Clergy & Staff
The Rev. Matt Holcombe
Rector
Matt grew up and worked on the East Coast before answering a call to the priesthood. Matt received his Master in Divinity from General Theological Seminary in New York City in 2011. He has previously served at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, and St. David’s Episcopal Church in Radnor, Pennsylvania. As a cradle Episcopalian, Matt has served the church in various capacities on a national and diocesan level. He enjoys the rich traditions of the Church, exploring new ways of helping people grow spiritually, and deepen their relationship with God. He enjoys leading pilgrimages, leaning into innovative models for ministry, and equipping lay leaders to be the Church. Matt is married to Alicia and they have two teenage children (and Archie, the family dog). Matt enjoys hiking, skiing, and chasing adventure!
The Rev. Vicki Hesse
associate rector
Vicki grew up in California, attending “church of the outdoors.” After a career in international project management, she returned to Denver. One day, her friend invited her to attend a small Episcopal church, and she found a deeply caring community filled with God's love. A few years later, she was baptized as an adult. Smitten with the scriptures and deep desire to learn more, she earned her Master of Divinity at Iliff School of Theology (Denver, CO) and later, a certificate in Anglican Studies at Virginia Theological Seminary (Alexandria, VA) prior to her ordination in 2012. She served parishes in Tucson, Arizona and Detroit, Michigan as well as with the Diocesan staff in Michigan. During the pandemic years, she explored intentional communities of life and service, getting real with people and with God. (Koinonia Farm, Mepkin Abbey, Gould Farm). In her role as Associate Rector at St. Michael’s, Vicki ministers with the Pastoral Care team and oversees the many Outreach ministries. In her private time, she is a self-professed gym rat, attempting (and failing) to earn Peloton challenge medals, and practicing moving meditations like running and hiking with Jesus in the church of the outdoors!
The Rev. Gary Darress
Deacon
Gary grew up on Long Island, NY, and is a cradle Episcopalian. After high school, Gary enlisted in the Air Force, which brought him to Peterson Air Force Base here in Colorado Springs. After the Air Force, he was hired by the Colorado Springs Police Department as a Patrol Officer. Gary retired in February 2020 after 34 years of employment. While growing up, and during his career with the police department, Gary always felt God calling him to a more active ministry role. During a prayer and a time of discernment, Gary became a Third Order Franciscan. He is an active member of the Kairos International Prison Ministry at Colorado Territorial Correctional Facility in Canon City, assisting with a homeless ministries, and learning American Sign Language, so he can communicate with our deaf sisters and brothers about the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The Rev. Dr. Joanne Sanders
ASSISTING CLERGY (Retired)
Joanne Sanders recently retired as Senior Associate Dean for Religious Life (after 20 years of ministry) at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA. She earned a Master of Divinity from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific and a Doctor of Ministry from Seattle University with a concentration on interdisciplinary leadership. While at Stanford, Joanne provided spiritual and pastoral care for students, faculty, and university staff. She preached regularly at Stanford Memorial Church and developed programs for contemplative life through the Windhover Contemplative Center, which included an outdoor labyrinth as well as opportunities for yoga, meditation and mindfulness practices. Joanne is married to Kathy and they have a precocious cat named Lucy. They have an affinity for trying new restaurants and love all that Colorado Springs and St. Michael's has to offer.
The Rev. Dr. Winifred Mitchell
Assisting Clergy (Retired)
Winnie grew up in Denver and has been an Episcopalian since she was ten years old. She loves the liturgy, music, and history of the Church. At age 19 she joined her parents and sister in Afghanistan where her father directed a USAID project. She studied Anthropology at CU when she returned to the US. While working on her Ph.D. also at CU, she met her husband and fellow anthropologist, Paul Brown. They were professors at Minnesota State University in Mankato, Minnesota, where they lived for 25 years, raising two wonderful children, Mitchell and Micaela. Winnie earned her MDiv at the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas and was ordained in Minnesota in 2007 and served two rural parishes. She then came to Colorado and served at St. Peter the Apostle in Pueblo before retiring. In her retirement Winnie has done supply work around the region. She’s delighted to be part of the team at St. Michael’s. Besides church, Winnie likes to hike, bicycle, camp, knit, read, and train her rambunctious puppy.
Bailey Bachynski
Director OF CHILDREN, YOUTH, & Young Adult MINISTRIES
Email Bailey
Bailey was born and raised in Devon, Pennsylvania and is a cradle Episcopalian. She was very active in her home parish of St. David’s Episcopal Church where she was confirmed and served as a youth volunteer. Bailey attended college at Rutgers University in New Jersey where she was on the equestrian team and worked with the office of emergency management. Later she was a member of the Episcopal Service Corps in Seattle, Washington where she served as the youth minister at a local church and worked with homeless populations throughout the city. Bailey and her husband, Nate, have since lived in Virginia and Pennsylvania where she worked as a Social worker, and they have adopted and rehabilitated many four-legged creatures. Bailey has a passion for finding God in the things we love and in the people we meet and help along the way.
Ama Couch
Communications Coordinator
Ama was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, but she spent most of her adult life in the Atlanta, Georgia area. She is a cradle Episcopalian who served as acolyte leader, Sunday School teacher, Hispanic education ministry coordinator, and Senior Warden over her 25+ years at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Roswell, Georgia. When she and her husband, Chris, relocated to Colorado Springs in 2020, Ama retired from being an elementary school teacher and waited to see what God had in store for her next. In this position, she is excited to couple her desire to be more involved in life at St. Mike’s with her love of the written word. In her free time, Ama enjoys spending time with her daughters and two grandsons, traveling, and all things outdoors.
Diane Dennison
FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST & VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Diane worked with her husband, Jim, as his administrative assistant for twenty-five years in an independent insurance agency in Virginia. In 2010, they moved to Colorado Springs to be near three of their daughters and most of their ten grandchildren. They quickly made St. Michael’s their spiritual home and since then Diane has served on several ministries: clerk of the Vestry, greeter on Sunday mornings, church office volunteer, Altar Guild, Tuesday Ladies Fellowship, SMASH Event Coordinator, Stephen Ministry and most recently she started the Flower Guild.
Amalia Dobbins
Director of Music
A native of Sonoma, California, Amalia brings a love for God and a passion for musical excellence to St. Michael’s. With decades of experience as a professional chorister and cantor she has sung for many prominent Episcopal churches in California and Colorado. Amalia believes singing should be effortless and enjoyable, so all singers she works with are trained in the fundamentals of good vocal technique. She especially enjoys working with teens and young adults who aspire to professional singing careers. As a cross-genre artist, Amalia regularly performs musical theater, oratorio, opera and jazz. She has sung with the Colorado Symphony, Boulder Philharmonic, Parish House Baroque and Colorado Springs Philharmonic among others. Amalia conducts the childrens’ and adult choirs, serves as congregational song leader and soloist and occasionally writes original music for St. Michael’s.
Daniel Foster
Organist
Daniel is a Colorado native originally from Grand Junction. He moved to Colorado Springs in 2013 and has served as Director of Music, Organist, and K-5 Music Teacher at Divine Redeemer Catholic Church for the past 7 years. Prior to this, he was the Organist for St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Grand Junction. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance from Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction and Master of Music degree in Organ Performance at University of Denver. Daniel has performed with the Colorado Springs Chamber Choir, the Colorado Springs Chorale, and the Colorado Springs Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. He currently serving as Dean of the Colorado Springs Chapter of the American Guild of Organists
Linda Kean
Newcomer Ministry Coordinator
Linda was born in El Dorado, Arkansas but moved to Colorado in 1973. Linda was confirmed at St. Michael’s prior to marrying her husband Bob, in 1985. Together they raised two children at St. Michaels. Linda has a Therapy Dog, Connor, who comes to the Church on Tuesday when she works on Membership and Volunteer Coordination. Connor also helps during St. Michael’s week for Interfaith Hospitality Network, greeting all the new families who are staying here at St. Michael’s.
Jan McLaughlin
Finance Manager
Jan grew up in California and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She moved to Colorado Springs in 1993 and joined St. Mike’s in 2018. She has worked in various positions in accounting, medical technology, and computer sciences. In her spare time, Janet received a culinary degree from Pikes Peak Community College and loves to cook for friends and family. Her hobbies are genealogy and all things Celtic.
Jennie Wandfluh
Director of Parish Life
Jennie is originally from Kansas City, where she grew up serving her Episcopal Church through children's choir, as an acolyte, and lay reader. For 20 years she has worked with children and youth in the church through a variety of programs, events, and in nursery care. Married to Brett, together they are raising three children and live in the Falcon area. She is enthusiastic about fellowship and loves a good party! Her vast experience in catering, restaurants, and promotional work enriches her event management style. At St. Michael’s, Jennie oversees building usage, hospitality and organizational projects. As Director of Parish Life, her goal is to support members and ministry groups to the best of her ability.
Tamika Richardson
Parish Sexton
Tamika grew up in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and is a trained, Licensed Vocational Nurse. Her current tour as a Career Counselor in the U.S. Army at Fort Carson brings her to Colorado Springs. She recently got baptized and confirmed her faith here at St Michael’s Episcopal Church. Tamika enjoys learning about the Episcopal faith and deepening her spiritual journey. As the church Sexton, she provides a clean environment where we all can worship peacefully. In her spare time, Tamika volunteers at the local food bank and assists with building homes for Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity. To rejuvenate, Tamika enjoys spending time with her husband, Eugene, and her two teenagers; as well as reading, hiking, skating, and dancing.
Jose Erbella
Parish Sexton
Jose is originally from Las Vegas, Nevada. He has been in Colorado Springs a little over a year, and he serve as the weekend sexton at St. Michael’s. He really enjoys working at the church as everyone is friendly and always welcoming. There’s no other place he’d rather work!
David Galvan
Mental Health First Aid Trainer-in-Residence
David has been teaching, training and facilitating conversations with students and adults since 2010. His vast amount of experience with students, informed him as he co-produced two evidence-informed presentations that focus on healthy relationships and the issue of teen mental health awareness and suicide prevention. David is a certified trainer in Adverse Childhood Experiences which focuses on trauma informed care. He is also a trainer of QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer), Youth & Teen Mental Health First Aid. He is also a trainer and youth & young adult Director/Trainer with Soul Shop, a faith based initiative that equips faith leaders to minister to those that have been impacted by suicide. Visit www.stmikeschurch.com/mentalhealth to learn more.