering compassionate support to individuals and groups in need of nursing care. Her holistic approach addresses mind, body, and spirit, providing comfort, prayer, first aid, health screenings, healthcare assistance, referrals, and hospital transportation. Deidre also teaches classes on women’s health, men’s health, the opioid crisis, preventative care, and immunizations.

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    Damaris Luna

    DIRECTOR OF CHILDCARE

    Damaris is a child development specialist and co-director of Kids R Kids daycare in Lakewood Ranch. With three children of her own, she brings a deep understanding of the needs of families and is dedicated to supporting children and their caregivers too. Damaris has been with Peace for 20 years!

    Peace ensures that all staff and volunteers who work with children are fingerprinted and background-checked, so you can trust that your children are safe.

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    Jaclyn Carrington

    CHILDCARE

    Jaclyn, an alum of William Patterson University is also a full time staff member at Willis Elementary. With kindness and patience, she helps Peace meet the growing childcare needs of the church.

    Peace ensures that all staff and volunteers who work with children are fingerprinted and background-checked, so you can trust that your children are safe.