Our Staff


  • Reverend Dr. Mary Catherine Northrup

    Pastor

    Born in Maryland, but raised largely in Minnesota, Reverend Cathy Northrup is a graduate of Hamline University in St. Paul, Georgetown University Law School, Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, and Princeton Theological Seminary where she received her Doctor of Ministry degree. Prior to coming to Rio Verde, Reverend Northrup served churches in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Wichita, Kansas. Her ministry interests are broad and include preaching, teaching, pastoral care, Stephen Ministry, and outreach. Reverend Northrup is married to Michael Northrup, a graduate of Brown University and Gordon Conwell Seminary in Charlotte, N.C. They reside in Rio Verde with their rescue dog, Tawny, a pit bull, lab, and whippet mix. Reverend Northrup can be reached at the church office at 480-471-7239, via her cellphone, 480-322-0183, or email at cnorthrup@verdefaith.org.

  • Tom Wojtas

    director of music

    Tom Wojtas became the Director of Music Ministry in May 2009. Prior to that he served for ten years as the church organist. Tom attended Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois and earned his undergraduate degree with a double major in Music and History. In 1984 he completed a Master of Music degree at Arizona State University majoring in Piano performance/accompanying. Tom taught music for 9 years as an adjunct faculty member at Mesa Community College and 7 years at Chandler Gilbert Community College. He also traveled the country as a musical director in professional theatre and in the corporate entertainment industry. He is married to Debby and they have two grown children, Tommy and Abby.  Tom can be reached at tomwojtas@cox.net.

  • Judy Stansbury

    OFFICE MANAGER/WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR

    Judy was born and raised in Iowa. She had a career of over 22 years with Wells Fargo, ending as Vice President and HR Manager of Learning and Development for Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan.  She relocated to Arizona in 2004, leaving the corporate world behind to own and operate two franchises; one in Fountain Hills and another in Paradise Valley until 2009.  She has been with Community Church of the Verdes since January of 2019, but has worked in Rio Verde since 2012.  In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and photography.  She has one son, a granddaughter, and three sisters who live in Iowa.  Judy can be reached at judy@verdefaith.org or by calling 480-471-7239.


  • JULIE HED

    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT


    Julie was born and grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. She is a 2003 graduate of Lakeland University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in sociology and nonprofit management. In 2019 she relocated to Naples, Florida where she worked as an office manager and customer relations representative. In February 2024 she moved to Fountain Hills, AZ to be near family. She enjoys birdwatching, gardening, hiking, and spending time with her calico cat, Coco! She can be reached at assistant@verdefaith.org or by calling the office at 480-471-7239.