Staff & Leadership
We Are Here For You
At Northridge, we believe it takes a village, and the people below are a big part of ours. They bring their gifts, their callings, and their whole selves to the work of building a community rooted in compassionate faith and extravagant generosity. But leadership here has never been the job of a few people at the top. Our staff and elders work alongside a congregation full of doers, dreamers, and devoted neighbors, because we believe the most transformative things happen when everyone shows up.
We are glad you are getting to know us.
Ministry Leaders
Our staff is guided by and seeks to embody these core values: can-do spirit, hope not fear, entertain the impossible, and don’t settle.
Please note: our staff who work on Sundays are in the office Sunday through Thursday.
Rev. Rebecca Chancellor Sicks
Pastor/Acting Head of Staff
About Rebecca
Rev. Rebecca Chancellor Sicks has served Northridge since 2023. She attended Oklahoma State University where she majored in Elementary Education and then went on to Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary where she earned a Master of Divinity. Prior to serving at Northridge, Rebecca has served other Presbyterian congregations in Austin, TX, Portland, OR, Salina, KS, and Dallas, TX.
Rebecca was quickly drawn to the community of faith at Northridge because of their passion for mission, commitment to social justice issues, desire to make a difference in the world, and hospitality to the community. Rebecca is passionate about building community among all ages, including children and youth in the whole life of the church, and learning more every day about loving God and neighbor.
With her husband, James, Rebecca is raising two young children and is committed to being present with and for them in this season of life. A dog named Knox has also
joined the family! Rebecca has a long history of leading camp and conference ministries and enjoys supporting Camp Gilmont in Grace Presbytery. Rebecca serves as Co-
Moderator of the Committee on Preparation for Ministry with the presbytery, serves on an Administrative Commission to help close a church, and volunteers at her children’s school. Rebecca enjoys meeting over a good cup of coffee!
Bert Colter
Pastoral Associate for Care
About Bert
Bert Colter joined Northridge as Pastoral Associate for Care in March 2024. He recently completed a Certificate in Ministry at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Prior to Northridge, Bert was an active member of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church for nearly 40 years, serving in a variety of roles, including as an elder, deacon, and Stephen Minister. A retired airline pilot and instructor, Bert answered his call to ministry later in life and is now part of the Grace Presbytery Commissioned Pastor program. His approach to ministry is shaped by a deep desire to extend grace to others and live out the charge to “love and serve the Lord.” Bert and his wife live in Richardson, and they enjoy spending time with their adult children and new granddaughter, as well as reading, cooking, traveling, and attending the Northridge Men’s Breakfast.
Dr. Bryan Scott Page
Director of Music Ministries
About Bryan
Bryan holds degrees from the University of Montevallo (B.M.), Westminster Choir College (M.S.M.), and Southern Methodist University (D.P.M.). His thesis “Making Old Things New Again: The Northridge Psalter, with Antiphons Based on Lessons from the Revised Common Lectionary” is available to read online. He has been at Northridge since February 2016, directing the Chancel Choir, Chancel Bells, Children’s Choir, One & Done Choir, and the Outdoor Worship Band. Bryan is active in the Hymn Society and Presbyterian Association of Musicians. His compositions are published by Paraclete Press and Triplo Press and has received awards from The American Prize and NATS. Bryan is married to Suzanne, and they have two children, Jack, and Sarah. He loves to read, bake, hike, and quote Seinfeld in most conversations.
Suzanne Haynes
Director of Operations
About Suzanne
Leah Lucas Egure
Director of Faith Formation
About Leah
Leah has been serving at Northridge since October 2024. After earning a degree in Ministry from Hardin-Simmons University, Leah continued her education at Southern Methodist University, where she received a Master of Divinity. Prior to joining Northridge, Leah gained experience in various ministry roles, including serving as a Youth and Young Adult Intern at Wilshire Baptist Church, a Chaplain Resident at Parkland Hospital, and as Executive Director of Together for Hope Louisiana, a non-profit focused on addressing poverty in an underserved community.
What drew Leah to Northridge was the warm and welcoming spirit of the congregation, along with its commitment to making children and youth an integral part of church life. Leah is passionate about fostering a safe space where everyone feels valued and encouraged to explore their faith, particularly focusing on empowering children and youth to ask questions and find their place within the church community.
Outside of ministry, Leah enjoys planning events, reading, and spending quality time with her husband, Alex, and their dog, Cash.
Megan Bret
Camp Northridge Director
About Megan
Megan Bret is our new Director of Camp Northridge for summer 2026, but she’s not new to camp or to Northridge! Megan has been involved with the program since its opening in 2020 and previously served as both a camp teacher and summer manager.
Megan earned her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Oklahoma and holds a Master’s degree in Learning Design, Innovation, and Technology from Harvard University. During the school year, she teaches fifth grade at Greenhill School.
A lifelong member of Northridge Presbyterian Church, Megan deeply values the Church’s welcoming community. She is passionate about sharing Northridge’s core values with the neighborhood and creating meaningful, enriching experiences for children and families. As a ministry of Northridge, she especially loves that camp welcomes families into the building and offers a tangible way to share the Church’s compassionate community with them.
Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her family, walking around White Rock Lake, and playing tennis.
Maria Markevitch
Organist
About Maria
Maria, born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, began playing the pipe organ at nine and has divided her life between the USA and Russia, studying with many excellent teachers. She has won several awards in organ competitions and performed at festivals in the USA, Estonia, and Russia. While studying, she taught at the A. Dargomyzhsky Children’s School of Arts in Moscow and performed with the Belcanto Fund as an organist and pianist. Maria graduated with honors from the Moscow State Conservatory in 2022 and recently earned her Master’s degree under Stefan Engels at SMU, where she is now pursuing a Performance Diploma.
Ignacio Rodriguez
Facilities Coordinator
Tatiana Higdon
Camp Northridge Associate Director
Tibisay Pieters
Nursery Care
Casey Padron
Nursery Care
Thomas Britton, III
Soundboard Operator
NCDC Staff
Our caring, nurturing, and well-qualified teachers encourage learning through a variety of hands-on experiences. In an environment based on play, students will engage in circle time, learning centers, outdoor play, and sensory exploration.
Heather Kolodziej
Director of NCDC
About Heather
Mrs. Kolodziej graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Early Childhood
Education. She taught for seven years, the last five of those as a 2nd grade teacher in Plano ISD. After staying home with her two boys for a few years, Mrs. Kolodziej started working at NCDC in 2015 in the Pre-K 4 class. Her younger son attended NCDC and is now in 8th grade at Hill Middle School. Her older son is in 10th grade at Bryan Adams H.S. Mrs. Kolodziej was hired as the NCDC Director in January 2021. She is heavily involved with PTA at her sons’ school.
Taylor Thompson
Operations and Curriculum Coordinator
About Taylor
Mrs. Thompson graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Education. She taught for ten years in public education before having children. More recently Mrs. Thompson has subbed at NCDC and worked with the Busy Bees class before transitioning to her role as an office manager and curriculum coordinator last year. Her three kids (5th grade, 1st grade, Kinder) and their activities keep her busy and fulfilled but when there is extra time, Mrs. Thompson enjoys playing mahjong, weekend getaways and karaoke.
Michelle Janssen
Busy Bee's (2's) Teacher
About Michelle
Mrs. Janssen graduated from Oklahoma State University with a BA in Journalism and Broadcasting. She minored in Speech Communication. After graduation, she worked in public relations and marketing for 8 years. After staying home with her kids for a few years, she joined our NCDC family. This is Mrs. Janssen’s seventh year at NCDC teaching in the Pre-K 2 classroom. She has two daughters at Ursuline Academy of Dallas. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family, cycling, and skiing.
Angie Woltjen
Busy Bee's (2's) Teacher
About Angie
Mrs. Woltjen graduated from Southern Methodist University with her husband of 30 years. She has 19 years of experience working in the preschool environment. Mrs. Woltjen taught technology to 2.5-5 year olds for seven years. She then served as assistant director at The Children’s Center for ten years. She has two grown children; Julia lives in Chicago and is an Art Therapist and Lucas will pursue a career in the air force as an officer.
Katlin Cutbirth
Friendly Foxes (3's) Teacher
About Katlin
Mrs. Cutbirth grew up in East Texas and earned her degree from East Texas A&M University (formerly Texas A&M University—Commerce). She moved to East Dallas in 2021, where she lives with her husband and daughter. Mrs. Cutbirth has experience teaching children ages 3–6 in both general education and special education settings. Her daughter will be a friendly fox at NCDC this year, and she’s excited for another year at NCDC. Mrs. Cutbirth is looking forward to the journey ahead with her Friendly Foxes and their families!
Jennifer Heckendorn
Friendly Foxes (3's) Teacher
About Jennifer
Mrs. Heckendorn graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a degree in Biology. With over 15 years of experience in early childhood education, she has spent time observing classrooms, mentoring at-risk children, and substitute teaching. Her daughter, Hannah, is a recent graduate of Pitzer College and currently lives in Los Angeles. Her son, Philip, is a junior at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas. Now adjusting to the rhythm of an empty nest, Mrs. Heckendorn enjoys gardening, reading, barre classes, traveling, and her newest hobby—watercolor painting.
Kristin Trojan
Outstanding Owls (4's) Teacher
About Kristin
Mrs. Trojan holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech Pathology from the University of Texas at Austin. Mrs. Trojan taught preschool for eleven years at White Rock North School, working with the 3-year-old and the pre-k class. This is Mrs. Trojan’s 14th year at NCDC where she has worked in the Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 classes. Mrs. Trojan and her husband Jerry have two daughers, Erin who recently graduated from the University of North Texas, and Kate who is a sophomore at University of New Mexico. She is an active member of First Presbyterian Church and loves spending time as an empty nester, traveling with her husband and two dogs.
Outstanding Owls (4's) Teacher
Dawn Levy
About Dawn
Ms. Levy graduated from UT Austin with History and Education degrees. She also
earned a Master of Education from SMU. Ms. Levy spent nine years as an elementary teacher and 17 years in reading and early childhood research and evaluation. Now that her two sons having graduated UT Austin and joined the adult workforce, Ms. Levy is excited to teach and observe young learners again as they
learn and grow and play. In her spare time, Ms. Levy travels, hikes and gets outside to work in the yard as much as possible. Reading, cooking and learning new crafts are also hobbies that Ms. Levy loves.
Celina Torres
Friendly Foxes (3's) Teacher Assistant
About Celina
Mrs. Torres has been working with children for 14 years. She worked as a lead teacher at a private preschool for 4. She was a Behavioral therapist for some time. Mrs. Torres is currently a part time nanny and has been a nanny for many amazing children. Mrs. Torres grew up in Lewisville tx. enjoys being cozy at home with her husband, cat and dog. She spends her free time going to local events and crafting. Mrs. Torres is very excited to spend her 2nd year at NCDC and meet our new friendly foxes.
Katherine Harmon
Friendly Foxes (3's) Teacher Assistant
About Katherine
Mrs. Harmon grew up in Louisiana and holds a BA in psychology from Duke and a law degree from UT Austin. After leaving the law and raising her son and daughter (now 21 and 22) through Lakewood Elementary and beyond, volunteering in their schools and the community all the while, Ms. Harmon worked as a certified Teachstone classroom observer/evaluator (preK – 2nd) with SMU’s Center on Research and Evaluation. She enjoys her work as a volunteer at the Dallas Zoo, and living the empty-nester life with her husband Rick. She is very excited to return for her 2nd year at NCDC and can’t wait to know and love the newest Friendly Foxes–and all of the other students–this year!
Stephanie Wachsman
Busy Bees (2's) Teacher Assistant
About Stephanie
Mrs. Wachsman worked as a licensed cosmetologist for 5 years before dedicating 18 years to being a stay-at- home mom. This will be her second year with the Busy Bees. She has three children. Her daughter, Sydney, is an optometry technician; son, Dylan is perusing a degree in agribusiness at Tarleton State University; and youngest son, Case, is a Sophomore at Jesuit. In her free time she enjoys refinishing furniture and working on home improvement projects.
Martha Weiser
Busy Bees (2's) Teacher Assistant
About Martha
Mrs. Wieser graduated from University of Virginia with a degree in psychology. She spent more than 10 years teaching PreK and 2nd grade at Parish Episcopal School and Hockaday. She left the classroom to raise her own children, and obtained her masters of education from SMU with an emphasis in dyslexia. She began subbing at NCDC three years ago and is excited for her 2nd year as an assistant with the Busy Bees on Tuesdays this year. Outside of school, beyond spending time with her husband, sophomore son at Jesuit, and seventh grade daughter at Saint Thomas, she enjoys working out, reading, and dreaming of the next trip.
Lesslie York
Busy Bees (2's) Teacher Assistant
About Lesslie
Mrs. York grew up in Fort Worth and has a merchandising degree from Texas Christian University. She taught Pre-K 3 for eight years at The Children’s Center. This will be her fourth year at NCDC. She recently celebrated her 32nd wedding anniversary with her husband David. She has two grown daughters. Haley graduated from Texas A&M with a marketing degree and got married in May 2024. Emily attended Texas Tech and is currently working in the hospitality industry for Hyatt. In her free time she enjoys doing yoga.
Nicole McIntire
Outstanding Owls (4's) Teacher Assistant
About Nicole
This will be Mrs. McIntire’s fifth year at NCDC. After staying home with her children for several years, she began subbing and discovered a love of working with preschool students. Mrs. McIntire has three children. She has two sons, one recent grad of Bryan Adams High School and her younger son is a sophomore at Bryan Adams. She also has a daughter who attends seventh grade at Hill Middle School. In her free time, she enjoys reading and gardening.
Jody Cargill
Outstanding Owls (4's) Teacher Assistant
About Jody
Ms. Cargill graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing. She worked in the mortgage industry for several years before staying home with her daughter. She has always had an interest in Education and helping children grow. She was a volunteer teacher for Literacy Achieves for 5 years before becoming the Program Manager at the ELM campus. She enjoys going to OSU football games, loves to travel and read and has started gardening this summer.
Abby Munn
Teacher Assistant
About Abby
Ms. Abby loves being a teacher’s assistant at NCDC. This is her fourth year helping in the classrooms. She attends Northridge Presbyterian Church. She is a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. She loves children and is happy to be here helping two days a week! She loves traveling with her family and spending time with her nieces and nephews. She is also a very active member of the church.
Ruling Elders
Presbyterians distinguish themselves from other Christian denominations through our representative form of government, where officers are elected from within the church’s membership. Our Ruling Elders support the congregation as spiritual leaders, answering the question “Who is God calling Northridge to become?”
Rev. Rebecca Chancellor Sicks
Moderator of Session
Bill Swart
Clerk of Session
Cindy George
Treasurer
Laurie Bret
NCDC Board Chair
Jennifer Bridges
Human Resources
Mike Buchanan
Human Resources Chair
Laura Coomber
Engagement & Connection Chair
Bessie Fox
Faith Formation Chair
Ben Jackson
Administration
Jim Marshall
Property
Jordan Meyer
Mission Chair
Melinda Nelson
Faith Formation
Stephanie Peck
Mission
Barbara Rader
Worship
Monty Watson
Administration Chair
Board of Deacons
Presbyterians distinguish themselves from other Christian denominations through our representative form of government, where officers are elected from within the church’s membership. Our Board of Deacons is the caring heart of Northridge, and, with deep compassion, they share the love of Jesus Christ to our church members and community.
Debbie Ezell
Co-Moderator, Deacon
Rebecca Rooney
Co-Moderator, Deacon
Sherri Alexander
Deacon
Kathleen Arthur
Deacon
Jacob Blair
Deacon
Ruth Johnson
Deacon
Abby Munn
Deacon
Aileen Pendleton
Deacon
Sara Wahl
Deacon
