Our Staff

Rev. Joy Haertig Senior Minister

Pastor Joy has been at RBCC UCC for 15 years, she lives in Edmonds with her blended family of six people, three cats and two fish.  She enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, and watching thoughtful movies.  While she was born in Oklahoma City and lived her early years in Kansas, she can’t imagine living away from the beautiful Pacific Northwest. The mountains, water, access to hiking trails and kayaking are some of the ways she is renewed.

She finds RBCC UCC to be a joyous and compassionate community to be in ministry.

Sarah Klaassen Assistant Minister to Youth and Young Adults

Sarah grew up on a farm in south central Kansas, graduated from high school in a class of 41 students, and attended Missouri State University on a basketball scholarship.  She majored in religious studies in college and graduated with her Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University in May 2009. 

Sarah and her partner Jamie moved to Seattle this past summer.  Jamie is the Resident Associate Minister at University Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Seattle.  They have two cats, Betsy and Wyatt. 

Read Sarah's thoughts on her blog, "Sarah's World"

Staci Schulmerich Director of Children's Christian Formation

I am blessed to have deep roots in Richmond Beach Congregational United Church of Christ.  I grew up in Shoreline, WA and have been part of the RBCC UCC community since I was a child.  

After Graduating from Shorewood High School, I attended Seattle Pacific University majoring in Child Psychology with an emphasis in Social Service.  I am currently working toward completing a certificate in Youth and Theology through Princeton Theological Seminary.

 I am passionate about engaging children and youth in making discoveries about the mystery that is God.  Finding ways to create opportunities to experience moments of awe and wonder, as we all seek to find our place in God’s story is one of my sincerest desires. 

 I love dancing, cooking, and playing with my family.  I am thankful to have an incredible network of friends and family who support me; including my husband Jamie and our children Parker and Madison.

Keep up with Staci on her blog, "According to Staci"

Jessica Choe Music Director

RBCC-UCC choir is directed by Jessica Choe. Jessica is a Juilliard-trained pianist whose concert career has taken her all over the world. As an active chamber musician, she frequently collaborates with members of Seattle Symphony.

The RBCC choir is comprised of 25 mixed voices that provide music every Sunday from September through June. It meets every Thursdays at 7 for rehearsal and Sundays at 9:30 for run-through. The choir is accompanied by either Jessica or Monica Turnbaugh on the piano. Occasionally, the choir is also accompanied by various members of the Seattle Symphony.

Amanda Tingle Office Manager

Amanda moved to the beautiful Pacific Northwest over 10 years ago to finish her degree in Culinary Arts.  She has worked at several nonprofits and has the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life.  When she is not working, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family exploring our community.