Staff Directory

Millie offers administrative support to Bishop Assistant Hector Monterroso. She also serves the Office of the Bishop as the Recorder of Ordinations, assists with clergy licensing, chaplains’ ecclesiastical endorsement, and she offers other support as needed.

Bishop Hector was born in Guatemala and was Bishop of Costa Rica for 14 years before he came to the Diocese of Texas to help Bishop Andy Doyle. Bishop Hector visits congregations primarily in the southern region of the Diocese of Texas. He also works to grow a multicultural presence in our congregations and helps find people in our Hispanic congregations who may want to become a deacon or priest.

Bishop Andy oversees and is the chief pastor for more than 78,000 Episcopalians in the Diocese of Texas and for 400 clergy working in 163 congregations, schools, chaplaincies, and institutions.

Bishop Hector was born in Guatemala and was Bishop of Costa Rica for 14 years before he came to the Diocese of Texas to help Bishop Andy Doyle. Bishop Hector visits congregations primarily in the southern region of the Diocese of Texas. He also works to grow a multicultural presence in our congregations and helps find people in our Hispanic congregations who may want to become a deacon or priest.

Marcea leads Bishop Doyle’s administrative staff and supports the Bishop in the amplification of the vision throughout the Diocese.

Sara serves the Office of the Bishop by maintaining Bishop Doyle’s calendar, correspondence, and schedule. She also handles remarriage petitions.

Millie offers administrative support to Bishop Assistant Hector Monterroso. She also serves the Office of the Bishop as the Recorder of Ordinations, assists with clergy licensing, chaplains’ ecclesiastical endorsement, and she offers other support as needed.

Julie offers administrative support to Canon Canon Marcea Paul, Chief of Staff. She serves as the special events coordinator for Clergy Conference, Deacon Ordinations, staff gatherings, and other events.  Julie also assists Bishop Doyle with travel and scheduling.

Bishop Suffragan Kathryn M. Ryan serves as Regional Bishop in the West Region of the Diocese, overseeing pastoral and administrative needs in the region. She provides diocesan oversight as chair of the board of El Buen Samaritano, St. Stephen’s School, and Seminary of the Southwest. She also serves as a trustee on the board of Sewanee: The University of the South. Nationally, she serves on the board of Episcopal Relief & Development and on the Disciplinary Board for Bishops.

Ana provides administrative support to the executive for ministry for the Commission on Ministry activities.  She maintains application files for all nominees for ordination as well as manages the application process for nominees to seminary, bi-vocational, and deacon ordination tracks.

Laura offers administrative and registrar support to the Diocese’s bi-vocational school, The Iona School for Ministry. She works with the Deans of the school to coordinate monthly Iona sessions located at Camp Allen. Along with her duties for Iona, Laura also serves as the receptionist at the Austin Diocesan Center located on the Seminary of the Southwest campus.

Haley provides administrative support to Bishop Ryan including scheduling visitations, calendar management, travel arrangements, and other support as needed. She also serves as coordinator for post-ordination formation programming for clergy in the diocese, including Curate Cohort, First Time in Charge, and Beginning Well.

Dr. Josh R. Ritter holds an M.Div. from McAfee School of Theology and a Ph.D. from Georgia State University in communication studies, specifically rhetorical theory and criticism and religious rhetoric. He served as a minster in various contexts for over 20 years. He taught in higher education for over 15 years, and he focused on discipleship and formation work for over 12 years while working with undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students at Baylor. He also served as a hospital chaplain and a VA chaplain. He first began attending the Episcopal church in Atlanta, GA at St. Barthalomew’s around 2005, and he has attended St. Alban’s Waco for almost 10 years where he served as Usher and Vestry member. He also led a public deliberation budget approval process and a discernment process for the Vestry there, which will conclude later this Fall. He has also served the Diocese of Texas in various ways, such as serving as a council delegate and as a workshop leader at Clergy Conference.

Dr. Ritter’s trainings and practices focus on different forms of communication, public deliberation, leadership, discipleship, spiritual formation, and deliberative theology. His primary concern in his work emphasizes the ways we love our neighbors by the ways we get to know our neighbors. He has three amazing girls, and his wife is an Associate Clinical Professor of Social Work at Baylor University. He is a contemplative Christian who enjoys learning about all types of theological diversity and exploring the many expressions of community. He views all of life as religious life because all of life is the practice of surrender and availability to God, neighbor, self, and Creation. He enjoys writing, centering prayer, and archery as contemplative spiritual practices.

Email: jritter@epicenter.org

Bishop Jeff serves as the Regional Bishop of the East Region of the Diocese.  He is the Executive for Pastoral Ministry and is responsible throughout the diocese for pastoral care to clergy and their families, including retired clergy and surviving spouses.  He oversees congregational and administrative needs in the East Region.  He serves as chair of the boards of St. James House in Baytown and St. Vincent’s House in Galveston and works with several diocesan ministries such as the Episcopal Church Women (ECW), Altar Guild, and Daughters of the King.  He also serves on the board of All Saints’ Episcopal School in Tyler, oversees Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, and approves grants under the Clergy Sabbatical Program.

Kathy schedules Bishop Fisher’s visitations, meetings and other appointments and makes his travel arrangements.  She assists with physician referrals for clergy, parishioners, and their family members.  She plans and coordinates attendance at Little Church Club meetings, annual retreats for Retired Clergy, Spouses and Surviving Spouses of Clergy, and Planning for Tomorrow Conferences.  She also communicates information for the Bishop to the East Region for the Diocese.

Allen leads in fulfilling the mission of offering quality programs and Christian hospitality to the thousands of guests and campers who come to the facility annually. The job of fulfilling that mission is to work within a $5 million budget while creating a strategy to increase awareness of the summer camp program, adult education programs, ecological programs, and giving opportunities available at Camp Allen.

Christine serves as COO, leading the ministry staff of the Diocese to support and implement the vision of the Diocese. She is involved with canonical Revised Title IV work, assisting the Bishop’s work with clergy discipline and other disciplinary matters. She also mentors rectors

Kathryn assists Canon Faulstich in her work as COO and in the various areas of transition ministry including clergy transition, congregations involved in a search process, placement for seminary-track curates and bi-vocational pastoral leaders, discipline issues, and orientation for new clergy. She is responsible for maintaining the Clergy Supply List and the Clergy Manual and informing the Diocese of significant changes therein. Kathryn also manages Canon Faulstich’s calendar, works closely with Canon for Transitions Kellaura Johnson, and serves as diocesan archivist.

Tammy manages the Communications department, overseeing all communications-related functions, for the Diocese of Texas. She and her team are responsible for the messaging, imaging and branding, and all other facets of communications. The goal of the department is to ensure that the mission and vision of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas are clear across all communication platforms by executing initiatives and campaigns to create awareness, primarily centered around those two elements. She and her innovative group support the departments and entities within the diocese, helping them to realize multi-faceted goals related to diocesan work.

With an undergraduate degree in Communications, as well as having worked in the field, Liz will join the Communications team as the Communications and Bilingual Specialist.

As Liz transitions from her work on the Mission Amplification team, her commitment in that area will live on as she serves in this new capacity- bringing with her a wealth of information in ministry within the Diocese of Texas.

Joseph is responsible for directing all incoming calls to the appropriate staff members. He also manages room reservations for all meetings held at the Diocesan Center; reservations can be made three years in advance.

Stacy leads our disaster recovery outreach program through partnering with and resourcing congregations to serve their most vulnerable neighbors who struggle to recover from debilitating storms and other forms of disaster. By matching gifts and skills with the needs articulated by a congregation’s neighbors, new and deepening relationships between church members and disaster survivors becomes a means of transformation for individuals and whole communities. Neighborhood resilience and congregational disaster recovery capacity likewise increase that all may be better prepared for the next emergency. Stacy also serves as liaison to Episcopal Relief & Development as our diocesan disaster coordinator.

Dr. Ann Barnes is President and CEO of Episcopal Health Foundation. She joined EHF in October of 2022. Throughout her career, Ann has led innovative care solutions that go beyond the doctor’s office to tackle social, economic, and environmental drivers of health.

Most recently, Ann served as Senior Vice President and Chief Health Officer at Harris Health, the largest safety-net health system in Greater Houston. Ann was responsible for developing the system’s health equity strategy and also led the system’s efforts to improve population health, prevent disease, and address chronic conditions by integrating community resources that impact underlying, non-medical conditions like food security, safe places to exercise, poverty, and more.

Prior to Harris Health, she was Chief Medical Officer at Legacy Community Health, a large federally qualified health center system in Houston that serves more than 170,000 patients. Ann oversaw all clinic services and was instrumental in introducing the Health Leads model for patient health that focused on non-medical drivers of health.

She also served as the principal investigator for a National Institute of Health project that established a first-of-its-kind registry to understand factors that lead to successful weight loss maintenance in African Americans.

Ann is a proud native of Houston’s Fifth Ward and came back to work with Houston’s at-risk communities after graduating from Yale University and Harvard Medical School. She’s a board certified internist who completed her residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and also earned a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Texas School of Public Health.

Michelle is responsible for providing support to the CFO, interaction with parishes, foundations, and affiliated entities on governance oversight. She serves as the registrar for the diocese and assists churches in registering with the Secretary of State to complete information.

David directs the administration, accounting, and asset management activities of the foundations of the Diocese that includes investments, mineral interests, and real estate holdings. He also provides consulting services and support to the Office of the Treasurer, the Office of the Bishop and churches throughout the Diocese. Mr. Fisher acts as liaison to the Episcopal Foundation of Texas, the Bishop Quin Foundation, the Great Commission Foundation, the Episcopal Health Foundation, and the Church Corporation (which holds title to all real estate property in the Diocese) regarding all property acquisitions, building projects, and the sale of property.

Angela assists the Director of Foundations to manage the business flow of the Church Corporation, the Bishop Quin Foundation, the Episcopal Foundations of Texas, and The Great Commission Foundation. This involves working closely with foundation board members, congregations in the Diocese, Diocesan staff, and outside professionals that provide ongoing services to the foundations (investments, real estate, oil and gas, insurance, and banking.) Angela coordinates all regular meetings of the foundations and is involved in the processing of grants made by the foundations.

Susan supervises and maintains the activity of the accounting team by recording and reporting of the company’s financial activities including revenue, expense and capital transactions, monthly close activities. She creates and reviews journal entries, payables, and receivables, for all entities managed by the Diocese. She also creates or compiles financial statements for Director of Foundations and/or Finance Committees and various Boards, assists in the external audit process and provides tax guidance to congregations.

Araceli provides accounting, treasury, technology and human resources support to the Diocese and five related foundations. She helps maintain   general ledgers and preparing financial statements for Diocesan entities. She also provides assistance with the annual external audit.

Samantha is responsible for accounts receivable for the Diocese, which includes cash receipts, bank reconciliations, and vendor database management. She also provides assistance with accounts payable, invoicing and annual audit preparations.

Catherine oversees disbursements for the Diocese and for Diocesan Foundations. She reconciles and maintains company credit card receipts, posts assigned journal entries, and completes A/P related reconciliations and audit work papers.

Jonathan is responsible for managing the cash flow, investments, real estate, capital projects, debt, and risk of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas and its related entities. He is responsible for leadership in capital planning and financing. Jonathan develops innovative approaches, processes, and services to support mission and growth strategies. He also sustains positive and productive professional relationships with financial institutions, foundations, churches, and related entities.

As the Financial Services Manager, Tabinda reports to Jonathan Blaker, Director of Treasury. In this role, she is responsible for daily treasury and finance tasks, interaction with parishes, foundations, and affiliated entities, and oversees the day to day operations of the Diocesan offices in Houston, Austin and Tyler and the physical plants.

Michael Hilfinger serves as the director of real estate and facilities, and reports to Linda Riley Mitchell, CFO. He works out of the Houston office. Michael is responsible for managing the real estate portfolio of our congregations across the 57 counties within our diocese. He also administers leasing agreements while building strong relations with our stakeholders. Holding a Master of Business Administration from the University of Detroit, Mercy (MI), his past work experiences include managing a $150M real estate portfolio. He most recently served as the Manager of Real Estate and Facilities at Occidental Petroleum.

As Director of Human Resources, Zee, is responsible for leading all Human Resources efforts, recruitment and staffing for the Diocese and its affiliated foundations. She manages the administration and selection of diocesan benefits. She and her team are responsible for providing counsel on clergy compensation matters, pension, clergy retirements, worker’s compensation requests, along with short and long-term disability for clergy and lay employees. Zee also consults with diocesan institutions and foundations regarding payroll matters, housing resolutions and employee transitions.

Felicia is an experienced benefits professional with robust experience across the diverse landscape of benefits administration. She holds a master’s degree in Human Resources Management and an undergraduate degree in Sociology. She has over seven years of experience in the human resources and benefits arenas, most recently working as Quality Analyst at Amazon.

At the diocese, Felicia will focus primarily on facilitating benefits orientations and processing benefits enrollments on behalf of employees across all our institutions.

In her free time, Felicia enjoys traveling.

Joann leads the Mission Amplification Team’s five missioners who support assist leaders and congregations in planting new communities of faith, both church plants and missional communities, and in nurturing existing congregations and their leaders. The team provides coaching and consulting, as well as assessments and programs like cultural competency training and formation events. Additionally, the diocesan team helps congregations strategize and engage in effective action in response to opportunities and challenges.

As Assistant to the Canon for Mission Amplification, Jill offers administrative support to the Rev. Canon Joann Saylors. She also works with other team members to enhance the ministry of the Mission Amplification team. She maintains the team’s calendars, meetings, and offers other support as needed.

Leslie serves as the missioner for congregational vitality – new communities, supporting congregations in starting sacramental and relational outposts for those that cannot, or will not, visit an established church environment. She regularly works with clergy and lay leaders in congregations at establishing the evangelistic skill and missional strategy for reaching out beyond our parochial campuses.

Estela Lopez happily joins the EDOT family as the new Missioner for Congregational Vitality-Connections. She was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. Estela has 15 years of experience in parish ministry in the Episcopal Church, both in Chicago and Houston. A speaker, coach and trainer from John Maxwell Leadership. She has done extensive work reigniting and revitalizing communities through coaching, mentoring and equipping lay leaders for ministry. She is a Living Compass (Brújula de Vida) community wellness advocate for the Latino Ministry and a book author. Estela believes that, “God has the power to transform your pain into love and use it for a higher purpose.

Hello! My name is Josie Nuñez. I was born in Houston, TX. I am honored and privileged to join the EDOT family as the new Administrative Assistant for new communities. I have been involved with some parishes in the area such as San Pedro and currently San Romero. I am the Mother to two kids, Penelope (5) & Luca (2). I am currently studying for my Bachelors Degree in Marketing at UHD. I am also an entrepreneur and small business owner of “La Tiendita Jo”. My kids inspire me to keep creating and sharing my love for Mexican culture.“

Thomas serves as the Missioner for Congregational Vitality-Missional Reimagining.  The path to reimagine church is a strengths-based, positive approach to congregational change. The goal is to help congregations move toward a shared vision for the future by engaging with others in strategic innovation.  This process distinguishes itself from other organizational visioning and change models by focusing on the best of what is and using this as a platform to discern where God is leading. Undergirded by prayer, this positive approach leads to extraordinary results by reinforcing relationships and culture, creating common vision and direction, promoting learning and innovation, and energizing collective action.

Nina manages Doris, the Diocesan Online Records and Information Software, a centralized, consolidated database that includes contact and other information for diocesan churches, clergy, vestry, and other lay leaders. Directories of churches and clergy are produced from this database, as are lists, reports, and labels. She manages all Technology related areas at the Diocese. She keeps the website updated with contact information on the diocesan churches, and she produces and uploads the monthly diocesan cycle of prayer. She oversees the registration of clergy and lay – and receipt of data reports due before – Annual Council. She also oversees personnel responsible for lay licenses.

Dina provides technical problem resolution and support to the Episcopal Diocese of Texas staff.  She provides prompt and quality support by clearly communicating technical solutions in a user-friendly and professional manner. She takes ownership of all issues and escalate to Technology Manager as needed.

Max is an experienced technical assistant providing support for the staff of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, working with the rest of the IT team to mitigate and resolve technical issues. Alongside supporting staff in technical problems, he also supports the Usher portal and services, working hard to ensure a seamless operation.

Salah holds a doctorate degree in Business Administration, a Master of Education in Learning and Technology, MA in Education Management and a Bachelor in Computer Science. Salah has more than two decades of technical experience in the higher education sector. His past work experience include, Chief Information Officer at Midway University and VP of Technology at Rend Lake College. In his free time, Salah enjoys spending time with his family and friends as well as traveling and photography.

Kellaura oversees clergy transition, congregations involved in a search process, placement for seminary-track curates and bi-vocational pastoral leaders, and clergy licensing work. She trains rector search committees for congregations preparing to call new rectors. Coordinates orientation for all clergy new to the Diocese. Contact her via email: kjohnson@epicenter.org

Gaventa brings a wealth of experience from her many years as Dean of Students at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She is a priest in the Episcopal Church and has served at several parishes, in addition to previously working for the Diocese of Virginia.

In this new role, she will facilitate a culture of health, safety, ministry integrity, and mutual care, including overseeing the Safeguarding program. “We are so excited about both the gifts and the experience that Sarah will bring to this important role within the Diocese of Texas,” says The Rev. Canon Christine Faulstich.

Bishop Doyle offered his thanks for Gaventa’s predecessor, the Rev. Canon Lisa Burns, who is retiring as of October 1. “Canon Burns has served faithfully, creatively, and with good humor in this position for six years now. I don’t believe there is a part of our diocese that hasn’t been positively impacted by her work.”

Danielle supports the Canon for Wellness and Pastoral Care and the Safe Church office. She assists with wellness ministry development, Wellness and Care communications, and also provides procedural and training support for all the Safeguarding programs. In addition, Danielle is the Safeguarding Records Administrator for EDOT clergy.

Marty oversees and directs the Safe Church Safeguarding Certification process for the Diocese. She supports the processes and infrastructure for Safe Church risk management through the use of the Safeguarding Records System (SRS). She provides training, support and policy navigation to those who manage the processes each year in our churches, schools, and institutions. She manages Safe Church assistants in Houston and NE Texas.

Tracy provides bilingual (Spanish-English) Safe Church “help desk” assistance for Safeguarding certification processes to Safeguarding Records Administrators (SRAs), and other staff in congregations, schools, and EDOT organizations. He assists with keeping SRS up to date; provides other bilingual Safe Church services (e.g., conduct needs assessments, train SRAs, etc.) to largely Spanish speaking congregations and translates Safe Church web pages, documents, and written communications. He also provides training and assistance with the online option for SGC recertification, and serves as SRA for small churches as needed.

Katherine supports SRAs in all EDOT organizations in their effort to create and maintain an accurate accounting of members who have or need to have Safeguarding Certification. She trains volunteers to be the Safeguarding Records Administrator (SRA) for their parish/school/organization and offers ongoing support and trouble-shooting.  She serves as SRA for small churches as needed. She trains volunteer SGP and SGC trainers to serve in churches and EDOT organizations. She also provides ongoing professional development of trainers and Master Trainers (those who train trainers).