Rev. Derek Hickman, Senior Pastor
Pastor Derek is a native Ohioan, growing up in Newcomerstown. He received his undergraduate degree from Kent State University and his Master of Divinity from Ashland Theological Seminary. Prior to coming to The Church in Aurora, Derek was an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church.
Derek’s pastoral duties began as a Youth and Associate Minister in Newcomerstown. He’d go on to serve churches in Ashland and Ravenna.
“My family and I are thrilled to be serving God and The Church in Aurora. The church’s long history of practicing grace is a witness to God’s character and God’s desire for the local church. I am delighted to be an active part of the Aurora community and exploring ways that The Church in Aurora can continue its legacy of bearing witness to the love of God.”
Pastor Derek and his wife, Jenna, have two children: Wesley and Hallie.
Katie Trook, Associate Pastor
Katie is local to this area, growing up in Hudson. After graduating from Western Reserve Academy, Katie headed south to Davidson College, earning degrees in Political Science and English. Her first job landed her in Aurora at an industrial distribution company where she met her husband, Josh. In 2012, Katie received her Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Kent State and taught Freshman Composition. Katie serves on the boards of the Aurora Schools Foundation, the Aurora Historical Society, and is involved in several other school-based and community groups. She and Josh have four school-aged sons who keep them on their toes and on the sidelines of various activities.
Raised in the Methodist church, Katie became an active member at The Church in Aurora in 2008 and joined the staff in the Spring of 2023. Katie previously served as the Director of Youth and Family Ministry until September, 2024, then as Ministry Assistant until July, 2025. She will continue to bring her heart for ministry to a broader range of church activities and programs, allowing her to grow in her calling to pastoral leadership. She also looks forward to compiling the Spire each week to showcase some of what happens inside and outside the walls of our church.
Liz Sutter, Community Relief Coordinator
Liz was born and raised in Aurora, having attended The Church in Aurora since childhood. She is overjoyed to be serving our church, which has served her well for many years. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from Ohio University in 1995.
After having taught Sunday School at The Church in Aurora for many years, Liz became the Director of Christian Education and Youth in 2014. In 2020, her role expanded, as she worked with several Aurora community organizations to create the Aurora Community Relief ministry. With this ministry, persons in need are provided with food and living assistance.
To work with the people of this church to become true disciples of Christ is such a blessing for Liz…a lifelong passion. Her personal goal is to spread the word that God’s love is huge and available to everyone.
Liz currently lives in Aurora with her husband, Josh, and three children – Ben, Sam, and Chloe. When she is able, Liz enjoys reading, traveling, and skiing.
Jen lynagh, director of Family Ministries
Jen brings more than two decades of experience in early childhood education and leadership, along with a deep passion for helping children and families grow in faith. She currently serves as Director of Hope Christian Preschool here in Aurora, where she has faithfully led with warmth, creativity, and care.
Jen and her husband, James, have lived in Aurora for 26 years. They are the proud parents of two grown children, both graduates of Aurora High School. Jen has served as a Sunday School teacher and VBS Director at Hope Lutheran Church, where she nurtured young hearts and minds through hands-on ministry and relational leadership.
At The Church in Aurora, Jen leads our ministry with children from birth through 5th grade and support broader youth and family programming. She is excited to get to know our families, support our volunteers, and create joyful, welcoming spaces for faith formation.
In her spare time, Jen enjoys reading, gardening, taking long walks, and cheering on the Cleveland Guardians.
Vicki Hiney, director of communications & programming
A lifelong Northeast Ohioan, Vicki grew up in Bainbridge and has called Aurora home for more than 20 years, where she lives with her husband and two teenagers. She earned her undergraduate degree from Baldwin Wallace University and later completed a Master of Arts in Communications Management at John Carroll University.
Her professional background is rooted in marketing and communications, with expertise in brand development, content strategy, and digital engagement. Most recently, she led communication and fundraising efforts for the successful launch of a nonprofit organization.
After attending The Church in Aurora occasionally over the years, Vicki became a member in February 2024. She served as a Deacon and on the Membership Committee prior to joining the staff. Vicki is excited to collaborate with the staff and congregation to strengthen the church’s clarity, connection, and community outreach.
In her free time, Vicki enjoys reading, being outdoors, supporting Cleveland and Aurora sports teams, exploring new places, and volunteering.
“Let love guide your life.” – Colossians 3:14
Zelma Riddle, Church Secretary
Zelma joined our TCIA staff in the fall of 2021, after spending 24 years as a church secretary at First United Methodist Church in Ravenna. She brings a wealth of knowledge, a compassion for people, and a passion for her faith.
Zelma and her husband, Reg, have two adult daughters.
In her spare time, Zelma enjoys volunteering with local support organizations, reading, and travelling to visit her grandson in the Columbus area.
Ross Downing, Director of Music Ministries
Ross is a choir director, music theorist, and multi-instrumentalist from Akron, OH. He grew up alongside three music-loving brothers in Stow, and graduated from Stow High School in 2013. He then attended Kent State University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in music education in the Fall of 2017. During his later teen and early adult years, Ross frequently performed live music at local concert venues, as well as travelling as far as Long Island, NY to perform original music. His experience performing choral music includes singing tenor for such groups as the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, the Kent State University Chorale, the Nova Jazz Singers, and various chamber ensembles.
Following his undergraduate education, Ross has taught music in many capacities. He served as the Pre-K-8 music teacher at St. Joseph Parish School in Cuyahoga Falls his first year out of college, and has been directing the choirs at Streetsboro City Schools and now Aurora Schools since then. He also teaches private music lessons on instruments such as piano, guitar, bass, drums, and voice. In the Summer of 2019, he served as head music teacher for the Kosciuszko Foundation’s “Teaching English in Poland” arts camp — it was here that he proposed to his wife, Mackenzie Downing. Ross has also spent multiple summers teaching music at the Salvation Army in Akron.
In the Spring of 2020, Ross graduated with a master’s degree in music theory from Kent State University. He uses his knowledge of music theory to write curriculum for his high school and private theory courses, as well as to educate his ensembles on the science of music. Above all else, Ross is a high-energy, fun-loving individual with a tremendous passion for music and people.
Sheryl Reynolds, Accounting Manager
Sheryl is a native of the Buckeye state and has lived here her entire life.
She holds a business degree from Malone College and has 20 plus years of church accounting experience. In addition to her work here, Sheryl serves as the Treasurer of the Canal District of the United Methodist Church and keeps the books for two other churches.
When not crunching numbers, Sheryl can be found outdoors on the ski slopes or a bike trail, dependent upon the weather. She serves as patrol for both of these recreations, in that she ensures that other skiers or riders are safe.
Sheryl resides in Hudson with her husband Tom. They have two adult twin daughters.
