Our Staff & Leaders


Our Pastors

Pastor Jeff Nelson

Pastor Jeff Nelson

Pastor Jeff grew up in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. He has his Bachelors Degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire and his Masters in Divinity from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. Jeff and his wife, Bridget…..

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Associate Pastor Jennifer Tripoli

Associate Pastor Jennifer Tripoli

Jennifer Tripoli is our Executive Associate Pastor. She is a lifelong member who was baptized here in 1973 and married here in 1997. Jennifer joined us on staff in 2017 after years of volunteer work in various capacities. In January 2022, Jennifer was appointed

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Associate Pastor Bridget Nelson

Associate Pastor Bridget Nelson

Bridget is our Associate Pastor of Programs. Bridget Nelson works with a great team of staff and volunteers to offer a wide range of programming to the children, youth, and families at Royal Oak First. From nursery care to high school Youth Group,

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Governing Board

The Compass Team

The Compass Team

The Compass Team champions the vision, mission and core values of Royal Oak First; cares for and improves the effectiveness of our pastors and staff; and directs the organization in compliance within our legal and regulatory environment.

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Administrative Staff

Operations ManagerKaren Calhoun

Operations Manager
Karen Calhoun

Karen has been a member at Royal Oak First since 2006 and joined the staff as Operations Manager in September of 2018.  Along the way, Karen led “Parents’ Night Out” and “Career Ministry”, taught Sunday School (eventually becoming Superintendent), and

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Communications DirectorLee Trumbull

Communications Director
Lee Trumbull

Lee joined the staff in June of 2021. A proud graduate of Wayne State University and a lifelong seeker of wisdom, she is excited to be a part of Royal Oak First’s mission! Lee is married and is the exasperated mother to six cats. She enjoys movies, music, reading and TV.

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Worship and Arts Staff

Worship and Music DirectorMichael Rosas

Worship and Music Director
Michael Rosas

Michael R. Rosas grew up in a musical home and began church music ministry at a very young age and has been in ministry for over 30 years. He has vast experience as a church musician, music composer and arranger, educator, preacher, and pastoral care minister.

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Program Staff

Children’s Music CoordinatorMeagan Grammatico

Children’s Music Coordinator
Meagan Grammatico

Meagan Grammatico, MT-BC is an Elementary Music Teacher and Music Therapist in Ferndale Public Schools. She received her music education degree from Western Michigan University and her music therapy certification at St. Mary of the Woods College.

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Missions CoordinatorKarla Goetz

Missions Coordinator
Karla Goetz

Karla Goetz settled in Royal Oak in 2010, and in 2016 found a church home at Royal Oak First. Her family was drawn to Royal Oak First because of its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere and focus on service. Karla has spent the past 12 years as a stay at home parent

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Sunday School CoordinatorChristine Ryckman

Sunday School Coordinator
Christine Ryckman

Christine creates an amazing experience on our second floor for kids Pre-K – 8th grade to grow in their faith on Sunday mornings. Using the Rotation Sunday School model, our kids learn Bible stories

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Building Staff