Staff Ministry Team
Marissa Robbins
Director of Family and Youth Ministry
Marissa received her bachelor's degree in organizational communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Capital University in 2015. After moving back home to Warren in 2016 she worked for the Warren City Schools as an Educational Assistant until 2021 after she had her first son. Before becoming a staff member she was an active member of the motet choir where she also worked closely with the children's choir to assist. In February of 2023 she joined us as a staff member and has been working on her Master of Arts in Christian Education, she is scheduled to graduate from Union Presbytery Seminary in June of 2027 and also become a certified Christian educator through the PCUSA.
Marissa was born and raised in Warren Ohio and loves the Warren community. She has two boys with her husband Josh and a bonus daughter. She loves spending time with her family and has many fur babies. She is compassionate about community support and development, as she works very closely with our "adopt a school" Willard 3-5 pod. Marissa has some great ideas for the future of FPC Warren and cannot wait to continue to grow the Christian ED program.
David Skipper
Facilities Manager
Dave has worked at First Presbyterian Church of Warren for 18 years, and his role has expanded and adjusted over time. He is now semi-retired, but enjoys working at the church very much! He loves to garden, both flowers and vegetables around his home. He is a big Buckeyes fan and follows all sports, especially baseball. Dave has a son and a daughter, with careers of their own, and a dachshund (from AWL) named Brutus who loves to go for walks and guard the entire neighborhood.
Rev. Dr. Leslie A. Traylor
In 2026, Leslie joined us in ministry at FPC Warren after serving congregations in Missouri (2), Iowa, and Tennessee.
She was born and raised in Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio, earned her BA/BSEd from the University of Cincinnati, a Masters of Divinity and Masters of Theology (Biblical Studies) from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry (Preaching) from McCormick Theological Seminary.
Leslie was drawn to FPC because of our community outreach and radical inclusivity.
Leslie enjoys reading anything – from toothpaste tubes to theological tomes. She enjoys cooking and snuggling with her Boston Terrier, Taz (short for Tasmanian Devil). She likes to explore (and conquer) new areas while looking for unique beauty.
Kathie Trowbridge
Administrative Assistant
kathietrowbridge@fpcwarren.org
Kathie has lived in Trumbull County all her life. She and Jay have been married for 42 years and make their home in Cortland. They have two daughters and three grandchildren. Kathie enjoys camping, traveling, hiking, bicycling, and crafting. She loves to listen to many genres of music and enjoys playing with and walking their dog, Daisy.
For many years Kathie was a stay-at-home mom and had part-time retail jobs. In 2006 she received certification in Computerized Office Technology from TCTC and has worked at First Presbyterian Church of Warren for 14 years.
Melanie A. Vlad
Director of Music Ministry
Melanie A. Vlad received her Bachelors of Arts in Music Performance from Hiram College in 1987 and a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Louisville in 1989; she has completed doctoral work at Kent State University in Higher Education Administration. After graduating from Louisville, Melanie served as the Assistant Director of the Preparatory Division at Mount Union College (now The University of Mount Union), where she was also senior staff accompanist, an instructor in Music Appreciation and Accompaniment Class, and a student teacher supervisor within the Prep. Division.
A frequent accompanist and music coach throughout Trumbull County, Melanie has served as the vocal music director at Arts Excel, an arts-based multi-disciplinary program in Trumbull County, and developed the first college-based Kindermusik program in the area. She has also worked with the Summit Choral Society in Stark County as Director of Education. Melanie is currently a music educator at Jefferson School, Warren City School District.
Melanie continues to perform with area artists and with the well-known area big band, The Top Notes. She is a regular lecturer on arts advocacy for children, the pre-school music experience, and the non-traditional student in a traditional studio setting.
David Skipper
Kathie Trowbridge
Marissa Robbins
Melanie A. Vlad
Rev. Dr. Leslie A. Traylor