Salem Presbyterian Church Staff
540.389.3881
chris vogado
PASTOR
Reverend Chris Vogado began October 16, 2022, as our Pastor. Rev. Vogado is a lifelong Presbyterian, born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee. Chris has a BA in Religious Studies at the University of Tennessee and a Masters of Divinity from Colombia Theological Seminary. He has pastored two churches in North Carolina, worked in churches in Tennessee, Georgia and Indiana before coming to Salem. He is married to Rachel Vogado who is also an ordained Presbyterian pastor, has an eclectic taste in music and enjoys outdoor activities such as kayaking and backyard astronomy. Chris says the favorite thing about being a Presbyterian - “Grace! It’s all about the grace!”.
S. Reed Carter, IV
Director of Music
As Director of Music and organist at Salem Presbyterian Church, Reed directs the Chancel Choir, the Chancel Handbell Choir, the Youth Choir, the Children’s Choir, and the Cherub Choir. In addition to his responsibilities at SPC, Reed is the Artistic Director of the Salem Choral Society and also frequently works as the Music Director for the Roanoke Children’s Theatre. Reed is a native of Salem, and he and his wife Susan, along with their children, Emma, Sawyer, and Sam, are members of SPC.
Emily Nester
Church Administrator
Emily previously served as the Church Administrator from 2013-2015 and was thrilled to be able to rejoin the Church Staff in 2021. She handles all of the church's administrative functions and serves as the bookkeeper. Emily is a Roanoke native and graduated from Virginia Tech with a BA in English. She lives in Roanoke with her two children. In her very little spare time, she enjoys baking and reading.
Kitty Beehner, BSN, RN, FCN
Parish Nurse
Kitty, who joined Salem Presbyterian Church with her family in 1996, became the church’s first Parish Nurse in 2003. In this position, she focuses on the integration of mind, body and spirit through visitation of members, health education and counseling, support groups and programs, and lots of hugs! A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Kitty earned a B.S. in Nursing and has experience in the hospital setting, geriatric care, and pediatrics. She and her husband Dave have two adult children, Tom and wife Janel and Maggie & husband Dan. In her spare time, Kitty enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, listening to music, and watching classic old movies.
Allison Netting
Director of Children’s Education
Allison joined the church staff in 2025 and is committed to sharing the gospel with and enriching the lives of children and their families in our community. She previously served as the Director of a church preschool and as Director of Programs in a previous church. She lives in Salem with her husband, Dan, who is a pastor. Her daughters attend Virginia Tech.
Juan Gathman
youth leader
Juan joined the church staff in 2025 after serving as an intern with the Youth Group for two years. He has worked with youth at his home church as well as serving as Senior Camp Director at a summer camp for youth. He is a student at Roanoke College studying Philosophy.