MEET THE STAFF

  • Chris Opiela

    Lead Pastor/Elder

    I’m Chris and I’m honored to lead both our staff and elder teams at Frontline. I came to Germany in 2017 as a pastoral resident (think internship), and grew into my current role. I grew up in Moscow, PA, USA; that’s middle of the Poconos. Prior to moving overseas, I completed degrees at Bucknell University and Dallas Theological Seminary, but I never want to stop learning. My wife Kelly and I have lived overseas since 2014. We enjoy life as a family in Germany with three daughters and one son. We are passionate about books, making special memories, and telling people about Jesus. If you attend Frontline, I look forward to meeting you and hearing how God has been at work in your life.


    I'm reachable at: copiela@frontlinecommunity.org.

  • Office Staff:

    Our office staff may be behind the scenes, but they're also behind so much of what get's done at Frontline!  They also keep us organized and ensure cohesion between our ministries and vision. They can be contacted via their individual email addresses or through the shared address: admin@frontlinecommunity

  • Dondria Wallace

    Operations Manager

    I joined Frontline in 2015 and served as the Women's Ministry Director from July 2018-early 2025. Now, I'm thrilled to provide greater operational support overseeing our administrative team and organizational processes. I’m originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where I met my husband of 30 years, Lloyd Malone. We have four young adult children who keep us on our toes and on our knees! Our family is a “nerdy” bunch with a passion for all things related to science and technology. I’m a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a graduate of Texas A&M, where I majored in Engineering Technology. As a breast cancer survivor, I enjoy sharing my personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness throughout my ten-year journey. In my down time, I’m energized by DIY hobbies like 3-D printing and jewelry making. These creative outlets allow me to bless the people around me with the work of my hands.


    Contact me here: ops@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Jana Blount

    Administrative Assistant

    I am very excited to serve as Frontline’s Administrative Assistant. I am originally from Heilbronn, Germany. My husband David and I love studying the Word and worshiping together. We have two wonderful children on earth and twins in heaven. Being a trained journalist I enjoy writing, talking, and listening to people. I am currently working on a second Master’s degree in communications and public relations. In my free time I play volleyball and drums.

  • Vanessa Cruz

    Human Resources and Facilities Manager

    I am excited to be a part of the Frontline Admin team and specialist in human resources with a passion for fostering a positive workplace culture and facilitating employee wellbeing. With a background in Paralegal and administration, I am supporting the team with research, translation and German legal forms etc.. .I'm known for my strong interpersonal skills and ability to create inclusive and supportive work environments. In my free time, I enjoy singing and soaking in worship, baking, cooking, exploring nature with my kids and our dog.


    If you need anything, reach out: HR@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Jordon Bridgman

    Bookkeeper

    I am from Ohio and have lived in San Antonio, TX for the past five years. I served seven years in the Air Force, with my last duty station at Ramstein, where I met my wife, Chantal, and we have been together for seven years. I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, spending time with my family, grilling, watching sports, and listening to podcasts. I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity. 

    Get in touch with me at: 
     jbridgman@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Carmen Pekarek

    Facilities Cleaner

    I joined this awesome team as facilities cleaner in February 2025.  With headphones in and a podcast or worship on, I enjoy preparing the church spaces for worship and fellowship while getting in a good workout.  Frontline became my spiritual home and community when I served active duty here until 2017. I left the military and joined my soldier in marriage also in 2017, and became blessed as a momma since 2022. I gladly returned to Germany and Frontline with my family in 2022.  You’ll find me most Sundays on worship team singing or running slides.  I grew up a military kid and have a huge heart for military families overseas and their inherent challenges and opportunities. I love learning - my varied background includes full degrees in music performance and pre-medical studies and jobs from USAF vocalist to cooking school operator to group exercise instructor and personal trainer. I also enjoy being in the woods, adventurous travel and the science of cooking and wellbeing.


  • Life Groups & Bible Studies Staff:

    Life is more than the Monday through Friday, 9-5 workday or Sunday morning church service. Real growth also takes place in our homes over a meal, an early morning coffee get-together, in shared spaces and vulnerable conversations around God's Word. Our Small Group Ministry staff facilitate these environments!

  • Chris Arbona

    Associate Pastor/Elder

    I am honored to serve as an Associate Pastor at Frontline Community Church. Originally from New York City, I moved to Southern California at the age of 10. At 18, I joined the United States Air Force, gaining invaluable experiences that shaped my character and values. Now retired, I enjoy life as an empty-nester with my wife, Lourdes, who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and volunteers alongside me in ministry. Together, we are deeply passionate about faith, family, and community. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies and am currently completing a Master’s degree in Pastoral Counseling. My journey in faith has been enriched by my experiences, and I am dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Lourdes and I enjoy laughing, traveling, and helping others in any way we can.


    Feel free to reach out: carbona@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Latrell Gordon
    Women's Ministry Director

    I joined Frontline in 2017, this ministry has been an immense help in my spiritual growth. It is a blessing to join a team that truly keeps God first and love the local community. It is an Honor to serve as Frontline Women’s Ministry Director with a community of women who want to connect with one another and grow in the grace and knowledge of God. I am originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, I come from a large family of good cooks.  I retired from the United States Air Force in 2016, in the great state of Texas. I graduated from Bellevue University in Nebraska with a bachelor's degree in Heathcare Management.  I am passionate about serving the Lord and studying the word of God.  I love people and I am a huge fan of traveling the world.

    You can email me at: women@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Worship/Arts Staff:

    Worship is what we were made for! Our Worship/Arts team is all about proclaiming the glory of God through various creative expressions including music, graphic design, video and more. 

  • William Nockles

    Associate Pastor/Elder

    I moved to Germany with my wife Annie in 2018. We love our church community as well as our neighbors and this unique opportunity to live on mission and raise our 3 boys in a diverse multicultural environment. At Frontline I currently oversee our Worship team and online ministry (website & social media). I’m also grateful to be a part of our preaching team. Prior to joining Frontline’s pastoral staff, I served as worship leader of a church plant in Portland, OR (where I grew up). Though a difficult season, that time along with my training at Boise Bible College helped foster a love for God’s people and prepare me for pastoral ministry. Along with music I enjoy hiking, bicycling, playing board games, and sipping coffee over a conversation.


    Contact me at: wnockles@frontlinecommunity.org.

  • David Blount

    Worship Assistant

    Originally from the DMV area, David spent several years studying voice and music production at Berklee College of Music and then ventured into a 13 year career in the IT field. That career brought him to Germany in 2015. David found his church home with Frontline in 2017 and has felt blessed to use his voice to the glory of God through serving on the worship team ever since. Other than spending time with his favorite person, his wife Jana, and their beautiful kids, David enjoys watching biblical documentaries, reading, building Legos, and can always be found singing and/or listening to worship music.


    My email address is: worshipadmin@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Peter Mesaeel

    Audio Technician

    My family and I have been a part of Frontline for 12 years since we moved to Germany and we love serving the Lord, whenever and however we can. When I am not mixing sound at Frontline, you can find me recording and producing worship songs at my studio. I love playing any instrument but especially I am passionate on the drums. I am certified Audio engineer from Hofa College of Audio Engineering and Music production. Bedside my passion for music I also love to dive deep in the word of God, so I started seminary from Explore Nations Bible College.


    You can email me at: audio@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Trinity Albertson

    Creative Media Strategist

    My family came to Germany in November 2024 and immediately made Frontline our home. I am honored to be a part of this amazing staff leading the creative media strategies for the church and our new volunteer team. My husband, Richard, and I met in the Army and have been married since 2010. Our teenage son, Tristan, and our furry friend, Kip, are with us. Our young adult daughter is pursuing her college dreams back in the States. We are from Michigan originally and have been praying for a tour in Germany for almost 15 years. We love exploring, learning about the history here, and all things food and friends! 


    Reach out to me at: cms@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Youth & Kid's Ministry Staff:

    Children are a gift from the Lord! At Frontline we love kids, big and small and work to create safe and fun spaces for them to experience God's love, connect with others, and grow on their journey with Jesus.

  • Neil Malone

    Youth Director

    I have a passion for working with teens. I’m originally from Athens, Alabama, and I’ve been in Germany since 2019, but I moved to the KMC in June of 2022. I hold a bachelor’s degree in operations management from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) and am now pursuing dual masters degrees in teaching and divinity. I believe my calling is to disciple teens, whether that’s through classroom instruction, coaching, or direct ministry. I’m married to Ashli since 2018 and have one child. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and exercising.

    Get in touch with me at: 

  • Jessica González

    Children's Ministry Director

    I’m excited to be part of Frontline’s Kids Ministry since May 2021. I started working as the Nursery Coordinator and then transitioned to the director role in April 2023. I have been blessed to travel the world along side my husband and 3 wonderful children. I have experienced many cultures and met so many amazing people. No matter where I have lived, I love serving and growing in the Biblical knowledge. Spending time with my family, reading, traveling, gardening and quiet time with the Lord are my priority.


    Reach out to me at: kidsmindirector@frontlinecommunity.org


  • Stephanie Abel

    Frontline Kids Curriculum Coordinator

    I joined the Frontline team in January of 2020! Even though my family and I have lived overseas since 2011, Mississippi is home, and I miss it so much! My family is my rock, and I couldn’t survive without them. I’m married to my best friend, Tamas, and we have two wonderful children—a son born in 2015 and a daughter born in 2017. I have a huge heart and feel most fulfilled when I’m helping others.


    You can reach me here: curriculumcoordinator@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Julia Rolston

    Frontline School Age Coordinator

    I married my husband, Cody, in August 2018, had my daughter, Sophia, in May 2022, and moved to Germany in August 2022. Some of my favorite things to do are spending time with my family, including my two dogs, exploring new places, watching sports, and being outside as much as possible. I have worked in kids ministry since I was a teenager and love to watch them grow in their love for Christ. 

  • David Martinez Jimenez

    Frontline School Age Coordinator

    My family and I have been part of the Frontline community since 2021. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, I’ve been involved in various roles within the children’s ministry teams since 2013. I truly enjoy sharing my experiences with God and adapting to new challenges. I’ve been happily married to Nichole since 2009, and we’re blessed with two wonderful kids. We cherish our family time together and love hosting Life Group, game nights, and go on outings.


    My email address is:  930amschoolagecoordinator@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Erin Coleman

    Frontline Nursery Coordinator

    Erin has a background in hospitality and culinary arts. She feels that sharing a meal with other Christians is a great way to build community and grow in the Lord. As a mother of two rambunctiously beautiful children, she loves being around kids of all ages and serving the Lord through them. Erin has been a volunteer for Children's Ministry since September 2023, and she is excited for the growth the Lord has planned for her personally, as well as His plan to use her to advance His kingdom as she steps into her role as a nursery coordinator. In her free time she loves trying out new recipes, hiking and being in God's creation, traveling, and exploring new places, as well as beating escape rooms with her wonderful husband. 

    You can get ahold of me here:
     930amnurserycoordinator@frontlinecommunity.org

  • Hannah Sprague

    Frontline Nursery Coordinator

    Hello! I am pleased to serve frontline and the Ramstien community as the 11:30 service nursery coordinator.I am an east coast girl, born and raised in Rhode Island and now a Florida resident. I live here in Germany with my husband and two out of three of our children. Our oldest is back stateside attending college. While we’re here we are loving to travel and taking in all the sights. Only thing Germany is missing is the ocean!I’m truly grateful to be part of this ministry team and excited to see God work in the lives of our young children. 

    Here's my address: 
    1130amnurserycoordinator@frontlinecommunity.org

Elders

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  • Pete Morello

    Frontline Elder

    Hi! I am Pete Morello, one of Frontline’s elders for the past 3 years. I am originally from

    Worcester MA, and grew up in a Catholic home. In my mid 30’s I surrendered my life to

    Jesus. Shortly after, I met my wife Heidi in Boise ID, and we have been married over 27

    years. We have one daughter, Sophia, who is attending Johannes Gutenberg University

    in Mainz. My family and I have lived in Germany for over 20 years, and have been

    attending Frontline most of that time. We have all participated and served in some

    capacity supporting the church over the years. I retired from active duty in 2007 and

    then also from civil service in 2019, following 38+ years with the Air Force. I am

    currently just a pensioner (means I do not work anymore) with a residence permit to

    remain in Germany. 

  • Cody Calame

    Frontline Elder

    I grew up in Southeast Texas in a Christian home and surrendered my life to Jesus Christ at a young age. My wife, Taylor, and I have been married for 18 years and are blessed with three wonderful kids: Brady, Corbin, and Lainey. I am currently serving on active duty in the Air Force and we have been stationed at Ramstein and Frontline members since 2021. Taylor and I previously served as Life Group leaders and in Children’s Ministry at another duty station and we felt the Lord calling us to continue in those areas here. We currently lead a Life Group in Kottweiler and teach in the 4th and 5th grade class. This church family has been a tremendous blessing to us, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and grow with our community. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, traveling, game and movie nights, and spending time with family.

  • Parker King

    Frontline Elder

    I’m Parker and I’m honored to serve as an elder at Frontline. My wife, Rachel, and I are both active duty Air Force and came to Germany and Frontline in 2023 — I’ve primarily served with the youth, recently having stepped into an elder role, and Rachel has primarily served with the children’s ministry. We met at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR and love to travel, play games, watch/play sports, and read. If you see me at Frontline, please come say hi, I’d love to meet you, hear about your story, and talk to you about how great our God is.