Our LEADERSHIP

New Hope Leadership

The pastors and staff here at New Hope is comprised of men and women who love, care and pray for the church. If you have any questions for our staff, feel free to reach out and email or call the church office to speak with them. You can contact the church office at 412-384-5599 or email us at nhopeag@gmail.com.

  • Lonnie astle

    worship director

    Lonnie grew up in the local area, a little bit southwest of Elizabeth.  He attended New Hope as a teenager and was involved with Fine Arts and worship teams, playing several instruments.  After joining the Marines and serving in Iraq, Lonnie fell hard into addiction.  Years later, God delivered him and brought him back to New Hope, where he now serves in youth, worship, and addiction recovery ministries.

  • dianna hugunin

    Kids' PASTOR

    Dianna grew up in California and the Las Vegas areas and graduated from Silverado High School in Las Vegas.  Afterwards she returned to California and attended Life Pacific College, where she pursued education in pastoral ministries.  She moved to the Pittsburgh area in 2007 and has served at New Hope since 2015 in volunteer roles and since 2019 on staff.  Dianna is pursuing further education and credentials with the Assemblies of God through the Penn-Del School of Ministry.

  • MIKE JARVINEN

    pastoral care

    Mike is originally from the Washington, D.C. area and lived in Finland for five years of his childhood, as well.  He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1974, where he majored in economics and mathematics. Mike married his wife Sharon in 1990, moved to Pittsburgh in 1992, and received his accounting degree from Point Park University in 1994.  Mike is a CPA and voluntarily uses his talents for the church, as its treasurer and pastoral care chaplain.  

  • damian schoonmaker

    lead Pastor

    Damian grew up on Cape Cod in Massachusetts and graduated from the University of Valley Forge in 1997.  He and his wife, Shawna, have served as youth pastors and lead pastors since, working to raise up history-makers and revitalize several churches across the country.  Damian published his first book, Seven Secrets of the Early Church:  How you Can Live a Dynamic Christian Life, in 2022.  He has served at New Hope since 2018.  He and Shawna have three children:  Ethan, Caleb, and Eliana.

  • shawna schoonmaker

    ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

    Shawna grew up in the small town of Ayer, Massachusetts, graduating from Ayer High School.  While her husband Damian (New Hope's lead pastor) served in pastoral ministry, Shawna supported the family by working in banking, insurance, elementary education, and as a church office manager.  She has volunteered at New Hope since 2018, and joined the staff in 2019.  She and Damian have three children:  Ethan, Caleb, and Eliana.

  • taylor youngblood

    youth & young adult pastor

    Taylor grew up in the Atlanta, Georgia area.  He graduated from Atlanta Leadership College in May 2016 and completed his Bachelor's degree in Biblical Counseling at West Coast Bible College in 2019.  He served as a youth pastor in Florida before joining our staff in 2019.  Taylor is passionate about the impact youth and young adults can make on this world, and loves encouraging them to that end.