Staff

Reverend Emma Nickel, Pastor

Emma was raised in the Presbyterian Church in southwestern Virginia, where she enjoyed choir, youth group, and many mission trips. She attended the College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio where she received a Bachelor's degree in Women's Studies and began discerning God's call to the ministry. After graduation, she served as a mission volunteer in Malawi, Africa through Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, which was a spiritually challenging and formative time. Emma received her Master of Divinity degree at Princeton Theological Seminary and has served as pastor of First Presbyterian since August, 2010. Her husband, Matt, is also a pastor in the Presbytery of Detroit. She enjoys reading recipes, cooking, and eating good food, and then spending time at the gym working it off! Her kitty, Scout, is a handful and a joy!

Carol Swanson, Office Administrator

Carol graduated with honors from Macomb Community College with her Associate of Applied Science-Administrative Assistant degree at age 50. She worked at MCC for fifteen years, ten of those as Administrative Assistant to the Associate Dean in the Mathematics Department at South Campus until retiring in 2003. She has served at First Church since 2009. Carol's three children are Wayne Jr., Susan, and David who have given her six grandchildren, ages 8 to 22. She enjoys scrapbooking, crafts of all kinds, reading, girls' weekends, and geneology. A member of First Church, Carol is grateful for her church family who have supported her spiritually and with love in challenging and good times.

Kyle Engelmann, Music Director

Kyle has been involved in music from an early age. At age 12, he would marvel at his father's booming bass voice in the pew of the Baptist church where he grew up and was amazed at the organists's improvisation skills. Soon, Kyle began taking piano lessons and eventually joined his high school band, the marching band and the jazz band. He played sax there, and kept up with the piano. After high school, Kyle attended Oakland University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music. During his college days, he got his first choir directing job. He’s enjoyed serving God and the Church with the gift of music ever since, and is currently working on his Master’s Degree in education. Kyle is married to his wife Kim of 17 years. They have two children, Jon and Carl, who are age 15 and 10. They live with their Irish setter, Summer, in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Sharon Kohler, Organist

Sharon began serving as organist at First Presbyterian in 1963 and first retired in 1996. In 2003, she just couldn't stay away and began substituting as organist until several years later, when she took on the permanent position once again. Sharon has taught piano lessons, done secretarial work, and helped run her family's silk screen business until 2010. Blessed with two daughters, Sharon also enjoys her five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her life has revolved around family and the church for the better part of 49 years. In her free time, she enjoys caring for her vegetable garden and reading.

Kelsey Guernsey, Children's Choir Director

Kelsey is currently in her second year at Cooley Law School in Auburn
Hills after graduating from Michigan State University. She is unsure
of what career within the law community she wants to pursue and keeps telling herself she has lots of time. She came to Warren by way of Brooklyn, MI where she grew up in the Brooklyn Presbyterian Church. Growing up she was active in her youth and teen choirs, variety shows, and teen mission trips. Kelsey loves working with children and felt called to start a children's choir in the church. One day, Kelsey thought she would stop in to see Pastor Emma just to discuss the possibility of starting a youth choir. Pastor Emma quickly informed Kelsey that in a meeting the previous night, they had discussed how to more fully incorporate children into worship. Kelsey knew she had made the right decision, and a children's choir was born, once again.

Aaron Crowton, Webmaster / IT Admin

Aaron graduated from Center Line High School in 2005 to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice from ITT Technical Institute in Troy, MI. He joined First Presbyterian Church in 2009 and has served as webmaster since 2010. In the coming year, he will be ordained as a Ruling Elder and will chair the Communication committee. In his spare time, Aaron graciously assists many church members with computer issues, enjoys watching TV and shooting pool with friends.