Kristian Hernandez

Lead Pastor

Before coming to Hope, Kristian served as the Director of Ministries at Resurrection Church in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Under the mentoring of Bishop Joseph Mattera Kristian grew as a minister and leader, preaching and training preachers, leading the youth ministry for many years, discipling and counseling, and overseeing renovation projects. Short term mission trips played a huge part in his life, stirring an insatiable desire to see people experience the power of God’s Spirit in their lives.

He and his family live in Rockaway, NY enjoying the beach whenever they can. Coffee is probably his best friend, and reading books make him pretty happy. If laughing and finding humor in things were a crime, he would be sent away for life without parole.

Kristian received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Economics from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York.

Denise Rhrissorrakrai

Exec Pastor

Denise Rhrissorrakrai joined the Hope Astoria pastoral staff team in 2015.  She enjoys listening to people’s stories and her passion is to see people thrive through forming an intimate relationship with Christ.

Denise grew up in central Pennsylvania, then moved to Boston to pursue her B.A. at Harvard University.  After graduating in 2000, she worked at Oracle and served with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.  In 2004, God rocked her world by calling her into a church-planting adventure in New York City, and it’s been home to her ever since. She served on staff for several years at the Vineyard church she helped to plant in Manhattan, before transitioning to pursue her MSW from Hunter College.  Denise is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and has enjoyed working as a counselor.  She currently lives in Middle Village, Queens with her beloved husband Kahn and son Joel. 

Donal Cogdell

Justice director &Youth Director

Donal Cogdell has been involved with or leading in ministry & youth programs for over 20 years. He graduated with a B.A. in Business Management from Mass College of Liberal Arts and a Masters in Biblical Literature from Nyack College. His broad array of talents and interests, including a passion for social justice, serving the community and building the church, has allowed him to operate in multiple roles.  In addition to serving at Hope Astoria, Donal leads the NYC chapter of a Christian Men’s brotherhood called KING, which focuses on empowering men through Jesus Christ to be better husbands, fathers, leaders, and individuals.  Donal also seeks to engage the culture and community as a Christian hip hop recording artist, and an adjunct professor at Nyack College teaching Career Development. His other interests include playing basketball and debating sports. He lives in Queens together with his beautiful wife and best friend, Farrah.

Andrew Oliver

Worship Leader

Andrew grew up in Illinois and moved to New York City in 2003. He has been in ministry in the church and in social services for over 10 years. He is the founder and director of Do For One, a ministry that builds bridges for people with developmental disabilities to find a places of belonging and growth in community. His ideas have been shaped through his training at the Training Institute for Human Services of Syracuse University, the Citizen Advocacy network, and Joni and Friends. Andrew loves seeing people grow to their fullest God given potential, especially people who are often overlooked.

Andrew’s love for God combined with his love for music makes congregational singing and worship one of his favorite things to experience. In spite of his often serious work, he finds it important to not be too serious and to frequently highlight the humor and quirkiness of life. He lives on Roosevelt Island with his wife and best friend, Ali.

Farrah Cogdell

Children's Ministry Director

Farrah Cogdell is from Chicago, IL and has served in ministry roles involving youth, intercessory prayer, and Christian Counseling since 2001. She relocated to Queens, NY to counsel at-risk youth in 2011 at the Flushing YMCA where she worked alongside her good friend who would later become her loving husband, Donal, in 2015. She has a special regard for people with heavy burdens and difficult life circumstances.

Farrah has a B.A. in Psychology from the HBCU, Bennett College for Women. She also holds a M.S. in Christian Counseling from Philadelphia Biblical University and a M.A. in Mental Health Counseling from Nyack College in Manhattan, NY. She is currently a Mental Health Counselor Intern at Nyack College as she works toward the completion of her professional license.

Sheilla Lobo Cueva

Children's Ministry Director

Sheilla Cueva moved to the United States from Brazil at age six and has lived here ever since. She worked in the fashion industry for more than 15 years before becoming the director of children’s ministry in her last church, serving kids ages one to 16 years old. She currently oversees Hope Astoria's kids program 1-5th grades and loves helping kids dive into scripture and connect with God personally in prayer. In her free time, she enjoys being with her family, and she also has a passion for sewing, accessories design and home decor. She lives in Astoria with her beloved husband Carlos and two kids Isabella and Enzo.

Daniel Choi

Ministry Staff

Daniel's love for God and ministry has lead him to be involved with the local church his entire life in many different capacities. He is convinced the local church exists to bring goodness and beauty to its community and the world, reflecting God's character and glory. Throughout the years serving the church, he also made time to earn undergraduate degrees in Economics and Government; a law degree and a master's in Biblical Studies. He continues to serve at Hope Astoria while working as a lawyer. He enjoys fantasy, both reading and watching, and many outdoor activities. He started playing soccer again (after a long pandemic-related hiatus) and picked up golf recently. He's not good but that doesn't stop him from enjoying it.