Our Team

Our teams make up a dynamic group that shepherd our congregation and oversee the work we do in worship, music, education and service.  Scroll down to meet us and email the church office to contact any of us.

Minister

Rev. Jen Mihok is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and began ministry at Crawford Memorial in July 2026. Jen has a passion for worship and preaching that connect head to heart, ancient to modern, and belief to action. She enjoys bringing together people of diverse ages and backgrounds, especially in ecumenical and community partnership. Jen chairs the New England Conference Committee on the Episcopacy, and she is energized by interfaith collaboration and collegial support.

Jen previously served as pastor at the United Church of Underhill and coordinating pastor of Binghamville United Methodist Church in northwestern Vermont. A Pennsylvania native, Jen has lived in Russia, Germany, Washington DC, and Boston, working in both secular and religious settings. She and her husband, Chris, met while working at a Boston-area non-profit. Their two children (and two cats) keep them plenty busy.

Music Director

James Gutierrez is an assistant teaching professor at Northeastern University. Growing up in Southern CA, James’ family nurtured a sense that the core of our being intersects the highest conceivable good in the state of music, and it is this intersection that grounds his music making, writing, and teaching. James is an interdisciplinary educator, researcher, and musician whose overarching mission is to investigate and realize the potential of music-making as a force for social change, community building, and personal wellbeing.  Outside of academia James serves as Managing Director for Cambridge Common Voices, a neurodiverse choral collaboration between Harvard and the Threshold Program at Lesley University, and was previously in leadership at the Center for World Music, leading programs that continue to improve the visibility of refugee communities in San Diego through the promotion of their musical cultures. We are grateful to have him join us as Crawford’s Music Director where he leads our Chancel Choir.

Organist/Pianist

Helena Veranian has been the devoted Organist and Accompanist of Crawford Memorial United Methodist Church since 1995. “I enjoy and appreciate the emotional support of the big church family I have here”, says Helena. She received her MA in Piano Performance and Choir Conducting from Erevan Conservatory (Armenia). Prior to Crawford, Helena was the organist at St. James Apostolic Church in Los Angeles. She has participated in more than 500 concerts throughout Russia, Armenia, Georgia, Italy, Austria, Germany, Spain, and the United States. Helena is married to Maestro Arthur Veranian. They have two daughters, Veronica and Cristina.

Administrator

Stacey Hilliard has been a member of Crawford Memorial UMC since 2001. Early on, Stacey served on the nursery school committee. Later, she worked as an office assistant to the UMNS Nursery School director. When the UMNS closed in 2020, Stacey took on the role of Communications Manager for the church, which ultimately led to her becoming our full time Church Administrator. Originally from Northeast Ohio, Stacey lives in Medford with her two sons, cat, and dog.

IT Director

Robert McAlpine brings to Crawford a wealth of experience in audio-visual production, technology support, and creative communication. He has worked in a variety of settings—from classrooms to community organizations—where he combined technical skill with a passion for helping people connect. Outside of work, Robert enjoys cooking, solving puzzles, and tackling escape rooms—he loves a good challenge both in and out of the control booth! He’s looking forward to enhancing our worship livestreams and expanding the church’s AV capabilities to make our services more accessible and engaging for everyone.