Our Staff and Clergy

Rev Dr Kristen Provost Switzer (she/they)

Rev. Dr. Kristen Provost Switzer is proud to call herself a native of Newtown, Connecticut. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northeastern University, a Certificate of Professional Ministry from Hartford Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry from Hartford International University for Religion and Peace, where her focus was on adaptive lay ministerial leadership and post-pandemic community engagement. She has completed fellowships in Youth Ministry (Yale), Justice Ministry (Auburn Seminary) and Pastoral Innovation (Hartford International University). She has served congregations in Hamden, Prospect and Newtown, CT before coming to South Church. Kristen is passionate about social justice issues such as antiracism, LGBT+ ministries, gun violence prevention and economic justice. She believes in the power of church as community building, healing and liberating.

Kristen raises her three children with her partner, Aerin (she/they), and loves to spend her free time with her family, at the gym, hiking, eating vegetarian food, and playing with their two cats. She and her family are excited to get to know the South Church community!

Andy Williams, Music Director (he/him)

Andy is very excited to be with South Church as Music Director! He was raised in a loving and encouraging household in neighboring Middlefield where he learned to play the piano and organ. While in high school at Xavier in Middletown, he began playing the organ at St. Colman’s church in Middlefield. He played and sang in churches when he moved to New Orleans for college in 2010 while studying to become a music educator at Loyola University. Since graduating, he has also worked as an elementary school music teacher in New Orleans LA, Brooklyn NY and Hamden CT.

At home, Andy is happily married to his wife Sally, and they have 2 children, Jeremy and Calvin. Andy considers himself to be blessed to have such a wonderful family and to be able to work in music.

Charlie Bogoian, Administrative Assistant

Charlie is currently the part time Administrative Assistant at South Church. He has held many similar roles in office management and operations, and has enjoyed getting to know the South Congregational Church Community, as well as the Middletown area, over the past year. Outside of work, Charlie enjoys reading, bike riding, and going to live music/entertainment.

Susan Pavis, Treasurer

I am honored to be the Treasurer for South Church since 1997.   My primary duty as Treasurer is to process all payments and cash management for the church’s Operating and Fidelity funds.  In my spare time, I enjoy reading and doing soapstone sculptures, cross stitch and other craft projects.

Alexis Johnson, Assistant Treasurer

Alexis has served South Church as our Assistant Treasurer since December 2017. An interesting note is that she continues the legacy of her mother, who served as Assistant Treasurer before her.

Rev. Dr. Mary Decker Klaaren, Pastor Emerita

Reverend Doctor Mary D. Klaaren served South Church as our Minister from 1980 to 2007. Her ministry exemplified strong commitment not only to the church but to the Middletown community as well. After her retirement, Mary continued to be an involved member of our congregation. We continue her legacy of service with a scholarship to commemorate her 28 years of pastoral service.