MEET OUR STAFF

Reverend Jennifer Castle

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Rev. Jennifer Castle received her undergraduate degree and Master’s degree in social work from the University of California at Berkeley. She specialized in gerontology, specifically working with those with dementia and their families. She and her husband Don relocated to the Seattle area in 1994 and Jennifer continued her social work career until their children were born.

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After staying home with their children for a few years, Jennifer went to work part-time coordinating volunteers at Plymouth Church, UCC in Seattle. While there, Jennifer felt a growing call to ministry, and became especially excited about helping people of all ages connect their faith to their daily lives. Jennifer eventually became the Director of Faith Formation and then an Associate Pastor.

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Jennifer received her Master of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary and was subsequently ordained into the United Church of Christ. Jennifer is passionate about the power and potential of the local church to make a difference to the surrounding community and beyond.

Deeji Killian

Artistic Director, Conductor, and Choreographer Deeji Killian comes from a diverse musical and performing background which began in childhood. From a young age Deeji performed regularly at church along with her five siblings, giving her an early love and appreciation for singing in four-part harmony.

In her early twenties Deeji began her studies in classical voice, where she was encouraged to pursue a career in opera. She studied vocal performance and conducting at both Oberlin Conservatory of Music, and Cornish College of the Arts.

Before college graduation, Deeji was invited to audition for the Seattle Opera, where she went on to perform roles such notables as Renée Fleming, Ben Heppner, Susan Graham, Jane Eaglen, and Carol Vaness. Deeji was a Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions Regional Finalist. 

Throughout her singing career Deeji has taught private voice lessons and directed musical theatre workshops. In 2008 she put together a children's choir who's performances raised money for those in need. The church donated the space for the rehearsals and the performances, which raised over $25,000 for charities both local and abroad. During this time she was asked to form a community choir at the church and subsequently worked as their music director for eight years. She then formed the Northwest Firelight Chorale, where she has served as Artistic Director and Conductor for the past eleven years.

Deeji is very happy to have come full circle, once again immersed in the joy of choir and singing in harmony. 

“I am incredibly fortunate to have found a career that I feel to be my true calling. What a blessing and honor it is to lead this open, diverse, and talented group, and to have a life filled with creativity, music, and community!”