Leadership

Meet our Pastors, Staff, Elders & Deacons


Pastors & Staff

We believe we have one of the brightest, most experienced, innovative, creative, and faith-filled church staff. But you might also be surprised to find foodies, bookworms, art and music lovers of all kinds, hikers, coffee lovers, tea aficionados, and taco experts, just like you. You will always hear laughter and lively conversation spilling out of the offices at 8001 Mesa Drive.

Stop by on Monday - Thursday from 9 am to 4 pm to say hello to the staff. 

 
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Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Boone McLean • Pastor, Head of Staff

Explorer. Color Coder. Chef Wannabe. Amateur Art critic.

I am an intellectual at heart who pursues knowledge and ideas that have a practical use in fulfilling our call to bring God honor and glory. In other words, with a heart being constantly filled with God’s love, how do we best share that love with our neighbors? That is the guiding question of my life and ministry.

I love to learn all sorts of things: painting, cooking, traveling, theology, history, creative writing, preaching, spiritual practices, names and stories of every one I meet. I love to connect others, to God and to each other. I love to dream big and brainstorm ideas for ministry and discern which idea God wants us to pursue. I love a good story and a good laugh and learning about each of you.

 
 

Rev. Tina Broadway • Parish Associate

Traveler. hot tea drinker. lover of nature, books, and Scotland.

Mike, my husband, and I came over from the U.K. to Austin in 1990 for a six-month assignment. We’re still here. Our family joined First Presbyterian Church of Austin in 1998. Both our kids were part of the Sunday School and youth group here. When I began contemplating seminary and, later, ordination, I was especially grateful for the church community’s support throughout the entire process. That included the 11 years I spent serving as a chaplain in a psychiatric hospital and a mental health unit for children and adolescents—a calling in which I learned so much and remain deeply passionate about.

I love being a listening presence for folks—hearing their stories and how they see God. I definitely have a thing for liturgy and theology, as well as the many ways our spirituality can be expressed. I’m excited to be serving as one of your Parish Associates.

 

Rev. Sarah de la Fuente • Parish Associate

Gen X. Spin bikes. Hot Tea/Iced Coffee. Ravenclaw.

FPCA has been our church home since the mid 1990s, so what a gift it is to find myself back “home” as your Parish Associate. I love deeply theological conversations, and I have built my pastoral career around rituals taking place outside the church. I have ministered through my business, Central Ceremonies for over 25 years - mostly for the “spiritual, not religious” types, who walk their faith journey outside of traditional church walls. I am intrigued and energized by people’s stories and the tales of their relationships. I look forward to hearing yours.

When not geeking out over biblical Greek, pop music, or Harry Potter, you can find me on a spin bike or at Austin FC games. I have been married to my best friend, Joe, for over thirty years. Together, our greatest treasures are our children, our tight-knit family, and community of friends we’ve created and nurtured.

 

Rev. Mike Murray • Parish Associate

Traveler. Retirement Failure. Large BOOK Library (Some I’ve READ).

I grew up in Texas, where my father served as a Presbyterian pastor in several congregations. After graduating from Austin College and Austin Seminary, I served congregations in Mercedes and Kingsville and then moved to the Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, PA. After four and a half years there, we moved to Arlington, TX, so that I could spend what I thought would be 3-4 years in the “business world” and then go back into the pastorate. That was in 1973. For the past 52 years, I have worked as a trainer in secular settings—including business, government, and non-profits—specializing in team building, productive meetings, conflict resolution, leadership, and more. This work has taken me to all 50 states and 15 countries, accumulating over five million miles on American Airlines alone. Since 1993, I have also served as a Parish Associate at FPCA.

 

Dianna Jarvis • Worship & Arts Director

Encourager. Humorist. Queen of Useless Trivia.

I’m a San Antonio transplant who moved North for an adventure. As a public-school choir director, I should write a book entitled “Odd Observations of Free-Range Adolescents." Accepting the role of worship & arts director and handbell director at FPCA allows me to combine my love of music with my lifelong involvement in church. When not studying music, I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my two spoiled pups.

 

Brita Hansen, M. Div • Children, Youth & Families Director

People are my favorite. Art. Nature Nut. Friend to dogs.

My role here is to support you and yours. Sharing in your collective faith journey and knowing you is a gift and privilege, and I am very excited to knit together ways we can connect more meaningfully with each other and with our Story.

I graduated from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2012 and have previously served as a Hospice Chaplain, Children's Coordinator, and Youth Leader. I value honesty, humor, and seeking understanding, and I am over the moon to be back here with FPCA.

In my free time, I love learning new things, painting, reading, laughing with my family, camping, and hiking. My perfect afternoon is on the trail with friends, coffee in hand—yes, I've taken road trips with my espresso machine. I'm obsessed with Texas rivers and am a fierce advocate for the natural world. And my favorite advice? "Read some books!" (Thanks, Nacho Libre.)

 
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Jane Bassett • Church Operations Director, CBA

Iced chai. Scented candles. Party planner. Board Games & Puzzles.

Unconditional love. A servant heart. Unselfish support. FPCA embodies everything I love about family. I treasure my time with family and love this giant extended church family as my own. This ever-changing congregation has constantly provided this organizer, planner, policy writing, budget-loving, software geek with challenging projects and volunteer support.

 

Leigh Ann Ballew • First Presbyterian Day School Director

chronic diet coke drinker. Voracious Reader.

I love the early childhood years because I know how deeply these formative seasons shape who children become. Helping young children build confidence, curiosity, and a strong foundation for lifelong learning is work I care deeply about. My passion for working with children and families began early, and I feel grateful to come to school each day to welcome children as they arrive, listen to their stories, and support their growth. Partnering with families and encouraging teachers during this important stage of development is both meaningful and joyful work.

I find daily inspiration in the FPCA campus — from the trees, labyrinth, stained glass, and playground to the wildlife and the peaceful courtyard waterfall. I especially value the people who make up this staff community and our shared vision for serving children and families in Austin.

Outside of school, I enjoy taking day trips and exploring small towns across Central Texas, visiting new places, spending time in nature, reading great books, and being with my family.

 

Angela Hull • Children’s Choir Director

Book Worm. Cat Mom. Outdoors Lover. Black Coffee Drinker.

I'm originally from Chicago, IL and moved to Austin with my husband in December of 2023. I received my Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Butler University in 2018 and joined the Presbyterian Church in 2022. Music is such a wonderful part of worship and a great way to get children involved in service. I have sung in a church choir for the better part of 20 years, and I love helping a new generation of kids enjoy music ministry. I am so excited to be a part of the music team at FPCA!

I'm an early childhood educator (I have a wonderful class of 1.5-year-olds) and love working with children of all ages. When I'm not at school, I enjoy reading (especially sci-fi and thrillers), listening to music, exploring the outdoors, cooking, and crafting.

 

Cecile Shopen • Engagement Coordinator

STAR GAZER. ART THAT SPEAKS. MUSIC THAT PAINTS A PICTURE. PUNS.

I love new places, people and experiences. I’m outgoing and excited to meet the FPCA community and find ways to further engage current and new members in membership, ministry, and mission. While affiliated with nonprofits for a number of years, the church environment is a new working experience for me. I very much look forward to listening and hearing how those in the congregation see themselves and their talents in light of what their church brings to its members and the world beyond.

 
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Alice Bassett • Communications Coordinator

Everything outdoors. mom of Boys. Family is at my Core.

Creative, conversational, organized. I find my happy place supporting churches and finding better ways to open the conversation about who we are, what’s happening, and where you fit in this loving church family. I’m a Lutheran pastor’s daughter and married the love of my life that I met at Lutheran camp one summer, but I love Presbyterians too!

 

Chad Gallion • A/V Coordinator

Making Music. Cars and Motorcycles. Blue cheese.

I believe worship is something special that can elevate our spiritual relationship in unbelievable ways. Helping to bring that experience to congregations, whether through sweet guitar solos, musical sound production, engaging video production or online worship access, is something that I take pride and pleasure in...at least when the technology behaves itself.

At FPCA, I've always seen worship as being about connection, welcoming, and honest experiences. As we move into the future, the A/V Team will continually try to capture that experience and make it accessible to all.

 

Becca Thompson • Finance Administrator

READER OF FANTASY AND MYSTERY. TRIATHLETE. HIKER.

I am an accountant. I am Presbyterian. These combined traits and talents bring me to FPCA. I also serve as Treasurer for Shepherd of the Hills and Westminster Presbyterian as well as consult as a CPA with other churches. I recently served in accounting roles for PCHAS (until my husband became President). I am the mom of twins who taught me how to multitask which is a great skill for this Presbyterian accountant!

 

Michelle Elley • Finance Assistant

Longhorn. Mom of teens. Excel list maker. Fiction reader.

I love using my organizational skills and accounting background to help churches achieve their mission. I also serve as the church accountant for Westminster Presbyterian Church. In my spare time, I love to be in nature, read, drive teenagers around, and help with our family-run residential homebuilding business.

 

Lauren Mills-Hargis • Administrative Assistant

Cozy Sweaters. Buttered Popcorn. Musical Theater Fanatic.

I am originally from Pittsburgh, PA and have lived in Austin since 2008. I have two young children that keep me busy. I like to run 5Ks, drink lots of coffee, listen to audiobooks and spend time with my family. I have a long history with FPCA, attending services, sending our kids to the Day School and previously working as an administrative assistant before becoming a full-time mom. Now that both of my children are in school, I am happy to come back and share my talents with FPCA.

 
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Bill Collentine • Custodian

Cheesehead. Papa to Many. Pepsi in a styrofoam cup please.

With a servant’s heart, I have served churches in Austin for many decades as the custodial and maintenance expert. I have served Bethany United Methodist, St. David’s Episcopal, St. Matthew’s Episcopal, the Emmaus Catholic Church, and have been working for First Presbyterian  Church since 2010. I love church work and especially the people and kids that call this place home. 

My wife and I are Papa and Nana to many youth and young adults who have needed parents due to broken homes, juvenile records, and homelessness. One never knows how many will show up to share grace and family time at a Collentine Thanksgiving table and to watch the Packer’s game with this Wisconsin Cheesehead.  

Maimy Fong • Pianist

 
 

David Stith • Organist

 

Elders

The board of elected elders serve a 3-year term as an FPCA leader to provide strategic management, fiduciary and policy oversight, and program leadership of the church.

CLASS OF 2027

Karen Kelly

Sarah Newton

Sally Rassenfoss

Mark Reddert

Greg Wysocki

CLASS OF 2028

Matthew Buckalew-Leary

Christina Cortez

Joe de la Fuente

Marci Shrull

John Yearwood

CLASS OF 2029

Elaine Goolsbey

Alicia Gostylo

Bob Lauderdale

Mikaela Manion

Kaema Roberson

 

Deacons

Deacons are elected for a 3-year term to serve the congregation and community with compassion and care.

One of the benefits of being a part of a church community is having support and encouragement through life's ups and downs. Deacon Ministers are organized by parish to ensure our community is cared for effectively.

Your church is here for you—to pray for you, care for you, and walk alongside you during times of joy, celebration, sickness, sadness, and loss. While we strive to know you, and when you need support, please never be shy about letting us know when you have needs!

Our deacons, by class:

Minister: Reverend Sarah de la Fuente

Moderator: Rebecca Buckalew-Leary

Class of 2027

Gini Maddox

Debbie Schulz

Steve Schulz

Anne Sterrett

Class of 2028

Margaret Talbot

John Olsson

Faith Edson

Kurt Hauth

Class of 2029

Toni Castel

Allison Dubin

Christina McMurtry

Leslie Wilkinson