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Meet Our Staff
Michael Teston is Lead Pastor at MZUMC. He arrived in July 2006 after serving over 20 years in parish ministry and three years as a Staff Chaplain for the Veterans & University Hospitals of Lexington, Kentucky. Michael served four years as well in the United States Air Force before returning to college earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Asbury College and graduating with a Masters of Divinity degree from Asbury Theological Seminary. He has led 4 teams in mission to the Dominican Republic, two teams to Cuba, one team to Africa, and is currently planning a return to Cuba. Michael has three adult children all in various places with their lives and currently lives in Hinckley with his wife Lois.
Matt Darrin is the Associate Pastor at MZUMC, serving primarily in the areas of education, children’s ministries, and outreach. He also assists in the preaching and administration. Matt and his wife Janel have four beautiful, talented children who certainly inherited their beauty and talent from their mother. Matt and Janel met as missionaries and bring a passion for making disciples and gifts in music and drama to the ministries at Montrose Zion.
Connie Gould serves as Office Manager at MZUMC. She also coordinates office volunteers and leads Small Group Bible Studies. She loves to dive into His Word and be in fellowship with Him and spread His Light to other disciples. Connie was born and raised in Ada, Michigan. She has an Associate Degree as a legal secretary and she loves dogs!
Ted Peplowski is the Music Director/Worship Pastor at MZUMC. He has been here since May of 2002, serving the church in music ministry, as well as teaching and preaching. Ted acts as the worship leader for the contemporary service, and directs and/or organizes the music for the traditional service. He became an ordained minister in February of 2008, and preaches on a regular basis at the Sumner on Ridgewood facility. He is currently planning a return trip to Cuba to work once again with a Christian Music Academy there. Ted lives in Norton with his wife Nancy, three children (Zach, Ben & Faith), and two pretty stupid (but loveable) dogs.
Sharon Paige is Preschool Director/Teacher at Montrose Zion Christian Preschool. She has a BS degree in Early Education and Special Education (Learning Behavior Disorders) from the University of Kentucky. Sharon started as the Director/Teacher at Montrose Zion Christian Preschool in 2007 when the Preschool opened. She currently is teaching the 3 year old class on Tuesday and Thursday and the 4 year old class Monday, Wednesday and Friday. She has two children in college, James and Jennifer.
Steve Nuzzo is the Youth/ Young Adult Pastor at MZUMC and has been here since Feb. of 2008. He graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in Business Organizational Communication and received his masters in Christian studies at Trinity. Before working at Montrose Zion, Steve worked at The Chapel in Akron in college ministry. Steve has been married to Maria since January 2008 and they reside in West Akron.
Dr. Walter Chisholm is Pastor Emeritus at MZUMC. He was Senior Pastor of Montrose Zion in the 1960 and 70’s. He recently retired, but continues to visit our congregation. Dr. Walt has three children-Shirli (Dick) Dana, Walter-Rusty (Vickie) Chisholm, and Liane (Harry) Starn and eight grandchildren. Dr. Walt recently celebrated his 49th year of active ministry. Prayer, praise, and personal contact are his callings. Montrose Zion is his church home and he is blessed to be a blessing.
Brenda Stephan is serving as the Communication Coordinator and has a role in the printed pieces inside and outside the church as well as website, signage and other communication resources. She has been involved at Montrose Zion since 1987. She began serving in this position in October 2007. A graduate of Kent State University in Graphic Design, she is married to Paul and they have two sons, Josh and Jacob and reside in Wadsworth.
