The Deacons' School Faculty
The Rev. Canon Augusta A. Anderson
Professor, Scripture | October 21-23, 2016
Augusta Anderson serves as Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Western North Carolina. In the summer of 2013, she co-published Lessons From The Red Thread, a faith formation resource for families. She serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for a regional state charter school.
Following ordination in 1999, Augusta moved to Asheville, NC, to serve as Canon at the Cathedral of All Souls. In 2004, she became rector of St. Thomas', Burnsville, NC, a small rural congregation. In 2010, Augusta was called as assistant to the rector at St. James', Black Mountain, NC, a larger urban community. In 2014, Augusta accepted call the to the Church of the Transfiguration, a growing pastoral-sized congregation in Saluda, NC.
Augusta is a graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY, (1991) and received an MA in American Studies, with honors. After college, Augusta participated in the Washington National Cathedral Young Adult Service Intern Program. At the conclusion of the program, she continued to work at the Cathedral for the Director of Development. In 1995, she attended Virginia Theological Seminary as a postulant from the Diocese of Washington. After her second year, Augusta was invited to spend a year at Canterbury Cathedral as an intern under the supervision of the dean. Augusta graduated from VTS in 1999.
Augusta, the daughter of an Episcopal priest, was born in California and spent her youth in Honolulu, Hawaii. She is married to Steve Anderson, and they have four young children.
Following ordination in 1999, Augusta moved to Asheville, NC, to serve as Canon at the Cathedral of All Souls. In 2004, she became rector of St. Thomas', Burnsville, NC, a small rural congregation. In 2010, Augusta was called as assistant to the rector at St. James', Black Mountain, NC, a larger urban community. In 2014, Augusta accepted call the to the Church of the Transfiguration, a growing pastoral-sized congregation in Saluda, NC.
Augusta is a graduate of Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY, (1991) and received an MA in American Studies, with honors. After college, Augusta participated in the Washington National Cathedral Young Adult Service Intern Program. At the conclusion of the program, she continued to work at the Cathedral for the Director of Development. In 1995, she attended Virginia Theological Seminary as a postulant from the Diocese of Washington. After her second year, Augusta was invited to spend a year at Canterbury Cathedral as an intern under the supervision of the dean. Augusta graduated from VTS in 1999.
Augusta, the daughter of an Episcopal priest, was born in California and spent her youth in Honolulu, Hawaii. She is married to Steve Anderson, and they have four young children.
The Rev. Dr. Paul Nancarrow
Professor, "Connecting Theology" | January 13-15, 2017
Paul Nancarrow grew up in Michigan, where he was ordained in 1986. He has served churches in the dioceses of Michigan, Tennessee, Minnesota and Southwestern Virginia, where he is currently the rector of Trinity, Staunton, Va. He went to seminary at Seabury-Western, and holds a doctorate in theology from Vanderbilt University.
He describes his areas of theological interest as sacramental cosmology and sacramental psychology: E.g., "What kind of a world is this that can give rise to effective signs of God? What kind of beings are we that can respond to effective signs of God?" He often ponders these questions while enjoying science fiction, or riding his bicycle on the back roads of the Shenandoah Valley.
Paul is married to Lee and has two grown children, Maggie and Aidan.
He describes his areas of theological interest as sacramental cosmology and sacramental psychology: E.g., "What kind of a world is this that can give rise to effective signs of God? What kind of beings are we that can respond to effective signs of God?" He often ponders these questions while enjoying science fiction, or riding his bicycle on the back roads of the Shenandoah Valley.
Paul is married to Lee and has two grown children, Maggie and Aidan.
The Rev. Dr. David J. Schlafer
Professor, Homiletics | April 21-23, 2017
David Schlafer is an Episcopal priest who has taught theology and homiletics at four Episcopal seminaries, and in several seminaries of other denominational traditions.
He has served on the staff of the College of Preachers, and the faculty of the Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Program of Chicago area divinity schools.
David has led preaching conferences across the United States, England, and in Canada. He is the author or editor of eighteen books on preaching; he serves as a consultant on preaching for individual preachers, and preaches regularly in his home parish, Church of the Redeemer, Bethesda, Maryland.
He has served on the staff of the College of Preachers, and the faculty of the Doctor of Ministry in Preaching Program of Chicago area divinity schools.
David has led preaching conferences across the United States, England, and in Canada. He is the author or editor of eighteen books on preaching; he serves as a consultant on preaching for individual preachers, and preaches regularly in his home parish, Church of the Redeemer, Bethesda, Maryland.
The Rev. Dr. Hilary Smith
Professor, "Our Story and Tradition", July 14-16, 2017
Hilary Smith is the rector of Holy Comforter in Richmond, VA. She has served as a parish priest, spiritual director, and retreat leader in the Diocese of Virginia since 2000. She values silence, prayer, community, service, and the radical welcome of all. Not being reared as Christian, but coming to faith as a young adult, she loves to welcome newcomers to the Church and those returning after time away. Helping church members deepen their spiritual lives and discover God's call to them is a focus for Hilary. Issues of community and belonging, and the role of religion in our world today, are of importance to Hilary.
Hilary has been a leader in the Diocese of Virginia and the wider Church. Her positions have included: Member and President of the Standing Committee; Mentor for new clergy and clergy in transition as a Fresh Start Facilitator; Dean of Region 14; Chair of the Diocese of Virginia’s Deputation to the 2012 General Convention; Spiritual Director for the Virginia Theological Seminary; Diocesan Spiritual Discernment Facilitator; Retreat leader for seminarians and parishes.
Her experience in parish ministry includes: St. Paul’s on-the-Hill, Winchester VA, 2003 to 2012, Rector; St. James-the-Less, Ashland VA, 2002-2003, Associate rector and chaplain to Randolph-Macon College; St. Paul’s, Richmond VA, 2000-2002Assistant Rector; Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, Alexandria VA, 1998-2000, Seminarian Intern; Holy Comforter, Richmond VA, summer seminarian, 1999; St. Paul’s Memorial Church, Charlottesville VA, 1992-1997, Lay Leader with a focus on campus ministry at UVA and pastoral care for the elderly.
Hilary has been a leader in the Diocese of Virginia and the wider Church. Her positions have included: Member and President of the Standing Committee; Mentor for new clergy and clergy in transition as a Fresh Start Facilitator; Dean of Region 14; Chair of the Diocese of Virginia’s Deputation to the 2012 General Convention; Spiritual Director for the Virginia Theological Seminary; Diocesan Spiritual Discernment Facilitator; Retreat leader for seminarians and parishes.
Her experience in parish ministry includes: St. Paul’s on-the-Hill, Winchester VA, 2003 to 2012, Rector; St. James-the-Less, Ashland VA, 2002-2003, Associate rector and chaplain to Randolph-Macon College; St. Paul’s, Richmond VA, 2000-2002Assistant Rector; Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill, Alexandria VA, 1998-2000, Seminarian Intern; Holy Comforter, Richmond VA, summer seminarian, 1999; St. Paul’s Memorial Church, Charlottesville VA, 1992-1997, Lay Leader with a focus on campus ministry at UVA and pastoral care for the elderly.
The Rev. Patricia "Patty" Phaneuf Alexander
Professor, Human Awareness and Understanding | October 6-8, 2017
Patty Alexander was ordained in 2001 and since that time has served as both a parish priest in the Diocese of New York and a school chaplain in the Diocese of Washington. She ministers to middle and upper school students, parents, and faculty at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac, Maryland, where she also chairs the philosophy and religion department and teaches sophomore English.
Patty holds an undergraduate degree in English language and literature from Yale University; an Master of Arts degree in English Literature from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College; and a Master of Divinity from the Virginia Theological Seminary. In the fall of 2014, she will begin part-time study toward an M.A. in Pastoral and Spiritual Care at Marymount University.
Patty is also a clergy spouse. She is married to the Rev. Randy Alexander, rector of Immanuel on-the-Hill, Alexandria, VA. Patty and Randy are the proud parents of three sons: William, Peter and Andrew.
Patty holds an undergraduate degree in English language and literature from Yale University; an Master of Arts degree in English Literature from the Bread Loaf School of English at Middlebury College; and a Master of Divinity from the Virginia Theological Seminary. In the fall of 2014, she will begin part-time study toward an M.A. in Pastoral and Spiritual Care at Marymount University.
Patty is also a clergy spouse. She is married to the Rev. Randy Alexander, rector of Immanuel on-the-Hill, Alexandria, VA. Patty and Randy are the proud parents of three sons: William, Peter and Andrew.
John F. Dold
Professor, Human Awareness and Understanding | October 6-8, 2017
John Dold has practiced organization development consulting for more than twenty years. Most recently, John worked as an internal consultant for Lockheed Martin from 2000-2013. During this time, he led and participated in numerous large scale change initiatives. His work focused on organizational design and restructuring, strategic change, performance management systems, high performance team development and leadership development.
Before working at Lockheed Martin, John was senior consultant at VIMA International. While at VIMA, John focused on senior executive leadership and team development working with clients that included Freddie Mac, MITRE, International Monetary Fund, National Public Radio and Life Technologies. He also facilitated numerous Looking Glass leadership development institutes for a variety of clients as a certified facilitator and adjunct faculty for the Center for Creative Leadership, headquartered in Greensboro, NC.
Prior to working in the corporate world, John worked in ministry. His efforts in ministry focused on enabling effective parish ministry organizations. This included community organizing initiatives to empower neighborhoods and families. Beginning in the fall of 2014, John will be adjunct faculty at Touro College, New York City, teaching a graduate course on organization design in the industrial organization psychology department.
Before working at Lockheed Martin, John was senior consultant at VIMA International. While at VIMA, John focused on senior executive leadership and team development working with clients that included Freddie Mac, MITRE, International Monetary Fund, National Public Radio and Life Technologies. He also facilitated numerous Looking Glass leadership development institutes for a variety of clients as a certified facilitator and adjunct faculty for the Center for Creative Leadership, headquartered in Greensboro, NC.
Prior to working in the corporate world, John worked in ministry. His efforts in ministry focused on enabling effective parish ministry organizations. This included community organizing initiatives to empower neighborhoods and families. Beginning in the fall of 2014, John will be adjunct faculty at Touro College, New York City, teaching a graduate course on organization design in the industrial organization psychology department.
The Rev. Deacon Lauren Welch
Professor, Liturgics and Capstone Projects | April 13-15, 2018
Lauren is the Deacon for Mission in the Diocese of Maryland, works with their Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and is the President of the Association for Episcopal Deacons.
Lauren served as a faculty member of the deacon formation and diocesan discernment programs from 1992 to 2006, then as Archdeacon for Formation in the Diocese of Maryland’s School for Deacons from 2006 to 2012. She also served as the Diocesan Liaison for Urban Ministry, working with faith-based organizations to develop community leaders in congregations, and served on the Diocese of Maryland’s justice team.
Ordained in 1989, Lauren’s first assignment as deacon was to design a vacation Bible school and Sunday school curriculum for children from low-income neighborhoods. During her second assignment, she developed North Baltimore CARES, an emergency assistance program working with Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation (GEDCO).
Lauren worked as a medical technologist for 30 years and as a chaplain for 10 years. She is a Reiki Master teaching practices of spirituality, healing, forgiveness and reconciliation to youth, cancer patients and people living with addictions. Lauren lives in Baltimore and enjoys caring for her 11-year-old granddaughter.
Lauren served as a faculty member of the deacon formation and diocesan discernment programs from 1992 to 2006, then as Archdeacon for Formation in the Diocese of Maryland’s School for Deacons from 2006 to 2012. She also served as the Diocesan Liaison for Urban Ministry, working with faith-based organizations to develop community leaders in congregations, and served on the Diocese of Maryland’s justice team.
Ordained in 1989, Lauren’s first assignment as deacon was to design a vacation Bible school and Sunday school curriculum for children from low-income neighborhoods. During her second assignment, she developed North Baltimore CARES, an emergency assistance program working with Govans Ecumenical Development Corporation (GEDCO).
Lauren worked as a medical technologist for 30 years and as a chaplain for 10 years. She is a Reiki Master teaching practices of spirituality, healing, forgiveness and reconciliation to youth, cancer patients and people living with addictions. Lauren lives in Baltimore and enjoys caring for her 11-year-old granddaughter.
The Rev. M. Sue Reid
The Deacons' School Chaplain
Following retirement, Sue Reid moved to Williamsburg in summer 2015 from the Diocese of Olympia. As chaplain, Sue brings with her a wealth of experience: While on the bishop's staff in the Diocese of Indianapolis, she worked with the Diocesan School for Ministry, a training program for lay leaders and deacons.
She was ordained in the Diocese of Kentucky, but spent most of her ministry was in Indianapolis, In. and Columbus, Oh. After graduating from Union Seminary in New York City and Virginia Theological Seminary, Sue was ordained a deacon in 1976 and a priest in 1977. She was the first woman ordained in Kentucky.
After retiring from the staff of the Cathedral in Seattle, she served churches as a short-term interim and as a supply priest in western Washington State.
Through work on various committees of the larger church, including Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, Sue has been fortunate to travel to parts of the Anglican Communion in Africa and Central America, as well as Europe and Israel-Palestine.
Her undergraduate work was in sacred music at DePauw University in Greencastle, In., which led to service with the Association of Diocesan Liturgy and Music Commissions, the Leadership Program for Musicians in Small Churches as well as other musician related groups. She is passionate about racial justice and has led anti-racism training programs in two dioceses. Re-married just before her move, she enjoys retired life with the occasional Sunday supply work, cooking and getting to know her new community.
She was ordained in the Diocese of Kentucky, but spent most of her ministry was in Indianapolis, In. and Columbus, Oh. After graduating from Union Seminary in New York City and Virginia Theological Seminary, Sue was ordained a deacon in 1976 and a priest in 1977. She was the first woman ordained in Kentucky.
After retiring from the staff of the Cathedral in Seattle, she served churches as a short-term interim and as a supply priest in western Washington State.
Through work on various committees of the larger church, including Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, Sue has been fortunate to travel to parts of the Anglican Communion in Africa and Central America, as well as Europe and Israel-Palestine.
Her undergraduate work was in sacred music at DePauw University in Greencastle, In., which led to service with the Association of Diocesan Liturgy and Music Commissions, the Leadership Program for Musicians in Small Churches as well as other musician related groups. She is passionate about racial justice and has led anti-racism training programs in two dioceses. Re-married just before her move, she enjoys retired life with the occasional Sunday supply work, cooking and getting to know her new community.
