meet our Staff

  • Kendall McDonald

    Lead PASTOR

    Kendall grew up in Midland, Texas. He received a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations from Texas Tech University and a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. He has spent several years ministering to youth and college students before becoming the Lead Pastor at Fredonia Hill in 2018. In 2006, he married the love of his life, Lindsey McDonald. They have five children.


    Kendall has been on staff at Fredonia Hill since November 2011.

    To email Kendall, click here.

  • Blake Russell

    Worship Pastor

    Blake is a native to Nacogdoches. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interpersonal Communications and a minor in Political Science. He has a strong desire to develop Biblical leaders in the context of the Church.  Blake and his wife, Ashley, have three wonderful girls. Aside from ministry, he is passionate about songwriting, spending time with family, and of course, fishing. 


    Blake has been on staff at Fredonia Hill since December 2012. 

    To email Blake, click here.

  • CALEB CASTRO

    PASTOR OF ADULT MINISTRIES

    Caleb was born in Mexico but moved to Texas when he was 12 years old. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Physics with a minor in Math from Stephen F. Austin State University. After working in corporate for a few years, Caleb obeyed the Lord’s leading and surrendered to serving in vocational ministry, which began with the Armor Bearer program at FHBC and led to serving in various churches around Texas. Caleb earned a Master of Divinity in Worship Leadership from The Southern Baptist Theological seminary in Louisville, KY and is currently pursuing a PhD in Christian Worship. 


    He and his wife, Ashley, were married at Fredonia Hill in 2017. They enjoy traveling, cross-cultural ministry, and helping people understand what it means to follow Christ.


    Caleb has been serving at Fredonia Hill since 2022.

    To email Caleb, click here.

  • EMILY SINGER

    associate director of adult ministries

    Emily Singer is from Houston, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2020. During her time in college, she spent two years serving as an Armor Bearer within the Student Ministry.


    Emily has been serving at Fredonia Hill since 2021.

    To email Emily, click here.

  • John James

    University Ministry Pastor

    John was raised in Fort Worth, Texas. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin University with a Business degree in 2015. John is married to Meleena James and they have two sons, Owen and Oliver. The James Family spends most of their time ministering to college students. John enjoys music, coffee, and comic books.

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    John has been serving at Fredonia Hill since 2014.

    To email John, click here.

  • Meleena James

    University Ministry director / Pre-school Associate

    Meleena was raised in Fort Worth, Texas. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin University with a degree in Organizational Communication in 2015. Currently she serves in the University ministry along with coordination our Nursery Program. She spends her time discipling women, working with Armor Bearers, and handling logistics within our college ministry. Beforehand, Meleena spent three years, serving as an Armor Bearer and Armor Bearer Resident. 

    Meleena is married to John James and they have two sons, Owen and Oliver. Meleena enjoys coffee, friends, and airports.


    Meleena has been serving at Fredonia Hill since 2013.

    To email Meleena, click here.

  • Nathan Dutton

    Student Ministry pastor

    Nathan was born in South Texas, but raised in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth where he received his BA in Christian Studies. While at Southwestern he met his wife, Julianna, who graduated with her BA in Humanities and Biblical Studies. During his time in Fort Worth, Nathan served on staff at Travis Avenue Baptist Church as the Youth Ministry Associate. Nathan is currently pursuing his Advanced Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.


    Nathan has been serving at Fredonia Hill since 2020.

    To email Nathan, click here.

  • Becky Weems

    Children's Ministry director / Community outreach director

    Becky has been a member of Fredonia Hill since her childhood and has served in many ministry roles throughout the years. She is married to Zac Weems and together they have four children: Lexi, Max, Carli, and Mia. The Weems family is called to serve families in Nacogdoches but also the people of Haiti through their non-profit One Foot Raised.


    Becky has been serving at Fredonia Hill since 1993.

    To email Becky, click here.

  • Ashley Russell

    Women's Ministry Director

    Ashley is from Friendswood, TX and she met her husband Blake while in college at SFASU. Very early in their relationship, they felt a call to ministry. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Education. Ashley has been active in women's ministry at Fredonia Hill since 2012 and recently moved into the director position in 2017.


    To email Ashley, click here.

  • maddison Duty

    director of operations

    Maddison is from Plano, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University. She spent four years ministering to college students at the Baptist Student Ministry at SFA, before coming to work at Fredonia Hill.


    Maddison has been serving at Fredonia Hill since 2021.

    To email Maddison, click here.

  • Arely Victorio

    next gen Administrator

    Arely was born in Mexico and came to the US at a young age. She grew up in Nacogdoches, married her husband, Fransisco, and they have two children, Aaron and Alexa. As a family they serve in FH Kids & FH Students. She enjoys serving and encouraging students with their walk with Christ. Arely also enjoys spending time with family, crocheting, and listening to music.


    Arely has been serving at Fredonia Hill since 2011.

    To email Arely, click here.

  • Haley chapman

    digital media administrator

    Haley is from Tarkington, Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2019. During her time in college, she spent two years serving on staff with Cru as a campus missionary ministering to women in Greek Life. When she's not behind a computer, Haley enjoys photography, coffee shops, and traveling to new cities.


    Haley has been serving at Fredonia Hill since 2021.

    To email Haley, click here.