Our Staff
Wesley W. Ellis, Ph.D., Senior Pastor
Wes Ellis was born and raised in Ramona and has worked in ministry since 2004. He received a BA in Theology and Biblical Studies from Azusa Pacific University, an M.A. in Christian Education and an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in Practical Theology from the University of Aberdeen. He is a Visiting Instructor for Children, Youth, and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, the author of Youth Beyond the Developmental Lens, and a co-author of Delighted: What Teenagers are Teaching the Church About Joy. He has been the Pastor of First Congregational Church since 2021. You can find more about Wes at his website, www.wesleywellis.com. Wes loves to play golf and watch Padres baseball. He lives in Ramona with his wife Amanda and their two kids, Henry and Bonnie.
Ratko Filipovich, Sacred Arts Director / Organist
Ratko has been faithfully and skillfully serving as our Sacred Arts Director since 2017. He directs our Chancel Choir, our Gospel Choir, our Bell Choir, and participates in and leads our Emmaus Road bluegrass ensemble. He is an integral part of our worship services and works closely with the pastor to bring about an experience that is meaningful and inspiring.
Emily Whigham, Children & Youth Choir Director
My name is Emily Whigham and I am our Children and Youth Choir Director here at First Congregational Church of Ramona. I have been singing in honor choirs, competition show choirs, private events, musical theater, and our church choirs since I was 10 years old. I have been involved with our children’s choirs here at the church since about 2014 assisting previous directors and as a director myself. We have two choirs, Minor Miracles for grades K-6th, and Heaven Bound for grades 7th-12th.
Brittany Volk, Youth Director
Having served as Interim Youth Director at FCC previously, Brittany now returns as Director after having taught junior-high biology. She brings enthusiasm, administrative skills, and a loving heart to the position and to our youth.
James M. Walton, Youth & Children’s Ministry Coordinator
Jamie Walton is a Member of First Congregational Church and is soon to be completing his bachelor’s degree in ministry and psychology. Jamie will be serving our church family as our new Youth & Children’s Ministry Coordinator. Jamie lives in Ramona, Ca with his wife, Vicki, and their four children.
Candace Pagano, Financial Secretary
Candace has been managing our financial affairs and paying our bills since 2008. In her spare time, she is a tax preparer and devoted mother to three grown daughters and their families.
Christina Johnson, Administrative Assistant
Christina is a longtime resident of Ramona and has been a Member of Calvary Chapel Ramona for over 20 years. At Calvary, she runs the nursery for ages 0-2 and is studying to become a teacher. In her spare time, she loves to teach dance fitness, spend time with her family, and work on her homestead. Christina has been married to her high school sweetheart, Luke, for nearly 20 years and together they have three children and two dogs. She is dedicated to living her life by sharing the love of Jesus.
Wyatt Davis, Audio Visual Tech
Wyatt has grown up within our church family and is an active member of our Youth Group.
Jocelyn Magnes, Nursery Staff
Jocelyn has been involved with the Congregational Children's Center through volunteer work since 2019, and now works in the nursery. She is devoted to providing a safe and loving space for children and has worked with them since she was 11 years old. Outside of childcare, Jocelyn has a passion for the visual arts, writing and studying music, and dancing.
Mindy Tretera, Congregational Children’s Center Director
Mindy has been our CCC Director since 2013 and served for years prior as a Teacher for our campus. She is a legacy member of First Congregational Church with her family history with our church spanning decades.