Staff
Todd Stout - Lead PastorTodd arrived in NYC with his wife Sarah in 2008 to work with Church of the Advent Hope. In addition to his ministry with Advent Hope, he helped create the Urban Ministry Network and Advent Hope Ventures, an incubator for innovative ministry projects, including GTHR. He also serves on the board of Adventists for Social Justice. Todd lives with his family on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
Michelle Odinma - Pastor for Community LifeMichelle is a 2020 graduate of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, where she earned her Master of Divinity. Her background in elementary education from Michigan State University has equipped her to bring her teacher training into the work of ministry. With a strong foundation in the creative arts, Michelle spends her time writing poems and songs to inspire others to seek God.
Nicholas Zork - Minister for Worship and the ArtsNicholas is a New York City-based singer-songwriter, music director, and educator. He teaches songwriting at Andrews University, and his work explores how music practices can cultivate inclusive communities and bridge social divides. He has directed collaborative concerts at venues like Joe’s Pub and Apollo Music Cafe, and co-curates Carnegie Hill Concerts, a chamber series that celebrates the diversity of NYC’s artistic community. In addition to writing for other artists, he performs his own folk-oriented music. He lives with his family in Harlem.
Racquel Pierre - Director for Community Service and EngagementRacquel has a passion for serving others and her community. A longtime member of Church of the Advent Hope, she has volunteered as Head of Hospitality for over ten years. Her professional background includes leading the Annuities Team at a top national insurance firm’s New York headquarters, focusing on death claims. She has worked with nonprofit organizations on issues like parental incarceration and volunteers at Mount Sinai Cancer Institute. A certified Integrative Nutrition health coach, Racquel enjoys sharing healthy, delicious meals to help others improve their diets. She lives in New Rochelle, NY, with her husband, two boys, and their dog, Hunter.
Julie Dementyev - Director of OperationsA native of Ukraine, Julie has a background in education and a passion for empowering church communities. She has raised two children and served as a children’s ministry director and operations director, organizing and supporting ministries in Southern California and New York City since 2018. She enjoys long walks, biking to work, and home-roasted coffee.