John C. N. Hall serves as the Rector of Saint Matthew's. As a priest, John has served in The Episcopal Church for more than twenty years -- most of which has been at Saint Matthew's. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Arizona, a Master in Divinity Degree from Virginia Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary.

In his spare time, John serves as a panel member with the Presiding Disciplinary Judge for the State of Arizona presiding over attorney discipline proceedings. On his day off you might find him gardening, drawing, throwing a ball for the Labrador, playing on his Apple computers, or shooting off model rockets.

John says, "If God can work through me, God can work through anybody." Even more information about John may be found here.

Bill Forrest retired after many faithful years serving as rector of Episcopal parishes in Arizona and Minnesota.

Trained to specialize in the ministires of both evangelization and healing, Bill knows the gospel value of a good joke and a mean lick on the guitar.

Currently, Bill fills his days by monitoring the spectrum of politial rhetoric on the airwaves while fact-checking the pundits and commentators. He is also enjoying retirement, and helping out at Saint Matthew's.

Sue Youngblood serves as Deacon at Saint Matthew's. After a long career as a teacher of emotionally handicapped adolescents, Sue retired and moved to Arizona where she continued her concern for children in difficult situations. She was ordained as a deacon in 2003.

If you look up deacon in the dictionary, you'll probably see Sue's picture. She really gets what it means to perform the deacon's special ministry of servanthood, serving all the world's people -- particularly the poor, the weak, the sick, the lonely, and little children.

Sue is married to Harlie, has two sons, and four grandchildren. She is interested in theatre and loves to weave (which she does beautifully on a huge loom). We think she's a great story-teller, and a really good dancer.

Michael A. Halle serves as Deacon at Saint Matthew's. More information coming soon.

Kadi Strong directs Saint Matthew's Children's Ministries and also serves as a youth group leader with the High School Youth Group. Kadi grew up in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and earned a Bachelor of Education from the University of Texas [Go Longhorns]. She is happily married to a handsome man and has three wonderfully energetic boys.

Kadi is about to complete her first decade as a member of the staff at Saint Matthew's. By now, she knows to start planning each summer's Vacation Bible School in December, and each year's Christmas pageant in June. Kadi hopes to continue her stellar career at Saint Matthew's for years to come!

Katie Beck cares for little people in the Saint Matthew's nursery. More information coming soon.

Ashley Bouknight cares for little peeps in the Saint Matthew's nursery. Ashley grew up on a farm in Sharpsburg, Georgia. She attended Newberry College located in Newberry, South Carolina where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art.

Ashley moved to Chandler, Arizona in 2006 where she lives a fairytale life with her husband and two children.

In her freetime, Ashley flies through the air with the greatest of ease -- taking lessons on the trapeze -- really. Check out her trapeze video performances here and here.

Tomoko Gammon cares for the littlest sheep at Saint Matthew's in the Nursery. Tomoko was born in Japan, but made Arizona her home after attending a program at the U of A, where she met her husband.

As a girl in Japan, Tomoko was tall for her age and played basketball. Now, she's enjoying learning about American football. She also enjoys hiking, reading, baking, and most of all being mom for her two children.

At Saint Matthew's, she finds working in the nursery and meeting young families to be a very rewarding experience. Tomoko loves working with all the youngsters and looks forward to making their first experiences at church (and away from their parents) an opportunity for learning and development.

Rachel Salemi earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Choral Music Education from The University of Arizona, and a Master of Arts in Music Therapy from Colorado State University. She loves singing with choirs and directing them, and enjoys playing and teaching the piano.

Rachel grew up right here in Chandler and met her husband Charlie when they both played in the high school band (the first time they saw each other they heard music). They have two children -- Clara is the new baby and Stanley is of the furry variety.

Emma Whitten serves as the Organist in the music ministry at Saint Matthew's. Emma grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in organ performance at Arizona State University. Emma earned Bachelor degrees in both Math and Music from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Music in Organ from the University of Kansas.

Emma is a passionate Irish/Jayhawk fan, and she enjoys hiking, attempting to cook, and playing competitive Scrabble. She says of herself, "As a choral singer, I always have to break into song -- because I can never find the right key."

Kathy Bilinski, aka Kathleen, Kat and Kate, knows that old bookkeepers never die -- they just lose their balance. Kathy is the Financial Manager at Saint Matthew's, arriving here in April of 2006. Kathy attended Bergen Community College Business School/Berkley in Paralegal studies. She worked in the Mortgage Closing Department of Columbia Savings Bank for a decade, and then was the office administrator for a family law practice for five years. 

On Sunday mornings at Saint Matthew's, Kathy may be found shepherding our little sheep in Children's Chapel. In her spare time, Kathy volunteers at Mercy Gilbert Hospital. Her loves include family, animals, live music and theater, and dark chocolate.

Kathy doesn't use Facebook -- and, no matter how hard you try, you can't make her.

Debby Hardy keeps the rest of us in order serving as the Office Manager. Debby grew up in San Antonio and tries to get back to the home state at least once a year.  She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising from The University of Texas and is a rabid Texas Longhorn. When college football is in season you can find Debby glued to her flat screen on Saturday afternoons.

In her free time, Debby keeps very busy playing MOM with her three sons -- often cheering for them at their many activities.

Debby is an avid traveler who loves to explore new places. She dreams that one day she will live on the beach on a secluded island. When you see her, please reminder her to wear sunscreen.

John Lackie keeps Saint Matthew's looking fine as our Facilities Manager. John was born and raised in Adrian, Michigan. He's a life-long Episcopalian and served as an acolyte, chalice bearer, Sunday school teacher, and youth leader.

Living in Arizona since 1981, John is married to his elementary school sweetheart, Wendy.

You may see John serving as Scoutmaster for Saint Matthew's Boy Scout Troop -- he earned the rank of Eagle Scout way back in 1979.

Audrey Bennett coordinates pastoral care ministries at Saint Matthew's. Her education includes studies at Smith College, LSU (BA), and Loyola University where she earned the Master of Pastoral Studies degree. Audrey also completed a Clinical Pastoral Education residency at CVH in Middletown, CT, and the AEISD Spiritual Direction training at The Casa in Scottsdale, AZ.

When she is not coordinating pastoral care and the Healing Team for Saint Matthew's, she travels the world, reads, knits, and plays the English handbells with both hands. Most days she drives her sports car as fast as legally possible.

Mandy Hodges Tritch is Director of Student Ministries. She has led and coordinated ministry with youth for more than ten years -- the last seven of which have been at Saint Matthew's. Mandy was born and raised in the small and very Southern town of Dublin, Georgia [known for being the home of The Redneck Games]. She attended Georgia College & State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

As a youth leader, Mandy is deeply passionate about ensuring teens give of their time and talents to help others. Leading high school mission trips every summer, guiding regular ministry opportunities in the community, and supporting youth outreach teams who make and deliver sack lunches to the homeless in downtown Phoenix, Mandy takes to heart the Youth Group motto of "Make a Difference."

In addition to her work within the church, Mandy keeps busy by coaching competitive cheerleading at Campo Verde High School. GO Campo!!