Fredonia Presbyterian Church, (PCUSA)
Making All Things New
Meet Our Staff
The Rev. Holly Clark-Porter
Pastor
Holly and her spouse The Rev. KC Clark-Porter are born Texans but love this part of the country. When the Bills are not in season you can find Holly, KC, and their dog Hazel hiking, traveling, camping, gardening, or being foodies. Holly's favorite WNY cuisine is a beef on weck with a cup of French onion soup
Holly earned a BA with honors from Schreiner University in Kerrville, Texas, where she was the student body president, and a Master of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. At Austin, Holly founded Queer Alliance which has helped bring student to APTS since 2014. She was a member of the Scotch Club, a club of professors, staff, alumni, and students. Holly was the recipient of the Charles L. King Preaching Award. She is a self-described "liturgy nerd" and believes the Church and the work we do is deeply important to communities.
Ellen Vacanti
Office Administrator
Ellen is a member of FPC and also works to keep this church going!
She is a valuable member of the staff. Rev. Holly refers to her as the "guru" because Ellen's wisdom is invaluable.
The Rev. Zoe Milliman
Parish Associate
Zoe (rhymes with know) has lived all her life here in northern Chautauqua County, growing up in Sheridan, attending Silver Creek schools and Fredonia State, and raising her two sons in Cassadaga. Early in life she worked a variety of jobs, including factory, deli, waitressing and office work, but eventually worked 16 years as a Social Worker with Chautauqua Adult Day Care.
She met her husband John through this work, and they were married in 2010. In the meantime, the call to ministry had become clear, and so, three months into marriage, with John’s blessing and support, Zoe left for Ohio to attend seminary, graduating in 2014 from MTSO. After nine months as an associate pastor in Buffalo, she was called to St. John’s United Church of Christ in Dunkirk, where she served nine years before retiring.
Zoe has two grown sons and a grandson who keeps her and John busy! Zoe is an avid reader and deeply invested in justice for those on the margins.
She brings a depth of wisdom and pastoral care to our congregation. Her calming spirit and joy for theology are beloved and we are grateful for her calling to this church.
Lily Li
Director of Music
Lily, a member of the congregation, received a BA in Music Education with a piano concentration from Xinghai Conservatory of Music in China, and a Master’s degree in Music Performance with a concentration in collaborative piano at the State University of New York at Fredonia.
In addition to directing the choir, Lily brightens the worship with spirit filled music on the organ and piano. Whether she's playing something contemplative or upbeat, our congregation loves to hear her bring God's word through music.
She and her husband John have two precious boys.
Katie Sanders
Children's Director
Katie graduated from Bryant & Stratton College with an Associates. Her goal is to open a massage clinic to partner with schools, hospitals, and adult care facilities to give access to therapeutic services in house/facility.
She currently works for People Inc. as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), working overnights watching over residents and assisting with their needs as they arise. Additionally, she take care of household chores while residents sleep.
Fun facts about Katie:
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She reads many novels in my free time.
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She enjoys crocheting and other nerdy hobbies such as Dungeons and Dragons or Magic the Gathering.
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Her pets are a dog who acts like a chupacabra and a bearded dragon. The doggo’s name is Freya and she doesn't have a name for the dragon yet.
Reece Lehnen
Child Care Attendant
Reece is a huge help for our Fred Kids! children's ministry. He is artistic, kind, and enjoys seeing the kids play and learn. He is CPR certified and has taken classes for childcare work. We're thrilled to have him onboard.