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Meet our team
STAFF &
LEADERSHIP
Staff
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Pastor/Head of Staff
Laura Crihfield
Pastor Laura’s journey with Yorkminster began in February 2022 when she was invited to preach for a Sunday, which led to more invitations, and eventually stepping into a long-term pulpit supply role. When the church needed a permanent pastor, it became clear that God was calling Laura to fill that role. She often reflects on how God has guided her into leadership in unexpected ways.
Laura brings 40 years of ministry experience, including nearly 30 years as a Presbyterian Pastor. She grew up in Southern California, attended Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, and earned her Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. Laura has served churches in Illinois and Maryland in various roles, including family ministry, pastoral care, community outreach, and senior leadership.
She lives with her husband, Jud, their two children, Josh and Ana, her mother, Karen, and their dog, Lexi. Laura enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, thrifting, and finding joy in knowing nothing can separate us from God's love.
mailto:laura@yorkminsterpc.org
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Director of Worship
Paula McDonald
Paula serves as Yorkminster’s Director of Worship, overseeing worship events and the church’s music ministry. She is passionate about growing in faith and glorifying God through music. Originally from South Korea, she holds a BA and MM in music education, as well as a second MA in music in the U.S.
Paula has taught in colleges and directed music programs in churches across South Korea, Germany, and the U.S. She currently teaches at Virginia Peninsula Community College and is a member of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus. In her free time, she enjoys working out, hiking, and traveling.
mailto:paula@yorkminsterpc.org
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Interim Family Ministry Coordinator
Becky D'Haem
Becky serves as Yorkminster's Interim Coordinator of Family Ministries overseeing programs such as Wild Wednesdays and Youth Group. She loves working with children from Preschool to High School and is excited to see how God will shape this passion into service. Becky has children who participate in the YPC children's programs, so filling this interim role is very familiar.
Becky is an experienced secondary school science teacher with an M.Ed. in Education and a B.S. degree in Biology. She also homeschools and coaches soccer for her three kids. Becky's passion is Marine Biology and SCUBA diving, meaning she loves exploring God's underwater organisms and plans vacations on the next possible dive location. Becky is also a Coast Guard spouse which requires moving frequently and adapting to new situations quickly.
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Facilities Coordinator & Custodian
Anita Morton
Anita ensures that Yorkminster’s facilities are always clean, organized, and ready for all church events and community programs. She plays a key role in maintaining the church and connecting the surrounding community with its resources.
Anita is the go-to person for all facility-related needs, keeping everything running smoothly from top to bottom.
mailto:anita@yorkminsterpc.org
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Preschool Director
Barbara Wood
Barbara has attended Yorkminster since childhood and now serves as the Preschool Director. With a doctorate in education from William & Mary and experience as both a teacher and principal, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the preschool.
Barbara works alongside her daughter Lindsey, a fellow teacher, and enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband Grady and their two daughters. She loves watching her grandchildren, Parker and Colette, play sports.
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Accompaanist
Emily Pritchett
Emily serves as Pianist/Organist and Children’s Choir Director at Yorkminster. She began her career as a musician playing in the church as a young teenager and has continued in many churches across the Peninsula as Music Director and/or Instrumentalist over the past thirty plus years. She holds a B.A. in Music Education from Christopher-Newport University and is a former Middle School Choral Director for Hampton City Schools. She has taught piano and voice privately while also being guest accompanist for middle and high school choirs throughout the district.
Emily is grateful for the opportunity to use the gifts and talents God has given her. It is a blessing to be a faithful servant at Yorkminster and hopes to glorify God through all that she does. She has been married to her husband, Aaron, since 1998 and has three grown sons. In her free time, she enjoys walking, gardening, reading, and spending time with family.
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Technology & AV
Wynn Yang
Wynn Yang is an audio engineer located in Newport News, VA. Wynn runs First Wave Recording Studios, mans the reference desk at Tabb Library, and controls the soundboard at Yorkminster Presbyterian Church. In his free time, he loves riding bikes and fixing things.
mailto:wynn@yorkminsterpc.org
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Accountant
Mike Griffin
Micheal Griffin joined the staff in 2024. He earned his MBA at John Carroll University followed by an accounting BBA and a CPA certification following a happy childhood shared with four siblings in Rochester, NY. Michael has proud family ties to the U.S. Air Force and UVA (go Cavaliers). He is the proud husband of Patricia, a Registered Dietitian, for nearly 60 years and has three beautiful sons.
mailto:accountant@yorkminsterpc.org
Deacons
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Dee Burcher
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Manuela aGeorge
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Bill Jameson
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Anne Karig
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Bill Kellem
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Andy Lucas
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Judith Ord
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Barbara Pitts
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Karen Rissling
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Hannah Roberts
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Holly Rutledge
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Fred Simpkins
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David Sundy
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Joan Thomas
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John Wiseman
Elders
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Judi Campbell
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Bill Cress
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Dennis Dicus
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Marty Hill
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Jody Kelly
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Nan Marks
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David Petko
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Eric Rissling
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Larry Shriver
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Terry Sundy
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Doris Turkovich
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Judy Wiseman
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