Rev. Dr. E Chris Curvin
Senior Pastor
A native of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, Dr. Curvin, or “Chris” as he is called by his church members, graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a B.S. degree in Psychology and Sociology. His graduate and post-graduate studies were completed through Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.
Before his call to Northwood he served churches in Edinburgh, Scotland, Alabama and then two churches in Florida - the First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg and Church of the Palms in Sarasota. While at Church of the Palms he developed two contemporary worship services and served as the Steering Pastor of the new church development in Lakewood Ranch now known as the Peace Presbyterian Church. He has participated in and/or led mission /study trips in the US and to Russia, Jamaica, Mexico, Honduras and the Holy Land.
Before his call to Northwood he served churches in Edinburgh, Scotland, Alabama and then two churches in Florida - the First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg and Church of the Palms in Sarasota. While at Church of the Palms he developed two contemporary worship services and served as the Steering Pastor of the new church development in Lakewood Ranch now known as the Peace Presbyterian Church. He has participated in and/or led mission /study trips in the US and to Russia, Jamaica, Mexico, Honduras and the Holy Land.
He has served as a member of numerous committees and councils of the Presbyterian Church (USA) such as the Presbytery Council of Tampa Bay Presbytery and the Council of Peace River Presbytery, as well as, the Council of the Synod of Living Waters. While serving as a pastor in Scotland he also served as a (PCUSA) delegate to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and the Congregational Union of Scotland (CUS).
Chris has served as the Senior Pastor of Northwood Presbyterian Church since November 1, 2005 and will celebrate 10 years of ministry at Northwood on November 1, 2015. He was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament on June 15, 1986.
He is married to Joyce Kenfield, an artist and visual designer and they have been married for over 20 years. They have two sons, Will, a student at Florida State University, and Ben, a student at Tarpon Springs High School. His interests are his family, walking, reading, sports and fishing, (but fishing only in calm waters!)
His beliefs are centered upon the teachings of Holy Scripture, as they are understood in the Reformed tradition. He believes the Bible contains the voice and revelation of God to us and that these teachings give us a guide for developing our faith and living our lives.
Chris has served as the Senior Pastor of Northwood Presbyterian Church since November 1, 2005 and will celebrate 10 years of ministry at Northwood on November 1, 2015. He was ordained as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament on June 15, 1986.
He is married to Joyce Kenfield, an artist and visual designer and they have been married for over 20 years. They have two sons, Will, a student at Florida State University, and Ben, a student at Tarpon Springs High School. His interests are his family, walking, reading, sports and fishing, (but fishing only in calm waters!)
His beliefs are centered upon the teachings of Holy Scripture, as they are understood in the Reformed tradition. He believes the Bible contains the voice and revelation of God to us and that these teachings give us a guide for developing our faith and living our lives.
Rev. Dr. Paul Means
Associate Pastor
A native Oklahoman, Paul grew up living on Tulsa time. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a B.S. degree in Business Administration. After graduation, he worked in the field of accounting, and then after earning an Associate Degree in Business Computer Programming from Tulsa Community College, he worked eleven years as a programmer analyst in Dallas, Texas.
On January 1, 1995, after church, an elder encouraged Paul to consider whether God might be calling him to become a Minister of Word and Sacrament. Nine months later, he and his family moved to Austin, Texas where he began his Master of Divinity studies at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. After graduating from APTS, he was ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament in July, 1998. Prior to his call to Northwood, he served churches in Mississippi and Tennessee. While serving these churches, he continued his theological education, receiving a Doctor of Ministry degree with a focus on Christian spirituality from Fuller Theological Seminary. During this time and while at Northwood, he has been involved in mission/study trips in the US and to Honduras, Mexico, Kenya and the Holy Land.
Paul has served as the Associate Pastor for Mission and Pastoral Care of Northwood Presbyterian Church since February, 2009. During July, 2015, he had the opportunity to go on a sabbatical centered around the theme, “Celebrating God in the Beauty, Majesty and Wildness of God’s Creation.” This amazing sabbatical experience included travel, photography and hiking in Glacier National Park, the Canadian Rockies and the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
He is married to Pam, a social worker. They have been married for over 25 years and are thankful for their two young adult sons. Interests and activities which bring joy and nourish his faith and refresh his spirit are time with family, photography, exercise, reading and movies.
On January 1, 1995, after church, an elder encouraged Paul to consider whether God might be calling him to become a Minister of Word and Sacrament. Nine months later, he and his family moved to Austin, Texas where he began his Master of Divinity studies at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. After graduating from APTS, he was ordained as Minister of Word and Sacrament in July, 1998. Prior to his call to Northwood, he served churches in Mississippi and Tennessee. While serving these churches, he continued his theological education, receiving a Doctor of Ministry degree with a focus on Christian spirituality from Fuller Theological Seminary. During this time and while at Northwood, he has been involved in mission/study trips in the US and to Honduras, Mexico, Kenya and the Holy Land.
Paul has served as the Associate Pastor for Mission and Pastoral Care of Northwood Presbyterian Church since February, 2009. During July, 2015, he had the opportunity to go on a sabbatical centered around the theme, “Celebrating God in the Beauty, Majesty and Wildness of God’s Creation.” This amazing sabbatical experience included travel, photography and hiking in Glacier National Park, the Canadian Rockies and the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
He is married to Pam, a social worker. They have been married for over 25 years and are thankful for their two young adult sons. Interests and activities which bring joy and nourish his faith and refresh his spirit are time with family, photography, exercise, reading and movies.
Stephanie Carson
Director of Traditional Music
Stephanie received a BA in vocal performance from Lebanon Valley College in Annville, PA with a minor in piano. After a year working towards a Masters in Church Music at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ, she went on the road with her band as lead vocalist playing in clubs, casinos, parks and fairs, including many corporate engagements. As God was preparing her for her current job as Director of Music at Northwood, she feels equally comfortable with both classical and pop music which serves both traditional and contemporary services.
Stephanie also received certification in the pre-K Musikgarten curriculum and studied conducting at USF in the masters program. She became part-time children’s music director in 1996 and full time Director of Music in 2000. She currently directs the Chancel Choir, Voices In Praise contemporary service band, 2 adult handbell groups (intermediate and advanced), 3 children's choirs and the children’s handbell/Orff ensemble. (Youth choir and bells are directed by Tom Huffman). She has two grown children and lives in Clearwater.
Stephanie also received certification in the pre-K Musikgarten curriculum and studied conducting at USF in the masters program. She became part-time children’s music director in 1996 and full time Director of Music in 2000. She currently directs the Chancel Choir, Voices In Praise contemporary service band, 2 adult handbell groups (intermediate and advanced), 3 children's choirs and the children’s handbell/Orff ensemble. (Youth choir and bells are directed by Tom Huffman). She has two grown children and lives in Clearwater.
Taryn Lumia
Director of Contemporary Music
Greetings, Northwood! My name is Taryn Lumia and I’m looking forward to coming on board as your new Director of Contemporary Worship! A little about me, I am a longtime resident of the Tampa Bay Area who holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Music Performance. With nearly 25 years of experience in music ministry, I am honored to have spent the past wonderful thirteen years as a church music director at Tims Memorial Presbyterian Church (Lutz Community Church) in Lutz and currently St. John Vianney Catholic Church and School in St. Pete Beach, where I also teach music and drama and direct musical theatre productions for middle school! In addition to teaching and music ministry, I recently directed the music for a full production of Beauty and the Beast at the Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center, where I enjoyed playing the role of Belle! Other community performances include performing the role of Maria in The Sound of Music with Tarpon Arts, singing the National Anthem for the Tampa Bay Rays, the Lightening and the International Softball Federation, and performing in opera productions with St. Pete Opera and USF Opera. I have enjoyed singing with the USF Chamber Singers, The Florida Orchestra and with the Florida Pro Musica chamber choir, as well as giving pop and country music concerts at the Florida Strawberry Festival and local church carnivals! My husband Chris and I have two sweet little girls, Carley (6) and Cami (3), and we have enjoyed coming to Northwood together as a family in the past since moving to Clearwater in 2013! I am excited that God has called me to serve and worship with you all, and look forward to getting to know the Northwood family better and to spreading God’s amazing messages through music with you!
David Furr
Organist
David is a native of North Carolina, where he began private lessons in piano performance at the age of five. He later studied the organ and started to accompany services
at his home church in middle school. David has served several congregations as organist on a substitute or permanent part time basis, having recently completed a fifteen year span with a church in Charlotte. He also accompanied choral groups and small ensembles and was active in the local arts community.
at his home church in middle school. David has served several congregations as organist on a substitute or permanent part time basis, having recently completed a fifteen year span with a church in Charlotte. He also accompanied choral groups and small ensembles and was active in the local arts community.
In addition to musical interests, David is an accountant, and was brought to the area by a role with a local CPA firm. He received his B.S and Masters of Accountancy from UNC Charlotte. David enjoys finding solutions for people with tax or financial consulting needs.
David is eager to be a part of the worshiping community at Northwood Presbyterian Church, and prays that his efforts will enhance the music ministry in many ways, fresh and familiar.
Director of Youth and Family Ministries
In Transition
Director of children's ministry
Hello! My name is Jennifer McManus and I am thrilled to serve Northwood as the Director of Children’s Ministry. I am also currently the Assistant Director for Northwood Childcare. How did I get here? Well…having always loved working with children in various camp and babysitting jobs, I started my college career as an Elementary Ed Major. But, after a lackluster performance in my Math for Elementary Teachers course, I abruptly switched gears and received my Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Sociology from the State University of New York at New Paltz. Following my parents’ move to Florida, I relocated to Oldsmar in August 2001. I then received my Paralegal Certificate in December 2004 and worked for many years negotiating contracts for the government, health insurance and Big Pharma. Although successful in my corporate career, I did not feel as though I was serving my community in the manner I was meant to.
My husband and I were often visitors of Northwood, attending with my parents Ken and Linda Andreassen. After my father passed in June 2022, my husband and I became official members of Northwood. We wanted to offer our support back to the church that had done so much for our family.
Tapping back into my initial passion for working with children, I joined Northwood Childcare in July 2023, providing before and after school care for children in VPK through 5th grade. And, in November 2023, I began serving as the Acting Director of Childrens’ Ministry.
Northwood has provided such a welcoming environment for me to worship and be a part of a strong church community. Each day, I gain a deeper sense of purpose and strive to continue growing within the church and our programs. I believe that the service I am providing to our community through Northwood is vital for the success of our children and their families and I am so grateful to be here.
Emily Cantin
Director of Communications
Emily joined the Northwood staff in the fall of 2018 as the Director of Communications. She feels blessed to be able to serve with such a caring and supportive community.
She graduated in May of 2002 from the University of Tampa where she received her Bachelor's degree in Music Education. She taught elementary music for a few years before starting a family. She is the wife to Steve, a very supportive and loving husband and the mother of three children. They are all active in music, sports, and in the life of Northwood. Emily enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, and walking the causeway.
In joining the Church in 2015, Emily has kept herself busy around Northwood. She is in the Chancel Choir, Jubilation Handbell Choir and sings with Voices in Praise. Northwood is her home and the people here are her family. She feels so thankful to be surrounded by such loving and God centered people where she can build on her love and faith in Christ.
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She graduated in May of 2002 from the University of Tampa where she received her Bachelor's degree in Music Education. She taught elementary music for a few years before starting a family. She is the wife to Steve, a very supportive and loving husband and the mother of three children. They are all active in music, sports, and in the life of Northwood. Emily enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, and walking the causeway.
In joining the Church in 2015, Emily has kept herself busy around Northwood. She is in the Chancel Choir, Jubilation Handbell Choir and sings with Voices in Praise. Northwood is her home and the people here are her family. She feels so thankful to be surrounded by such loving and God centered people where she can build on her love and faith in Christ.
Email: