Meet our team

Amy Balvin

Kids Ministry Associate Director

Bio here

Steve Barnes

Production Director

Steve has served at RiverTree for over 20 years in various ministries, spending the last 12 years specializing in live audio production. He also runs sound for local events like Alive Music Festival and Plain Township Amphitheater Concerts, with the support of his wife, Kristin, and son, Beckett.

Ellie DeSantis

Operations & Logistics Director

Ellie wears many hats at RiverTree, helping coordinate events, decor, food and all the details that make our campus feel like home. She’s also a proud mom to her three young-adult children, Jonah, Jailei and Jasmine. When she’s not serving at church, you might find her enjoying a sunny walk in the park with her husband, Gary.

Gary DeSantis

Video Producer & Director

Gary leads our Video Experience Team, which includes shooting and editing videos and producing the live experience each Sunday. His heart for people shines through in the love and care he brings to every room he enters. Outside of his work at RiverTree, you’ll find him spending time with his kids and wife, Ellie.

Ariel Ginanni

Kids Ministry Director

Ariel oversees all things kids at RTJ. From pouring into volunteers and knowing every kiddo by name to helping parents feel at ease when leaving their little ones for service, she brings so much love and care to her role. Outside of serving, Ariel loves being a wife to Eric and mom to their little boy, JP.

Eric Ginanni

Men's Ministries Director

Eric leads our men’s ministry, creating opportunities for men to connect, grow in their faith and encourage one another in their walk with Jesus. On Sundays, you’ll almost always find him serving in the elementary hallway, usually dancing around with the kids! Eric’s favorite adventures are the ones he gets to share with Ariel and JP.

Cindy Gorfido

Food Services Team Leader & Women's Ministry Leader

Cindy leads our food service team, serving up tasty lunches for our school kiddos and creating delicious meals and beautiful decor for special events. Food is definitely her love language! She also pours into women by leading a weekly Bible study and crafting events that encourage connection.

Beth Kinkaid

Students Pastor

Beth is passionate about walking with students on their journey with Jesus, making sure each one feels seen and valued. She thrives in chaos, which makes her a perfect fit for student ministry! Ask our students, and they’ll tell you she’s one of the most fun and caring leaders around. Our staff wholeheartedly agrees!

Rodney Lamp

Maintenance Team Leader

At a church with big goals and exciting projects, there’s always something to build, fix or maintain at RiverTree, and Rodney is our go-to guy! Beyond keeping things running smoothly, Rodney holds a special place in the hearts of our school kiddos, who love watching Mr. Rodney mow and drive the tractor!

Sandy Moores

Student Ministry
Administrative Assistant

Sandy has been an integral part of Student Ministries for years, bringing a passion for leading trips and creating meaningful experiences for students. She and her husband are co-founders of the nonprofit RippleFX. Outside of ministry, Sandy’s favorite role is being mom to her two kids, Caleb and Chloe.

Tiffani Scalzo

Communications Director & Women's Ministry Leader

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Sonia Scheetz

Food Pantry Team Leader

Sonia oversees our Food Pantry ministry, which includes coordinating volunteers, helping members of the community receive food, and heading up our Backpack Program. She is also a member of the prayer team. Sonia enjoys traveling with her husband and spending time with their family, including her first grandbaby!

Jon Tisevich

Care & Worship Pastor

Jon is a Canton native and die-hard Cleveland Browns fan. He has 15+ years of ministry experience and 12+ years in nonprofit arts leadership. As RiverTree’s Worship Leader and a member of the teaching team, he uses his gifts to lead others into God’s presence through worship and by sharing the truth of His Word.