Steve LaMotte
Lead Pastor
Steve LaMotte is serving his second appointment at Avenue Church. In 2001, Steve became Avenue’s first full-time youth pastor. He served in that capacity, along with worship leader and young adult ministries until June 2010 when he was appointed to serve Hope United Methodist Church in a solo appointment. While at Hope, Steve served as Chaplain at Wesley College for three years before adding Magnolia United Methodist Church to his ministry with Hope. In 2016, Steve helped to lead a merger between Hope and Magnolia Churches, forming Orchard Church.
Steve graduated from Asbury University in 2001 with a B.A in Christian Ministries and Missions and received his Master of Divinity from Palmer Theological Seminary in 2012. He was ordained an Elder in The United Methodist Church in June of 2012.
Steve is originally from Western Pennsylvania and bleeds Black and Gold. He and Andrea have been married since 2000 and together they have four children. Their kids keep them busy with ballet, baseball, softball, field hockey, basketball, soccer, and homework assignments. The LaMotte family enjoy game nights, hiking, playing outside, and being involved in the community.
Neyda Albarrán
Pastor of Discipleship
Rev. Neyda Albarrán is an ordained minister of the Wesleyan Church. She holds a B.A. in Pastoral Studies and an M.A. in Education. She comes to us from Florida. She was born in Waukeegan, IL and grew up in Puerto Rico. She has trained and traveled with many missionary teams around the world. She is the founder of The Culture Club PR, a multicultural club for kids. She has served in several churches and positions throughout the years (her ministry started when she was 20). She is also an educator (several grade levels). She comes with her son, Ian, and her (we won’t say an age) aunt. Together, they hope to serve Avenue wholeheartedly to the glory of God. She is a third-generation pastor. She can’t wait to learn, grow and do life with everyone here at Avenue!
Kevin B. Chamberlain
Pastor of Music and Worship
Kevin B. Chamberlain, Pastor of Music and Worship, joined the Avenue staff in November 2008. Kevin grew up in Seaford, Delaware and has always been active in the United Methodist Church. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, and a Master of Music in Church Music with an emphasis in Organ Performance from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Kevin is working to complete his doctoral degree in Worship from the Institute for Worship Studies in Jacksonville, Florida in June 2024.
Kevin teaches several choral classes at POLYTECH High School in Woodside, DE throughout the year. He is the Artistic Director of Capital Ringers, a non-profit community handbell ensemble in Southern Delaware. Kevin serves as the Chair for the DelMarVa area of the Handbell Musicians of America working with all of the handbell organizations on the Delmarva Peninsula. Kevin serves as the co-Director of the Lay Servant Academy for the Dover District Board of Laity in the Peninsula-Delaware Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Kevin is involved with various professional music organizations where he serves in various capacities. He serves as an advisor for the Southern Delaware Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. He holds professional membership in The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts, the American Choral Directors’ Association, and the Delaware Music Educators Association.
Christina Trager
Next Generations Pastor
Christina Trager is the Next Generations Pastor at Avenue Church, where her ministry will be focused on our teenagers and young adults. She grew up in Bethany Beach, DE where she began attending Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church when she was fourteen. It was there that she fell in love with Jesus and received her calling into full-time youth ministry. Christina received a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies from GroundZero Master’s Commission. She also received a Masters of Arts in Theology with a certificate in Child and Youth Advocacy from Wesley Theological Seminary in May of 2021.
Christina has served as a US-2 Missionary with the Board of Global Ministries in Rocky Mount, VA. She also served on staff at Mariner’s Bethel United Methodist Church in the Youth Ministry, most recently as the Middle School coordinator.
In her free time, Christina enjoys the beach, playing and coaching soccer, and hanging out with her dog, Bentley.
Dan Holt
Pastor of Congregational Care
Dan is a retired United Methodist Licensed Local Pastor of Tildonsville UMC in the East Ohio Conference. Dan and his wife, Marty, moved to Milford to be closer to their children and grandchildren in 2021. As the Pastor of Congregational Care, Dan is on the front lines of visitations and helping our congregational care for one another.
Kelly Hudson
Administrative Assistant
Kelly Hudson grew up in Smyrna, DE. After graduating from Smyrna High, Kelly worked for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bombay Hook Refuge in Smyrna for 7 years and then transferred to Prime Hook Refuge for 8 years. After 15 years she left to raise her children. She has been married to her husband, Dale for almost 22 years. Together they have 3 children Lauren, Jessica and Jimmy. Kelly also helps Dale run the family farm and take care of their horses and cows. Kelly joined the Avenue staff in September, 2015.
