John Lentz Headshot

Rev. Dr. John C. Lentz Jr., M.Div., Ph.D.

Pastor

216-321-2660 ext 201

Although John Lentz grew up in the Washington, DC, area, he became familiar with Ohio when he attended Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, where he graduated with a degree in history. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Yale University Divinity School. His educational journey then took him to Scotland where he entered the Divinity School of the University of Edinburgh and attained his Ph.D. While there, he met and married his wife Deanne, a native of Minnesota. Upon returning to the U.S., John served as co-pastor at a church in Winchester, Virginia, for five years before being called in 1994 as senior pastor to Forest Hill Church. John and Deanne reside in Cleveland Heights and raised their three now-adult children in the Cleveland

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Dr. QinYing Tan Headshot

Qin Ying Tan, Ph.D.

Director of Music/Organist

216-321-2660 ext 208

As our Director of Music, Dr. Qin “Ying” Tan has endeared us with her vast expertise in the areas of music history, direction, keyboard technique, and church-music repertoire - whether classical, gospel, or contemporary. She finds ways to engage all kinds of talent in honoring the intent of each piece sung by the Chancel Choir or played by the Voices in Bronze bell choir. Ying has been lauded by Cleveland Classical as "an excellent soloist” and a “compelling performer.” Her particular harpsichord expertise, highly praised in her home country of Singapore, has led her to be a part of the Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music faculty as their instructor in harpsichord study. Though a “transplant,” Ying is deeply in love with culturally and racially diverse

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Amy Wheatley Headshot

Amy Wheatley, Ph.D.

Director of Family, Youth, and Children

216-321-2660 ext 206

Amy says that she "fell into" ministry when she began coordinating the Sunday School program at First United Methodist Church in downtown Cleveland, where her family belonged. She soon realized that this work was a natural fit for her experience in education, her enthusiasm for creating engaging learning opportunities, and her commitment to social justice and community building. Amy served as Director of Education at First Church Cleveland, and then University Circle United Methodist Church, for over a decade. She also worked at Old Stone Church in Cleveland to help that congregation build a children’s program. Amy was drawn to Forest Hill Church by the opportunity to nurture children, youth, and families in a diverse, inclusive, progressive family of faith. A native of Cleveland, Amy

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Carol Wedell Headshot

Rev. Carol Wedell, M.Div.

Parish Associate

Born and raised near Seattle, WA, Carol earned a BA in Music from Whitworth College in Spokane before attending Princeton Theological Seminary. Following her graduation in 1982 and a year of hospital chaplaincy training, Carol accepted a call to be the first clergywoman to join the five pastors of First Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne, IN (a church of 1,800 members). In 2000, Carol assumed a half-time role at Fairmount Presbyterian in Cleveland Hts., and in 2005 was called to be pastor of Church of the Western Reserve located in Pepper Pike, where she served until 2011. Now officially retired, she is glad to formalize her role as Parish Associate at Forest Hill Church, which she and her husband, Mark, have attended since 2013. They

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Antionette Richards Headshot

Antoinette Richardson, B.A.

Manager of Communications

216-321-2660 ext 202
Antoinette Richardson, a resident of Cleveland Heights and graduate of Cleveland Heights High School, is a dedicated professional who has been serving as the Communications Manager at Forest Hill Church since 2019. With her passion for effective communication and unwavering commitment to the church's mission, she plays a vital role in spreading love, faith, and community to our congregation and beyond.   Antoinette holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Kent State University, which has provided her with a solid foundation in effective communication strategies and techniques. She continuously seeks opportunities for growth and stays current with the latest trends in digital communication, leveraging new technologies to expand the reach of our church's message.
Laura Schultz Headshot

Laura Schultz, M.L.I.S.

Church Administrator

216-321-2660 ext 200
As the Church Administrator, Laura has numerous duties from managing the church membership database; greeting church visitors and answering phones, fulfilling routine office responsibilities and administrative tasks; training, supervising and coordinating the work of office volunteers; and supporting the pastor with his schedule. Laura lives in Solon with her husband David and their four children. Her background is in Art & Technology and Library Science. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the piano, knitting, and crafts of all kinds.
Ann Donkin Headshot

Ann Donkin, M.Sc.

Building Manager

216-321-2660 ext 214
As Building Manager, Ann provides oversight for the interior and exterior church structure including grounds, signage, security, and building systems such as electrical, plumbing, and heating and cooling. She supervises our custodial staff and works closely with Staff and FHC Trustees to manage building and grounds expenses, code requirements, major maintenance and repairs, and contractor compliance with Trustee policies regarding fair pricing and minority representation. Ann received her Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering Technology with honors from the University of Akron and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation Concentration from Cleveland State University. She joined the FHC staff in 2017. Ann lives with her partner, Kim, in Cleveland Heights. Together they enjoy dancing, camping, gardening, and riding their electric bikes.
Michael Broadwater Headshot

Michael Broadwater

Event/Tech Custodian

216-217-5257
Michael is a resident of Cleveland and a father and grandfather with a passion for computers. Michael joined the custodial staff at Forest Hill in fall 2005. On Sundays, he sets up furniture and equipment needed for worship, fellowship hour, adult classes, meetings, and special events. He responds to various needs during programs and then takes down furniture following the activities. Throughout the week, Michael is frequently scheduled to be available for meetings and special programs. His knowledge of computers, presentation software and audio-visual equipment combined with his cheerful willingness to help people, make him a sought-after staff member when technical problems arise.
Anthony Bland Headshot

Anthony Bland

Custodian

216-217-5257
Anthony has been on the church’s custodial staff for twenty years. A member of the evening staff, members can encounter Anthony’s smiling and helpful manner whenever they are in the building for leadership meetings or other functions.  A resident of Maple Heights, Anthony is employed full time in Cleveland’s Division of Water. He is a loving father with a son in the Cleveland area and a daughter and grandchild in Atlanta.
Lisa Richardson Headshot

Lisa Richardson

Custodian

216-217-5257

Lisa Richardson is a dedicated individual with a strong connection to the Cleveland Heights community. Currently residing in Cleveland Heights and an alumnus of the local schools, Lisa has deep roots in the area and a genuine love for her hometown. With an impressive 35 years of cleaning experience, Lisa brings a wealth of expertise and a keen eye for detail to her work. She currently serves in the Cleveland Public Schools, where she not only ensures cleanliness and hygiene but also shares her passion for working with children. Lisa's involvement in the Cleveland Heights community extends beyond her work in the schools. She is an active member and worker of the Cleveland Heights Community Center, and among her favorite places in Cleveland Heights is

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