Leadership & Staff
The Rev. Dr. Hilary E. Livingston is an ordained teaching elder in the Presbyterian 
Church (USA). Since her ordination in 2001, she has served as solo pastor of the Mountain Top Larger Parish in Clearfield, PA associate pastor at Lewes Presbyterian Church in Lewes, DE, and solo pastor of Chartiers Valley Presbyterian Church in Scott Township, PA. Hilary received her B.A. from Grove City College, her M.Div from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and her D.Min from Fuller Theological Seminary. Additionally, Hilary holds certifications in personal training, health coaching and group fitness instruction through the American Council on Exercise, as well as a certification in health and wellness coaching from Wellcoaches Corporation. In addition to pastoral ministry, Hilary is passionate about holistic health, integrating spiritual practices with healthy living habits for wellness of the whole person. Hilary is excited to serve as pastor of Head of Christiana Presbyterian Church, and looks forward to leading in the mission and ministry of this fellowship.
The Session of Head of Christiana Presbyterian Church is the leadership team of nine church members who are elected by the congregation. Normally, they serve three-year terms and these “ruling elders” lead the congregation. They chair the commissions and committees which initiate and support the life and outreach of the church. Pastors moderate the session. The Session meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30 PM in Chapel Hall.
Pictured are (L to R): session members Jim Sawyer, Julia Busick, Debbie Harper, John Brook, Katie Gillespie, Brian Huffman, Ed Cairnes, Alex Oakes and Mark Mankin.
Katie Gillespie, Clerk of Session
Jim Sawyer, Chair of Personnel Committee
Jeanne Hastings, Chair of Care and Fellowship Commission
Bill Witt-Chair of Building & Grounds Commission.
Rebecca Condliffe, Christian Education Commission.
Brian Huffman, Chair of Mission Commission
Melissa Witt, Treasurer
Alex Oakes, Chair of Administration and Finance Commission
Lucy Marianiello, Chair of Outreach Commission
Debbie Harper, Chair of Worship Commission.
The ministry of our three Deacons is one of compassion, witness and service. Their ministry is to serve those in need and so they call on the sick and visit those who are unable to participate fully in the life of the church. Wanting members to remain connected with the church, Deacons deliver bulletins, newsletters and encouragement. Deacons join with the pastors in serving Holy Communion in homes, nursing homes and hospitals.
pictured are (L to R) Kay Brook, MaryLou Oakes and Lillian Crispin
Linnea Raffaele has been the the organist/choir director with Head of Christiana since 1991. Church 
music has been her life-long passion. She been chorister, pianist, organist and choir director.
Linnea received a B.A. and M.A. in Spanish at Pennsylvania State University where she sang in the University Chapel Choir and played flute in the concert Blue Band.
She has been a member of the chorus of Opera Delaware for many years, is an adjunct professor of Spanish at Wilmington University and serves as a guide at Winterthur Museum and Country Estate.
Nancy Crawford was born in Berlin, Germany while her father was stationed there after the war and was fortunate to spend two tours in Germany before she was 12. She has fond memories of visiting neighboring countries as well as exploring castles, magnificent churches and quaint towns and villages.
Nancy is a Jersey girl hailing from the shore areas of Little Silver and Shrewsbury. She graduated from Red Bank High School and attended college in Oskaloosa, IA. Before coming to Head of Christiana, Nancy worked for Chesapeake Publishing in Elkton, MD for over 18 years as Executive Assistant to the President/CEO.
Nancy also volunteered to serve as Head Coach and Public Relations Director for Cecil County Special Olympics from 1990 through mid 2006. This local chapter provided year ‘round sports training and competitions for athletes with mental disabilities along with many various social events.
Nancy is a member of Elkton United Methodist Church where she is currently serving as Chair of their Communications Committee and as a member of their Administrative Council; she also ushers and serves as a reader and greeter. She shares her Newark condo with her two rescue cats, Charlie and Mollie.
Jeff Greenfield has been sexton with Head of Christiana since 2001.
Born and reared in Coatesville, PA, Jeff moved to Delaware where he graduated from Newark High School, Delaware Technical Community College and the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Academy. He has been an active member of the Newark Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company since 1981.
He grew up playing ice hockey and baseball and remains passionate about both sports today.
Jeff comments, “The many caring organizations Head of Christiana touches and supports in our community throughout the year, make me feel proud to serve this church.”
Janice has moved and a search is on for a new child care person.
New Apprentice Choir Director Andrea Nestman is from Rockaway, NJ and is currently a senior at the University of Delaware, majoring in Music Education. She has been very active in the choirs at UD, spending one year in University Singers and her last three in the UD Chorale and is currently the senior representative for the Chorale. Last year, she helped conduct the Gold Choir, a choir part of the Community Music School at the University made up of 4th-9th graders. She is studying to be a music teacher, and is excited for the opportunity to lead the Head of Christiana Choir. “My idea of a great church choir is one that is engaging, spiritual, and expressive. Music in the church is the strongest and most beautiful way to worship and connect within the service.”
She is our 5th Apprentice Choir Director, a program started in 2014 to give UD students some practical experience and at the same time benefit the choir.