Our Staff
Rev. Caitlin Culp
Rev. Caitlin Culp
Rev. Caitlin Culp
Pastor
The Church of the Covenant welcomed Caitlin in 2025.
Caitlin graduated from Union Presbyterian Seminary’s (UPSem) Master of Divinity program in Richmond, VA, in May. As a seminarian, her work focused on feminist and womanist Biblical interpretation, ministry with older adults, worship, and preaching. During her time in seminary, Caitlin served as the Parish Intern at Ginter Park Presbyterian, a Clinical Pastoral Education Intern and PRN Chaplain at VCU Health, and a Spiritual Care Intern at a Continuing Care Retirement Community, where she also preached monthly. During seminary, Caitlin received the Karl Travis Excellence in Preaching Award and the E.T. George Excellence in Homiletics, Worship, & Public Speaking Award. Caitlin served on the Richmond Student Government Association, and she was the Richmond Student Representative to UPSem’s Board of Trustees. During seminary, Caitlin was known as a lively advocate, involved in the seminary and the surrounding community. She’s a lifelong Presbyterian and has a variety of ecumenical experiences. Caitlin, her husband, and their daughter live in McLean, VA. Outside of church and work, you can find them on neighborhood walks, hiking local trails, at library storytime, or hanging out with friends and family.
Rev. Culp was ordained on September 6th at Church of the Covenant in Arlington, VA, and began her call as Pastor at Church of the Covenant on September 1st.
Kent Hamaker
Rev. Caitlin Culp
Rev. Caitlin Culp
Director of Community Outreach and Christian Education
The Church of the Covenant welcomed Kent in October 2021.
Kent grew up active in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and its youth programs. After earning his degree from Virginia Tech, he served as a PCUSA Young Adult Volunteer in Birmingham, England (1994–1995). Since returning, Kent has dedicated much of his career to ministry with children and youth, while also expanding his communication and education experience through the Association for Healthcare Foodservice. He lives in McLean, Virginia, with his wife, Donna, and their two Maine Coon cats, Miss Fluffkins and Olivia.
Melissa McMahan
Rev. Caitlin Culp
Melissa McMahan
Director of Music
The Church of the Covenant welcomed Melissa in 2023.
Melissa grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, where her love of music began early through singing and piano. She earned her Bachelor of Music from Illinois Wesleyan University and her Master of Music from Illinois State University. Since founding the Melissa McMahan Music Studio in 2010, she has taught voice and piano and served as organist, pianist, and choir director. Melissa is the proud mom of two children, Clara and Wyatt.