Meet Our Staff

Meet our wonderful staff here at Bedford Presbyterian Church

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Carol Howard, Senior Pastor
Rev. Carol Howard Merritt has been a Presbyterian (USA) Minister for twenty years. During that time, Carol has served growing churches in the swamps of Cajun Louisiana, a bayside village in Rhode Island, an urban neighborhood of Washington, DC. Most recently, she served as an Interim at First Presbyterian Church of New Canaan. [Read more...]
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Courtney Steininger, Minister of Christian Education
Courtney has a Master of Divinity from Princeton Seminary. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, with a Minor in Religious Studies from the University of Maryland. Courtney has completed all the requirements for ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament. [Read more...]
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John Lettieri, Director of Music
I came to Bedford Presbyterian Church in the fall of 2002 as the Director of Music. I feel fortunate to be able to make music in such a wonderful space and with so many wonderful people. Bedford Presbyterian Church possesses many fine musical resources, including an exciting new Martin Pasi organ... [Read more...]
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Elyssa Michaels, Director of Congregational Life
Elyssa Michaels has been a part of our Youth Group leadership since 2015.  In 2020 she started her transition into Congregational Life. Elyssa brings her enthusiasm, creativity and welcoming personality in working with BPC’s congregation. She is a former collegiate softball player and holds a BA Degree in Psychology from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY.  Elyssa married her husband Anthony at BPC and they have one child together. [Read more...]
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Jessica DeAlto, Office Manager
With over 30 years of Office Management and Bookkeeping experience, arriving at this time was perfect for me.  I thrive in environments that allow for change, including new procedures, streamlining of tasks and increasing efficiency. With a new pastor's arrival imminent, the process will begin anew, with new challenges and new responsibilities. [Read more...]