Rector
Rev. Monica, a cradle Episcopalian, was baptized, along with her two sisters, by their father, who dedicated over 30 years to the priesthood in the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan. Valuing the ministry of all the baptized, she passionately encourages seekers and believers of all ages to explore their spiritual gifts in service to God’s mission in both the church and the world. Rev. Monica is deeply committed to addressing the issue of affordable workforce housing and actively supports the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
Her commitment to justice is evident in her service on the Anti-Racism Committee for the Diocese of Arizona and her ongoing collaboration with Becoming Beloved Community. Rev. Monica currently holds a significant role on the diocesan Council for Native American Ministry and contributes to the Listening & Healing Pilgrimage, playing a vital role in the Church's journey toward reconciliation and healing from the intergenerational trauma of the Indian Boarding School Era.
Rev. Monica's academic journey includes earning a BA in Music from Kalamazoo College in Michigan, a Master of Arts in theatre management, and a Master of Music in vocal performance, both from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. In 2014, she obtained a Master of Divinity from Church Divinity School of the Pacific after dedicating 25 years to marketing in various industries, including professional theatre, home furnishings, and civil engineering.
Post-ordination, Rev. Monica served as the Associate Rector for Transfiguration Episcopal Church in San Mateo, CA, and as the Rector of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Sedona, AZ. Her diverse professional background and commitment to faith have enriched her pastoral work.
In 2016, Rev. Monica had the honor of baptizing her grandson, Ben, in what is now the Chapel. Her daughter, Isabella, and son-in-law, Kyle, reside in Gilbert with their son, Benjamin, and their pets Monkey and Jack. Meanwhile, her sisters, Maria and Martha, live in Albuquerque and Tucson.
As a fourth-generation Chinese American, Rev. Monica actively engages with her multiracial heritage and ministry through regular gatherings with Episcopal Asiamerica Ministries and AAPI Leaders. In addition to communal worship and private devotional prayer, she finds spiritual connection with God through activities like hiking, music, swimming, and listening to audiobooks. Rev. Monica feels blessed to share her home with two feline companions, Mario and Felipe.