Meet our Staff
Minister: Rev. Michael A. Oberlender
Rev. Michael came to serve the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Chickasha in 2005. He is married to Darla Oberlender and they have four beautiful children; Nolan Powell and Wife Kylie Powell, Walker Powell and Wife Chelby Powell, Seth Oberlender, and Lillie Oberlender. And three amazing grandchildren; Creek Laughlin, Kannon Powell, and Lawson Powell.
Michael is a 1996 graduate of Phillips Theological Seminary and has spent time in his ministry in Oklahoma, Washington, and Louisiana. His support of the denomination has included serving the General Conference of Disciple Men, regional committees work and Southwest Area Moderator and the Oklahoma Regional Moderator.
Organist: Dr. Jan Hanson
Dr. Hanson, a retired Professor of Music, for many years was the conductor of the USAO Concert Choir and Chamber Ensemble. Dr. Hanson taught coursework in Music History and Literature, Conducting and Music Methods. She is in frequent demand as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator throughout the area. In addition to her choral work, Dr. Hanson served as the Music Director for dozens of USAO, community and regional music theatre productions, most recently, “Songs from a New World”. As a collaborative artist, she enjoys accompanying performers on the piano, organ and harpsichord.
Dr. Hanson’s former students serve as public school music teachers, music ministers and private instructors throughout the state. A number of her students successfully completed graduate degrees and are national board-certified music instructors. Dr. Hanson established and organized several collaborative initiatives with area schools, from elementary through collegiate, she hosted the inaugural USAO Music Teacher Alumni Festival in March 2019, featuring USAO graduates and their choirs in a joint performance.
Her greatest joys are her two daughters, Erin, a Texas band director, and Mallory, a social worker in the Dallas area. Dr. Hanson is grateful for the opportunity to teach: it is a privilege to serve in this profession.
Choir Director: Crystal Wyatt
Crystal Wyatt is a proud 1996 Alumn of USAO. She has taught General Music and Choir in Chickasha, Anadarko, and Edmond Schools. Currently she is the music teacher for Pioneer Elementary School; where she teaches General Music Grades Kg-7th, Honor Choir, and Gifted and Talented. Mrs. Wyatt is also the Academic Team and Quiz Bowl Coach for Pioneer. Mrs. Wyatt’s students have earned numerous Superior ratings at various choral competitions, as well as being involved in Circle the State with Song Choir Festival. She has also had several students involved in the OKMEA Children’s All-State Choir.
In addition to teaching, Crystal Wyatt has also served as a church musician for the past 30 years. She is currently serving as Choir Director at First Christian Church in Chickasha. Mrs. Wyatt is also very involved with Summer Food and Fun; an Echumincal feeding program that is housed in the First Presbyterian Church in Chickasha; and has been a Master Teacher of Music in the Artscope Summer Camp for several years.
Mrs. Wyatt has been the Co-Director of the Circle the State with Song Region L, received Teacher of the Year for Chickasha Middle School, and was named Grady County Educator of the Year. She lives in Chickasha with her husband, Shane, and son, Brennan.