Ringers

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  Amy Archibald

  Amy, member of Westminster Ringers, has been ringing handbells for over 30 years. She learned to ring at Milford Mill United Methodist Church (Pikesville, MD) where her mother is the Director of Handbell Choirs. Ringing is definitely a family affair. She is joined by her brother and two cousins in Westminster Ringers also! Amy earned her Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Towson University, and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Amy is a biology teacher at Wilde Lake High School in Howard County, MD. When not working or ringing, Amy enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and son.

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  Wendy Baldwin

  Wendy, member of Accelerando, began ringing with St. Paul’s UCC sixteen years ago and has rung with Belle Grove Legato and Rainbow Ringers. Wendy considers ringing handbells a family experience. She rang with three of her children, Karleigh, Brady and Riece, her sister Tessa Starr, and three nephews and her niece. Her daughter, Karleigh, rings with her in Accelerando. When she’s not playing music, she teaches kindergarten at Piney Ridge Elementary School in Carroll County.

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  Laura Birkholz

  Laura, member of Westminster Ringers, began ringing handbells at the age of seven at Hillsboro First United Methodist Church. She learned to ring under the direction of her mother and later joined her in teaching the youth at the church to ring. She now directs the handbell choir at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Frederick, MD. Laura is a reading intervention teacher at Brunswick Elementary School in Frederick County Public Schools. When not ringing, she enjoys hiking, kayaking and spending time with her friends and family.

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  Chris Butler

  Chris, member of Westminster Ringers, has been ringing on and off in choirs for the last 15+ years. He is a graduate of Virginia Tech, currently working as a web developer for the US Census Bureau. When not ringing, Chris enjoys playing volleyball and keeping up with the many activities planned by his wife, Kaitlyn, and his two daughters, Hannah & Riley.

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  Jason Cebulski

  Jason, a member of Accelerando, has been ringing handbells since 2nd grade when he started with his family ringing at his home church, Greenmount United Methodist Church. Jason is currently serving as the Middle School/High School Band Director at Fairfield Area School District and as Music Director at Emory United Methodist Church in New Oxford, Pennsylvania where he directs the Emory Ringers, Emory Singers and Emory Ensemble. When not making music, he enjoys climbing and kayaking with his friends, and relaxing with a book or some video games.

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  Debbie Campbell

  Debbie, member of Accelerando, has been ringing handbells for over 20 years. She has rung in several church choirs prior to a community choir. Debbie enjoys bowling, reading, and traveling. Since her retirement, she has lots of time to spend with her four grandchildren.

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  Karleigh Conaway

  Karleigh Conaway, member of Accelerando, has been playing handbells for over 10 years. She loves getting to play with her mom, Wendy, in Accelerando. Karleigh got her biology degree from Stevenson University in 2019 and is now working in a physical therapy office while she works on her master’s degree! In her free time, she enjoys doing outdoor activities and spending time with family, her husband and newest little addition, as well as their two adorable kittens.

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  Michelle Dohm

  Michelle, a member of Accelerando, began ringing with the Frederick Presbyterian Church Bell Choir in 2012. When she is not attending one of her son's musical theater performances, Michelle can often be found camping or watching sports with her husband. She loves to read and work out - especially in the nearby mountains and national parks.

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  Amy Gardner

  Amy, member of Westminster Ringers, began ringing in church bell choirs when she was in third grade. She currently rings at Frederick Presbyterian Church. Amy has a K-12 Music Education degree with a vocal concentration and collegiate experiences with bassoon and piccolo. She currently teaches elementary general music at Spring Ridge Elementary School and Whittier Elementary School in Frederick County. Outside of music Amy enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with family and friends.

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  Seth Gardner

  Seth, a member of Accelerando, began ringing with his church bell choir when he was about 8 year old. He currently rings Frederick Presbyterian Church. Seth has Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Speech-Language Pathology and currently holds his Certificate of Clinical Competency from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). He also obtained a minor in music with a focus in voice. He currently works as a medical speech-language pathologist at Meritus Neurology and Vestibular Outpatient Therapy Clinic. Outside of work, he enjoys bike riding, hiking, fishing, camping, playing video games, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

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  Debbie Henning

  Debbie, Music Director of Accelerando and member of Westminster Ringers, has been involved with handbells for over 50 years as both a ringer and a director. Besides ringing & directing with Westminster Ringer, Inc., she is the chime director at Homewood at Frederick in Frederick, MD, the chime director at Homewood at Plum Creek in Hanover, PA, the Music Director at Tom’s Creek UMC in Emmitsburg, MD, and teaches music classes at a family daycare. In addition to her musical activities, Debbie loves to quilt, sew and cross stitch. Debbie serves as Treasurer for the Westminster Ringers, Inc. and has served Handbell Musicians of America Area 3 in many capacities – currently as the Chair. Debbie and her husband Larry are the founding members of the Westminster Ringers, Inc. and have three grown children & three grandchildren.

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  Larry Henning

  Larry, Music Director of Westminster Ringers, is a retired seventh grade mathematics teacher. Early in his teaching career, he established the Carrolltowne Ringers – a children’s handbell program for grades third through fifth. Under his direction, they received the National Exemplary School Award from Handbell Musicians of America. He has also directed the Agape Ringers from the Westminster Church of the Brethren and Wesley Carillon from the Westminster UMC. Larry has been a clinician with Handbell Musicians of America Area 3 for their Bronze Conference Choir, Read & Ring Workshops and the Ocean City & Hampton Festivals. He studied conducting under William Payn. Larry and his wife, Debbie, are the co-founders of the Westminster Ringers, Inc.

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  Jane Hershey

  Jane, a member of Accelerando, has been ringing handbells for over 20 years and is currently a member of the St Paul’s Lutheran Bells. Since her retirement from practicing medicine, she has completed Master Naturalist Certification, and now volunteers at Robinson Nature Center. She also enjoys traveling, playing pickleball, gardening, hiking, and reading.

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  Sheena R. Hunter

  Sheena, member of Westminster Ringers, learned what handbells were 31 years ago, and realized they were pretty cool. She joined the Westminster Ringers at its inception when she was looking for new challenges and different music. She moved to the low bass bells after the first season and no one since has been able to pry them out of her hands. When Sheena is not ringing bells, she is driving a school bus in Montgomery County. In the time she has left, she spends at canine Frisbee events or hiking with her rescue dog, Rosie, and riding her bike around the DMV and beyond.

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  Sarah Hurd

  Sarah, a member of Westminster Ringers, began ringing handbells as a teenager. Today, she plays in several choirs and directs a handbell quartet. Sarah works in the Baltimore region renovating and staging houses for sale. Whenever she can find a spare moment, she enjoys roller coasters, collecting vintage pyrex, spending time with her nieces, and reading.

• Kathryn Jurado

  Kathryn, Assistant Director and member of Westminster Ringers, is a nationally recognized handbell conductor, educator, clinician, editor, and performer. She serves as Director of Handbells at Landon School in Bethesda, MD, where she teaches handbells to students in grades 3-12 and directs the Good Shepherd Ringers at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gaithersburg, MD. Kathryn will begin her term as National President of Handbell Musicians of America in October 2026 and has served the organization in numerous leadership roles at both the national and area levels. An active clinician, she has taught and conducted at handbell events throughout the United States and internationally, including the 2026 International Handbell Symposium in Aberdeen, Scotland. Kathryn also serves as Handbell Editor for the Alfred Handbell and Instrumental Editor for Jubilate Music Group. In addition to her work in handbells, she is a professional oboist and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music and a Master’s degree in Oboe Performance from the University of South Florida. Originally from Puerto Rico, Kathryn recently relocated from Florida to Maryland with her husband, William, who is also a member of Westminster Ringers. She is excited to join Larry Henning in assisting the ensemble as Westminster Ringers celebrates its 30th season.

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  Betty Kerwin

  Betty, a member of Accelerando, joined Westminster Ringers in 1997 and rang with them until 2014. And now, 12 years later my friend Jane said let’s audition for Accelerando,  It’ll be fun to do it together. And now I’m back! New group, new friends, but same fun of ringing bells and once again being part of the Westminster Ringers, Inc. family. I’ve also been handbell director of St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fulton, Maryland for a long time.. starting around 1987 through present.

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  Pam Leader

  Pam, member of Accelerando, began ringing with her church choir in 2003. She is an engineer and works for the federal government. Pam is the Bookkeeper with Westminster Ringers, Inc. She loves traveling and loves to spend time with her family (especially her two grandchildren).

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  Sarah Loisel

  Sarah, a member of Westminster Ringers, began ringing with her church choir in 2005 and joined Westminster Ringers in 2008. She is a teacher’s aide at EYLC, working with three-year-olds and helping them grow to be all they can be. When not working, Sarah enjoys time with her husband and two young kids (Raymond and Eleanor), baking, and crocheting. 

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  Rachel McNamara

  Rachel, a member of Westminster Ringers, began ringing in college at the end of 2020 and immediately fell in love with handbells. Since then, she has toured the country several times performing handbells in 20 different states. Rachel graduated from Westminster Choir College in the Fall of 2023 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. She moved to Maryland in August 2025 and reached out to join the Westminster Ringers within days. Now, Rachel is a Pre-K music teacher at two elementary schools in Frederick County where she also directs a student choir. When not teaching or ringing, Rachel loves spending time with her partner and two cats at their home in Libertytown or visiting her family in her home state of Massachusetts. She is also known for her love of arts and crafts, video games, and traveling.

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  Erica Messinger

  Erica, a member of Accelerando, is in her second of ringing with Accelerando, but has been ringing on and off as a substitute in the handbell ensemble at Emory United Methodist Church in New Oxford, Pennsylvania for the past three years. Erica recently graduated from the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College, and is currently working as an instrumental music teacher in Carroll County Public Schools. When not making music, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to music, and reading.

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  Meghan Micheals

  Meghan, member of Westminster Ringers, grew up in York, Pa and started ringing bells in the 5th grade at church. She joined the Westminster Ringers in 2011 and is also an accomplished handbell soloist, having studied under Ron Bellamy and plays throughout the year as time permits. Meghan lives in Rockville, MD with her family. When not ringing bells, she enjoys books, movies, games, puzzles, spending quality time with family and friends and enjoying each day to its fullest. 

• William Murphy

  William, a member of Westminster Ringers, has several decades of singing, handbell ringing, and directing experience, and is currently an adjunct faculty member at Landon School in Bethesda, MD and the Bell Choir Director at Christ Episcopal Church in Rockville. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree with a concentration in Music Education from Westminster Choir College of Rider University and is currently serving as Past Chair for Handbell Musicians of America, Area 4. Previously, William was one of the music directors for Magic of Bronze in Orlando, leading both the concert and intermediate handbell choirs. He has also worked with the Suncoast Bronze Ringers in the Tampa Bay area with several churches throughout Central Florida, and at Walt Disney World. William now lives in Germantown, with his wife Kathryn, who is also a member of Westminster Ringers.

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  Erin Porter

  Erin, a member of Westminster Ringers, began ringing 20+ years ago with her church’s handbell choir, which she has now been the director of for 10+ years. Erin is also a music coordinator at her church and enjoys singing and playing various instruments with groups in her community. When Erin isn’t doing music, she enjoys spending time with her husband Rob and is a Dental Hygienist in Hanover PA.

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  Barb Roeper

  Barb, member of Accelerando since 2012, is a lifelong music lover, including playing instruments and singing. She has been part of the music ministry at her church for many years. She works full-time as an environmental engineer. When not working or making music, Barb enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

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  Rhonda Scott

  Rhonda, a member of Accelerando, is looking forward to her first season with the ensemble.  She has been ringing handbells in church and community groups for over 30 years. Rhonda is retired from a career in Engineering, and is currently enjoying an "encore career" as a Chiropractic Assistant. When not working or ringing,  Rhonda enjoys running and working out.

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  Bev Spicknall

  Bev, a member of Accelerando, has enjoyed music since early childhood. As a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Taneytown, MD, she is involved with their vocal choir and joined their bell choir when the church started a bell program a few years ago. Bev loves this method of sharing music with others.

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  Laura Swafford

  Laura, member of Westminster Ringers, began ringing handbells when her youth choir director dragged her (literally) into practice one day, and she found to her surprise that she actually liked it. She is a research chemist & program manager with the Federal Bureau of Engraving & Printing.

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  Lin Wolfe

  Lin, a member of Westminster Ringers, began ringing with her church’s bell choir upon its inception in 1992. She is a Medical Technologist who is currently working as a Senior Manager for Waters Corporation in Sparks, MD. Lin resides in Upperco, MD with her husband. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, making music, and riding her motorcycles.

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  Nancy Wortman

  Nancy, a member of Westminster Ringers, began ringing in 2001 with the Bell's Bells Handbell Choir of Timonium United Methodist Church. She has worked in the front office of Cockeysville Middle School for 25 years. When not playing handbells, Nancy enjoys learning to knit and spending time with her family in Maryland and Minnesota, her grandson in Indiana, and her newest grandson in Westminster, MD.

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  Alex Yates

  Alex, a member of Westminster Ringers, started ringing over 15 years ago at Milford Mill UMC, the youngest in a family of bell ringers. He graduated from Shepherd University with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies. Alex works in the green construction industry providing guidance and verification services for home builders seeking green and energy efficiency certifications. In his free time, he enjoys reading, video games, camping and snowboarding as the weather allows.

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  Jeff Yates

  Jeff, a member of Westminster Ringers, started ringing handbells at the age of 15 at Milford Mill UMC where bell ringing has become a family tradition. Professionally, he is the Chief Officer at a cyber security consulting company where he leads a security assessment team. Jeff lives in Oxon Hill, MD and when he’s not ringing handbells, he enjoys reading, playing board games and tinkering with computers.