Meet our staff at First UMC Park Ridge

Rev. Scott S. Himel

Pastor Scott is an Elder in Full Connection in the United Methodist Church. He received his Masters of Divinity from Duke Divinity School in ’12. Afterward, he served for a year as a Resident Chaplain at Duke University Hospital, where he earned the Westly P. Atkins award for pastoral care excellence. His first parish appointment was in 2013 to Rockford: Christ UMC, where he served as Associate Pastor for five years; in 2018, he was appointed as Senior Pastor to Glencoe: North Shore UMC where he also served for five years prior to his appointment to Park Ridge: First UMC.

Pastor Scott is a passionate, scripturally-centric preacher; has a deep love for pastoral care and relationship-building in and beyond the church; has experience connecting the church with its surrounding community; and is always discerning how the church can make a Gospel impact through ministries of mercy and justice in its surrounding community. In his personal life, Pastor Scott is single. His parents, Rev. Mark & Fran Himel, live in Naperville, IL; his sister, Ellen Keeler, and her family live in Celina, TX. He enjoys road biking, golfing, cooking, and playing the piano and alto saxophone.

Rev. Bob Campbell

Extension Ministry | rcampbell@willowwellness.com

Bob Campbell, ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, provides leadership and guidance in Adult Education and Spiritual Formation. Bob has served many churches, and has a special gift for Pastoral Counseling. Bob also has a conference appointment as the Co-Director of the Willow Wellness Center in Park Ridge. Bob graduated with an Masters of Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in 1995 and has a Psy.D. from Adler School of Professional Psychology.

Amy Lane

Church Office Coordinator | office@parkridgeumc.org

Amy Lane joined our staff in June of 2014, after a 24-year career at Chicago Public Schools. She and her family are long time members at First UMC. The church office is our communications hub, and Amy is our welcoming face, greeting members and visitors, answering phones, and supervising the many print and computer needs.

John Schuman

Director of Music Ministries | musicparkridge@gmail.com

A gifted multi-instrumentalist, John is our church organist for traditional music, leads our contemporary praise music group, works with the staff in developing our worship and music programs, and directs our choirs. He has been the music director of St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods and music teacher in their school for Pre-K through 8th grade students. From his musical talent and expertise to his delightful personality to his ability to patiently teach, we are blessed to have him with us.

Rochita Plonka

Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries | rplonka@parkridgeumc.org

Rochita brings a warm, creative spirit and global perspective to her role as Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries. Growing up in the foothills of the Himalayas in India and having lived in Scotland, London, Mexico, and South Korea, she’s had the privilege of teaching students from diverse backgrounds and serving in leadership roles in both education and hospitality. Passionate about bringing people together—whether through conversation, shared meals, or creating welcoming spaces—Rochita also enjoys interior decorating and baking. Her deep faith and heart for service shine through in her work with children, guiding them as they grow in their love for God in engaging and nurturing ways.