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Meet the Wayside Staff
Alphabetical Staff List with Contact Info - Staff Contact Info by Ministry
Pastoral Team
 Frank "Bo" Bohannan - Director of Senior Adults Ministries - Bo and his wife, Texie have been members of Wayside Chapel for ten years and recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They have two sons and four grandchildren, and are expecting their first great grandchild in July. Bo graduated from Texas Western College (now the University of Texas at El Paso) with a degree of Bachelor of Business Administration. He spent his entire business career as a stockbroker and was a brokerage manager for 16 years. Bo has been active in the Wayside jail ministry and has recently served as chairman of the Hospitality Ministry. During the past seven years he has served as Program Director of a faith based anger management ministry, and will stay active in that ministry. He is an avid sports fan and especially enjoys college football, the Denver Broncos and Spurs basketball.
 Susan Cottingham - Director of Communications - Susan is a San Antonio native and after graduating from Baylor University in 1977, began attending Wayside where she met her husband, the late David Cottingham. These days you will find her in the Church Library where she loves helping readers of all ages find great books. She also loves spending time with her daughter Rachel, a sophomore at UTSA. She enjoys reading (surprise!), paper crafts, traveling, and dark chocolate. The theme of her heart’s song is found in 1 Chronicles 16:34 (and repeated in 10 other verses) – "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."
 John Ford - Pastor of Congregational Care - John came to Wayside in 1992. He graduated from Dallas Seminary with a ThM in 1983 and when that didn’t fix him, he went back to school and got a MA in Biblical Counseling from Grace Theological Seminary in 1988. They say that most counselors and therapists go into their field because they are trying to understand their own mess, or hopefully it could also be because they like seeing people get through tough times and arrive at a better place. John loves his wife Kathy and their kids Kelli and Joshua and daughter-in-law Jenna. His other interests are woodworking/remodeling, photography, gadgets, the “puppies” and The University of Texas Longhorns (HOOK’EM!).
 John Gordon - Executive Pastor - Adult Education & Connect Ministries- John joined the Wayside Pastoral Team in May 2005. Having attended the University of Texas at Austin, he finished his Bachelor of Business Administration (B.BA) degree at The University of North Texas in 1977. John spent the next 28 years as a multi-unit franchisee of a major restaurant chain. He also has 28 years experience leading both Sr. & Jr. High youth ministries. John has served as both Deacon and Elder and was ordained in 1999. He completed a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (M.A.BS) degree from Dallas Theological Seminary in 2006. John and Kathy have been married since 1977. The following year, they moved to San Antonio where they raised their four children: Katie, Christen, Susanna, and Johnny.
 Lynn Hamilton - Director of Agape Ministries – Lynn was born and raised in Minnesota and graduated from Nursing school in Minneapolis. She loves cool weather and always prays for snow during the winter. Lynn and her wonderful husband Steve have 3 children and 2 sons- in-law, along with 1 grandchild and one on the way. She also has 3 furry Grandogs! Family is so important to Lynn and they enjoy traveling, golfing along with fishing. Lynn loves serving the Lord each and every day.
 Mark Johnson - Pastor of Young Adults - Mark was born and raised in Portland, OR. After graduating from a small Christian College, he spent 18 years working in the travel/hospitality industry. Although a “Christian” from childhood, Mark experienced a deep heart transformation in His walk with Christ after marriage. Since then he and Tracy’s (wife) involvement in ministry has consistently grown as has their passion to see Christ-followers experiencing true intimacy with God. In 2000 God called (no the voice wasn’t audible for him, smile!) Mark into a role as Pastor/Shepherd to young adults at Wayside Chapel. Both Mark and Tracy strive to live outside of their “comfort zone” and believe the fullness of life with Christ occurs there. Mark is passionate about sharing the mystery of God’s redemptive love and wrestles for God’s children to experience freedom from the affects of sin. Beyond these passions he also loves most sports, but especially softball, volleyball and skiing. He cherishes dates with his wife (Tracy) and any activity with his 5 children (Katy, Allison, Steven, Libby, and Elly.)
 Rick Lowe - Pastor of Missions & Outreach - After suffering an injury on the high school football team, Rick’s search for understanding friendship challenged him to look into his own heart. He imagined that genuine friendship was based upon something deeper than the superficial “give and take” that he had experienced. Was there a source of love that accepted him as he was and brought purpose into life and relationships?
Rick discovered what he was searching for in the unique way that God demonstrated his love for us. He willingly offered his Son, Jesus, in sacrificial death for us even though we rejected his love. Rick realized that this described his own life and he cried out for God’s forgiveness and love.
Rick has a graduate degree in Architecture from the University of Illinois and is completing a Masters of Intercultural Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He met his wife, Diana, in high school. Shortly after college, they sensed God leading them to invest their lives in bringing the message of God’s grace to others.
The Lowe’s journey began as apprentices at Circle Urban Ministries in Chicago, IL. They later served as church planters in Mexico City and Rick was the Mexico country leader with the Evangelical Free Church for 13 years. Rick helped develop the outreach and missions teams and strategies for a growing church in the Chicago area for four years before joining the staff at Wayside in January 2006. He and Diana have three children - Eric, Amy and Jennifer, and a dog named Cody, who also doubles as a horse. The Lowes enjoy, camping, sailing, adventure, visiting friends, and discovering ice cream parlors.
 Don Reece – Pastor of Worship Ministries – After growing up in Oklahoma City, Don went to Baylor University where he earned the Bachelor of Music degree with a major in Church Music. Graduating in 1984, Don moved north to Ft. Worth and received his Master of Divinity degree, again with a Music concentration, from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. While in seminary, he met and married Denise, and the Lord has blessed them with four children. After serving at a church in Oklahoma for 13 years, the Reeces served in Iowa for three years before arriving in San Antonio in the summer of 2007. Don’s key verse has long been Colossians 2:5-6, “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him…” The verse that keeps him going is Colossians 4:17, “…Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Don loves to spend time with his family, his primary ministry calling. But Don’s desire for Wayside Chapel is to see people eagerly worshipping the Lord – bringing Him offerings of praise.
 Belva Stringer - Director of Children's Ministries - Belva, a born and raised Texan, moved to the Alamo City after graduation in 1978 to teach Special Education. Shortly after, she met David and was married. They have two incredible kids. both attending Texas Tech University. As Director of Children’s Ministries, her passion is to see children trust in Jesus and watch them grow in their relationship with Him. Belva’s favorite time is spent with family and friends!
 Marsha Walenta
– Director of Women's Ministries - Marsha wants you to know that the thing that makes her heart jump for joy is getting to know new women, and helping them in their faith journey. She loves the process of helping them discover new things about themselves and most importantly new things about God. Marsha continues to learn about grace and her need for giving and receiving grace every moment.
Marsha is a wife, mother, grandmother, stepmother, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, sister and friend. She arrived in Texas in 1990 – a transplant from the Midwest. She and her husband Richard have a family of five children and five grandchildren. If she had two hours to spend in any way she desired, Marsha would curl up with a good book in front of a fire, go for a long walk, or get involved in a “beautification project”. Her favorite comfort food is peanut butter and anything!
 Don Vinez – Administrator – Don is a native Texan from Amarillo. He married “Lovey” (AKA Louise) in 1960 and God has blessed them with three children- Stephen and twin daughters, Melissa Faldik and Melinda Christianson and sons-in-law Dean and Russell. Don is called “Poppy” by his 4 outstanding “grandangels” – Elizabeth, Ginnybelle, Cooper and Sophia. Don graduated from SMU, has his MBA from Southwestern Graduate School of Banking, and is a certified mediator. Don is a candidate for certification as a Church Business Administrator through Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. His favorite verse is Philippians 4:6-7. Don also enjoys golf, fly-fishing, reading and being “Poppy.”
Administrative Staff
 Ruth Amstutz - Women's Ministries Assistant - One of the most special and rewarding parts of Ruth's life is assisting Marsha Walenta in Women's Ministry at Wayside. Ruth and her husband moved to San Antonio in 1979 and absolutely love southern hospitality. She has two children. Her son Kip lives in Austin with his wife Paige and infant son Parker. Her daughter Kimmy lives in Perth, Australia with husband Tim and children Joshua and Shelby.
When Ruth is not involved in discipling and counseling women, she loves being a "Grammy", reading, walking, being in the sunshine, spending relaxing time with friends, knitting, crocheting, sewing,& following college football and basketball.
 Beth Butler - Missions Administrative Assistant - Beth was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, moved to Texas when she was 7, moved back to Pittsburgh at the tender age of 17 and then moved back to Texas when she was 18. A graduate of Trinity University with a highly sought after degree in Sociology, she pursued a number of careers – retail, real estate, household management, marketing and politics to name a few. Beth met her most amazing husband, David, in Dallas, on a New Years Eve dinner date with her entire family. David is amazing for many reasons, but mostly because he did ask her out a second time! They have 2 wonderful children – Paul, who is married and serves our country as a Recon Marine and Elizabeth, a student who loves to ride her horse, T.J. and play with Duke, her great Dane.
David & Beth first became personally involved in missions in 1995 on a short term trip to help plant churches in Zaporozhye, Ukraine. God planted a desire in their hearts to come alongside the young and growing church in many ways these last 14 years. They cherish the special friendships that have developed with these dear Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Christ.
 Kit Crump – Worship Ministries Administrative Assistant - So tall were the people in Texas that Kit and her husband Rick went unnoticed by anyone for two months after they arrived in the state. That was enough time for this elfin couple to validate the perception that “everything is big in Texas, especially belt buckles.” Once they were noticed, though, Waysiders welcomed them warmly into their fellowship. So at home did they become, in fact, that when they retired from the Army, they stayed on as Texans and experienced Texas-like growth - spiritually - from the wonderful teaching offered by Steve Troxel, Russell Kelfer and now, Roger Poupart. If you see tiny footprints anywhere on the Wayside campus, they’re probably Kit’s. Just follow them and look down: She’d love to meet you.
 Robert Cubillos - Custodial Staff – Robert and his wife Rosalinda have five children. Robert has worked at Wayside for “pert near 20 years” (which makes him feel very tired if he thinks about it!) He likes to jog, cycle, play basketball, tennis and softball. His favorite verse is John 10:27-30, “My sheep hear my voice . . . . And I give eternal life and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand. . . . “ In this Robert rejoices.
 Kevin Hammond - Director of Finance - Kevin has been working employed at Wayside Chapel since 1994. (“Working” would be an exaggeration in Kevin’s case!) He is a Certified Public Accountant (in Kevin’s case, CPA also stands for “Cheapest Person Around”). Since 2001, he has served as the Treasurer on the EFCA Texas-Oklahoma District board. In his spare time, he assists other EFCA District churches with their accounting and payroll. He regularly speaks at conferences as well as meets with various churches’ leaders on the issues of clergy tax law, clergy compensation planning, church accounting, and internal controls.
From late January to mid-April, Kevin also has his own individual income tax practice. In addition to helping pastors and missionaries around the world with their taxes, Kevin loves to help Wayside widows and single-moms with their taxes. One of his favorite widows, who refuses to let Kevin prepare her taxes for free, compensates him with a candy bar. Kevin and his wife Lisa enjoy reading, going on cruise ships, going on international mission trips and hanging out with their yellow Labrador, Punkin.
 Mary Ann Heitkamp – Receptionist - Mary Ann has been a member of Wayside for 5 years, on staff for 6 and attending Wayside for 12 years. Her job title is Receptionist, which means she answers the phone at Wayside and also does the scheduling and other office duties. She been married to Steven for 30 years, has two sons Joshua and Randy. She likes to have fun. What she really likes to do is help people, do crafts, read and hang out with her family. She loves the Lord, her family, her work and cats!!!
 Mike Hollis - Supervisor of Technical Support – Mike’s a native Texan. Mike found and accepted God in his life in 1983. With God’s help he received his BS in Broadcast Communications in 2000. He worked for a couple of radio stations, Sea World of TX, and has been in the sound manipulation business since high-school. Mike met this cute God focused girl in college named Amanda*, and married her in 2000. After a year and a half of struggling with infertility, they gave it up and had 4 kids, Holly (2002), Elijah (2003), Travis (2005), Riley (2006), (and yes we do know what causes it =)). All of the kids were a month premature, and spend 1-2 weeks in the NICU. Mike joined the Wayside team in 2000, and loves watching God’s story unfold. You can also find Mike around lunch/dinner time at Chick-Fil-A (he loves the chicken). Mike likes to make computers work, play games with friends, and help others out. Favorite Verse: Isaiah 40:30
 Gaye Leonhard - Early Childhood Supervisor - Gaye Leonhard grew up in a Christian family and accepted the Lord as her personal Savior at the age of 12. When Gaye began working in Children’s Ministry in 2002, she began to see how her past experiences had prepared her for this position. Sometimes people introduce her as the person “in charge” of the nursery and preschool programs; she quickly corrects them and says she’s only a worker, God is in charge.
Gaye graduated from The University of Maryland with a degree major in Psychology and minor in Education. Gaye and her husband, Rob, were married in 1983 and they have 2 children, Jackie (1987) and Mitch (1991). They have been members at Wayside since 1995.
 Dorothy McLaughlin - Elementary Education Supervisor – Dorothy has been a child of God and an active participant in the Wayside community for over 30 years. Wife of the late W.C. “Sonny” McLaughlin and mother of Mark, Scott, Melissa, David and Kara, she has volunteered in every Wayside ministry through the years. In addition to her ministry in Elementary Education, Dorothy serves as resource manager for church ministries and mission trips around the world and the San Antonio area.
 Kathy Potter - Women's Ministries & Congregational Care Administrative Assistant - Kathy Potter has worked at Wayside since 2000 as the Administrative Assistant to the Youth Pastor. She grew up in Amarillo and went down the road to go to college at Texas Tech. Kathy is another one of our Texas roses among the thorns. She has been married to Wendell since 1972 and has two children Kara and Ryan who both participated in the youth program. She has a passion for the youth of today and their families. She is involved in the mentoring program at Wayside. Her family enjoys going on short term mission trips to Mexico in the summer. Her hobbies include cooking and crafts. Kathy keeps us supplied with dark chocolate M&M’s known as “our vitamins”
 Barbara Ramirez - Student Ministries Administrative Assistant - No need to “bell the cat” or Barbara Ramirez -- her laughter is her locator. You can see, and hear Barbara providing administrative support and high-energy laughter to Women’s/Men’s and Biblical Counseling Ministries at Wayside. Her fluency in Spanish makes her a valued part of any mission trip to Mexico, Latin or South America. She comes from a large family of nine and makes everyone feel like they’re part of it. Drop by and share a laugh with Barbara. She is also one of the Texas Tech roses among Longhorn thorns.
 Linda Rivera - Children's Ministries Administrative Assistant - Linda was born and raised in Northern Ireland, and arrived in San Antonio as an Air Force wife in 1996. While Linda has many fond memories of Ireland, the rain isn't one of them! So when she arrived in San Antonio her dream of living somewhere with sunshine and heat had come true. Linda became a naturalized US citizen in 2002, with a thousand or so of her closest friends! She and her husband Matt were recently adopted by "Billie" the Cat and enjoy many daily adventures together! One of Linda's greatest passions is investing in children and she has found a great joy in spending Sunday mornings with her 3rd and 4th grade girls at Wayside.
 Armando Sanchez - Custodial Staff - Armando was born in Michoacán, Mexico and came to the United States in 1979. His wife Rosalia was born in Mexico City, Mexico and she and Armando meet in Los Angeles Ca. They have been married for 17 years and have 7 children. Armando came to Texas in 2001 and became an American Citizen in May 2006. Through his friendship with Cliff & Nancy Henson, Armando came to work for Wayside 3 years ago. You can tell Armando loves the Lord as it shows in the way he does is work. Peace & Joy. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1
 Wendy Semones - Executive Pastor Assistant - Wendy is a native Texan, but she discovered she loves snow and sub-freezing temperatures while she was in Wyoming earning a degree in Biblical Studies from Frontier School of the Bible. She has been attending Wayside for over 20 years, and has been actively serving since youth, following her heart for ministry. In fact, when you add up her years serving in different ministries, it totals almost twice her age! She loves to read, travel, and explore remote places. She is most passionate about music (you’ll see her playing piano and singing most Sundays), missions (she would love to one day be on the mission field full time), and helping people feel safe and welcome. One of her life goals is found in Ruth 3:11 – that she would be known as a woman of excellent character.
 Andrea Smith – Receptionist – Andrea was born a “PK” (preacher’s kid) in Oklahoma, raised in Kansas & moved to Texas in 1972. She has attended Wayside Chapel since 1978 and has worked as church secretary in the main office for 25 years. She answers phones and is editor and chief of the church bulletin. She’s been married to her High School sweetheart, Ron Smith for 47 years. Ron has been Education Director at the San Antonio Board of Realtors since 1997. They have 2 grown children, Terri & Randy and 6 grandchildren, 5 boys & one girl. Terri (a Kindergarten teacher since 1985) has 3 boys & lives in the Dallas area. Randy (a U.S. Postal employee) has 2 boys & 1 girl & lives in the Ft. Smith, Arkansas area. She also has a foster daughter, Esther (living in San Antonio) who is married with 2 children, one girl & one boy. Andrea enjoys reading, sewing, bowling & Dove chocolate!! The desire of her heart is for those that follow in her footsteps … children & grandchildren … would have a heart for God.
 Becky Sugg – Executive Assistant – Becky is a Texas native and grew up in Richardson, north of Dallas. She attended Texas State University where she met and married the love of her life the week after she graduated (recently celebrating 25 years!). Rusty and Becky have two sons – Jordan and Cory – and the Sugg family has been part of Wayside Chapel since 1990. Becky has been active in Christian ministry since her college days; most of them in the Christian school her sons attended and where her husband works. She was known there for her hospitality, organization and pitching in where things needed done. After 17 years of attending and serving as a member, Becky is excited to be part of the wonderful Administrative Staff the Lord has assembled to serve the Pastoral Team and the members of Wayside Chapel. One of her favorite verses is: “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you a hope in your final outcome” (Jeremiah 29:11).
 Janis Walker - Children's Ministries Assistant – Janis moved to the USA from her home in England with husband Tim, daughter Larissa and son Simon (then both teenagers) in May of 1988. When they visited Wayside, they knew immediately that they had found their church home and have been members ever since. Larissa is now married to Nathan Uno, a computer scientist and lives in Chicago with him and our two beautiful grandchildren Natasha and Sophie. Simon is a successful graphic designer and lives in Austin.
Tim and Janis have been involved with the worship ministry for many years, both in music with the choir, and drama with Chocolate Box Theatre Company (Janis leaves the acting to Tim, who is also the director). They also have been involved with the Youth Prison Ministry for several years.
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