Our Team

OUR TEAM

MICHAEL KENNEDY

As our Lead Pastor, Michael is mainly responsible for the preaching and teaching of God’s Word on a weekly basis. He also leads the vision of the church and is responsible for Pastoral Care. Michael is married to his wonderful wife, Janie, and they have two children – Anna and Leah.

Education:

BS in History – Georgia Southwestern State University

MDiv in Biblical Languages – Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

DMin in Biblical & Theological Studies – Luther Rice University

Life Verse: Isaiah 40:8

Favorite Food: Bacon Cheeseburgers

Favorite Sports Team: Georgia Bulldogs

#1 Hobby: Antique/thrift hunting for mechanical watches and fountain pens

CODY PODOR

Administrative & Discipleship Pastor | codypodor@gonorthriver.org

Cody is primarily responsible for leading our staff, designing and directing our discipleship strategies, teaching and equipping leaders, and overseeing the operational elements of our church. Cody is married to his beautiful wife Katie with whom he shares the joy of raising their two kids, Asher and Everly. You can't forget about their pup, Otis!

Education:

BS in Ministry Leadership – Liberty University

MA in Church Planting Evangelism – Liberty University

MDiv – Faith Bible Seminary

ThM in Biblical Studies – Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

PhD in Systematic Theology – Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Life Verse: Psalm 16:11

Favorite Food: Steak

Favorite Sports Team: Cleveland Indians '95-'99

#1 Hobby: Being with people

SCOTT KERLIN

Worship Pastor | scottkerlin@gonorthriver.org

Scott's day-to-day consists of service planning, preparing the Worship Team to lead in worship, and helping with various media tasks. He is married to his college sweetheart, Meagan, and they have two kids, Addie and Gibson. Their two pups, Fraiser and Coach, light up the Kerlin household!

Education:

Church Music – Shorter College

Worship Studies - Liberty University

Life Verse: 2 Chronicles 16:9a

Favorite Food: Mexican Food

Favorite Sports Team: Atlanta Braves

#1 Hobby: All things baseball

CHRIS SEAGER

Student Pastor | chrisseager@gonorthriver.org

Chris oversees the Student Ministry at North River with the aim of leading students to grow in their love, knowledge, and obedience to Jesus Christ. Chris is married to his lovely wife, Haley, and they have three kiddos – Blakely, Brooks, and Briggs.

Education:

BA in Construction Management – Western Carolina University

MA in Christian Studies – Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Life Verse: Romans 12:1

Favorite Food: Chicken Wings

Favorite Sports Team: New York Yankees

#1 Hobby: Deer Hunting

LAUREN THIERS

Children's Director | laurenthiers@gonorthriver.org

As our Children's Director, Lauren's day-to-day typically involves preparing curriculum, as well as overseeing all of our kid's programs. She coordinates all of our team leads and volunteers for Sunday. Lauren is married to her college sweetheart, Brian, and they have three children – Olivia, Jacob, and Addison. The Thiers family has a loveable chocolate lab named Lady.

Education:

BS in Elementary Education - University of South Florida

MA in Reading Education - University of South Florida

Life Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6

Favorite Food: Tacos

Favorite Sports Team: Sports? Go sports!

#1 Hobby: Cheering for my teenagers at their sports and activities

EMILY STUBLER

Communications Assistant | emilystubler@gonorthriver.org

Emily is responsible for all things communication at North River. She handles the coordination of announcements, creates all digital graphics and print material, runs the website, and manages NR social media accounts. Emily has been married to her handsome husband, Tyler, since 2020. They have two kids, Savannah and Asher, and a crazy golden retriever named Kona.

Education:

BA in Mass Communications & Media – Arizona State University

Certificate in Bible & Ministry – Calvary Chapel Bible College

Life Verse: Galatians 5:22–23

Favorite Food: Mac & Cheese, Chick-fil-a, Pub Subs... you can't make me decide on just one!

Favorite Sports Team: Kansas City Chiefs (since before it was cool to be a Chief's fan – I'm not a bandwagoner.)

#1 Hobby: Perfecting my chocolate chip cookie recipe. Or anything entrepreneurship!

MICHAEL KELLY

Facilities Assistant | michaelkelly@gonorthriver.org

Mike's day-to-day at North River often looks like taking care of building maintenance, as well as setting up for ministry or community events on the church grounds. Mike and his wife, Carla, have one daughter named Mikayla and cat named Coal. Together, Mike and Carla enjoy taking care of their chickens and cattle!

Life Verse: Colossians 3:23-25

Favorite Food: Hamburgers and Steaks

Favorite Sports Team: I always root for the rodeo clowns.

#1 Hobby: History, Shooting, Archery, Camping & Motorcycle Riding

JENNA PALKA

Children's Ministry Assistant | jennapalka@gonorthriver.org

Jenna works closely with Lauren, helping to prepare curriculum for North River Kids Explore and coordinating and supporting our amazing volunteers. She is an essential part of our team, ensuring that our children's ministry runs smoothly and that the kiddos have meaningful experiences. Jenna enjoys spending time with her husband, Andy, and their three kids, Joshua, Samuel, and Brynnley.

Education:
BS in Psychology – University at Buffalo

MA in Marriage & Family Counseling – Liberty University

Life Verse: Romans 12:2

Favorite Food: Italian

Favorite Sports Team: The Buffalo Bills. Go Bills!

#1 Hobby: Baking

ERIN PILANT

Ministry & Connections Assistant | erinpilant@gonorthriver.org

Erin does a wonderful job at serving the people of North River Church well! Erin's role supports the general organizational effectiveness of the church and provides support to the ministerial staff. Erin attended Trinity Christian Academy and Trinity Baptist College, where she met her handsome husband, Aaron. They have two kids, Ethan and Aspen.

Education:

Trinity Baptist College

Life Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9

Favorite Food: All seafood and a medium rare steak off my husband's grill.

Favorite Sports Team: Kansas City Chiefs

#1 Hobby: Besides traveling with my family, I love to collect antique books and garden.

CHRISTY STUDZINSKI

Administrative & Financial Assistant | nrc@gonorthriver.org

Christy describes her job as "all things church office." She is often found multi-tasking – whether it's managing the church-wide calendar, taking a phone call from a church member, or even printing the weekly bulletin. Christy and her husband, Steve (who serves on the Safety Team!), moved to Florida in 2025 with their two dogs, Duke (Lab) and Toby (Labradoodle).

Education:

BS Finance – Northern Illinois University

Life Verse: Matthew 7:3–5

Favorite Food: Pizza

Favorite Sports Team: One hint... Super Bowl Shuffle

#1 Hobby: Landscaping/working in the yard and wreath-making

NICOLETTE JESSUP

Student Ministry Intern | nicolettejessup@gonorthriver.org

Nicolette serves as the Student Ministry Intern at North River. Her day consists of assisting Pastor Chris, writing small-group material, and so much more! Every day is different for her, depending on what's happening at Youth Group that week. Nicolette received her Bible Diploma at Word of Life Bible Institute in New York, and she's currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Applied Ministry from Liberty University. Nicolette has a dog, a turtle, and three fish!

Life Verse: Romans 8:18

Favorite Food: Greek Food

Favorite Sports Team: I don't follow sports, so my favorite is whoever wins.

#1 Hobby: I love all things summer camp, trying new local coffee shops and thrifting!!