Rusty Richards
Lead Pastor
Rusty joined the RiverTree Lake staff in August 2023 and brings a deep passion for leading others to know and follow Jesus. His favorite part of being a pastor is having a front row seat to life transformation, watching God change hearts, restore lives, and call people into purpose.
He counts it a joy to be on Team Jesus and Team RiverTree, serving alongside a church family committed to making disciples one person, one family, and one neighborhood at a time. Rusty also loves preaching God's Word and sharing the hope of the Gospel with everyone who walks through our doors.
One of Rusty’s favorite Bible verses is Romans 1:16 (NLT): "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes…"
At home, Rusty is a proud husband and dad. He and his wife, Amanda, have three kids: daughters Jensen and Easten, and son Owen. Their home is also full of furry friends, including their dogs Petey and Teddie, and their cat Smokey.
Whether he’s spending time with his family, exercising, or diving into a good book, Rusty is always up for a laugh and a conversation about what God is doing in people’s lives.
Gracie Ledford
Student Director | Grades 6 -12
Gracie joined the RiverTree Lake staff in August 2024.
Her favorite part of the job is spending time with the students and walking alongside them as they grow in their faith. She loves seeing how God moves in their lives and enjoys helping them discover their purpose in Christ.
One of Gracie’s favorite Bible verses is John 11:35 (NLT): “Jesus wept.”
Gracie and her husband, Brennan Ledford, share their home with their dog, Kylo.
Fun fact: Gracie owns and operates a soda truck called First Sip, traveling around and making fun drinks for people to enjoy.
Joel Szymanski
Kids Director | Birth - 5th Grade
Joel joined the RiverTree Lake staff in July 2025 and brings a heart for building relationships with families and helping kids experience the love of Jesus.
His favorite part of the job is meeting new families and spending time with the children in prayer, worship, service, and laughter. Joel is passionate about creating a space where kids feel seen, safe, and excited to grow in their faith.
One of Joel’s favorite Bible verses is Romans 5:8 (NLT): “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Joel and his wife, Lindsey, have two kids, Micah and Jette.
Fun fact: Joel plays the ukulele!
Athena Schlabach
Operations & Communications Director
Athena joined the RiverTree Lake staff in September 2023.
She loves the variety her role brings, from working on new projects each week to supporting Sunday mornings behind the scenes. Whether she is designing, planning, or communicating, her greatest joy is pointing people to Jesus and helping them experience His love in real, meaningful ways.
One of her favorite Bible verses is John 14:27 (NLT): "I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."
Athena is married to Alex and they have a mini Bernedoodle named Remy.
Fun fact: Her favorite season is fall, and she loves reading a good book on a rainy day with a candle lit nearby.
Jessica Puff
Interim Kids Director
Jessica joined the RiverTree Lake team in May 2025 and loves being part of a team that laughs, serves, and shares Jesus together.
Her favorite part of the job is connecting with people and sharing the gospel whenever she can.
One of her favorite verses is Luke 12:27–28 (NLT): "Look at the lilies and how they grow... And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers... he will certainly care for you."
Jessica and her husband, Chris, have two daughters, Athena and Annabelle, and a son-in-law, Alex. Their animal-loving family includes two dogs, Gus and Bluey, and a red roan American Quarter Horse named Vince.
Fun fact: Jessica is an avid reader and always has a stack of books nearby.
Keith Hawkins
Maintenance Director
Keith has been serving on staff at RiverTree Lake since 2018.
His favorite part of the job is using his gifts to serve others and care for the church building and grounds.
One of his favorite Bible verses is 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone, the new has come!"
Keith and his wife, Brenda, have four children: Stephen, Leah, Angela, and Sadie.
Fun fact: Keith is an identical twin!
Darren Dimeff
Worship Director
Andrew Wilson
Tech Director
Chris Dunfee
Tech Director