We want to equip Church on the Ridge to share God’s love with everyone.
Meet the team.
Leadership at Church on the Ridge is composed of Staff and an Advisory Council.
Charlie Salmon
Lead Pastor
I have been a pastor and serving in ministry for over 35 years. I am a bit of an adventurer and have climbed Mount Rainier, have flown hang gliders, and I scuba dive extensively. But my greatest achievement is marrying my wife, Sandy, and helping raise three children.
Coming from an alcoholic, broken family, I was forced to live with an aunt and uncle whose condition for my staying with them was to attend church. Watching their life and being around people who loved me and loved God was a turning point. Before I got too deep in an ugly world, Jesus changed my life. At 18, I heard God speak to me. God asked me to become a pastor. I left Willamette University to attend a Bible school. Then, I went on to seminary. I recently completed a Doctor of Ministry. It has been an incredible journey of walking with Jesus and serving Him.
My two greatest joys are when I am able to help restore families and to see those without purpose discover their true identity. I strive to communicate with genuine authenticity that I trust you will get to know if we have the privilege to meet.
When you live obediently in giving your first and best, you don’t need to stress over your finances. Don’t try to fix these things yourself. Instead turn these needs over to Jesus and allow him to solve the problem. In doing so, you will find the rest and peace that you long for.
Betty Peebles
Office Administrator
Betty Peebles
Office Administrator
I was born and raised in Gardena, California, a small suburb about 15 miles south of Los Angeles. My parents immigrated from Japan, and I am the youngest of six as well as the only child born in the states. I grew up in a Buddhist household, and did not attend church.
My faith walk has been slow but steady, and in 2013 I was baptized in the Caribbean Ocean during our second mission trip to Haiti with our church in Iowa.
Jon and I have been married for 25 years. We have lived in five different locations together: Pleasanton, California; Canton, Michigan; Plainfield, Illinois; Bettendorf, Iowa, and now here in beautiful Snoqualmie. We relocated to Washington in October of 2016 after Jon accepted a position at Amazon. We were happy to move back to the West Coast after 20 years of cold Midwestern winters.
We have one daughter, Marisa, who has sung and played the keys with the Church on the Ridge band when she was home during school breaks. She graduates this May from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. She will attend Columbia University School of Nursing in New York City in order to attain a master’s degree and ultimately become a midwife.
As for me, I enjoy watching movies, reading, shopping, photography, art, smooth jazz, old school R&B (love going to Jazz Alley!), eating great food and spending time with friends and family.
I started working at Church on the Ridge in November of 2017 as a part-time office assistant. It is a great place to work (amazing pastors and staff) and a great place to worship. Jon and I have enjoyed meeting many wonderful people at Church on the Ridge. Stop by the office or at the weekend service and say hello! I would love to share my testimony with you or just connect over coffee.
Bob Fox
Facilities Manager
Bob Fox
Facilities Manager
My name is Bob Fox. I grew up in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, but after living in Atlanta for thirty years, I claim to be from Georgia. My wife, Cathy, and I met at a small country church while we were kids and got married in 1973, two years after we graduated from high school.
I am an Air Force veteran with ten years of service. After the Air Force I had a varied career. I served as the church sexton (translated, that means facilities manager) at First Assembly of God Church in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Then God opened the doors for us to move to Georgia to work for a music ministry. Cathy took care of the finances and various other things, while I took care of booking and coordinating ministry engagements across the country and internationally.
After that ministry left the Atlanta area, I had a twenty-one-year career at Coca-Cola. I retired in 2015 and we made the life-altering decision to sell everything and move to Washington to be near our daughter, son-in-law and grand kids (Amanda, Matt, Brandon and Alex). We also have an adopted son, Micha, who lives in Oklahoma. We moved to Snoqualmie in 2016, and I joined the church staff shortly thereafter.
I was raised in church and became a Christian as a child. The one thing for me that remains a constant is God’s overwhelming love. No matter what I go through, God is always there. I thank Him every day for his blessings. In my spare time Cathy and I love hiking, bowling, the beach (Florida style) and hanging out with our kids and grandkids.My faith walk has been slow but steady, and in 2013 I was baptized in the Caribbean Ocean during our second mission trip to Haiti with our church in Iowa.
Jon and I have been married for 25 years. We have lived in five different locations together: Pleasanton, California; Canton, Michigan; Plainfield, Illinois; Bettendorf, Iowa, and now here in beautiful Snoqualmie. We relocated to Washington in October of 2016 after Jon accepted a position at Amazon. We were happy to move back to the West Coast after 20 years of cold Midwestern winters.
We have one daughter, Marisa, who has sung and played the keys with the Church on the Ridge band when she was home during school breaks. She graduates this May from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. She will attend Columbia University School of Nursing in New York City in order to attain a master’s degree and ultimately become a midwife.
As for me, I enjoy watching movies, reading, shopping, photography, art, smooth jazz, old school R&B (love going to Jazz Alley!), eating great food and spending time with friends and family.
I started working at Church on the Ridge in November of 2017 as a part-time office assistant. It is a great place to work (amazing pastors and staff) and a great place to worship. Jon and I have enjoyed meeting many wonderful people at Church on the Ridge. Stop by the office or at the weekend service and say hello! I would love to share my testimony with you or just connect over coffee.
Bill Luton
Worship Director
Bill Luton
Worship Director
Bill Luton has a special passion that ignites crowds and breathes energy into worshippers. His unique voice, electric stage presence, and inspired lyrics honor God and welcome His spirit. Bill has been releasing singles and leading worship in northeast North Carolina, touring along the east coast of the US, headlining KampalaNOW 2019 in Uganda, and is currently serving as Director of Worship & Production at Church on the Ridge.
Ethan Benson
Sports League Commissioner
Ethan Benson
Sports League Commissioner
My name is Ethan Benson, you have probably heard of me, and, yes, most of the stories are true.
I was born in southern California in 1971, and I did not escape until 2006. I attended the University of Southern California and majored in Russian, which I speak fluently (if fluency is measured by listening to four-year-old children speak a language). My wife, Tricia, also attended USC, and as undergraduates we lived in the same apartment complex. And it was in that very apartment complex that my wife and I… never met. We wouldn’t actually meet one another until grad school, which we both attended to get our teaching degrees.
I was not a believer in my youth. My mother was an excommunicated Mormon, and my father has always called himself an agnostic (but I think he’s really an atheist hedging his bets. Let’s say he’s an agnotheist?). When I was a kid, my mom joined a cult, and I wasn’t buying it, so I went to live with my Mormon grandma and my non-practicing Jewish grandpa. I was a little bit confused with regard to God.
One thing that I knew, though, was that faith was something that I wanted. I didn’t know how to get it, but I felt the absence of belief in my life, and I hated it. Honestly, I felt like I was broken. Like I could have had faith, but I missed my chance, because I didn’t get it when I was little. I felt like that well into adulthood.
Even before we had children, I knew that I didn’t want my kids to miss that chance at faith. I didn’t want them to feel broken, like me. Tricia and I decided that we would raise our kids to believe in God. Whatever that looked like. I think God was after more than just my kids, though.
In January of 2000, Tricia was 34-weeks pregnant with our first child, Madison, when she had to undergo an emergency C-section. There was a six-hour period after she was born when it looked like we might lose Madison. While Tricia was sedated, I asked a nurse where the chapel was, went there, and fell on my knees. I apologized to God for not knowing him, and I begged him to let me keep my little girl. I promised him that if we could keep her, we would raise her to be good. I remember that night as the night I met Jesus.
In 2006, Tricia and I moved our family (which now included Madison and Mabel) to Texas. We joined a church there, because that’s the law. We lived in Texas for five years. Tricia and I were baptized together, our little girls got bigger, and we had our third, Millicent. We said goodbye to Texas in 2011, and moved to Snoqualmie, and have been attending Church on the Ridge since then.
As you can tell I’m a people person and I love connecting with people. I look forward to meeting you soon, if I don’t know you already.
George Steirer
Facilities
Heidi Beth Billingsley
Director of Volunteers
Heidi Beth Billingsley
Director of Volunteers
I was raised in a small farming town in southern Illinois. I have two wonderful, loving parents, and my sister is my beloved friend. I am what they call an “out of the womb Christian,” and I feel so blessed to have been raised with God as my guidepost. When I was 15, we moved to WA. I received my BA in Elementary Education at Central Washington University. That is where I met my husband and best friend, Chris.
We have been married since 1999. We have three amazing children who are the absolute joys of our lives. We are avid campers and love to travel. We have always loved watching our children play their sports which consumes a lot of our free time. My hobbies are walking, interior design and organizing!
I have always had a passion for volunteering. I have been on the board in various roles of three PTAs in the Valley. I have also volunteered in many different capacities of any church I have attended. I am excited about my role here at COTR and look forward to helping you find the calling that God has placed in your heart for service.
Jacki Jones
Office Manager
Jacki Jones
Office Manager
I was born and raised in Big Sky Country—Butte, Montana. My dad was a fireman, and I spent many days after school at the fire station. I grew up Catholic, loving Jesus and going to church every Sunday.
After college, I moved to Portland, Oregon, where I worked at the Nike campus managing their corporate travel program. When my husband Jeff got a job at Microsoft, we relocated to Snoqualmie.
We came to Church on the Ridge in August of 2005 and I was hooked. From the immediate warm welcome to the inspirational Sunday message and daily life application, we knew we found our church home. Since being at COTR, my relationship with Jesus has been strengthened. Aside from Disneyland, COTR is the happiest place on earth!
In the office, I help to run the day-to-day operations. I am an encourager by nature and take pride in helping others find their silver lining. I love to laugh and have a silly sense of humor, so I add an element of fun to the office.
Jeff and I have two amazing kids. God has blessed me with the best family! In my spare time, I love to shop, travel, hang with friends and family, and read. On most weekends you can find Jeff and me on the soccer field watching our son’s game.
If you don’t already know me, come say, “hi!”
Jeff Mihal
Director of Guest Services
Jeff Mihal
Director of Guest Services
My name is Jeff Mihal (your pal). I grew up in the Greater Milwaukee area and attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where I met my wife Toni. After graduating with my Hospitality and Tourism degree, I worked as a sales manager throughout the U. S. with companies like Marriott, Starwood, and Hyatt. We moved to the Seattle area in 2006 and immediately started attending Church on the Ridge. I later joined the staff in 2013.
I accepted Christ into my heart at a winter youth camp in 1987. My relationship with Christ grew very strong until college, where I went my own way. I continued down a self-centered path until 2001, when I re-committed my life to Christ. He took my focus away from myself and turned it toward loving him and loving people.
At COTR, my job is to ensure everyone has a positive experience at Church on the Ridge. I love meeting, caring for, and connecting with everyone who walks through our doors. To boil it down, my passion is PEOPLE.
When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters, entertaining my friends, and listening to live blues music.
JoAnna Dickinson
Counselor (MSW)
JoAnna Dickinson
Counselor (MSW)
As a counselor, I offer a welcoming and comforting relationship that inspires self-acceptance and personal growth in Christ. I guide clients toward wholeness and healing, based upon understanding the client’s own values, personality, cultural setting and motivations. I help my clients deal with life circumstances, and empower them to improve the quality of their relationships. I love that I get to work in an environment where I can talk about true hope that only comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
I have my Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington with a focus on children, youth, family and mental health issues. I also did an Intensive training workshop on Boundaries with Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend. I frequently attend American Association of Christian Counseling (AACC) conferences to attain current education in biblical psychology and am an active member of AACC. I have been married for 20 years and have two children. When I counsel, I draw on my own life as well as over 25 years of experience working in the social services field with 11 of those years working with Church on the Ridge.
I have been a Christian since I was 7, and, despite growing up in the church, I went away from the Jesus for a short time in my twenties, only to come back to serve Jesus with all my heart! I enjoy traveling with my family, experiencing new foods, fellowship with friends, reading, and the beach.
Kay Bonikowsky
Women’s and Communications Pastor
Kay Bonikowsky
Women’s and Communications Pastor
I have many interests and am curious to try new things! I am an avid gardener. I have put my hand to most fiber-related crafts, the most recent being wool sculpture. I adore history, and find that most things in life can be put into perspective by learning how others lived. I really enjoy stories, so I often find myself immersed in either a novel or tv show. I love to read both fiction and nonfiction and my stack of reading topics changes frequently according to a new whim. I am a foodie and could talk for hours about recipes and the history and evolution of recipes!
A brief history of my life begins in Georgia, where I grew up in the “sticks,” as my southern friends would say. My parents were missionary aviation church planters in the Amazon, Brazil. I spent a great deal of my childhood traveling with them and serving in church ministry.
My undergrad degree is film production. My husband Stephen and I were married in 1998. We have three children. My husband and I co-church planted with a team of friends for seven years in Bothell, which was a highlight of my life. I completed my Master of Divinity degree in 2020.
Kevin Cumming
Discipleship Pastor
Kevin Cumming
Discipleship Pastor
I met my beautiful wife, Jaime, while attending Western Washington University. I earned my B. A. in teaching there and have since earned my Pastoral Ordination through the Assembly of God International Fellowship. As Discipleship Pastor, I have the privilege of seeing people go all in with Jesus and begin operating in their God-given talents/gifts. I love Jesus, our community, and what I get to be part of at Church on the Ridge.
Jaime and I have two amazing kids (Benjamin and Lucy) and one crazy dog (Cooper). When I’m not investing in our community, you can usually find me playing some sort of game—my favorites being basketball, ultimate Frisbee, or any board game (Small World and Settlers).
Lindsey Randall
Administrative Assistant
Lindsey Randall
Administrative Assistant
Church on the Ridge has been such an incredible blessing to my family, and I am so happy to be here! We have faced a great deal of loss in our family, and my faith in the Lord has been what carried me through. I can look back and see the times that He was beside me, and the times that He carried me when I lacked the strength to even stand. I am so thankful to be in a place where I get to walk in my faith every day and work with such an incredible team.
I am an Alaska girl, born and raised. Snoqualmie reminds me of home. We moved to Arizona after I graduated from high school, and that's where I started my family. I have two children, Kale and Koen. Those boys are my life, and I feel so beyond blessed to be raising them in such a spectacularly beautiful place. I also grew up in a small town. I love that they are getting that experience here without being as isolated as I was.
Hiking and being outside are two of my favorite things. I am never happier than when I am deep in the forest, surrounded by nature. The boys and I try to go on at least one big outdoor adventure a year, and that has taken us from Alaska, to the Grand Tetons, to Yellowstone, to Glacier, to Legoland, and more. Those are memories and experiences that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I also love to read, and I LOVE school, so I am extremely happy to be currently enrolled and finishing up my bachelor's in psychology at Southern New Hampshire University.
I truly enjoy meeting people and making them smile, so I hope I see you around!
Luke Hohag
Director, Kids on the Ridge Club
Luke Hohag
Director, Kids on the Ridge Club
Hi I’m Luke Hohag. My wife, Aimee, and I have been coming to the Church on the Ridge since moving to Snoqualmie in May of 2022. Aimee is the accounts receivable bookkeeper for the Assemblies of God Northwest Ministries Network. We have three kids: Joshua, Wylie, and Annabelle. Our kids are older now, but I have enjoyed working in children’s ministries all over the world while they were attending.
I grew up in the church and started following Jesus at the age of thirteen. Soon after, I felt called to the ministry. Before I did full time ministry, God called me to serve in the United States Air Force. I also served God in children’s ministry wherever God led us, including South Korea, England, California, Missouri, and Ephrata, Washington.
I look forward to seeing how God will reach the families of Snoqualmie through the five day after school program. Reaching children for the kingdom of God has been a passion that God has laid on my heart.
Michael Kuehner
Finances & Facilities
Natalya Truitt
Production and Communications Specialist
Natalya Truitt
Production and Communications Specialist
Hi! I am originally from Alaska and grew up going to church with my family. All through high school I attended a church camp on the Oregon coast each summer. My parents and I moved to Snoqualmie my junior year of high school. During the couple of years I was here for school, I attended the youth group at Church on the Ridge. I went to Oregon to study Music and Video Production at George Fox University, where I graduated in 2021.
A few things to know about me is that I enjoy reading books. I love finding new things to crochet and new recipes to bake. I have played the trumpet since I was ten years old and know a few other instruments as well.
I have been working at Church on the Ridge since May 2021 with photography and video production. I am usually in the tech booth on Sunday mornings or I am taking photos and video.
Shellie Simpson
Director, Kids on the Ridge Weekday Preschool
Shellie Simpson
Director, Kids on the Ridge Weekday Preschool
I was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. I lived in Spokane into my twenties when I married my high school sweetheart. We bounced all over Washington and really enjoy everything about the Northwest. My husband’s job brought us to Snoqualmie in January of 2014. I’m so proud to call Snoqualmie home—what an amazing place to live!
Shortly after moving to Snoqualmie Ridge we looked for a church and found Church on the Ridge. We felt at home from day one, with everyone being so friendly and welcoming. We love the church and the community! We feel truly blessed that God brought us here to raise our family.
I am very fortunate to have been raised in a Christian home with loving parents. It was during my teen years that I found a lot of comfort in Christ and gave my life to him. I was baptized at the age of 13.
I’m married to my best friend and high school sweetheart for the last 20 years. God blessed us with the gift of parenthood 13 years ago when our first of three children was born. Crazy to think I’m the parent of a teenager! (Lots of prayers required.) Our other two are six and four; so we are busy all the time!
I love that God led me to the Kids on the Ridge Preschool for my own children’s needs, and that out of it I got the opportunity to have a job as Assistant Director and the Lead Teacher in the 3’s room. I can’t express how much I love what I do every day for a job! It’s amazing to watch these children grow in their knowledge and love of Jesus. I get to share my love of Christ with the children and see their lights shine for Jesus everyday. It doesn’t get any better!
With my free time I enjoy spending time with my family. We cherish being outside in nature, taking in all of God’s creation through swimming (water sports), snow skiing, hiking, and playing at parks.
Siri Barden
Executive Assistant
Siri Barden
Executive Assistant
Hi, I am Siri Barden and have been a member of Church on the Ridge for 6 years. I was born and raised in the Seattle area by two wonderful parents, Tom and Pat, and have two sisters, Kristine and Ingelise, who humorously now refer to me as the “church lady.” I attended the University of Washington (Go Dawgs!) where I received my BA and received a Masters from Pacific Lutheran University in Finance. I am proud to call Washington home as a lover of good coffee and the rain.
I grew up going to church every Sunday and was an active member in vacation bible school, youth groups, church plantings, and being the church pianist. When I received an offer to join the staff at Church on the Ridge, I was thrilled to merge my professional and spiritual passions to help make our community stronger and further the mission of helping people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. I am excited to join the staff alongside Pastor Charlie in this endeavor. My role will be to assist and support our collective spirit to spread the Church vision for the community while ensuring excellence in the ministry.
I am the proud mother of three wonderful children, Tyra, Tova, and Ezekiel, as well as my dog and companion Hank. I love to spend time with them whether visiting them at school or enjoying the outdoors. In my free time, I enjoy skiing, hiking, working out, rock climbing, bike riding, exploring my Scandinavian heritage, watching the Seahawks and listening to country music. I am blessed to be surrounded by my family and friends. I look forward to meeting the entire congregation, so please introduce yourself and go ahead and say “Hey Siri.”
Stephen Salmon
Student Ministries Pastor
Stephen Salmon
Student Ministries Pastor
I have been living in Snoqualmie since 2003 and am happy to call this place home. I met my wife, Rebecca, at Church on the Ridge in a community group. We have been married since 2018. Amos, our son, was born in 2021, and while he may be outgrowing clothes faster than any of his cousins, we are deeply blessed to be his parents. I enjoy scuba diving and have been diving avidly since 2015. If you enjoy scuba diving, then we should go together!
In 2009, I did a discipleship training school with Youth with a Mission, where God set me on my current trajectory for life. God told me to go into full-time ministry as I walked around a large lake in Perth, Australia. I wanted to open up Cicis Pizza restaurants, but I am happy I listened to God and am where I am today, serving the student ministries team and helping to ensure all of our students know that they are infinitely loved by their Creator.
If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know, and I will be happy to try my best.
In 2009, I did a discipleship training school with Youth with a Mission, where God set me on my current trajectory for life. God told me to go into full-time ministry as I walked around a large lake in Perth, Australia. I wanted to open up Cicis Pizza restaurants, but I am happy I listened to God and am where I am today, serving the student ministries team and helping to ensure all of our students know that they are infinitely loved by their Creator.
If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know, and I will be happy to try my best.
Tom O’Neill
Elementary Pastor
Tom O’Neill
Elementary Pastor
Hi I’m Tom O’Neill. My wife, Rachel, and I have been coming to Church On The Ridge since moving to Snoqualmie in 2014. You will likely see her regularly on stage singing really well and wearing pretty dresses, you will likely see me on stage too, but unless something goes terribly wrong there will not be singing and I plan to wear jeans. We have two young boys, Ellis and Abner, who have grown up here at COTR and like to make kids church more “lively”.
I didn’t grow up going to church, I met Jesus through the ministry of Young Life as a senior in high school. I was blessed to work for Young Life and was a volunteer leader for 11 years. I spent most of the past decade running after school programs in the Issaquah School District. God has a funny way of working things out, as He has now planted me here at COTR.
You’ll find me trying to make sure each student who walks through the door feels welcome, regardless of whether they’ve grown up in the church or know anything of the truth, hope, and love that Jesus offers. I look forward to creating a place where kids from around the valley can come before and after school to have fun, make friends, and be pointed to Christ.
Advisory Council
The Advisory Council serves as the official Board of Directors to administer the business affairs of Church on the Ridge in cooperation with the Lead Pastor.
Charlie Salmon
Chair
Jim Humphries
Secretary
Tony Tanhueco
Treasurer
Aprille Ballangue
Member
Siri Barden
Member
Karim Ders
Member
Daniel Romero
Member
Elders
The Elders serve as spiritual oversight and provide counsel and accountability for the Lead Pastor.
