The team at Damascus are here to help you explore and get ton know Damascus UMC and all we have to offer.
If you have any questions feel free to reach out to any of our staff.
Rev Myungha Baek
Senior Pastor
Pastor Baek was born and raised in South Korea. He and his wife came to the states to study. He studied at the Wesley Theological Seminary in D.C. where he earned a Masters in Divinity. He is a proud father to his daughter and their dog. Pastor Baek focuses on helping people to experience God's love and truth in their lives so they also can be God's vessel of love and truth to their neighbors.
Rev. Helen Ballew
Deacon
Rev. Helen is an ordained Deacon. It is her joy to help individuals and congregations live out faith by living into their relationships with God and neighbor! She has been serving with Damascus UMC in a specialized ministry of spiritual care and discipleship development, and community engagement since 2022. Rev. Helen eared master's degrees from Wesley Theological Seminary and the University of Illinois. She has lived in the greater Washington, D.C. area for much of he life. A former librarian, she enjoys reading and also loves to walk in nature, garden and spend time with family, friends, and neighbors.
Stephen Kalnoske
Music Director and Organist
Stephen joined DUMC in 2008, after two years as Assistant Organist at the National City Christian Church in Washington D.C.. He attended Boston Conservatory studying organ with Sean Redrow, as well as organ improvisation with Monte Maxwell at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis MD. He was semi-finalist in the 2008 and 2010 National Competition in Organ Improvisation, and was finalist int he 2020NCOI. He has led worships for organists on improvisation and service playing. An active recitalist, Stephen has been featured a the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in D.C., St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC, Trinity Church Copley Square in Boston, MA and the Washington National Cathedral in D.C. He enjoys performing improvisations on weekly basis at DUMC.
Kelly Baker
Nursery Attendant
Kelly is a life time resident of Damascus MD. She attended Montgomery College where she took courses on early childhood education. She has put that to use working in daycares (currently working at KinderCare). Kelly joined our team 3 years ago after being recommended for the position from her work at the Harwood House.
Jenna Greeves
Lead Nursery Attendant
Jenna is our lead nursery attendant.
Cora Horst
Director of Pleasant Plains Preschool
Cora and her family moved to Damascus in 2001. She became Director of Pleasant Plains Preschool in 2008, where she has found lasting joy in fostering the curiosity and creativity of young learners. Over the years, the preschool community has been a meaningful source of lasting connection for both Cora and the families it serves.
Stephen Kalnoske
Music Director and Organist
Stephen joined DUMC in 2008, after two years as Assistant Organist at the National City Christian Church in Washington D.C.. He attended Boston Conservatory studying organ with Sean Redrow, as well as organ improvisation with Monte Maxwell at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis MD. He was semi-finalist in the 2008 and 2010 National Competition in Organ Improvisation, and was finalist int he 2020NCOI. He has led worships for organists on improvisation and service playing. An active recitalist, Stephen has been featured a the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in D.C., St. Patrick's Cathedral in NYC, Trinity Church Copley Square in Boston, MA and the Washington National Cathedral in D.C. He enjoys performing improvisations on weekly basis at DUMC.
Tina Kelly
Director Christian Education and Youth Ministry
Tina graduated with a BA in accounting and obtaining her CPA license, started working at KPMG. After 30+ years there she retired from KPMG. Her focus now is to make the experience for our children and youth an opportunity for them to know God in a way that keeps them engaged, involved and growing from wherever they are on their faith journey. She has been involved in the Methodist church her entire life, and served as our 4th/5th grade SS teacher before taking on her current role.
Mike Powers
Bookkeeper
Mike brings more than forty-five years of financial leadership to DUMC, with executive experience in banking, investment management, and the not-for- profit sector. Before joining Damascus UMC, Mike served actively in his previous United Methodist congregation through local governance, conference committees, and various ministry roles. He holds a BS in Accountancy from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign and a CPA Certificate.
Jennifer Stultz
Office Administrator and Communications Manager
Jennifer grew up in Olney, Maryland and has called Damascus home for the past 16 Years. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where she earned a degree in Psychology with a minor in Behavioral and Social Sciences. Jennifer spent over two decades in the defense industry where she gained experience across various departments including human resources, recruiting, security and facilities. Following a loss of her career, after 22 years, due to a reduction in force, she decided to trust in God's plan. This transition led her to Damascus UMC in April 2025.
Bryce Taylor
Associate Director of Music
Bryce started his involvement with DUMC when he was baptized as an infant, and he was regular attendee and participant until he left for college. He graduated college with a Bachelor of Music Education, (Depauw Univ) and Master of Choral Conducting (Texas Tech Univ). He has performed in operas, musicals, and choral ensembles and brings his passion for Christ and music back to DUMC as our Asst. Director of Music. Outside of DUMC he serves a Front of House Director at Chick-fil-A Ballenger Creek.
Angie Thompson
Director of Children's Music Ministry
Angela has been a member of DUMC for 25 years. Originally form Pittsburgh, PA, She taught vocal music, guitar and acting for Montgomery County Public Schools where she was recognized as an Outstanding Arts Educator. As a performer, she has been seen through the DMV in musicals, operas, concerts, recitals, and plays. Her publications include "Migration Madness" a musical for elementary schools/Lazy Bee Scripts, "101 ideas for the Music Classroom"/Shawnee Press, and a CD of arias and art songs to benefit the Breast Cancer Center at John Hopkins. Angela uses her skills with our Cherub and Chorister group - helping the children to bring joy and music into our worship and their lives.
Brittnay Tarpley
Property and Manager
Brittnay was born and raised in Germantown MD. She spent some time in North and South Carolina before returning to Dmascus MD in 2017. She started working with DUMC in 2018. In her role she is responsible for maintaining church building and grounds, directing Custodians and overseeing upkeep of equipment and supplies.