OUr Staff and Pastor


  • Rev. Alice Rose Tewell, Pastor

    Rev. Alice Rose Tewell (she/her) is pastor of Clarendon Presbyterian Church (CPC), where she blends traditional pastoral roles—preaching, pastoral care, and teaching—with innovative initiatives. From 2021 to 2025, the church partnered with a local nonprofit developer to pursue the construction of approximately 100 units of LGBTQ+ affirming, senior affordable housing on its property. Although the project is no longer moving forward due to financial & zoning challenges, Alice, alongside CPC leadership, is now guiding the church in discerning and planning its next phase of redevelopment—envisioning a renewed model of church life rooted in community, justice, and spiritual vitality.


    Alice is active in broad-based community organizing, serving on the Strategy Team (the board) for Virginians Organized in Interfaith Community Engagement (VOICE), where she focuses on advocating for affordable housing and after school programs.  For the National Capital Presbytery, she is involved with the New Worshiping Community Team supporting IMPACTO LGBT and is part of the  Missional Incubator cohort.  Alice is also a certified Spiritual Director through the Shalem Institute, inviting others to listen to the stirrings of the Holy One in their lives.


    Outside of work, Alice is active at her children’s schools organizing after-school enrichment opportunities with local providers. Before joining Clarendon, Alice served as Associate Pastor and then Deputy Head of Staff at The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC, from 2014 to 2020.  Previously, she was the Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, Ithaca, NY, and Youth Director at Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Alexandria.  Before seminary, she taught Middle School in Miami, FL, and English in Beijing, China. 


    She holds a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and a BA with honors in International Studies from Trinity College in Hartford, CT. In 2021, she completed a certificate in Executive Leadership for female leaders through Iron Sharpening Iron, a program funded by the Lilly Endowment. Alice lives in Arlington with her husband, two children, and their dog, Scout. She is half Chinese and half white, and proud of her mixed racial heritage.  She enjoys hiking, gardening, and loves supporting her kids in their passions, especially soccer &  mixed martial arts.


    If you are interested in the church and have questions, please get in touch with Alice:

    Email:  aliceclarendonpastor@gmail.com

    Cell phone: 202-805-3720

  • Taisha Estrada, Director of Music

    Taisha Estrada (she/her) is a Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, educator and music director. Singing and playing piano since the age of 9, her passion for music and education grew as time went on. In 2020, she earned her degree in music with a minor in jazz studies from George Mason University. She currently performs in various musical settings. Participating in church choir, writing for jazz and solo sets as well as being an active member of two bands keeps her busy and frequently performing. 


    During her time at Mason, she began her role as the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church youth and children’s choir director. More recently, she has begun working at Swanson Middle School in Arlington teaching Spanish. When Taisha is not performing or teaching, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Daniel and her puppy, Ziggy. 



    This coming year, Taisha looks forward to meeting the church, creating beautiful music together and continuing to make a lasting impact in the community.


  • Allyson Parker, BookKeeper And Administative Support

    Allyson (she/her) joined CPC staff in 2024.  She offers administrative support to both church leaders and the congregation on an ongoing basis.


    Allyson holds a BA in Art History and French from The College of William and Mary and has over a decade of experience in supporting small businesses, from bookkeeping to digital marketing. She is actively involved at her children’s preschool where she serves as Board President and volunteers in the classroom. Allyson lives In Arlington with her husband and two children. She loves reading and spends as much time as possible with her nose in a book.

  • Aren Porta, Tech Support

    Aren Porta (he/ him/his) joined staff in late 2021 to provide tech support for hybrid worship services.