Meet Our Staff
Beth Utley
Pastor
I grew up in central Arkansas and has live in Oklahoma, Texas, Nebraska, and North Carolina before landing in the Poconos. I was an educator in public and private schools, colleges, and the Presbyterian church.
I have degrees in drama and communication and, of course, a MDiv. I enjoy my four adult children and my four grandchildren (And yes, it is way more fun to be a grandmother!)
The institutional church is nothing like you see on TV. It offers a unique kind of intergenerational community that serves each other in ways that other kinds of community doesn’t. It is a place to question and celebrate our faith, to be challenged to live for others, and to grow through challenges.
Churches are never perfect, all different, and this one is committed to the radically inclusive love that Jesus practiced.
I love the Presbyterian church for its understanding of who God is and the organizational structure that provides shared power, accountability and transparency. I also love that we can disagree with our denomination and there is still a place for us in the community.
Having conversations with folks about faith, questions, lack of faith, or any other understanding of God is a great pleasure. Come and visit us and help us make this the kind of community that can help change the world.
Dee (Donna) Conklin
Administrative Assistant
Dee (Donna) Conklin began as our Administrative Assistant in 2021. She retired from East Stroudsburg School District after 31 ½ years of service. She earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from ESU and her M. Ed in Educational Leadership/Principal's Certificate from Wilkes. Teaching taught her time management, the value of being detail oriented and organized while giving her a deep love of people, computers and technology. Her father and Nana led her to a deep understanding of and passion for the Lord. She is the adoring mother of two boys and adoring mother-in-law to two daughters-in-law. She is a loving, doting Nana to four grandsons.
Donna Anglemeyer
Financial Secretary
Donna Anglemyer is our financial secretary. Donna is a lifelong resident of Monroe County who spent many years in finance. She and her husband Richard, married for 35 years, are the proud parents of two adult children and recently became grandparents.
Michael Capone
Organist
Michael began serving as organist at First Presbyterian in 2002. He is a graduate of West Chester University with a major in music and concentration in organ performance and also holds a masters degree from the University of Scranton. He has previously served other churches as both director of music and organist. He is now retired from the Pocono Mountain School district where he was a choral director for 35 years. He and his wife Linda have been married for 46 years and are proud parents of two adult children and six grandchildren. He moonlights as the Phantom of the Opera on our organ at Halloween.
Patricia thor Straten-Mohr
Director of Music
Pat has directed the music ministry at First Presbyterian since 2005. Pat is an accomplished soprano soloist who has performed throughout Northeastern and Central PA. Her greatest achievements are a collection of 65 pair of Dansko shoes and her husband, Dave.