Shane Valenstein
Shane started working in ministry when he was 19 years old as a youth pastor. He has a passion and desire to see people engaging in an active relationship with Jesus Christ. He leads the church by getting himself out of the way and seeking out God’s will. Shane has grown up in Baltimore all his life and has been married to his wife Lauren since 2013. They are the proud parents of Camden, Russell, and Charlie. Shane loves being active, playing sports, smoking BBQ, and spending time with people.
Tara Anderson
Tara received her first District License with the Church of the Nazarene in April of 2022 after answering her call to ministry in 2014. As her call deepened, her heart was broken for the most vulnerable in our work; the fatherless, marginalized, suffering - those that our world often casts aside. She has been married to her amazing husband, Chuck, since 2001 and together they have raised seven children: Matt, Ariana, Will, Liam, Gabi, Kat, and Vanessa. She loves family time and loving on the people around her and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Divinity on a path to ordination in the Nazarene Church.
Allison Andres
Allison has loved being a part of and serving in Hill Kids since she and her husband started attending City on Hill. She is passionate about helping kids learn about Jesus and supporting families in any way that she can. Allison has been married to her wonderful husband, Jeremy, since 2017 and they have one wonderful daughter, River. She is so excited to see what God has in store for the families at City on a Hill! Allison absolutely loves a good cup of coffee paired with a good book, and spending time with her family!
Abby King
Abby is from Laurel, MD just down the road from our church home in Savage. She is passionate about ministry and the way she leads is by surrendering all to Jesus and being led by His voice. It is all about Christ and him doing what only he can do. Abby has been working with teens in youth ministry since 2015. She has a heart for seeing their lives transformed through Christ. A few other things that she loves are music, family and friends, fresh flowers, and tattoos. She has been volunteering with the youth group at City On A Hill since December of 2022 and is thankful to now hold the position of youth pastor.
Nicole Kessler
Nicole was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. She has been ordained in the Church of the Nazarene since 2014, though she has been serving in ministry since she was 18 years old. Nicole has been married to her awesome husband, Dan, since 2010. They have three children; two daughters, Payton and Isla, and a son, Emmett. Nicole and her family have been at City on a Hill since January of 2020. Her favorite parts of ministry include building relationships, watching people grow closer to Christ, and sharing the Word of God. She loves coffee, going to the movies, and good food.
Matthew Valentine
Matthew has been playing and singing in worship bands since middle school. He deeply loves and continues to seek out God's presence in music. He strives to paint a clear picture of Christ's love for us through meaningful and genuine worship. Matthew loves music theory, good food, and deep philosophical and theological conversations.
