Our Staff

Rev. Dr. Amy Wiles 
Pastor/Head of Staff  
​amy@1stpresby.org

Rev. Dr. Amy Wiles became pastor of First Presbyterian in the Spring of 2012. She graduated from Luther Seminary with her Doctorate of Ministry in Biblical Preaching, as well as graduating from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with her Master of Divinity. Prior to entering ministry, she taught music in public school for five years. Besides engaging in ministry at the church, she is also involved in the community as a member of the Eastside Ministerial Alliance, Cedar Valley Interfaith Council, and LINK Board of Directors. She lives with her husband, John. They are the proud parents of a daughter, Ruthie, and a son, Thomas.

Rev. Pat Geadelmann
Associate Pastor of Care and Visitation  
pat@1stpresby.org

Rev. Dr. Pat Geadelmann began service as Minister of Care and Visitation at First Presbyterian Church in March 2015. She has a Master of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, and a Certificate of Completion from the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Guidance. Pat has a BA from UNI, an MA from the UofI, and an EdD from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Prior to entering ministry she served for two years as a PE education teacher and coach in Eagle Grove, IA for two years, and then was employed at the University of Northern Iowa from 1972-2016 as a faculty member and administrator. From 1988-2016 she served in the President's Office, responsible for Board of Regents, state and federal governmental relations. Pat is a native Iowan, born and raised in Tipton.

Tyler Gajewsky
​Sanctuary Choir Director

Tyler Gajewsky began service as Music Director in September 2021. He is in his fourth year at the University of Northern Iowa, studying choral music education. Tyler is a Des Moines native, growing up in the Urbandale area and attending Urbandale High School where he found his passion for music. Tyler is a part of multiple choirs at UNI and other choirs outside of the school of music. Tyler is the music director of the Beta Nu chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, a music fraternity at UNI, and also helps direct the UNI Community Children's Choir.

Melody Steed
​Bell Choir Director
melnkans@verizon.net

Melody Steed serves as First Church's Bell Choir Director. Melody comes with a wealth of experience leading worship in churches of various denominations. She comes to the Cedar Valley from Lindsborg, KS where she taught at Bethany College for 12 years. While there, she directed the Bethany College Handbell Ensemble, developing the program into a thriving ensemble that frequently participated in their chapel services. While she has recently moved to Waterloo, she is not a stranger to the area as an alumni of UNI. She currently teaches at Cunnigham Elementary School as the Music Teacher.   

Amber Gilles
​Office Manager
amber@1stpresby.org

​Amber Gilles is the Office Manager at First Presbyterian. She began work in the office in April 2021. Amber is an East Side of Waterloo native, having attended West High School, Hawkeye Community College, and the University of Northern Iowa. She has 10+ years of experience at various local businesses working in accounting, payroll, human resources, and office management. She enjoys working in the background helping to make the various office details run smoothly. Amber lives with her husband, Gary Jr., and two daughters, Iris and Ivy.
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