Staff
Pastor Brian Derrer
Lead Pastor
Pastor Brian studies the scriptures and delivers weekly messages during worship. He also provides care and support to the members of the congregation, in the form of hospital visits, counseling and more. He has been ordained since 1999, when he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. In the years since, he has served congregations in Bowers, Penn., and Richmond, Ind. Pastor Brian grew up in New York City (Borough of Queens) and Northeastern Pennsylvania. He now lives in Fishers with his wife, Ashley, and their three children. Pastor Brian enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities, especially those shared with the family. He also loves to cook; read; and talk faith, life and sports around the fire table. You just might catch him riding around Fishers (and beyond!) on his motorcycle or squeezing in a round of golf from time to time.
Pastor Todd Lotridge
Associate Pastor
Pastor Todd provides care and support to the congregation, as well as leadership for various ministries including Prayer Ministry, Stephen Ministry and Small Groups. Pastor Todd teaches adult Bible classes and preaches on Sundays several times throughout the year. Originally from Niles, Michigan, Pastor Todd earned a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Public Relations from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. He and his wife, Ann Marie, live in Noblesville with their three children - Jacob, Alayna and Kylie. In addition to spending time with his family, Pastor Todd enjoys all types of sports and team building activities. He is always ready for an adventure, especially an outdoor one!
Robin Patras
Family Ministry Director
Robin oversees programming and curriculum for babies through 4th grade. She also oversees Noah’s Ark Preschool & Kindergarten. She measures how long she has served at the church by how many VBS programs she has coordinated! A graduate of Purdue University, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies. She and her husband, Dan, live in Fishers and have “four plus one” children – four children and one son-in-law. You’ll find Robin in the liveliest office in the church (with the most children’s art)!
Leah Priepot
Early Childhood Coordinator
Leah studied in and recently moved from Missouri. She worked in childcare for the church and as a substitute for Noah's Ark Preschool prior to joining the team as our Early Childhood Coordinator. She thoroughly enjoys serving the families of Christ the Savior. She quickly fell in love with the Fishers community where she lives with her husband and two daughters. In her free time she loves attending sporting events, concerts and spending as much time as possible with her family.
Claire Kang
Organist/ Accompanist
Claire serves from the piano bench accompanying the Chancel Choir, or from the organ bench when using her gifts to lead the congregation in worship. She received a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance degree in South Korea, a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Missouri State University and recently completed a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance with a Certificate in Historical Keyboard Performance (Organ and Harpsichord). She and her husband, Collin, live in the Indianapolis area. When she is not practicing or performing, she enjoys going for a walk in nearby parks and dining out at popular places with Collin and friends.
Rachel McClellan
Traditional Worship Director
Rachel partners with pastors to select music for the Traditional Worship service for the congregation, choirs and instrumentalists as scheduled. She “loves creating music and helping others to create music that gives glory back to God”. Rachel holds a Bachelor of Music in Music and Psychology from Wheaton College (IL) and a Master of Arts in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, New York. She and her husband keep busy with their very active family of five. Rachel enjoys a great book, coffee breaks with friends, and watching her children grow closer to the adults God created them to be.
Dave Stroop
Contemporary Worship Director
Dave leads and coordinates worship teams and production teams for the Contemporary worship service. He has served 20 plus years in worship, in churches ranging in size from 400 to 4,000 in attendance. He loves building and working with volunteer teams, as well as equipping and training folks to serve in worship production. What God can accomplish in the lives of people through the vehicle of worship is a huge motivator for what Dave does. Dave has a Bachelor of Science in Music and a Master of Music Degree in Music Education from Ball State University. He and his wife Teresa live in McCordsville and have two children and 3 grandchildren. Dave is a published song writer and has a history in the music business as a producer, arranger, orchestrator and studio musician. Dave loves photography and hiking. Dave and Teresa like to travel when they can and enjoy spending as much time as possible with kids, grandkids, family and friends.
Jennifer Emmerson
Administrative Assistant
Jennifer is often the first voice you hear when you call the church office. She is responsible for scheduling room space for the many ministries and activities held at the church building. She also updates content on the website, among many other tasks. A graduate of Indiana University (and avid Hoosier fan), Jennifer lives in Fishers with her husband, Rob, and their two daughters. She enjoys watching her daughters play basketball and violin, traveling and reading.
Judy Goerges
Controller
Judy is responsible for preparing financial statements, recording contributions, paying bills, processing payroll and reconciling bank statements. Judy is well-qualified for this role, as she is a retired CPA with over 35 years of experience in public accounting and private industry. She holds a Business degree from Indiana University. Judy has been married for over two thirds of her life to her husband, Peter. They have three daughters, three granddaughters, a grandson, a cat and two grandcats. Judy enjoys needle arts, reading and tennis (watching more than playing).
Christi Grater
Noah's Ark Administrative Assistant
Christi purchases supplies for the teachers and school, keeps paperwork for students and teachers current, and assists teachers and the Noah's Ark Director. Before moving into the Administrative Assistant role, she taught at Noah's Ark for almost 10 years. Christi is originally from Morrison, Ill, and holds an Associates of Science degree. She and her husband, Justin, are parents to two daughters: Lauren and Maddie. When not at work, Christi enjoys reading, spending time at her daughters' activities and going to movies.
Jean Knuteson
Church Administrator
Jean oversees the general functions of Personnel, Finance, Property and Communications. She earned Bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Sociology from UWSP in Wisconsin and later received a Masters degree in Management from the University of Mary, Bismarck, ND. Originally from a small dairy farm in southern Wisconsin, Jean now lives in Carmel with her husband, Jim. They have two grown sons and one grandson. A country girl at heart, Jean enjoys nature, gardening, quilting and reading. Having lived in Wisconsin, North Dakota, Minnesota and Michigan, Jean laughs when people here think 'its' really cold outside'.
Jodi Meehan
Noah's Ark Director
Jodi manages the day-to-day operations of Noah’s Ark Preschool & Kindergarten, provides teacher development and communicates with parents, among a long list of other responsibilities. Prior to her role as Director, Jodi served as the school's Administrative Assistant for over six years. She earned an Elementary Education degree from Purdue University and has been known to fill in in the classroom when needed. Originally from Crown Point, Ind., Jodi now lives in Fishers with her husband, Kyle, and their three children: Nicholas, Sean and Mallory. Jodi enjoys baking, reading and spending time with her family.
Bob Rahke
Maintenance Technician
Bob ensures a welcoming and safe environment by effectively managing and maintaining the facilities, furnishings and grounds. After graduating from Rose-Hulman Institute, Bob spent 35 years in the computer industry, mostly working as a senior systems analyst. In addition to maintaining the church building and grounds, Bob drives a school bus for Hamilton Southeastern Schools. Longtime residents of Fishers and longtime members of Christ the Savior Lutheran Church, Bob and his wife, Diane, have two grown daughters and four grandchildren. Bob cheers for the Colts and the Pacers and enjoys videography and video editing.
Serena Schumm
Administrative Assistant
Serena is one of the first faces you see when you enter the church office. She maintains the church’s membership database and email distribution lists, and creates the weekly worship bulletins, among various other administrative tasks. Serena’s background in Human Resources has proven beneficial in her role at Christ the Savior Lutheran, as many of her responsibilities require a high level of detail. Serena and her husband, Dan, live in Fishers. They are parents to daughter Kelsie, and son, Brandon. The family loves animals and shares their home with two cats, a dog and two guinea pigs. Serena enjoys bowling, shopping and spending time with family and friends.
Ashley Valentine - Derrer
Coordinator of Volunteers
Ashley helps equip, train and support volunteers as they live out their faith. She also leads a women's bible class on Mondays mornings. Originally from Sidney, Ohio, Ashley earned a Bachelor of Music from Capital University and a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary. Ashley is wife to Pastor Brian and mom to Evelyn, Micah and Carolyn. She enjoys walking and jogging, playing guitar and singing, and having fun with her family.
Amber Wender
Communications Director
As the Communications Director, Amber oversees social media content, church communications both print and digital for internal and external channels, and assists with website content. She helps to ensure that Christ the Savior members and guests understand our vision and are in the “know” of the “happenings” of the church. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and experience in marketing and public relations. Born and raised in Southern California, the Indiana transplant still struggles through winter but truly loves living in Fishers. She tries to travel often and loves spending time with her husband, two kids and dog.