STAFF AND WORSHIP LEADERS
Dr. Bill Slater, Interim Pastor
Interim Pastor Dr. Bill Slater, a native of Virginia, felt called into the ministry during his junior year of high school. He served as pastor of four churches during 44 years of ministry, having retired last year after 17 years as Senior Pastor of Wake Forest Baptist Church. He earned degrees from Southern Baptist Seminary (M Div) and Southeastern Baptist Seminary (Doctorate) and currently serves part-time with the RBA as Director of Church health and Spiritual Directions. His wife Kathy just retired this fall after teaching elementary special needs students for 32 years. Together, they have two daughters and two young granddaughters.
Risa Poniros, Music Director
Risa, a Raleigh native whose brother runs The Roast Grill downtown, possesses an insatiable energy and passion for the American music genres, whether operatic, musical theater, spiritual, or anything in between. Her soprano voice landed her elite roles in a number of operas and theatre such as Pamina and The First Lady in Mozart’s The Magic Flute. She has also performed with professional ensembles, including the North Carolina Symphony. She holds degrees from UNC-Greensboro (BM); The University of Tennessee at Knoxville (MM); Northwestern University; Certificate of Vocal Performance, and Columbia University Teachers College in New York (Ed.D) and has taught voice at several area colleges.
Ashley Walker, Youth Director
Ashley serves as the Youth Director at CVBC, working with both middle and high school students. She is passionate about helping young Christians grow in their faith and strives to be a consistent support system in their lives. Ashley enjoys leading Bible studies, taking the youth on retreats, and engaging in community outreach together.
She graduated from East Carolina University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and currently teaches 3rd grade in Wake County. Outside of church and the classroom, Ashley loves spending time on the water riding her jet skis at the lake or beach, shopping, and hanging out with her dog, Sammy.
Peggy Utley, Secretary
Peggy has been faithfully serving as Secretary at Crabtree Valley Baptist Church since 1993. She resides in Garner and is a member of Shiloh Baptist Church. She is married to Dale and has two adult children, Kevin and Kaitlyn.
Click here to contact Mrs. Peggy Utley.
Cheryl Walker, Pianist
