Staff
Joel Larson
Pastor and Head of Staff
Joel Larson has been serving FPC Monrovia since February 2022. Joel is passionate about building intergenerational relationships, equipping the people of FPC Monrovia for ministry, and our call to make flourishing disciples of Jesus Christ. Joel envisions a thriving intergenerational church growing as followers of Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and reaching the people and neighborhoods of Monrovia and surrounding San Gabriel Valley with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Joel has been serving in church ministry for over 25 years serving congregations in Northwest Ohio, the Los Angeles area, and as the Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood for 8 1/2 years. He has a communications degree from Bowling Green State University and an MDiv from Fuller Seminary. He is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry in Leading Congregational and Organizational Change at Fuller Seminary.
Joel and his wife Elisha have been married for 19 years and have three children, Claire, Will, and Finn. Joel enjoys the varied California landscape and loves getting outdoors to surf, bike, and hike. He is always up for sharing a cup of coffee and some conversation.
Joel has been serving in church ministry for over 25 years serving congregations in Northwest Ohio, the Los Angeles area, and as the Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood for 8 1/2 years. He has a communications degree from Bowling Green State University and an MDiv from Fuller Seminary. He is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry in Leading Congregational and Organizational Change at Fuller Seminary.
Joel and his wife Elisha have been married for 19 years and have three children, Claire, Will, and Finn. Joel enjoys the varied California landscape and loves getting outdoors to surf, bike, and hike. He is always up for sharing a cup of coffee and some conversation.
Fawn Zappia
Director of Children's Ministry & Tiny Treasures Preschool
Along with her husband and two daughters, Fawn has been attending FPC Monrovia since 1999 and joined the ministry team as the Children's Ministry Director in October 2015. She feels privileged to share and lead Bible lessons with the children of FPC Monrovia and is passionate about relating these timeless stories to the children's lives in today's world. Fawn has completed her Certification in Early Childhood Education at UCLA and is currently working towards another Certification in Advanced Early Childhood Education. Her desire is for every child to know the amazing love of God in his or her life, and enjoys partnering with parents to help their children form an important foundation for their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Shannon Gray
Worship Team - Singer
Hailing from Ohio, Shannon Gray is a Los Angeles based soprano who loves singing in a wide array of styles from opera to video game music. She has enjoyed singing locally with Glendale Concert Singers, Los Angeles Choral Artists, and Video Games Live as well as performing with opera companies such as Celestial Opera, Centerstage Opera and Pacific Opera Project. In 2010, she sang in the world premiere of Marie’s Orchard, a new American opera by Philip Westin.
On the concert stage, Shannon has sung choral works with major Orchestras including Cleveland Orchestra, Dresden Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic and the San Francisco Symphony. In recent years, she had the honor of being a guest soloist in productions of Orff’s Carmina Burana, Poulenc’s Gloria, Vaughan Williams Dona Nobis Pacem, Handel’s Messiah and the Faure Requiem.
Shannon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Grove City College and a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College.
On the concert stage, Shannon has sung choral works with major Orchestras including Cleveland Orchestra, Dresden Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic and the San Francisco Symphony. In recent years, she had the honor of being a guest soloist in productions of Orff’s Carmina Burana, Poulenc’s Gloria, Vaughan Williams Dona Nobis Pacem, Handel’s Messiah and the Faure Requiem.
Shannon holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Grove City College and a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College.
Eunyoung Sohng
Worship Team - Pianist
Eunyoung's journey in academia and the arts has taken her across continents and through a diverse array of disciplines. With a background in Food Technology, English Literature, and Theology from Korea, she followed her passion for music, earning an MFA in Collaborative Piano from UC Irvine.
Today, Eunyoung serves as a staff accompanist at Riverside City College, El Monte High School, Orange Vista High School, and Ball Jr. High School. She has also been dedicated to serving various churches as an accompanist since her high school years.
Her most cherished moments are spent in lively conversations and shared laughter with her two grown -up children, who continue to inspire her every day. Eunyoung's journey is a humble testament to the transformative power of dedication and a love for music.
Today, Eunyoung serves as a staff accompanist at Riverside City College, El Monte High School, Orange Vista High School, and Ball Jr. High School. She has also been dedicated to serving various churches as an accompanist since her high school years.
Her most cherished moments are spent in lively conversations and shared laughter with her two grown -up children, who continue to inspire her every day. Eunyoung's journey is a humble testament to the transformative power of dedication and a love for music.
Elders
Scott Giannini
Operations
Ted Goodman
Facilities
Nick Zappia
Finance
Renee Smith
Finance