Leadership

​The ministries of Lake Burien Presbyterian Church are sustained by the collective leadership of church staff, nominated elders, deacons, and community partners. Lake B staff play a small role within the ecosystem of the church. They’re facilitators of relationships, conveners of shared space, and stewards of resources. Below are some of the people who sustain the ministries of Lake B, which extend beyond our campus and into many communities. Our values and vision do not belong to a single leader or ministry, but to every participant and partner.

Pastoral and Congregational Care

Community Events, Connections, Small Groups, Spiritual Formation, and Sunday Worship

  • Lina Thompson headshot

    Rev. Lina Thompson

    (she/her)

    Lead Pastor and Teaching Elder

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    What do you appreciate about Lake B’s community?
    A spirit of generosity; people with a great sense of humor; gracious toward each other.

    What do you enjoy about your role at Lake B?
    Leading a gifted, fun and passionate staff; spending time with the best kids!; a congregation who is generous, curious, and open to transformation.

    What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
    Great conversations with good friends; going to the movies; writing.

  • Michael Won headshot

    Michael Won

    (he/him)

    Director of Community Engagement

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    What do you appreciate about Lake B’s community?
    Our messiness. This doesn’t mean we’re careless or unorganized, simply that we show up as our full selves, rejecting the notion that church is only for those who have it all together.

    What do you enjoy about your role at Lake B?
    Interaction with newer folks in our community; preaching as a creative outlet.

    What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
    Spending time with family (my partner Megan, daughter Emily, and dog Azuki); going to the movie theater solo to watch the newest scary movie.

Education and Discipleship

Children’s Ministries: Pre-K to Grade 5

After School Program, Summer Day Camp, and Sunday School

  • Trish headshot

    Trish Leaupepe

    (she/her)

    Director of Children’s Ministries

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    What do you appreciate about Lake B’s community?
    Everyone is seen, loved, and appreciated. The Gospel is fully alive in how we care for one another and make space for every voice, especially the voices of children and youth.

    What do you enjoy about your role at Lake B?
    Building meaningful relationships with students and watching them grow in their confidence and ability; creating fun, interactive experiences that bring joy, connection, and discovery to our community

    What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
    Trips to Disneyland, karaoke, spending time with family and friends.

  • Nicole headshot

    Nicole Alefaio

    (she/her)

    Children’s Ministries Coordinator

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    What do you appreciate about Lake B’s community?
    How we worship in many languages, dance, and let kids be kids during worship services.

    What do you enjoy about your role at Lake B?
    Coordinating all the fun for youth. I consider it such a privilege to cross paths with so many families, kids, gifts, quirks, and stories!

    What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
    Good food from local spots; spending time with my family by the water; being in awe of Mt. Rainier every time I see her.

Justice and Community Engagement

Burien Collaborative

  • Katie headshot

    Katie Russell

    (she/her) ​

    Burien Collaborative Program Coordinator

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    What do you appreciate about Lake B’s community?
    How we take a human-centered approach to decision-making and community well-being.

    What do you enjoy about your role at Lake B?
    Building relationships with incredible community leaders of all kinds; supporting local organizations doing important work.

    What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
    Walks with my dog, Kozy; exploring new places by the water; photography.

Worship Arts

Audio/Visual (A/V) Team, Lifted! Youth Gospel Choir, Music Ministry, and Sunday Worship

  • Crystal headshot

    Crystal Hairston

    (she/her)

    ​Director of Worship Arts

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    What do you appreciate about Lake B’s community?
    Lake B’s willingness to risk and our commitment to the deep, long work of community transformation.

    What do you enjoy about your role at Lake B?
    The opportunity to recognize, affirm, and empower leaders from so many diverse backgrounds.

    What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
    Acting, traveling, painting, writing

  • Benji headshot

    Benji Demps

    (he/him)

    Audio/Visual Manager

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    What do you appreciate about Lake B’s community?
    Everybody helps everybody. It's a great space to be yourself.

    What do you enjoy about your role at Lake B?
    I love teaching people about AV who aren't familiar with it. It's so cool to see people engaged and running tech independently.

    What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
    Playing video games, riding things with two wheels, music.

Operations

Communications, Event Rentals, HR, Property Maintenance

  • Travis headshot

    Travis Brown

    (he/him)

    Director of HR & Operations​

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    What do you appreciate about Lake B’s community?
    Lake B is welcoming to ALL people; community focused

    What do you enjoy about your role at Lake B?
    Collaborating with awesome people each day and partnering with amazing community leaders

    What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
    Traveling; spending time with friends and family.

  • Kelly headshot

    Kelly Sponseller

    (she/her)

    ​Communications & Office Manager

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    What do you appreciate about Lake B’s community?
    How Lake B moves beyond thoughts and prayers when it comes to faithful, courageous action. Plus, the preaching is 10/10.

    What do you enjoy about your role at Lake B?
    Supporting our community partnerships and neighbors in diverse ways; petting co-worker’s dogs (shoutout to Kozy, Mr. Pickles and Theo).

    What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
    Gardening, writing, hanging with my nieces + nephews.

  • Jairo headshot

    Jairo “Jay” Huerta

    (he/him)

    Facilities Assistant

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    What do you appreciate about Lake B’s community?
    What I appreciate the most about working with the Lake B community is how close we are. I really enjoy working/meeting people from different backgrounds and ages.

    What do you enjoy about your role at Lake B?
    I really appreciate the opportunity of being part of the church and helping it grow! I have gained a lot of experience in this role that has helped me grow in my career and as a person.

    What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
    I enjoy playing/watching sports, exploring new places, and taking on challenges, always embracing the opportunity to grow and learn.

  • Paul headshot

    Paul Larson

    (he/him)

    Finance

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    What do you appreciate about Lake B’s community?
    Lake B has been my church family for my entire life. The community has provided loving support, encouragement, and guidance throughout my life.

    What do you enjoy about your role at Lake B?
    I’ve been able to provide my financial expertise to serve a great group of staff!

    What activities do you enjoy outside of work?
    Spending time with my family. They are a blessing! I’ve also been passionate about training and racing in triathlons for the past 20 years with the focus on staying physically active and healthy.