GMPC Staff
“Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.”
Acts 20:28
Program Staff
Pastor-Elect & Head of Staff
Reverend Dr. Christopher Atwood
Rev. Dr. Christopher Atwood is a Seattle native and has served churches in Miami, FL, San Clemente, CA, and recently at Liberty Barn Church in Columbus, OH. He studied theology and philosophy at Whitworth University, received an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary, then studied at Universität Tübingen before receiving a Ph.D. in systematic theology from Wheaton College (his dissertation was on Jonathan Edwards’s doctrine of justification). Dr. Atwood came to faith through Young Life in High School and has devoted his life to knowing God deeply, making disciples, and strengthening churches wherever he has been called.
Pastor Chris has been married to Jenn for nearly 20 years and has two children (Grace, 10 & Theo, 8). Their families are still in the Pacific Northwest, and they have two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, which are named after the names of the church’s they’ve served (Brickell & Olentangy).
Rev. Dr. Atwood will begin serving as our Pastor-Elect and Head of Staff on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Please join us in the Sanctuary on Sunday, July 19, as he preaches his first sermon at 9:00am and 10:45am.
Spanish Service Pastor
Raul Palomino
Raul Palomino is a seasoned non-profit leader with over a decade of experience. As Executive Director and pastor at New Day Urban Ministries a ministry of the Presbytery of San Diego, he excels in program development, budgeting, grant writing, and fostering community relationships. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Raul is a dedicated Christian professional with theological studies from Westminster Theological Seminary and an MBA from the University of Redlands. He is currently pursuing an MDiv at San Francisco Theological Seminary. Married to Sandra P. Damian-Palomino and the father of Priscilla and Jeremiah Palomino.
Director of Music Ministries
Renee Calvo
Renee is a native San Diegan and started her journey in music at the age of six when she began to study the piano. Her passion for music led her to pursue a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano/Voice from Point Loma Nazarene University as well as a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from San Diego State University. Her professional career has included singing with the San Diego Opera and San Diego Master Chorale. A long-time voice and piano teacher, Renee taught voice classes and private lessons at the University of San Diego serving as an adjunct music professor. Currently, Renee teaches 7th grade Music, Upper School Choir and is the Drama Director at The Cambridge School, a Christian classical school in Rancho Penasquitos, CA. She loves all styles of music and is passionate about striving to bring her best to God through her ministry with the Graham Memorial Presbyterian church community.
Director of Family & Children’s Ministries
Rebecca Smith
Rebecca has a BS in Elementary Education with an emphasis in cross-cultural communication from St. Paul Bible College and an M.A. in Theology with an emphasis in cultural anthropology from Bethel Theological Seminary. Her experience includes public and Christian schools and teaching and preaching in church ministries from preschoolers to adults. She served as a licensed missionary in México, Colombia, Honduras and taught high school at Faith Academy in the Philippines. Rebecca held the position of Director of Children’s Ministries for GMPC from 2005-2022 and started the Awana Ministry in Coronado in 2007. After serving in another local church from 2022-2023, she is grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to be the Director of Family Ministries here at GMPC. Rebecca and her husband, Bill, are the joyful parents of three adult sons and a daughter-in-law. Her favorite Bible verse is “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13). Rebecca enjoys family time, swimming in oceans and pools, outdoor activities, reading and baking.
Preschool Directors
Jennifer Nesbitt & Jessica DiGrazia
Jenni Nesbitt began working at Graham as an Assistant Teacher in 2016 when her family moved from the D.C. area. Jenni has worked with children her entire career holding positions such as Christian Formation Director, Preschool Teacher, Youth Recreation Lead, Police Officer, AmeriCorp volunteer and most recently Assistant Director at Graham Memorial Preschool.
Jessica DiGrazia began her journey at Graham Memorial Preschool as a three-year-old in Room 3. Since then, she has advanced from Substitute Teacher, to Assistant Teacher, to Lead Teacher, and to Assistant Director, as well as watched her three children learn, grow, and play at Graham.