Our Staff

Jo Forrest accepted the call to serve Westminster in 2021 and delights in the ways this community flourishes in worship, service, and play.  She invites you to get to know her over a ‘cuppa.

Prior to becoming a minister, Jo worked for several decades in financial services and appreciates the challenges to walk faithfully with Jesus in a culture that pushes everyone to compete and win.  Those years also shaped the way she invites people to imagine ministries in a large congregation and the community we serve.

Previously she served Kenilworth Union and Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago.  She earned degrees at the University of Chicago and a Doctorate in Ministry from Emory University.

Jo lives the paradox of planting roots in the community as a homebody, enjoying the hiking and biking trails and restoring a rusty golf game.  She also delights in traveling with her husband, Hamish, and feels drawn to the mountains and trails to hike.

Laura began serving as Westminster’s associate pastor in 2024. She is passionate about helping people feel connected to one another and to God in their ordinary, everyday lives.

She is a graduate of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and was ordained in 2017. She previously pastored a new worshipping community in the Pittsburgh Presbytery and served as associate pastor at Southminster Presbyterian Church. She strives to bring creativity and warmth to all she does in ministry. Her background working with youth and young adults has taught her to add a good dose of humor, too!

Laura has found ministry most meaningful as she has walked alongside people in transitions, whether celebratory or challenging. She feels called to discover God’s abiding presence amid change and uncertainty, and to cultivate a community of care in the church that truly grieves and rejoices together.

Laura lives in Mount Lebanon with her husband, Ed, their two children, and two dogs. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and catching up with friends over coffee.

Richard Franklin Norris, III is a native of Philadelphia, PA. Richard, or R3 as he is affectionately called, holds a Bachelor of Science in Information Science with a minor in Religious Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. He is currently pursuing his Master of Divinity with a Certificate in Urban Ministry at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. 

Richard is a fourth-generation preacher and a proud member of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.  When he was only 2, he began preaching, using a hairbrush as his microphone, and the balcony in his grandfather’s study as his pulpit. Richard was ordained an Itinerant Deacon by Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr. on May 18, 2024. His favorite scripture is Romans 8:28, “We know that all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord and are called according to His Purpose.” His guiding scripture is Romans 8:31, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Jack spent most of career at U. S. Steel in various Accounting and Finance positions. He then worked for several years in accounting and external reporting positions for Robert Half Consultants, who eventually placed him here at Westminster.

Jack graduated from Penn State University (NOT summa cum laude!) and earned an MBA from Robert Morris University; and has active CPA and CMA Certificates.

In his free time, he likes to walk his two dogs, occasionally hit a tennis ball (not at the same time), and do picture and sudoku puzzles.

I am responsible for recording all contributions, mailing statements, and answering any questions you may have on your account.

I also records and issues payments for all our vendor invoices as well as member reimbursable expenses.

When I am not sitting behind my computer, I love trying out new cookie recipes. Trust me, they aren’t always the prettiest but it’s the taste the counts … right? So I guess dough, in one form or another, is a big part of my life.

Also, I start out every September thinking that I will be celebrating a Steelers Super Bowl win in February!  Here We Go!!!

Faith began serving as the Director of Children’s & Family Ministry at Westminster Presbyterian Church in 2021. Her love for ministry began at summer camp as a teenager. After many seasons in various roles at Crestfield Camp & Conference Center, Faith made the jump to church ministry at the Presbyterian Church of Plum Creek where she worked as a Christian educator and day camp director.

She loves learning and is passionate about exploring new ideas in faith formation. Her favorite thing about church ministry is watching the kids grow from year to year and building relationships with families.

Faith is married to Justin. They met and married at summer camp and now live in Pittsburgh with their dog and two cats. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Christian Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary and looks forward to graduating in June of 2025.

I have been a member of Westminster since 1984. She has been working with children at Westminster for the last 26 years and is honored to travel with children on their journey of faith. 

Before starting to work at Westminster, I taught for eight years, became a stay- at- home mom and then volunteered to teach 5th grade at Westminster. This is where it all began. 

I’ve been married to my husband, Richard, for 51 years and has 2 terrific adult children, Meredith and Andrew. Richard and myself are blessed with 5 granddaughters who have a special place in their hearts. 

Looking back at my years at Westminster, seeing children who have gone through our program come back to help or teach has given me a sense of accomplishment to know our program is working and I am grateful I had a small part in it. 

Harrison Burgess joined the Westminster staff in 2024 after being a member of the congregation since 2008. Harrison’s primary duties consist of engaging and leading the 7th-12th graders of the Westminster community. The aim of Harrison’s ministry is to bring Christ to kids in a way that inspires their minds and fills their hearts with the love of God in a fun and exciting way. That includes, but is not limited to, bible studies, worship music, high ropes courses, and waterslides. Harrison also serves as a contemporary worship leader at Westminster’s Bridge Service on Sunday mornings, where he shares his love for Christ through his passion for music. Harrison’s family, Michele, Kyle, and Scarlett Burgess, are all active participants in the life of Westminster as well.

Laura supports the staff and congregation through administration, communications, and youth ministry. Her hands are in many projects (from social media posts to weekend retreats), but her heart is in all of them. Westminster is Laura’s home church, where she was raised and now raises her two young children. In her free time, Laura loves to travel and try new restaurants.

Lauren Moore serves as the Contemporary Worship Coordinator for Westminster Presbyterian Church and feels so blessed to be employed at such a loving church doing what she loves to do. As the Contemporary Worship Coordinator, Lauren is in charge of staffing our contemporary service, The Bridge, with musicians, as well as choosing the songs featured in that same service with the help of Associate Pastor Laura Bentley and Associate Director of Youth Ministry Harrison Burgess.  Lauren lives in Baldwin with her husband Chris (who also plays in the praise band from time to time!), her two sons Kylan and Xander, and their hound dog, Penny.

Anna Hiner joined the staff of Westminster in December 2006 and has held various positions related to communications and membership. She enjoys the daily interaction with members of the Westminster church family and cherishes these personal connections.

A lifelong musician, Christine has dedicated her career to nurturing the next generation of musicians. She joined the music staff at Westminster Presbyterian Church as Assistant Director and Youth Choir Director in 1996 and served as a strings and vocal specialist for the Upper St. Clair School District, sharing her passion for music with countless students. When her mentor, Bill Evans, left his position at Westminster, Christine happily stepped in to a thriving program and continued to grow it to new heights. 

 With a bachelor’s degree in voice and music education from Duquesne University and an MFA in conducting from Carnegie Mellon University, she has held prestigious roles as Music Director of the Junior Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and Assistant Conductor of the renowned Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh, collaborating with Grammy award-winning conductor Robert Page. An accomplished singer herself, Christine continues to share her gifts with audiences. 

Music may be her passion, but Christine also enjoys spending time with her beloved mini golden-doodle, Cooper, surrounded by the laughter of cherished friends and family, riding a horse, or traveling far and wide.

Lorraine Milovac is excited to begin her 20th year as the Assistant Director of Music at Westminster Presbyterian Church and is blessed to share her music ministry with Westminster’s amazing staff and Chancel Choir. Lorraine also serves as the Director of the University of Pittsburgh Treble Choral Ensemble and is the Artistic Director of Belle Voci, an adult community choir. A recently retired high school choral director, Ms. Milovac taught in the Upper St. Clair and Woodland Hills school districts. 

Jim played his first church service at age 12 and he’s been playing ever since. He has been the organist at Westminster since 2004. When not on the organ bench he can be found playing for students at CMU, accompanying the Bach Choir, and playing for musical theater shows at the Benedum and other venues around town. Jim lives in Dormont with his wife Patty, son Bill, and adorable Plott Hound Roxie.

Eileen is a retired professional singer who has sung with Pittsburgh Opera, Mendelssohn Choir and a host of other Pittsburgh groups. She was soprano section leader at Westminster from 2000 – 2019, and continues to sing in the choir. Eileen also serves as Adminstrator for the Music Program at Westminster.

In this role, she manages the music collection for the Chancel Choir as well as the Junior and Cherub choirs. She also makes sure Chris pays all the bills! She is an avid reader of historical novels and biographies, with an occasional mystery thrown in, and loves to travel. Eileen is also a proud Cat Mom to Roxy.

Walt handles all things related to our building and grounds, including custodial staff, maintenance and everything in between.  He loves working at Westminster because the people and staff are so friendly. When not at Westminster, Walt enjoys playing with his two granddaughters, fishing and hunting.  He does not love his honey-do list, but still manages to take care of his home in addition to our beautiful building.

Emily Shubilla is the Volunteer Coordinator. She leads hands-on mission projects and connects new members to the community. Emily has a passion for mission and loves serving alongside others. 

Emily attended California University of PA and earned her degrees in English and Education. 

Emily is married to James. She spent years at home raising her children Leah and Jordan. The family also has 3 pets, Rudy, Ginny, and Juice. 

Emily enjoys reading, watching television, cooking, and the beach. 

My name is Liz Heslin and I am extremely fortunate to have been a part of Westminster Early Childhood Education Programs for over 40 years. My time here has been spent as a teacher, education director and as the office manager. Without a doubt my favorite times were spent with the countless children who we were lucky enough to have come through our programs. In my spare time, my husband John and I enjoy spending time with our 3 children, Patrick (Marie), Caitlin (Austin) and Matthew. I love to bake, read and spend time traveling.

Kathy Long, Director Westminster Recreation and Outreach Center (WROC) joined the staff in 2012.

Kathy holds a master’s degree in social work and has worked in private treatment centers, Corporate Employee Assistance Programs and Human Resource Management. 

Kathy is married to Philip, and they share two children Tyler and Brian. They are empty nesters except for their goldendoodle, Teddy.  They have been members of Westminster 2005. Kathy has always focused on physical, mental, and spiritual health. The WROC allows her to share this passion for healthy living with others. Kathy enjoys working out, playing Pickleball, porch sitting, and the beach.