Children's Ministry Staff

Beth Plyler, Director of First Pres Nursery School & Summer @ 1st
B.S. from Clemson University, Masters in Christian Counseling and Masters in Practical Ministry from Erskine Seminary

Beth is married to Wes and they have four fun, crazy children: Counts, Reese, Elsie, and Caelan. Beth and Wes have also been called to be foster parents. Beth loves working with kids and caring for their families. She has a can-do personality, is a caring, approachable director, and feels incredibly blessed to be a part of this amazing team.

Cami Lewis, Assistant Director of First Pres Nursery School & Summer @ 1st

Cami, originally from Indiana, has been married to her retired Navy husband, Andy, for 28 years. After being stationed throughout the country, they moved to Greenville almost nine years ago with their now adult daughters, Cali and Caysi. Cami has been working with children for most of her adult life, and considers it a blessing to be a part of the First Pres Children’s Ministry.

Tina Jones, Children’s Ministry Director
B.S. in Education from Indiana University; Stewards of Children Facilitator; Basic Life Support Instructor from the American Heart Association

Tina loves her position as “Fearless Leader,” and when working with children, volunteers, and the CM team, being fearless is a good thing! Tina is married to John and they are the parents of a mix of seven biological and adopted children, five boys and two girls. Each Sunday you will find Tina doing any number of things, such as helping in a classroom, participating in a skit, or preparing for a Bible study. She is passionate about caring for “the least of these” and invites everyone to partner in our Foster and Adoption Ministry.

Karen King, Director of Elementary Education (1st-5th grade) & Family Missions

Karen was born with Children’s Ministry DNA! She has been serving children for more than 30 years. She is married to Rusty, and they have two biological children and more than 50 other kids who know her as “Momma King.” You can always recognize Karen on a Sunday morning by her voice, that Travelers Rest drawl calling everyone “sweetheart” and “precious.” Karen, our prayer warrior, considers it an honor to pray for people.

Evelyn Penkert, Director of Early Childhood and Primary Education (Birth-5K)
B.S./B.A. from University of Florida; Stewards of Children Facilitator; Basic Life Support Instructor from the American Heart Association

Evelyn loves children and babies! She is our resident baby whisperer, and if you are looking for her on Sunday morning, a good place to start is the nursery. Evelyn and her husband, Rip, are the parents of four adult children, and have started over with one adopted son. They also continue to welcome foster children into their home, where they feel God has led their ministry. Evelyn loves the volunteers she serves with and feels blessed to work alongside the wonderful women on the CM team.

Heather Tomlinson, Children’s Ministry Coordinator
M.Ed. from Clemson University

Heather is married to Graydon, our gifted Ignite worship leader. They have four beautiful children, Mallie, Lincoln, Tucker, and last but not least, Daisy, whom they welcomed through adoption from foster care. Heather’s organizational skills, attention to detail, and patience are much-needed assets on the team. We’re thankful that Heather uses her gifts to strengthen our ministry to children at First Pres.