Office Manager

Gail Schemm began as Office Manager in January 2008.  Gail was born and raised in Colorado, lived in Michigan for a few years, but most recently moved here from Kansas where she had been a church administrator with two different churches.  She also spent many years as an administrative assistant in the world of networking and software sales.  Gail and her husband, Jerry keep busy with four children and two grandchildren.  Jerry is an engineer employed with the Malish Corporation here in Willoughby. Their hobbies of quilting, street rod cars, and their middle-school-age son Ethan and all of his activities, keep them very busy.

Christian Education Coordinator

Lisa Hillegass, born and raised in Willoughby, Ohio.  She has enjoyed a lifelong involvement with First Presbyterian Church Willoughby. Currently serving as Christian Education Director for the past two years.  Some areas of church participation includes Sunday School volunteer for several years, Christian Education Elder and former Clerk of the Session.

Lisa graduated from Kent State University with a BBA. She spent many years volunteering in many capacities.  Lisa and her husband, Todd, have two teenage children, Kayla and Corey.  They enjoy spending time at band events and playing with their dog, Joule. 
 

Music Director 

Don Brickman was born in Euclid and raised in Wickliffe, Ohio. He began playing the organ at age ten, and by 15 he was playing for his church. While in high school, he studied organ under Mr. Stephen Mozsi, a faculty member at the Cleveland Music Settlement. In college, Don continued his studies under Mr. Ivan Licht. At that time, he also served as a substitute organist at various churches in the Cleveland area.

Don joined the FPCW family as Organist in March 2010, taking on the added responsibility of Interim Choir Director in October. In February 2011, Don became our permanent Choir Director and Organist. Before joining FPCW, Don served as organist at St. Mary Church, Painesville, and continues to serve as a substitute organist at other local churches as his schedule permits. Don resides in Perry, Ohio.
 

Director of Student Ministries

Rachel Door joined FPCW as Director of Student Ministries in November 2009, having previously served as Director of Youth Ministries at First Presbyterian Church in Owensboro, Kentucky, and Campus Ministry Intern in Murray, Kentucky. She has served on the Kentucky Campus Ministry Board, Presbyterian Campus Ministry Board (Murray State), Montreat Youth Conference Planning Team, Leadership Development Committee (Presbytery of Western Kentucky), and the Presbyterian Youth Council of Presbytery of Western Kentucky.

Rachel graduated from Texas A&M University with a BA in history and from Murray State University with a MA in American and European History. She grew up in San Antonio, Texas, the youngest of 4 children (2 brothers and 1 sister). Today, she is the proud aunt of 4 nieces, 3 nephews, 3 dogs, and 4 cats. These days, she enjoys spending time with her new husband, Greg, whom she met at FPC Willoughby. She is excited to be in Northeast Ohio, and yes, she does love snow and cold weather!  
 

 Contemporary Music Leader

Bell Choir Director

Our bell choir director, Shanti Blatnik, began in September of 1999. She started ringing bells in her hometown church, United Presbyterian Church in Cortland, New York, in the seventh grade. She continued all through high school and graduate school at Bucknell University. She has attended many festivals and worked with top people in the industry. Shanti and her husband, Frank, are the proud parents of twin daughters Sophia and Lydia, son Scott, and daughter Katia.