Staff & Leadership
The Rev. Stephen Hood
rector
The Reverend Stephen Hood (you can call him Steve or Father Steve) is the rector (lead pastor) of St. Matthew’s, and he has served here since July 2020. Prior to serving at St. Matthew’s, Father Steve served parishes in Oklahoma, Alabama, and Louisiana. Steve has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Philosophy from Texas State University (1995) and a Master of Divinity from the School of Theology at the University of the South (2002). Prior to his ordination to the priesthood (Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana—2002), Steve worked as a field executive with the Boy Scouts of America. He also spent six years managing pizza restaurants during his college years. Steve is married to Tracy (Wall). They have a blended family of four children. They also have two family dogs, Luna and Daisy. Tracy is an academic coach by profession. Steve grew up in Richardson, Texas, and both Steve and Tracy graduated from Berkner High School, where they met in the band. Although they dated in high school and college, they didn’t get married until 2016. Steve has no serious hobbies, although he loves being outdoors. He also likes to cook, kayak, canoe, hike, and camp. He follows auto racing and Texas A&M and Alabama football sporadically. It is a happy day when either team wins—even when they outscore the other.
The Rev. Rich Paul
deacon
Our deacon, Rich Paul, was ordained to the order of deacons in June 2017 after completing an extensive diaconal minister formation education program through the Diocese of Colorado. Deacon Rich is a graduate of the US Military Academy (West Point) with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and also has a master's in early childhood education from Old Dominion University. He is married to Amy, who has a dermatology practice, and they have 4 children. They moved to Grand Junction after they retired from the Army. Deacon Rich serves the community through various outreach projects and volunteering with Mesa County Search & Rescue. He also manages the St. Matthew's Shoe Drive ministry which distributes shoes for children in need to local elementary schools.
jan head
associate priest for healing and wholeness
The Reverend Janice Head joined the staff at St. Matthew’s in April, 2022. Mother Jan (or just Jan) received her Master of Divinity degree from Iliff School of Theology in 2018 and holds a Diploma of Anglican Studies from the School of Theology at the University of the South (Sewanee.)
Becky Vroman
director of youth and children's ministries
Becky brings her love of children and families into her role as director of children's ministries at St. Matthew's. Some of Becky's duties include overseeing and staffing the nursery as well as developing curriculum for our Sunday School program.
the rev. Jamie galbasini
Deacon
episcopal chaplain at CMU and youth director
A father of six daughters, Deacon Jamie has a lot of experience with children and brings joy to the youth group. Known for his wisdom and listening capacity, he helps young people to be leaders in their community.
Desiree Bougeaux
administrative assistant
Desiree is our front desk person and handles some of the office work flow including creating our worship bulletins and announcements inserts, our Evangel newsletter, and a bunch of other things. Chances are if you call the church Desiree will be the one you talk to first.
Music Staff
Katie walters
music director
Katie Walters has been called to be the Music Minister at St. Matthews. Katie is a musician and educator. She is a graduate of CMU. She is the principal vocalist with the Grand Junction Rockestra and Katie and the Players. Katie specializes in working with small ensembles and groups and loves to collaborate with other musicians and vocalists. She has a particular love for blues and jazz, yet she enjoys all types of music, including sacred and classical forms.
Sandra Moore
Sandra “Erwin” Moore began piano lessons in the second grade. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Mesa State University in Piano Performance at the young age of 60!
While in high school, she played flute for the original Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra. She has been a pianist / organist at St. Matthew’s in Prosser, WA, St. Matthew’s in Alliance, NE, St. Barnabus in Cortez, CO, and St. Luke’s in Delta, CO. She began playing at St. Matthew’s GJ with the junior choir during the seventh grade when St. Matt’s was on North Ave.
Sandra has worked at Colorado Mesa University (also known as Mesa State College) since 2000 as a collaborative pianist in the music dept. She accompanies students in lessons and performances while occasionally playing a musical gig.
Assisting Clergy
Our volunteer assisting clergy includes:
Fr. Emil Belsky: After having served six parishes in Nebraska and Utah, Fr. Emil Belsky and his wife Cindy, a registered nurse, retired in 2013 and moved to Grand Junction to be close to family. Emil holds degrees in Philosophy, Theology, and Christian Spirituality, and has worked in the business world as a management consultant and in mental health as a psychiatric counselor. Since retirement, he has remained active in adult spiritual formation, pastoral care, and clergy supply work.
Nick Mayer, a retired Episcopal priest from Texas.
Teri Shecter has been a deacon at St. Matthews for 3 years. She also serves as the Diocesan Missioner for the Southwest Region.