Staff

Pastor – Michael Birbeck

As the Pastor of First Presbyterian Church Wellsboro since 2015, Mike has a passion for wholistic transformation through the Gospel. Mike and his wife, Jessica, have a daughter named Priya. They enjoy travel, the outdoors, their dog, Rocky, and, most of all, spending time together as a family. Mike received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies from Cairn University and his Masters of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Prior to coming to First Presbyterian Church Wellsboro, he served as Pastoral Assistant at First United Presbyterian Church in Cambridge, Ma for two years and Director of Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Levittown in Levittown, Pa for eight years.

Choir Director – Morgan Shaffer

Morgan Shaffer is a native of Wellsboro and a third generation member of First Presbyterian Church Wellsboro. She obtained a B.S. in Music Education from Mansfield University and a M.S. in Music Education from Boston University. Morgan teaches band, choir and general music classes at the middle school in Wellsboro Area School District. Morgan and her husband, John, can be found enjoying a variety of outdoor activities including camping and hiking, as well as watching their children, William and Mallory, play soccer and perform in dance recitals.

Accompanist – Jason Gao

Jason Gao, a junior Music Performance and Music Education double major at Commonwealth University – Mansfield, studies piano with Dr. Eun-Joo Kwak. He plays for multiple ensembles like the Wind Ensemble, Concert Choir, and Chamber Singers. Jason also accompanies opera rehearsals as part of his work-study and collaborates with peers in recitals. Jason is vice president of Mansfield’s chapter of the Pennsylvania Collegiate Music Educators Association, their club representative in the Student Government Association, and treasurer of the American Choral Directors Association chapter. He’s an experienced trumpet player, takes voice lessons, and occasionally studies organ. Notable achievements in the past year include winning second prize in the Young Artist division of the Music Teachers National Association PA State piano competition and performing at the Interharmony International Music Festival in Italy.

Office Manager – Jen Horning

Jen is a Wellsboro native who joined our staff in 2019.  She enjoys assisting with the ministry behind-the-scenes and seeing all the cheerful faces that come to the church during the week. Jen homeschooled her three children and enjoys talking with anyone contemplating it. She and her husband, Dave, reside in Wellsboro. They have a story of the goodness and faithfulness of God.