Senior Pastor | arvdgm04@gmail.com

Rev Dr M G Martell Spagnolo is a native Delawarean. Born second of five siblings, he is of Italian heritage. He comes to Schenectady via a ministry that has served mostly on the east coast with a brief foray in the Great Plain region of western central USA.

Martell enjoys many hobbies which include music, art, literature, and various individual sports.

Associate Minister | pastordanielcarlson@gmail.com

Originally from the midwest, Daniel contentedly considers upstate New York, with its cultural diversity and natural beauty, home. Daniel is happily married, and enjoys running, reading, talking, traveling (by bike!), protesting and praying with his beloved wife--as well as hiking and chillin' with their two adult sons. Since 2005, when Daniel was called to FRC, he's provided staff support for pastoral care, education and nurture, and the care and repair of God's creation.

Business manager | 1streformed@gmail.com

Hi, my name is Oksana Podoba, and I am your new business manager and I feel blessed to work for you. I have a bachelor’s degree in banking. I also graduated from L’viv’s National University in Ukraine with my master’s in audit accounting. I am also a public notary, if you need anything please do not hesitate to reach out. I currently attend the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Watervliet. I am looking forward to this great partnership.

Facilities Manager | nelson1680@gmail.com

Gary Nelson grew up in Burnt Hill and started working here at FRC in 2000. IN his spare time he enjoys working around the house as well as boating, camping and spending time with his family.

Bookeeper

I have 37 years banking experience, first as AVP for FNB Scotia, Implementation Specialist/Trainer for IA Systems Loan Origination Systems and Fidelity Information Services BancPac Loan Support Analyst. Went to Suffolk County Community College for Data Processing and received a banking diploma from American Institute of Banking. I have two daughters and six grandchildren. I also continue to research my family history that my father started years ago.

Director of Music

Corine has an MFA from Carnegie-Mellon and has performed in operas, concerts, and Equity Theaters such as Cap Rep, Pittsburgh Opera, Saratoga Opera, and Opera Festivals in Germany, Austria, Italy, and France. She has been a concert soloist in Europe, Barbados, St. Croix, Maine, and locally with Octavo Singers, Albany, and Schenectady Symphonies. She has been a choir director and orchestra conductor for High Schools, Union Presbyterian, and currently First Reformed Church. She teaches Voice at Union College and her private students have appeared on Broadway, summer opera festivals and in Europe.

Church Musician / Organist | caplanm4@gmail.com

Max Caplan holds an M.M. in Composition from the Hartt School of Music and a B.A. in Music and Classics from Union College, Schenectady. He is the staff accompanist at First Reformed Church in Schenectady, Union College, and Congregation Gates of Heaven in Niskayuna, and a frequent collaborator with local chamber groups such as the Musicians of Ma’alwyck and Siena College’s Clare Ensemble Singers.

Children’s Music Director

Jamie Ipsen has been singing and playing music at FRC since she was a toddler. She has now come full circle and is helping children experience all types of music at church - from boom whackers to bells to ukuleles!