(from left to right)
Kathleen Aiellos, Youth Director
Rev. Karyn Ratcliffe, Senior Minister
Chris Titko, Director of Music
Kathleen Aiellos graduated from Richard Stockton State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts. After graduation, she moved to California, working as a professional actor in both film and theatre. During her time there she began to substitute teach in local school districts and worked with the Ventura Improv Troupe offering workshops to middle and high school classes. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for teaching because she witnessed first hand how empowered a child becomes through the arts. Kathleen was awarded a Graduate Assistantship through Montclair State University, which allowed her the opportunity to teach and direct many incoming undergraduates, while completing her Master’s degree in Theatre.
Kathleen was called to the position of youth ministry in the Packanack Community Church because she strives to provide teens with the ability to make choices that they will be proud of. She believes that through faith, youth are enabled to reach their full potential and grow as individuals while exploring ideas, values, and their own spirituality in a loving environment. Kathleen has found a family within the church and hopes all the youth share in this communal bond.
Rev. Karyn A. Ratcliffe is the Senior Minister of the Packanack Community Church. She is a graduate of New Brunswick Theological Seminary and is ordained in the Reformed Church in America. She has been on the pastoral staff of the church for the past 11 years. Before becoming a minister, Karyn graduated from Pace University with a degree in Public Accounting and worked as a C.P.A. for six years.
Karyn and her husband, Chris, are both graduates of Wayne Hills High School. They live in Wayne with their 13-year-old daughter, Karilyn.
“Before becoming the Senior Minister of the church,” says Karyn, “I was the Youth Director for 5 years. To this day, my passion is helping young people and families discover the presence of God in their lives. Whether it is through teaching Confirmation Class, going on the ASP Youth Mission Trip, or participating in Vacation Bible School, my own journey of faith is constantly being renewed and revived by my interaction with the children and youth of our church.”
Christopher Titko is the Director of Music of the Packanack Community Church. He is a graduate of Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ and Indiana University, Bloomington. He pursued further graduate studies at the University of Oklahoma. Chris began his ministry at Packanack Community Church in October 2005 with a focus of reaching out into the community through the arts.
Chris is married and has three children. His wife Kathleen is a Stamping Up demonstrator and also enjoys scrapbooking. Chris’ children are Matthew, 14, step-daughter, Samantha, 10, and Emily Grace, 12 months.
“The Packanack Community Church is a very special place. The church community is one where people care and are committed to helping others. Our worship is meaningful and brings all of us closer to God as we worship through scripture, preaching, sacraments, prayer and music. We seek to honor God with our music by making God the focus of what we do. We hope that our music and worship are a gift to God through the talents God has given us individually. We believe our collective talents are a great witness to god’s work in our lives and all we expect God to do in us and through us in the future. “
