Clergy and Staff

The Very Reverend Nathaniel Katz

The Reverend Canon Kathy Rock Pfister

Kathy Pfister was called to serve as the Canon Vicar in June of 2020. Prior to her ministry at Christ Church Cathedral, Kathy served The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin, Texas, for ten years; first as an associate on the Windsor Campus, and subsequently as the founding Vicar of The Hill, Good Shepherd’s second campus. Before serving the Episcopal church as a priest, Kathy worked as lay youth minister at Trinity Church in New Orleans, and as the Missioner for Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina.

Kathy was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, earned her BS in Psychology from The American University in Washington DC, and ultimately landed in Texas to attend Seminary of the Southwest where she received her Masters of Divinity. She recently completed The Deep Calls to Deep fellowship in preaching at Virginia Theological Seminary. Kathy and her husband, Phil, have two nearly grown children, Charles and Camille. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, creating, laughing, and listening to music.

The Reverend Canon Simón Bautista Betances

Simón Bautista Betances was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. He was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest in 1987 after obtaining his bachelor’s degree at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra and completing his theological studies at Seminary Saint Thomas of Aquinas, both in Santo Domingo. He later returned to teach philosophy at his alma mater. He served the Haitian immigrant community in the Dominican Republic for 12 years. During his ministry in the Dominican Republic, he served as pastor of two parishes and as the director of the National Center for Haitian Immigrants, a nonprofit run by the Roman Catholic Church. Simón has lived in the United States since 1993. In 2004, he was received into the Episcopal Church, serving as the Episcopal Diocese of Washington’s Canon for Latino Ministries before coming to the Cathedral in 2014. In addition, he serves as chaplain to the House of Bishops, a position he has held for five years. Simón is married to Amarilis Vargas and they have four children: María Teresa, Simón Antonio, María Leaquina, and Amarilis de los Ángeles-Lili.

El Rev. Simón Bautista Betances nació y creció en la República Dominicana. Fue ordenado en la Iglesia Católica Romana en el año 1987, después de haberse graduado de Licenciado en Filosofía en la Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, y después de haber completado sus estudios teológicos en el Pontificio Seminario Santo Tomás de Aquino, ambos centros de estudios localizados en Santo Domingo. Luego regresó a enseñar filosofía al Centro Universitario donde se graduó. Sirvió como misionero por un período de 12 años a la comunidad de inmigrantes Haitianos en la República Dominicana. Durante el ejercicio de su ministerio en la República Dominicana, sirvió como Párroco de dos parroquias, y fue el director del Centro National de Pastoral Haitiana, una organización sin fines de lucro creada por la Iglesia Católica Romana. El padre Simón ha vivido en los Estados Unidos desde el año 1993. En el año 2004 fue recibido como sacerdote en la Iglesia Episcopal y sirvió como el Canónigo para el Ministerio Latino de la Diócesis de Washington antes de venir a trabajar a la Catedral en el año 2014. Además, el padre Simón Bautista sirvió como Capellán para la Cámara de Obispos, una posición que sustuvo por un período de 6 años. El padre Simón está casado con Amarilis Vargas y tienen cuatro hijos: María Teresa, Simón Antonio, María Leaquina, y Amarilis de los Ángeles-Lili.

The Reverend Canon Bradley Varnell

The Rev. Bradley Varnell joined the Cathedral staff in August 2021. Bradley oversees young adult ministries (20s & 30s). Since 2019, Bradley has served as curate at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in the Heights. Rev. Varnell went to Baylor and Duke Divinity School.

The Reverend Edward L. Stein

Canon Stein attended the University of the South, in Sewanee, Tennessee, and the Virginia Theological Seminary, in Alexandria, Virginia. He was ordained a Priest on June 19, 1973. He is a native Houstonian and grew up at Christ Church Cathedral. He has served as Assistant Rector and Acting Rector at St. Martin’s, as the Episcopal Chaplain at Rice University, and as Rector of St. Bede’s Chapel, Autry House. He served as Canon Precentor at the Cathedral from 2000 until his retirement in 2013.

The Reverend Liz Parker

The Rev. Liz Parker joins the Cathedral as a part-time interim associate.

Liz grew up in State College, Pennsylvania, a few blocks from The Pennsylvania State University campus. After graduating from PSU with a degree in theatre, Liz moved to Manhattan. During nearly a decade in the city she performed in Off-Off-Broadway venues, worked a variety of ‘make do’ jobs, and fell in love with the Episcopal Church. With time, Liz discerned a call to the priesthood.

While at Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, she met and married fellow seminarian Andy Parker. They served churches in Abilene, Amarillo, and Lake Jackson, and raised three sons: Will, Ben and Caleb. Her accomplished sons and their families are her greatest joys.

Liz, who was widowed in 2018, most recently served at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church here in Houston. She retired from full time ministry in 2021. Liz likes to read, play games, swim, travel, look at art and sometimes paints, collages, and assembles art herself.

Interim Dean Gary Jones reflected, “I have only just met Liz and have had the opportunity to speak with her briefly, but I almost feel as if I’ve known her for a very long time. She has that effect. Liz is a delightful presence, she loves to preach, and it is not hard to discern that her manner of pastoral care is both healing and joyful. I know the cathedral is going to feel deeply blessed to have Liz among us as priest and friend.”

Liz started at the Cathedral on Sunday July 16. Learn more about her at: https://www.cohousinghouston.com/lizparker.

Elizabeth Cuevas

Elizabeth Cuevas is grateful to be here, ever since her start in 2014 as childcare supervisor and as program coordinator in 2016. Previously, she taught two-year-olds for twelve years, in addition to being a nursery supervisor, working with and for children. She assists with three ministries: Children and Family, Welcome and Evangelism, and Community Life. In her new capacity, she has learned about the inner workings of a church office and how the various roles intersect with and support one another.

Karen Kraycirik

Karen was born and raised in Dallas, but after several years in Houston she has come to fully appreciate the Southwest Texas lifestyle and humidity. She studied at the University of Texas at Austin, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2007. Karen began attending services at the Cathedral in 2013, and was baptized and confirmed in the spring of 2014. In previous professional roles, she has developed a broad set of skills with a focus on event planning and customer service. When not at work, Karen enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her Boston terrier.

KariAnn Lessner

KariAnn Lessner was born in Lansing, Michigan, but did most of her growing up in New Mexico. She studied at McMurry University in Abilene with a concentration in Christian education. KariAnn has served in four parishes in the Diocese of Texas since 1997, and currently serves on the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Formation Advisory Board and the Camp Allen Summer Camp Advisory Board.

In the past, she has served as the director of Y.E.S. (a diocesan middle-school retreat), as a convocational representative, and on the youth and children’s ministry assessment team of the diocese. She is also a Safeguarding God’s Children master trainer and directs Session E at Camp Allen. Her husband, Ron, and her daughters, Keatyn and Karsyn, enjoy cooking as a family and epic lip-sync battles in the kitchen. (Spatulas make great microphones!)

Listen to her podcast You Brew You here.

Thomas Marvil

Thomas Marvil is Christ Church Cathedral's Organist. Tom will be familiar to many as he served as Organ Scholar at the Cathedral for two years beginning in 2018.

Following his time as Organ Scholar, Marvil remained in Houston and served as Assistant Director of Music at St. Anne Catholic Community for two years before joining the music staff at St. John Vianney Catholic Church where he presently serves as Associate Director of Music and Organist.

Marvil holds a bachelor’s of music from Westminster Choir College and completed his master’s degree at the University of Houston. His organ teachers have included Matthew Lewis, Alan Morrison, and Daryl Robinson.

Brant Mills

Originally from East Texas, Brant moved to Pearland and has worked in Houston since 2006. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in radio/television from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Arts in corporate and non-profit communication with a second concentration in public and media relations from The Johns Hopkins University.

With 17 years of professional experience in communication, including working for the United Methodist Church following a few years in print and broadcast media, he began his journey toward the practice of communication by learning video production as a volunteer for his church A/V team in high school. Brant is the father of two rambunctious kiddos named Cameron and Bailey, and a loving husband to his wife, Patty.

​Marianna Parnas-Simpson

Marianna Parnas-Simpson is a graduate of the St. Petersburg Conservatory, Russia. She was the founder of KAMERTON, an award- winning St. Petersburg girls’ choir which she directed for ten years before coming to the United States. Since 1999 Ms. Simpson has been taught at Parker Elementary School, a Houston ISD magnet school for music, where she has developed the choral program from 30 to 250 students. In 2005 she was named Teacher of the Year. From 2008 to 2010 Ms. Simpson served as the Artistic Director of the American Boychoir summer program in Princeton, New Jersey

www.treblechoir.com

Marcia Quintanilla

Marcia was born and raised in Houston, Texas, and is of Salvadorian descent. She is a cradle Episcopalian, and all her formation has taken place in the Diocese of Texas. Her passion for youth and young adult ministries has been rooted in her involvement in diocesan and national conferences around the church. Her focus for youth and young adult ministry has driven her to pursue her bachelor’s degree in psychology, which she plans on using to further excel her understanding in youth ministry. She also serves as the youngest and only Latina active member of the Standing Committee in the Diocese of Texas. She has a 11-year-old daughter, Jaylah, who brings so much light to her world. Marcia loves CrossFit, spending time with Jaylah, and listening to Salsa!

Patrick Saccomanno

On December 1, 2016, Patrick Saccomanno joined the Office of the Dean staff as Minister for Finance and Audit/Controller for all Cathedral entities, including The Beacon and the Hines Center. He also serves as the Assistant Treasurer of the Cathedral and Treasurer of both The Beacon and Hines Center. A native Houstonian, Patrick received a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from the University of Houston, and began his career in public accounting at Arthur Young & Co. In the mid 1990s, after three years of study of philosophy at the University of St. Thomas with the idea of becoming a Catholic priest, Patrick pursued a different calling as the Controller for Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, his alma mater. Most recently, he has been the Controller for the Menil Foundation. For several years, he volunteered at Fatima House to help with its homeless ministry. He is excited and honored to be a part of Christ Church Cathedral to work and support its vital ministries.

Gerardo Sandoval

Gerardo was born in Laredo, Texas and was raised in Houston. He has 20 years experience working in office services, purchasing and as an office supervisor. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family

Robert Simpson

Robert Simpson, AAGO, ChM, SMM, is Organist-Choirmaster at historic Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal), Houston, Texas, and Founder and Artistic Director of the Houston Chamber Choir. He also serves on the faculty of The Shepherd School of Music, Rice University, as Lecturer of Church Music. An honors graduate of Brown University, Mr. Simpson was a student of Robert Baker at The School of Sacred Music, Union Theological Seminary, and Michael Schneider at the Hochschule für Musik in Cologne, Germany. He has served as Adjunct Professor of Organ at Georgia State University and Senior Teaching Fellow at the University of Texas, Austin. Mr. Simpson earned the Associate and Choirmaster Certificates from the American Guild of Organists, receiving the S. Lewis Elmer Prize for attaining the highest test scores. He served as Vice Chair of the Standing Commission on Church Music for the Episcopal Church and on the Editorial Board of the African American hymnal Lift Every Voice and Sing II.

Claire Soard

Claire Soard grew up in Arlington, Texas with her family. Being connected to a Christian community has always been a central part of her life. Claire attended Baylor University where she studied Social Work.

Peggy Beltrami

Peggy Beltrami grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and moved to Houston in 1981. She has a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Phoenix. She has more than 15 years of accounting experience, having worked in a variety of industries before coming to work for the Cathedral in May 2013. This is her first position in a nonprofit organization. Peggy is the proud mother of one child, her son Tyler.

Mark Bohenick

Originally from Pennsylvania, Mark moved to Houston in 2008. He received a Bachelor of Science in graphic design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 2005. Since graduating, he has worked as a designer serving regional and national clients. The proud father of three, he lives with his wife and children in southwest Houston. Mark also collects books and hosts a local book club.

Lisa Cantu

Sylvia Castellanos

Sylvia was born in Guatemala City and was raised here in Houston, TX. She has been attending the Episcopal church for her entire life. She used to be in the choir and a youth leader at Iglesia Episcopal San Mateo. She is currently attending University of Houston – main campus. She got married in September of 2019 to the love of her life, Juan Carlos Castellanos.

Lucy Chambers

Lucy Chambers has been a member of the Cathedral since 1997. A confirmed bookworm, she graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in English (American Studies) and began working at Doubleday & Company as a reader in the Junior Literary Guild.

Liliana Elizondo

Hear more of Mendeliz Group on YouTube.

Shadrick Griffin

Louise Langford

Louise was born in Dallas and raised in Houston. She has 40 years of experience working as a human resources/office manager and executive assistant in the oil and gas industry, where she worked prior to joining the Cathedral staff in February of 2017. In her free time, Louise enjoys traveling and attending performances at Houston’s live theatre venues.

Alfredo Mendez Peimbert

Hear more of Mendeliz Group on YouTube.

Ramona Sikes

Ramona I. Sikes comes to Christ Church Cathedral as a Senior Accountant from First Methodist Houston. Born in Key West, Florida, Ramona grew up a “Navy brat.” She graduated both high school and college with highest honors. While at Chattahoochee Valley Community College in Alabama, she obtained a distinction as the “most outstanding student in the Fine Arts Department.” Ramona has found her life mission to serve Christ both personally and professionally. She has recorded two CDs, Only By Grace and Faithful Friend. She currently resides in Crosby with her husband, Tony. When she isn’t caring for stray animals, she finds herself spending time with friends and family.

Lisa Viktorin

Lisa Viktorin has worked with weddings since 2005 in different roles. After serving as a member of the Cathedral’s wedding guild for five years, she became the “Day of Wedding Coordinator.” In 2017, Lisa was asked to serve as the Cathedral’s Wedding Liaison. Lisa greatly enjoys working with couples and their families as they plan their weddings at Christ Church Cathedral. Lisa is a member of the Cathedral’s Altar Guild and coordinates flowers for Sunday services, Easter, Christmas, All Saints' Day, Palm Sunday, and Thanksgiving. Recently, Lisa celebrated her twenty-fifth year with the Houston Independent School district, where she was a middle school science teacher for fifteen years and is currently an elementary school librarian.

Marie Easy

L. Wayne Ashley

Originally from Arkansas, Wayne has called Houston home since 2005. A graduate of Henderson State University and the University of Houston, Wayne is a former choir member for St. Paul’s United Methodist Church and longtime member of the internationally acclaimed Houston Chamber Choir. With professional experience in education, digital media and music, Wayne is thrilled to join the Communications team of the beloved Cathedral community. In his spare time, he enjoys travel, copious attempts at scenic photography and polite company with friends.

Dominic Albert

Rodney Orange

Indira Olmos