This is part of an ongoing series introducing the leaders, teachers, and staff who make St. Paul a special place.

Nicole Cook serves as secretary on St. Paul’s Mission and Ministry Board, carefully documenting the decisions, challenges, and successes of a busy ministry navigating significant transition. As a veterinarian and business owner with an unconventional schedule, she brings both professional precision and deep personal investment to her role in church leadership.

Nicole grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and attended college and veterinary school at UC Davis, where she met her husband, Paul. In 2002, they became partners and business owners at Atwater Veterinary Center. Though the practice is mixed animal, Nicole and Paul primarily work with dairy farms in the area.

Nicole and Paul have three children: Elliot (23), Annika (20), and Evelyn (17). Two are in college and one is a high school senior. All three are proud St. Paul School alumni.

The Cook family’s introduction to St. Paul came in 2007 as they searched for school options for their oldest child, Elliot. “I still remember the strong connection we had on our school visit to St. Paul,” Nicole recalls. “I believe that still holds true today. There is something about this community that is truly special.”

That initial visit changed everything. Nicole and Paul didn’t have a home church until they began attending St. Paul’s services shortly after Elliot started school. Since that time, their entire family was baptized and they became members.

“This school/ministry/community has significantly shaped the growth and development of our children,” Nicole reflects. “I am seeing it every day as they quickly approach adulthood.”

The impact went deeper than they could have imagined. “Our family’s involvement at St. Paul’s over the last 17 years set the stage for our kids’ faith journey as young adults. I do not think Paul and I necessarily knew or even considered that our family would benefit in these ways when we made the decision to attend, but I am very grateful we did.”

As board secretary, Nicole has found a way to serve that fits her demanding veterinary practice schedule while making a meaningful contribution. “There is quite a bit of information to keep up with in our busy ministry!” she notes. “This is a role that allows me to contribute, but also works with my unconventional work schedule.”

Serving on the board has given Nicole a greater appreciation for how the different aspects of the ministry work together. “There are so many things being addressed on a monthly basis, particularly in the absence of a senior Pastor,” she observes.

For this reason, Nicole takes her role seriously. “I believe it is important to record the decisions, challenges, and successes this ministry has faced through the years. Should we be blessed with a senior pastor in the future, I hope that some of this can lay the groundwork and improve the understanding of our ministry.”

Outside of work and church, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, being in the mountains and outdoors, and finding ways to stay connected to the community.

Nicole’s Reflection on St. Paul’s Strength

When asked about St. Paul’s greatest strengths, Nicole points to the unexpected blessings her family experienced. The way this community shaped her children’s faith journey — in ways she and Paul never anticipated — speaks to something deeper at work. It’s what makes St. Paul truly special, and it’s what keeps her documenting every step of the ministry’s journey for those who will come after.

Nicole’s Prayer Request

“Please pray for wisdom and discernment as our Board navigates this season of transition and prepares the way for future leadership.”