Staff

Ryan Donahoe - Pastor, pastor@petoskeypres.org

Rev. Ryan Donahoe is passionate about making faith accessible for people from all backgrounds. Pastor Ryan has a graduate degree in Religious Studies from Gonzaga University and his M. Div from Western Theological Seminary and is ordained in the PC(USA).  He is also licensed as an Enneagram Practitioner and completed a two-year program to be a Spiritual Director in 2023. At First Presbyterian he has expanded the churches involvement in the community and has sought out connections with other congregations and other Interfaith organizations in Petoskey.   Pastor Ryan is also actively involved in providing humanitarian aid to the people of Cuba, strengthening connections between the church and community, and exploring the majesty and beauty of God’s creation. 

He is the creator and founder of The Gathering, a bi-weekly event creating inter-spiritual space for our stories to be shared, our beliefs to be explore, and community to be nurture. Pastor Ryan is also the co-founder of Northern Michigan Interfaith Common Ground, and a founder of My Oasis Center: a spiritual oasis offering courses and classes for those who seek healing and wellness in body, mind, and soul. Pastor Ryan was the inaugural recipient of the Marty Van De Car Inclusivity Award in 2023 which is given to an individual, business, or organization in Petoskey that breaks down barriers and fosters change to create an inclusive and welcoming community for all. 

Pastor Ryan and his wife, Andrea, have two middle-school aged children who keep them very busy and bring them immense joy. The whole family loves to be outside, no matter the season, by skiing, sailing, kayaking, gardening, and hiking. 

Owen James - Director of Music Ministries, owenjames101@gmail.com

Northern Michigan native Owen James, formerly known as “Jim Owen,” returned to Petoskey in 2015, and resumed his position as Director of Music Ministries at First Presbyterian Church, where he served from the year 2000 until he and his family left the area in 2006. In the intervening years, Owen performed, composed, taught and directed music and worship in Indianapolis and in Portland, Oregon. Since returning to Petoskey, he has appeared on stage as part of the Bay View Music Festival, performed at numerous venues around northern Michigan, and has served as the director of the Little Traverse Youth Choir.

The name “Owen James” began as a stage name, but soon became so commonly called upon that it has become his name of choice. Long time friends and associates have warmly welcomed "Jim Owen" back to Petoskey, while new friends and associates are excited to see what "Owen James" has to offer, as a performer, teacher and music director.

K. Maya Story - Music Accompanist

Maya has been reading music as long as she has been reading words and was standing up and singing in church with her family before that.  Professionally, she has worked as a church pianist/ organist since 1992.  As a pianist and vocalist, she has performed at many venues locally and nationally, both solo and with Owen James.  

In addition to making music, Maya is a music therapist with degrees from University of Miami, Indiana University, and Aalborg University.  She has worked as a music therapist clinically in mental health and medical settings and academically as an assistant professor in music therapy programs.  She is currently a research Fellow at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center.  Maya is passionate about providing music to enhance worship.

Tisha Cone - Office Manager, office@petoskeypres.org  

Tisha started her job as office manager in June 2012.  She has a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and a Master of Library Media from Georgia State University. Tisha lived in the Atlanta, Georgia area for 17 years and worked as a legal research librarian and a school librarian while there.  She brings with her a background in research and technology. 

Tisha grew up in the Grand Rapids area and has been visiting the Petoskey area since she was a child. She relocated here in 2012 after marrying her husband, Scott. Tisha has an eight-year old daughter and three grown stepchildren. 

Ellen Blanchard  - Youth Director, youth@petoskeypres.org 

Ellen was born and raised in Petoskey and has grown up in this building and with this extended church family, from singing songs in Sunday School to participating in and leading youth retreats and even running the overhead projector. She is thrilled to be the Youth Director here at First Pres and knows there is so much to learn from the youth and ways we can grow as a multigenerational church! 

Ellen earned her Master’s in Education in 2017 and has held numerous teaching positions in a diversity of settings. She has been a Small Group Leader at the Montreat Youth Conference in North Carolina since 2018, and has been through “Ask-able Adult” trainings for youth empowerment and mentorship.

Mollie Whalen - Facilities Manager