Rev. Adriana Bustamante serves as a Licensed Local Pastor at Southern Hills UMC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Florida International University and a Master of Divinity from United Theological Seminary.
Adriana brings a thoughtful and relational approach to ministry, shaped by her pastoral formation and professional experience. As a Hispanic pastor who is bilingual in English and Spanish, she values hospitality, cultural awareness, and shared leadership within the life of the church.
Alongside her pastoral ministry, Adriana serves as an Executive Administrative Assistant at CareSource in downtown Dayton. She is married to Karen Bustamante, and together they have four children. Adriana is passionate about preaching and teaching that connects Scripture to everyday life and encourages faithful discipleship.
Alix has lived in Dayton all of her life, has two grown daughters, and is a long time member of Stillwater United Methodist Church.
Her office hours are Wednesdays and Friday 9am - 3:30pm. Stop by and say hello when you get a chance.
Karen became a member of the Southern Hills family in the spring of 2025, bringing experience in music ministry and social media. She served as one of the worship leaders and participated in social media and audio-visual ministry while she pursued a Certificate of Lay Ministry.
Karen currently serves as the Discipleship Pastor, where she is responsible for developing and implementing curriculum for discipleship classes. She also coordinates curriculum for the Sunday school teachers and preaches. In addition, Karen acts as the Congregation's Lay Leader and manages community outreach efforts.
Karen is married to Adriana, and together they have two adult children: Shannon, who is married to Cole, and Shawn. They also have two elementary-aged children, Zayden and Jorgie. Zayden and Jorgie enjoy attending Southern Hills because it gives them the chance to see their neighborhood friends
Pianist
Linda Kessler
Graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance and organ, Linda has over 45 years of professional experience as a freelance musician at premier locations throughout the Miami Valley. She has played 9 international tours and has 30 years' experience teaching private piano. She has conducted over 3000 Broadway musicals at laComedia and is a staff accompanist at Wright State University.
Apart from her music, Linda is a member of Mensa, and has private pilot and realtor licenses. She has two sons. One is a software engineer consultant, and the other is the lead guitar in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Blondie, Broadway Rock of Ages Band and Blue Man Group.
