Staff
Yvette Aguilar
Assistant Director Day School and Childcare
Yvette has been with St. David’s Church and Day School from the year 2000 to present. She began working in Church childcare and later became the Lead Teacher for the Toddler II class. She continued to move with her class as they became older and remained as the four-year-old teacher for three years. In 2004, she became the Assistant Director for the Day School and the Assistant Director for Childcare in 2007. Yvette worked in Dallas and Austin before coming to St. David’s
She has a B. S. in International Economics from Texas Tech University with hours in early childhood. Yvette is married to Michael and they have one daughter who attended St David’s and now attends St. Austin’s Catholic School. Yvette has a genuine love for children and looks forward to creating a special place for children to love and build fond memories of St David’s.
Fernando Erdman
Sexton
Fernando has been a Sexton at St. David’s for almost four years. He particularly helps in the kitchen as we seek to maintain clean and beautiful facilities. Prior to working at St. David’s, Fernando worked as a Sexton at the Headliners Club in downtown Austin for five years. Fernando is from Tampico, Mexico where his two grown sons now live. When not at work, Fernando enjoys watching action movies and cooking Mexican food.
Josh Estrada
Sexton
Josh was raised in Austin and graduated from the American Youthworks’ Charter School. Prior to coming to St. David’s, Josh worked for his mother’s company, Bea’s Cleaning Service. Josh came to St. David’s by way of his long-time friend, St. David’s own Richie Martinez. Josh enjoys St. David’s welcoming environment and the friendly people who frequent the church. When he’s not working, you can usually find him either working out at the gym or listening to music. Josh also enjoys watching sports. His favorite professional teams are the Dallas Cowboys and the San Antonio Spurs.
Laura Faulk
Director of Childcare & Head of St. David's Episcopal School
Laura Lancaster Faulk attended Southwestern University, where she received degrees in both Psychology and Sociology. She and her husband, Gene, are long-time Austin residents and have been parishioners at St. David’s for the past 20 years. They have two children, Sarah (17) and Robert (15), who are both active in the St. David’s youth program. During her time at St. David’s, Laura has been involved in many different aspects of the church including the Children’s Ministry Vestry, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School Teaching, Foyers Groups, and various Bible Studies. Laura began working with the Day School in 1998 as an Assistant Teacher in the Toddler I class. In 2000, she became the Day School Assistant Director, and she became Director in 2003. She also coordinates Church Childcare. Laura’s goal is to create a welcome and safe place for all children whether in the Day School or Church Nursery.
Susan Goodman
Director of Children's Ministries
Susan Goodman brings her broad background in education and program management to her staff role at St. David’s. She has been an active member of the parish for more than 15 years and has played an active role in many church ministries, including the Children’s Ministry Vestry, Day School Board, Café Divine, Children’s Choir, Joyous Expectations and has served as a Diocesan Council Committee Chair. Susan has a B.A. degree in Communication from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, and a post-graduate Teacher’s Certification from Texas State University in San Marcos. Susan is married to Marvin Goodman, with whom she has two daughters, Abbey and Ellie.
Laramie Gorbett
Operations Coordinator, Trinity Center
Barbara Grove
Hospitality Ministry Staff
Barbara Grove first became a member of St. David’s in the early 1960s, but moved to Dallas in 1963. Barbara spent the next 22 years as a professional orchestral musician, and she returned to Austin and St. David’s in 1985. She joined the staff of the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau in 1988, ultimately serving as Director of Visitor Services for nine years. After retirement in 1993, she began volunteering for Chef Ray in Café Divine. Barbara joined the Hospitality Ministry staff in October 2008. Barbara has a long involvement with the Downtown Austin Alliance and local arts groups, and she champions environmental causes in her spare time. She has three grown children – Mark, Kevin and Claudia - and three beautiful grandchildren!
Peter Hahn
Administrative Assistant
Peter Hahn joined the St. David’s parish family in 2001 after moving to Austin from a teaching assignment in Taiwan. Prior to that time he had a 24 year career as a boarding school master in New Jersey. Peter became the St. David’s Administrative Assistant at Christmas 2008 and may be seen greeting parishioners and visitors at the Reception Desk. Along with other responsibilities, he coordinates the schedules of the receptionists, orders supplies and schedules venues for many of the events that occur at the church. He loves the constant interaction with staff, visitors, and parishioners as well as the highly energetic atmosphere that comes with the serious spiritual and social commitment of this church family. Simply stated, Peter is having a great time.
Rebecca Hall
Small Groups and Lay Ministry Coordinator
Rebecca Hall joined the St. David’s staff in April 2007. She has a degree in International Studies/Romance Languages from the University of Missouri – Columbia. Although originally from Vermont, she has been in Austin for 12 years, and at St. David’s since 2003. Rebecca is married to Bob Hall, and they have two children, Adam and Jonas.
Austin Haller
Organist and Associate Director of Music
Austin Haller was pleased to join the St. David’s staff in 2007. He also is the accompanist for the Austin Children’s Choir, and he serves as music director and/or pianist for such regional theatre groups as Zilker Theatre Productions, TexARTS, Zachary Scott Theatre, and St. Edward’s University. He has previously served as organist at Northwest Hills United Methodist Church and St. Martin’s Lutheran Church in Austin. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a B.A. in Government, Austin is also active in politics, having worked in Washington, D.C. and for local political campaigns.
Katie Keenan
Design and Production Coordinator
Katie Keenan joined the St. David’s staff in May 2008. She has a degree in Sociology with a minor in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin and over 10 years experience in graphic design and marketing.
A member of St. David’s since 1998, Katie enjoys many activities at St. David’s including Friday Moms, Journey Groups, and occasionally volunteering with Joyous Expectations and Vacation Bible School. She also enjoys yoga, swimming and the Town Lake Trail. Katie is married to Nick Mehl and they have two daughters, Megan and Allison.
Lori Kidd
Receptionist
Lori was delighted to join the St. David’s staff in August of 2005. She was born in Dallas, Texas but lived most her life in Waco where she was an avid volunteer at senior centers and Meals on Wheels. Lori earned a certificate in Mental Health from McLennan Community College and then moved to Austin in 2004 to begin working in the mental health field.
Currently she is pursuing Occupational Therapy at Austin Community College. Lori enjoys spending time with her Yorkshire terrier, Buddy. Her favorite things are being outside, any kind of dance, a good soccer game and eating BBQ. Lori enjoys greeting the St. David’s parish and feels blessed to be part of this great family.
Julie LaChance
Wedding Coordinator
Julie LaChance joined the St. David’s staff in 2007 as the wedding coordinator. She has a B.S. in Marketing from Park University. Originally from the Dallas area, she and her husband, Jon, moved to Austin in 1999. She has 3 children, Jack, Charlie, and Lucy, and is active in the Friday Moms group at St. David’s.
Julie feels truly blessed to work in the church she calls home. She feels strongly a wedding is a celebration of community, and hopes St. David’s can be a true sanctuary for all who marry here.
Richie Martinez
Facilities Supervisor
Richie has been working as a Sexton at St. David’s for 3 years. Prior to coming here, he worked as a Maintenance Supervisor at the Frost Bank building. Richie, who can be found working at the Church during the week, says he most enjoys the family atmosphere of his job. Richie and his fiance, Kady, plan to marry next year. When not working, Richie enjoys playing and watching all kinds of sports including football, basketball and baseball. His favorite teams are the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bulls and Chicago Cubs.
Amy Moehnke
Young Adult Ministry Coordinator
Amy Moehnke joined the St. David’s team in May as Director of Young Adult Ministries. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Amy moved to Austin in August 2005 to pursue a Master of Divinity degree at The Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, and graduated in May 2008. Amy received her undergraduate degree in Religion and Psychology from Austin College in Sherman, Texas in May 1995. Amy has worked in various churches all her adult life doing youth, college and young adult ministry. She is passionate about her 5-year-old, red-haired daughter, Hannah, studying and teaching the Bible, designing liturgy, running, reading, eating good food, and drinking good coffee.
Terry Nathan
Parish Administrator
Terry is a long-time member of St. David’s, having joined when he moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas. Prior to joining the staff in the summer of 2007, he had a career in IT, having worked for the public and private sector, and starting 3 successful companies. Since 1999, he worked as a management consultant, helping small businesses plan and deploy IT and telecommunications networks.
Terry has served on many charity and non-profit boards, including St. David’s Vestry. His primary focus as a volunteer at St. David’s has been the integration of the church into the downtown neighborhood. With the growth in the number of residences in the center city, the role of the church is changing from that of an historic church to that of a neighborhood parish. Terry has spent the last few years working both inside the church and inside the various downtown organizations to make that transition successful. As Parish Administrator, he is working to restructure the church’s business model to meet the challenges the growing downtown community will present.
Nancy Parish
Accountant
Nancy came to St. David’s in the fall of 2003 as a temporary accountant and ended up becoming a permanent employee. The church was so welcoming that she also became a member. Nancy comes to us from northern California, and she’s pleased to be able to continue her California hobbies of camping and horseback riding in the Austin area.
Currently living in Elgin with her two horses, three big dogs she rescued from various sources and one cat. She has shown horses since she was nine years old and competes now as often as possible. The outdoors is where she’s most comfortable, even in the summer heat. She is on the board of Warm Heart International, Inc., an organization that raises money to build wells, send medical supplies, books and money for micro loans to Southern Malawi.
Lisa Kay Pfannenstiel
Director of Special Events
Lisa Kay Pfannenstiel came to St. David’s in January 2008. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Lisa has a family history of catering and food management. Her parents owned a small restaurant and ran a wedding catering business on the side.
After living in Cheyenne, Wyoming for 8 years, Lisa and her husband, Paul, moved to Austin in 1997. Lisa graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos with a B.B.A. in Finance. Prior to joining the St. David’s staff, Lisa was the Development Director of Literacy Austin, where she oversaw all aspects of fundraising, including donor relations and solicitations, grant writing, and event planning.
Lisa has been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, the Texas Book Festival and is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Her primary responsibilities at St. David’s are to bring outside business and non-profit events into our facility.
Lisa enjoys live music, traveling and the revolving door of dogs and cats.
Catherine Roberts
Executive Assistant to the Rector
Catherine Roberts is originally from Orlando, Florida and made her way to Austin via Alabama. Catherine is married to Paul Brownell, and they have a son – Nathan Hugh Brownell. Catherine graduated from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama with a degree in Computer Science and Marketing. She has worked primarily in customer service in the computer industry, holding jobs with Intergraph Corporation, BMC Software and the City of Austin.
Catherine previously served St. David’s as Stewardship Director and Wedding Coordinator before becoming Executive Assistant to the Rector.
Roxanne Ruggles
Stewardship Director
Roxanne was raised in rural southern Ohio and lived in Lexington, Kentucky before coming to Austin in the summer of 2006. She was a temporary member of St. David’s staff, first as Assistant to the Rector, and then as Stewardship Assistant from October 2006 - May 2007. She returned in the fall of 2007 as the interim Stewardship Director and took on the position full-time in January 2008. Roxanne brings over 25 years of experience serving parishes in administrative positions and served as Minister to Newcomers at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Lexington. Roxanne was ordained to the diaconate in January 2009 and received her Master of Divinity degree from the Seminary of the Southwest in May 2009. She is the mother of two adult sons, Charles and Rob.
Jeanie Sablatura
Director of Communications
Jeanie Sablatura became a member of St. David’s in 1996. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Journalism, she moved to Sherman, Texas to begin her television reporting career. In 2000, she came home to Austin to continue her career at KVUE News.
Once back home, Jeanie began teaching Sunday school at St. David’s, where she learned the younger faces of the church long before the adult ones! Jeanie joined the staff at St. David’s in 2008 as the Director of Communications. She brings with her 10 years experience as a television news reporter, three years as Sr. Vice President of Communications at the Austin Chamber of Commerce, and consulting experience with world-wide companies and their marketing departments.
Jeanie and her husband, Russ, were married at St. David’s in 2005. They have two daughters, Lily and Sophie. Family time includes going on daily walks, cooking dinner together, and enjoying outdoor events around the city such as the Farmer’s Market and live music performances at Central Market.
David Stevens
Director of Music
David Stevens has served St. David’s Parish as Director of Music since August 1990. Dr. Stevens hales from Palestine, Texas and received degrees from Hardin-Simmons University and the University of Texas, Austin. Along with his responsibilities at St. David’s, he sings in the Oregon Bach Festival’s professional chorus, enjoys a solo conducting and singing career, teaches voice, and serves on the Diocese of Texas’ Commission on Music. David and his wife have made their home in Austin for 21 years and have three children: Andrew, Alex, and Alyssa.
Vance Tilton
Parish Nurse
Vance Tilton, RNC, along with Priscilla Vories, is one of two Parish Nurses at St. David’s. Vance was one of the St. David’s pilgrims to Malawi in 2005. She serves on the Board of Directors of Warm Heart International and heads the Medical and Orphan Prevention Committee. Vance has been an RN for 26 years and received her Certification in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing in 1990. She is currently a nursing supervisor at St. David’s Medical Center in Austin. Prior to coming to Austin, Vance lived in New England, and then became a traveling nurse, working in hospitals throughout the United States.
Heidi Trevithick
Manager, Parking Garage & Coffee Divine
Heidi Trevithick graduated with a degree in History from the University of Texas. Born in Plano and raised in Houston, she decided there was no place better to start a life with her husband Sean than Austin, Texas. Heidi joined the St. David’s staff in January 2007 and currently manages the parking garage and Coffee Divine. If she’s not at work, she and her husband are camping, fishing, gardening or constructing something. Heidi spends a great deal of time with her two dogs Sake and Sashimi, whose photos are prominently displayed in her office.
Ray Trono
Director of Hospitality Ministries
Chef Ray comes to St. David’s with years of culinary experience. Working in the foodservice trade since he was 15 years old, Chef Ray has cut a lot of chicken and made gallons and gallons of soup. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, he understands the finer points of the culinary arts. Prior to coming to Saint David’s, he spent 2 years selling groceries for US Foodservice in Austin. There, he gained much experience in disposable goods, heat and serve foods and getting the most out of a dollar’s worth of food. If you have a troubling culinary question or need some advice, give him a call at 472-1196.
Jennifer Tynan
BookShop Manager
Irit Umani
Executive Director, Trinity Center
Priscilla Vories
Parish Nurse
Priscilla Vories, RN, MSN, GNP, along with Vance Tilton, is one of two Parish Nurses at St. David’s. Priscilla has worked for many years in all areas of health care, hospital administration and nursing education. She is a gerontologic nurse practitioner, having graduated with a master’s degree from the University of Texas, Houston. She taught at Houston Community College for seven years and is currently Associate Professor in Nursing at Austin Community College.
She and her husband, Dave, moved to Austin in 1998, and they have been members of St. David’s for seven years. They have been active in Foyers and Middle Marrieds. Priscilla volunteers with Next to New and has been on the Council and Board of that organization. Priscilla recognizes the value of health education to a community, and hopes that parish nursing brings wellbeing to the body, mind and spirit of the parishioners of St. David’s Church.
Melanie Yonke
Program Director, Trinity Center
Melanie is a Licensed Master Social Worker and a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a B.S. in Public Relations and a Master’s of Science in Social Work. A native Austinite, she loves her home city and enjoys running at Lady Bird Lake and going to live music venues. Melanie has worked in the issue areas of homelessness, poverty, medical social work, and community relations. Before coming to Trinity Center in 2007, Melanie worked as a resource coordinator at a homeless shelter in Bremerton, Washington, and then as a Medical Case Manager for the City of Austin at the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless healthcare clinic. During graduate school, she spent a semester living in Mexico, where she worked on rural poverty issues and building sustainable communities.
At Trinity Center, Melanie focuses on operating the Center, delivering programs, recruiting, coordinating, and training volunteers, and collaborating with other community organizations to bring resources to neighbors experiencing homelessness in downtown Austin. Some of Melanie’s other favorite pastimes include: traveling, swimming, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog.
