Meet Our Staff

The Rev. Lindsay L. Fulmer was called to be Ladera Community Church’s new pastor in October 2008. She is a Bay Area native, born in Berkeley and graduated from the University of California, Berkeley. Rev. Fulmer taught elementary school and specialized as an art teacher before entering San Francisco Theological Union, where she earned a Masters of Divinity degree and was awarded the David Essler Preaching Award. She was ordained in the United Church of Christ denomination in 1996. Rev. Fulmer served as Senior Pastor of First Church of Christ in Mansfield Center, CT, Congregational, UCC, for twelve years. While there, she led the congregation through the process of becoming a “Just Peace” church and Connecticut’s first “Green” church, in addition to its previous designation as an “Open and Affirming” church.

Holly Kennedy, Director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministries, joined our staff this summer. Holly has a B.A. from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and an M.A. in Christian Education from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, with an emphasis in youth ministry. She has worked in youth ministry at various churches and in a summer service project.

For the past four years, Holly has worked as an Administrative Assistant for Publications at a Lutheran church in the Sacramento area. Here, she gained experience in communications, planning and managing large projects, and working with volunteers. Holly also was involved with the development and production of devotional resources and has a passion for creating new and creative worship experiences.

At Ladera Church Holly's areas of focus are providing opportunities for the faith development of all ages, including Pre-K through 8th grade, youth in middle and high school, and adults.

Mark Hanson, Director of Music, joined the music team of Ladera Community Church in 1998, serving two years as pianist before becoming Music Director in 2000. Mark has degrees in music performance and conducting from the University of Minnesota and Arizona State University. He is on the music faculty at College of San Mateo.

Poling Chen, Pianist and Accompanist, joined the staff in 2005. She was born and educated in Taiwan. She gained her first degree in Music at Fu-Jen University and later received a master's degree in Music at Osaka Music College in Japan. For several years she taught music at the Yung-Da Technology College before emigrating to the USA. In 2000 Poling settled in the Bay Area.

Margaux Millman, Director of Children and Youth Music Ministry, joined staff in September 2011. Margaux is a native of Washington, D.C. and is pursuing a doctorate in Music Education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois and a Masters of Music in Choral Music Education from Northwestern University. Margaux was a middle and high school chorus teacher for six years in the D.C. area and founded a private voice and piano studio for students ages 4 to adult. Her areas of expertise include choral music for adolescent voices and integrating music and movement experiences for young children. Margaux has directed youth choirs at several churches in Virginia, D.C., and Illinois.

Cathleen Torres, Office Administrator joined the staff in October, 2008. She has bachelor degrees in Business Administration and Music from California State University, East Bay, as well as a Master of Music degree from The Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University. She has worked in the public and private sectors in various roles, from marketing to mail room, from receptionist to Assistant to the Director. Cathleen says, “I am a jack of all trades, master of none; but often better than a master of one.”