Staff
Shane Valenstein
Lead Pastor
Shane started working in ministry when he was 19 years old as a youth pastor. He has a passion and desire to see people engaging in an active relationship with Jesus Christ. He leads the church by getting himself out of the way and seeking out God’s will. Shane has grown up in Baltimore all his life and has been married to his wife Lauren since 2013. They are the proud parents of Camden, Russell, and Charlie. Shane loves being active, playing sports, smoking BBQ, and spending time with people.
Nicole Kessler
Executive Pastor
Nicole was born and raised in Baltimore, MD. She has been ordained in the Church of the Nazarene since 2014, though she has been serving in ministry since she was 18 years old. Nicole has been married to her awesome husband, Dan, since 2010. They have three children; two daughters, Payton and Isla, and a son, Emmett. Nicole and her family have been at City on a Hill since January of 2020. Her favorite parts of ministry include building relationships, watching people grow closer to Christ, and sharing the Word of God. She loves coffee, going to the movies, and good food.
nicole.kessler@cityonahillmd.org
Allison Andres
Children's Director
I have loved being a part of and serving in Hill Kids since my husband and I started attending City on Hill. I am passionate about helping kids learn about Jesus and supporting families in any way that I can. I have been married to my wonderful husband, Jeremy, since 2017 and we have one wonderful daughter, River. I am so excited to see what God has in store for the families at City on a Hill! I absolutely love a good cup of coffee paired with a good book, and spending time with my family!
Tara Anderson
Pastor of Care and Outreach
Tara received her first District License with the Church of the Nazarene in April of 2022 after answering her call to ministry in 2014. As her call deepened, her heart was broken for the most vulnerable in our work; the fatherless, marginalized, suffering - those that our world often casts aside. She has been married to her amazing husband, Chuck, since 2001 and together they have raised seven children: Matt, Ariana, Will, Liam, Gabi, Kat, and Vanessa. She loves family time and loving on the people around her and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Divinity on a path to ordination in the Nazarene Church.
chuck-tara.anderson1@verizon.net
Abby King
Youth Pastor
Abby is from Laurel, MD just down the road from our church home in Savage. She is passionate about ministry and the way she leads is by surrendering all to Jesus and being led by His voice. It is all about Christ and him doing what only he can do. Abby has been working with teens in youth ministry since 2015. She has a heart for seeing their lives transformed through Christ. A few other things that she loves are music, family and friends, fresh flowers, and tattoos. She has been volunteering with the youth group at City On A Hill since December of 2022 and is thankful to now hold the position of youth pastor.
Ministry Leaders
Anthony Stoute
Worship & Tech Leader
Anthony started in worship ministry as a youth worship leader in 2014. He has a passion for leading people to Christ through music and relationships. He serves as the worship leader at City On A Hill and helps oversee sound, lighting and technology. He has been married to his high school sweetheart, Olivia, since July 2016. In his free time he enjoys restoring his 1967 Mustang, fixing computers and singing random songs throughout the day.