OUR LEADERS:

Miriam Matteson, choir director, has been a church musician most of her life. The daughter of two pastors, she has been a singer, director, and accompanist in churches in Ohio, Maryland, and Caracas, Venezuela.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in French horn from Indiana University and has also studied piano, organ, and voice. She also has a Master’s degree in Library Science from Indiana University and a PhD in Library Science from the University of Maryland and by day she is an assistant professor at Kent State University School of Library and Information Science in their Columbus program.

Hector Garcia, is the organist at Highlands. Originally from Venezuela, he holds a Master’s degree in piano from Indiana University.  Prior to moving to the United States, he was the organist at the United Christian Church in Caracas, Venezuela. Most recently, Hector performed a series of concerts at Highlands featuring twelve Beethoven sonatas. Selections from those recitals can be found here. Miriam and Hector have two children, both future choir members.

The Rev. Ronald Botts

Linda Krumm, our secretary.

           I first started attending church when I was two weeks old-that is the only amount of time the small church in Kentucky could manage without their piano player-my mother. I have spent most of my life in churches.  I have been blessed to participate in many church related activities.  I have taught Sunday school, directed Vacation Bible School, sung in the choir, directed a children’s bell choir, chaired the Christian Education Commission-the list is long.

           I grew up as one of six children in a busy United Methodist pastor’s home.  When my dad served a charge in southern Ohio-we went to Vacation Bible School four weeks in a row!  We lived in several small towns in Ohio, and I was married when our father was appointed to Trinity United Methodist Church here in Columbus.

           I attended the Ohio State University and Otterbein College.  I spent the majority of my professional life as a church preschool administrator and as a teacher, and now am happy to be serving Highlands as its secretary.

           I am married to Charlie-who works as an Inventory Manager for Yenkin Majestic Paints.  We have two grown children, and six grandchildren.  We are members of Linworth United Methodist Church.

Nola Taracko, our Children's Educator.  I am a lifelong member of Broad Street Presbyterian Church, which means that I was baptized there when I was six weeks old.  Children have always been my passion.  From youth leader, Sunday school teacher, "rocking grandma" in the nursery, Columbus Reads volunteer, and Children's Music Director, I've been most fulfilled when children/youth are involved.   After almost 30 years as Children's Music Director at Broad Street, I was lost.  I prayed about what I should do.  I was found....by Pastor Judy and you.  I am blessed to be a part of your family and look forward to growing together as we do God's work.  I live in Delaware with my husband John.  We have three adult children and six wonderful grandchildren.