Wardens
jason vroman
sr. warden
I am an army veteran who served from 1994 - 2002. I am married to Becky, our children’s ministry director, and we have 5 children and 2 grandchildren. I am a Project Superintendent at Shaw Construction and have been the Junior Warden of Buildings and Grounds for the past 5 years here at St. Matthew’s. As senior warden I will be responsible for coordinating Vestry meetings and agendas and, in the absence of our Rector, make decisions for the church.
Heidi plank
Jr. warden of building & grounds
I have attended St. Matthew's for over 10 years. My daughter Rebecka, now in college, served as an Acolyte at St. Matthew's up until 2 years ago. My son Oliver is active in the youth group and works in the nursery on Sundays. My husband David and I work for the Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service respectively and moved to Grand Junction 15 years ago. My husband also runs a small business as a handyman and the two of us have remodeled 5 homes together over the years. We have two dogs and foster dogs through the pointer rescue organization. When we have down time you can find us hiking with our dogs, or working in our garden.
rebekah feigh
Jr. warden of technology
I started attending St. Matthew’s on Easter Sunday in 2019, just a few days after arriving in Grand Junction in our RV for my husband Adam’s travel nursing assignment at St. Mary’s. Adam and I instantly fell in love with Grand Junction and with the community at St. Matt’s. After renewing Adam’s contract twice, we decided to officially make Grand Junction our home, selling our house in South Carolina and buying a home within walking distance of St. Matthew’s. I returned to working as a social worker after taking almost two years off to be a traveling stay-at-home mom to our daughter Charleigh.
I was raised in the Southern Baptist church in South Carolina and Georgia but felt uncomfortable with some of the beliefs of that tradition. After taking a Christian Theology course in college at the University of South Carolina and meeting Adam (a cradle-rocked Episcopalian), I began attending All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Cayce, SC with Adam. The Episcopal Church’s long history and connection to the past, combined with its commitment to radically loving all God’s children, immediately drew me in and helped my faith to grow in new and wonderful ways. I am excited for the opportunity to serve on the Vestry at St. Matthew’s as a way to give back to this amazing community and to help it continue to grow and welcome all.
Kathy Lyn
JR. Warden of Community Life
Kathy Lyn was born into a close-knit family that lived in a small rural community in northwest Iowa. She moved to sunny Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 7 and has loved warm sunshine ever since. Kathy discovered her love of learning and teaching at an early age, so she became a special education and literacy acquisition professional. She spent over 40 years serving students and families in the educational field. Kathy has lived in Miami, Florida, Southern California, and the Republic of Panama before settling down in the Grand Junction area. Kathy raised 5+ children and now has 4 grandchildren. She and her husband, Clarence Ross, love to play outside with hikes, bikes, kayaks, swimming, horses, and world travel adventures. Kathy loves to scuba dive and jet ski as well.
Her faith journey began as an infant. She was baptized in the Methodist church her family attended regularly. Curiosity led her to explore many denominations over the years. She was introduced to the Episcopal Church in 1987 and has always felt at home in this faith community. She originally joined St. Matthews in June of 1989. She rejoined the community in August of 2022. She is excited to serve this parish as the Jr. Warden of Community Life so she can lead the organizing of parish parties, dinners, and special events that allow everyone to deepen relationships and share some laughs.
Vestry Members
Blake bickham
My name is Blake Bickham. My wife, Allison Morris, our two sons, Cade and Owen, and I have been members of St. Matt’s since 2008. We have been 10am attendees and have tried to stay active in our church home. The boys and I have served as acolytes for many years; Allison and I both completed Education for Ministry here; and Allison has been a member of the handbell choir for several years. I am a Professor and the Department Head for Teacher Education at CMU, while Allison is an Instructor of English. I am honored to be a member of the Vestry for the first time and am excited to serve St. Matt’s and its mission in this capacity.
terry mcdaneld
My wife Marty and I have been a members of St. Matt’s for 5 years and typically attend the 10:00 Sunday service. Prior to retiring, I worked 30+ years for computer/ peripherals manufacturers in a variety of roles from data communications system programming to product marketing/account management. At St. Matt’s, you’ll see me singing in the choir, acting as a Greeter for the Welcome Ministry, and pitching in on building & grounds projects. Outside interests include hiking, backpacking, kayaking, travel, birding, and homebrewing. I look forward to contributing to St. Matt’s future by serving on the Vestry.
Lareina kalenian
My name is LaReina Kalenian, and I attend St. Matthew’s with my two children, Thomas, who is 8, and Ruby, who is 5. I was raised in Grand Junction and while we didn’t attend church regularly when I was a child, my father often bribed me with donuts to attend Mass with him at St. Joseph’s Catholic church. After I graduated from the University of Colorado in Boulder, I felt an emptiness I sensed could only be filled spiritually. I started attending different churches in Boulder and fell in love with St. John’s Episcopal church in downtown Boulder. It had the liturgy I loved from the Catholic church and the acceptance and love that is foundational to my Christian faith. It was there I was baptized and confirmed. After my husband Noel and I married and had Thomas, we moved home to be closer to his parents and my mother. I had attended St. Matthew’s one Christmas when I was home and decided to pay it a visit after we moved back. St. Matt’s is my church home in Grand Junction, a place I feel served by and called to serve. I love helping with Stone Soup and learned a great deal from my time on the Altar Guild. Both Ruby and Thomas were baptized here at St. Matthew’s, and I am deeply grateful for the spiritual education they receive in the Children’s Ministry here. I have been an elementary school teacher for over 20 years, and I currently teach 2nd grade at Chipeta Elementary. My husband is a reference librarian at the Central Branch of the public library. I cherish time with my family, and I am also an obsessive reader. I look forward to serving our church on the vestry. I know I have a lot to learn!
Dave Emerson
I have been attending St. Matthew’s since 1993 when my wife Sue, and daughters Amanda, BrieAnne and Lauren, and I moved to the Grand Valley. In that time I’ve served on the Vestry, attended the Episcopal Convention as a Delegate and Alternate, served on three Discernment Committees and one Search Committee for a new pastor, sung in the Choir, worked as the Sexton, participated in numerous Cursillo weekends (serving as Lay Rector for one) as well as several Alpha courses, attended several Annual Cristian Renewal Conferences, and most recently I have had the opportunity to serve as your Head Usher.
Prior to moving to the Grand Valley, we lived in our home town of Roswell, New Mexico and attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church there since 1984. We had moved there following a six year enlistment in the Navy as an E-5 Electrician’s Mate with four years and eleven months aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Sterett, CG-31. I received an honorable discharge and four service medals. Following the Navy I entered nurses’ training and have retired after 39 years as an Operating Room Nurse (the majority of that time in a leadership role), and most recently as Director of Surgery, Recovery Room, Pre- and Post-Op and all the Surgeons’ clinics for the Grand Junction VA Hospital. I feel it is a real honor to be considered for a position on the Vestry and, if elected, will serve our congregation and our mission to the best of my abilities.
cora Galbasini
I was born and raised in the ranching community of Gunnison Colorado. In 2000, I moved to the Grand Valley and worked in the utility industry for several years, with a heavy emphasis on EHS and safety.
I have been attending the 10am service at St. Matthew's with my husband Jamie and our six daughters since 2013. I wear a number of hats here at St. Matt’s as a part of the Saint Martha’s altar guild, an altar minister, an acolyte and have served on and chaired multiple committees. VBS is one of my favorite events!
The people of the Navajo Nation and their communities hold a special place in my heart, making a trip to Saint Christopher’s Mission in Bluff Utah. Then recently I participated in a spay and neuter clinic in LeChee Arizona.
I have an amazing love for animals, with my own little ranch at home. Spending time with family outdoors while camping and kayaking is what I love to do most!
Janet azbell
Janet has served as the clerk for the vestry for the past year. During this time, she has had the opportunity to see what exactly the vestry does for our church community. As a person born and raised in the catholic church, the vestry, and even some Episcopalian practices are new/different/welcomed. Janet and her family started attending an Episcopal church about seven years ago. Initially, stating, “We are Catholic, but we attend an Episcopal church" seemed accurate but has moved to, "Why yes, we are Episcopalian!"
Janet is married to Joe, and they have two sons, Jonathan (15) and Jacob (13). She attended The Ohio State University College of Nursing and works as a registered nurse. When not working or driving kids around, Janet enjoys reading, kombucha brewing, and all outdoor activities, especially mountain biking.
Matthew ross
I've attended St. Matthew's since 2016. In my past life, I worked as a law enforcement officer for the National Park Service and then as a picture framer/designer for a couple of art galleries until I retired due to a back injury. I enjoy camping, hiking and love being outdoors. I also enjoy drawing and painting, and have shared several pieces of my artwork with St. Matthew’s as “Artist of the Season”.
I've been part of the church audit committee in the past and enjoy the men's Bible study on Monday mornings. Currently I attend the 8:00 AM service and make coffee for the social hour following. I especially enjoy the fellowship and friendships afforded me as a part of the St. Matt’s family. I am honored to have been asked to join the vestry, to broaden my understanding and involvement in the day to day operations of the church, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve my church home in the future.
sandra moore
I was born in Grand Junction and graduated from Grand Junction High School. I also graduated from Mesa State College at the fun old age of 60 and worked as an accompanist in the music department for many years.
Dale and I have been married 59 ½ years and have 5 children, 8+ grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and 2 dogs. Before settling back in Colorado, we lived in many states where I always seemed to end up on the organ bench. I began playing piano & organ at St. Matthew’s GJ with the junior choir during the seventh grade when St. Matt’s was on North Avenue.
As one can tell, my ministry has always been music so with your approval I would like to branch out and be a member of your vestry. Having been appointed this last year to fill a one term vacancy, I find I very much enjoy serving in our church. It certainly gives me a different perspective of the church and its workings. I am a life-long Episcopalian and have business experience. While living in Nebraska I served on the Alliance Public Schools Board of Education for nine years, owned a small gift shop and owned a travel agency. Thank you for this opportunity.
