The Rev. Hillary West, Associate Rector-
Hillary has served at St. Thomas’ for a little over a year now.  She came to St. Thomas’ from Virginia, and she is happily married with two children and three perfect grandchildren. Hillary will have been ordained for eight years this coming January.  Her passions for ministry are servant hood and worship.  E-mail Hillary and phone: 215-233-3970 x125

 

Tommy Thompson, Minister to Youth and Children – Tommy comes to us from Virginia, where he served as an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church. In Tommy’s 13 years in ministry, he has served various parishes as children’s pastor, youth pastor, and senior pastor.  He earned is B.A. in Religion & Pastoral Ministries at Trevecca Nazarene University and his M.Div from Asbury Theological Seminary.  Tommy is married to Leslie and has two wonderful children — Daniel and Hannah as well as  an amazing dog named Annie.  He is most passionate about authentic relational ministry and the spiritual formation of God’s people — especially children and youth.  His motto is lex orandi, lex credendi, lex vivendi, which basically means that the substance and form of our worship and prayer life largely informs the persons we become and the lives that we live.  E-mail Tommy at tommy@stthomaswhitemarsh.org and phone: 215-233-3970 x 122

 

The Rev. William M. deHeyman, Associate Clergy- Bill is a graduate of Adelphi Academy, Brooklyn, NY;  Wagner College, Staten Island, NY and the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Philadelphia.  He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Silver Springs-Martin Luther School serving as Chaplain.  Following retirement Pastor Bill served as interim Pastor at two Lutheran Churches. He has been a member of the staff at St. Thomas for 10 years.  Bill has developed a Sunday Worship experience for children ages 5 and under and their families called “First Steps to Worship”.  This half hour worship with Eucharist is vibrant yet instructive, playful yet powerful, flexible yet ritual, not to mention down right joyful.  Come join us at 9 a.m. on Sundays in Haas Hall! Pastor Bill also conducts Nursery School Chapel at St. Thomas several mornings a month.

 

 

Mr. Donald E. Beistline, Parish Administrator – Don is responsible for the business operations of St. Thomas’ Property, Office and Cemetery Operations. E-mail Don at donb@stthomaswhitemarsh.org and phone: 215-233-3970 x111

 

 

Mrs. Anita C. Burke, Rector’s Assistant- Anita is the Rector’s Administrative Assistant, supports the vestry, coordinates baptisms and weddings and performs a myriad of other administrative duties that support our church. Anita has been on staff since 2000 and is a member of the church. She is graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, enjoys reading, gardening, speed walking and playing tennis. Anita lives in Oreland with her husband Tom. They have a daughter, Kelly and a cocker spaniel, Seamus. E-mail Anita at aburke@stthomaswhitemarsh.org and phone: 215-233-3970 x121

 

 

Mr. Paul Deck, Weekday Sexton and Facilities and Grounds Coordinator – Paul has worked at St. Thomas’ since 1989, he is the longest serving employee at the church, and was first hired as Grounds Crew Laborer. He was then promoted to weekday Sexton by Interim Rector Phyliss Taylor. Paul is also a drummer and has performed at many St. Thomas’ events, as well as around the Philadelphia area. Six years ago he found a family of kittens in the window well of the Schoolhouse. Paul found a mother at the nursery school who is a veterinarian and they all got homes, however Ruthie stayed with Paul and resides at the barn. Email Paul at pauliedrums@aol.com

 

 

Mr. Derrick Goff, Minister of Music– Derrick has recently earned a B.M. in Sacred Music at Westminster Choir College, where he is completing studies for the M.M. in Voice Pedagogy and Performance. He directs the adult and childrens’ choirs and play the organ for services at St. Thomas’.  Derrick enjoys working with St. Thomas’ parishioners to refine a culture of music appreciation here in and out of worship.  Derrick loves working with the clergy to make exciting and meaningful liturgy. Email Derrick at derrickgoff@gmail.com and phone: 215-233-3970

 

 

Mrs. Lisa J. Lonie, Carillonneur – Lisa has been Carillonneur of St. Thomas and Director for the Summer Concert series since 1999.  She performs on the 20 ton, 48 cast bell carillon before and after worship services, special events, funerals and weddings.Email Lisa at llonie@hotmail.com and phone: 215-233-3970 x143

 

 

Mrs. Lorri Camilleri, First Steps Music Assistant and Nursery Coordinator  – Lorri plays keyboard and assists in First Steps to Worship with Pastor Bill. First Steps is our Sunday worship service for young families with children under the age of five. Lorri also coordinates the St. Thomas’ Nursery which offers childcare for children ages six—36 months.Email Lorri at lorricam@verizon.net and phone: 267-994-2010

 

Ms. Shari Petrakis, Nursery School Director – Shari has a B.S. in Psychology from Gannon University and a Masters in Social Work from Bryn Mawr College. She has worked with children in the school setting and home setting for 17 years, before coming to STNS. Her last five years were working for the Intermediate Unit with children with Autism, as a Behavior Specialist. Shari worked in many school districts throughout Delaware and Montgomery County. Shari is originally from Pittsburgh, PA (Go Steelers!) and moved to the Philadelphia area in1998. She live in Lafayette Hill with her husband, Chris, her daughter, Alexis (9) and her son, CJ (7). She also has a dog Chase Mutley. Shari’s interests outside of work are running and family time. She spends most of my weekends moving from activity to activity with her children and her husband. Shari says that she “chose this school for my son because of the nurturing and loving environment. The teachers are what makes this school so special. I am blessed to have been a parent here and now to be the Director of an extraordinary place like STNS”. Email Shari at sharip@stthomaswhitemarsh.org and phone: 215-233-2923

 

Mr. Don Schweiger, Facilities Staff – Don is a member of the facilities staff, and among the usual duties of landscape and building maintenance, also is responsible for all the machinery maintenance and repair. Email Don at donylee@verizon.net

 

 

Mrs. Barbara Stechert, Director of Parish Participation - Barbara Lee Stechert grew up attending St. Thomas’ Church. She attended St. Thomas’ Nursery School and Sunday School and was embraced by loving adults and clergy. In 1990 she was elected to the Vestry and asked to oversee the vast property and a small capital campaign. She felt she had found her vocation. She was able to translate these volunteer positions into a career in the nonprofit, mostly religious world, first at the Dominican Retreat House and later at the Church of the Advocate in North Philadelphia. Since joining the staff at St. Thomas’ in 2010, Barbara has worked to transform Stewardship from an annual pledge drive to a year-round way of viewing living. Her role has been expanded to include the current Building for the Generations Capital Campaign, which she actively coordinates. Barbara is married to Rick and their daughter Kate is a Chorister in St. Thomas’ choir. Email Barbara at stewardship@stthomaswhitemarsh.org and phone: 215-233-3970 x126

 

Mrs. Judy Lloyd, Communications Coordinator – Judy and her husband Ted have been parishioners at St. Thomas’ since their 6 year old daughter Emmy was born.  Judy currently serves as Interim Communications Coordinator, and Chair of the Communications, Advertising and Marketing Commission. She also enjoys her role on the Children’s Commission, and in the past, Judy has served for three years on the board of St. Thomas’ Nursery School. Judy graduated with a BA in English from Wells College, the second oldest women’s college. One of her favorite events at St. Thomas’ is the Be An Angel Christmas Party. Email Judy a communications@stthomaswhitemarsh.org and phone: 215-233-3970 x115

 

Michael McCarry, Webmaster and Social Media Coordinator - Michael graduated from Juniata College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Communication. He is currently enrolled in the Professional MBA Program at St. Joseph’s University. Michael works on the design and management of the St. Thomas website, our email marketing campaign, and social media accounts.  He also enjoys his role on the Communication, Advertising and Marketing Commission, as well as marketing St. Thomas’ outreach campaign through “The Barn’s” Second Saturday Sales. Email Michael at mccarmj08@gmail.com and phone: 215-233-3970 x115