Clergy
The Rev. Maryann D. Younger, Rector, is a second-career priest. Much of her working life has been dedicated to Montessori-style children’s education and nonprofit leadership, and fittingly she describes herself as “a guide on the side, not a sage on the stage.” Before hearing the call to ordained ministry and attending seminary, Maryann spent many years as a lay leader whose responsibilities included pastoral care, preaching, designing worship, and empowering lay ministers. Maryann was ordained a transitional deacon in 2019, and after graduating from the General Theological Seminary in 2020, she was ordained to the priesthood. Maryann is a full-time staff member and works Sunday to Thursday. maryann@stphilipsdurham.org
The Rev. Gabe Lamazares, Associate Rector, joined St. Philip’s in January 2021. Since his ordination as a priest in 2011, he has served congregations in Portland (Oregon), Manhattan, and Queens. He attended the General Theological Seminary for his master of divinity and Boston College for his bachelor of arts degree. As associate rector, he plans and leads adult formation and shares pastoral care responsibilities with the other clergy. Gabe is a full-time staff member and works Sunday to Thursday. gabe@stphilipsdurham.org
The Rev. Lisa G. Fischbeck, Priest Associate, has made her home at St. Philip’s since retiring as launching vicar of the Church of the Advocate in Chapel Hill in 2021. Lisa has a background in fund-raising, church history, liturgical studies, and developing liturgy that’s welcoming and engaging. She’s very interested in affordable housing and helped launch Pee Wee Homes, a Chapel Hill non-profit. Lisa helps as needed on occasional Sundays and Wednesdays. lisa.fischbeck@gmail.com
The Rev. Dr. Stephen Pogoloff, Priest Associate, began worshiping at St. Philip’s in 2000 after a rich and varied career in which he served parishes in New York and Apex and ran his own business. Steve helps as needed on the occasional Sunday and with Wednesday evening programming. spogoloff@gmail.com
The Rev. James B. Craven III, Priest Associate, has been at St. Philip’s since April 2023, after 32 years at St. Luke’s in Durham, and before that at St. Joseph’s. Jim is a Duke Divinity School graduate, was ordained in 1985, and is also a Duke Law School graduate. For 17 years he was a volunteer chaplain at the federal prison complex in Butner, and he continues to support ex-offenders and prison alumni, of whom he is very proud. He also serves as chaplain for his class of 1964 at the U.S. Naval Academy. An avid baseball fan, Jim often gives out extra Durham Bulls tickets at the 9 a.m. service. He lives with his wife, Sara, at Croasdaile Village. Jim helps as needed at St. Philip’s.
Staff
Emily Sparks, Ryals Minister for Families, has the joy of coordinating children and family ministries at St. Philip’s. Active in the Episcopal Church since middle school, she brings several years of volunteer and professional experience to her role as Ryals Minister for Children. Emily graduated from Davidson College and is happy to be back in North Carolina with her family. Emily is a part-time staff member and works Sunday and various days of the week. emily@stphilipsdurham.org
Lewis Moore, Director of Music Ministries, is a lifelong lover of church music and has been actively involved as an organist, choirmaster, and singer for 30 years. He has studied voice, piano, and organ in New York and North Carolina. Lewis participates in choral groups across the state, including the Vocal Arts Ensemble, Schola Cantorum in the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina, and the Raleigh Convocation Choir. Lewis is a part-time staff member and works Sunday and various days of the week. lewis@stphilipsdurham.org
Chris Reed, Interim Youth Assistant, joined St. Philip’s staff in September 2025. He completed his Master’s of Divinity at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, serving an internship with The Beloved Community at The Trees. Chris has also served as youth minister at Northaven UMC, as vestry member at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Dallas, TX, and is a Benedictine oblate. He enjoys hiking, yoga, games, soccer, live music, and spending time with his three dogs. He’s passionate about helping people connect with their spirituality through prayer practices and new ways of engaging Scripture. Chris works part time Wednesday evenings, Sundays, and other times during the week. youth@stphilipsdurham.org
Seamus Kenney, Children’s and Family Choir Director, joined St. Philip’s staff in September 2025. Seaums teaches music at Lakewood Montessori Middle School and has over 20 years of experience as a multi-instrumentalist, conductor, composer, and songwriter. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, he has lived in Durham for more than a decade with his wife, Kerri, and their two children. Seamus works part time on Wednesday nights and occasional Sundays.
Amanda Robinson, Parish Administrator, joined St. Philip’s staff in April 2024. She holds a communications degree and has worked in office administration and customer care for over a decade. Amanda finds joy in the pages of a captivating book, exploring botanical gardens, and cherishing moments with her daughter. However, it’s her passion for making a meaningful impact within communities that truly fulfills her and brings purpose to her life. Amanda is a full-time staff member and works Monday through Friday. office@stphilipsdurham.org
Grace Camblos, Minister for Communications, is a writer, media specialist, and longtime Episcopalian. She joined the St. Philip’s staff in October 2022. Grace has spent years documenting stories through film, photography, and the written word. She believes in purpose-driven work and is happiest when using her skills to make the world a better place. Grace is a full-time member of the staff and is in the office most work days. grace@stphilipsdurham.org
Gwenetta Drewery, Parish Custodian, joined the St. Philip’s staff in 2017. She believes it is her ministry to give back to the community in this way. She is responsible for overseeing the church’s property as well as helping with weddings, funerals, and all other events held at St. Philip’s. Gwenetta is a part-time staff member and works various days of the week. gwenetta@stphilipsdurham.org
Amanda “Mya” Meyer, Parish Sexton, joined St. Philip’s staff in September 2024. Mya is a native North Carolinian and lives in Durham. Prior to coming to St. Philip’s, they worked for a decade in maintenance work and in mitigation, cleaning up after fires and floods. Mya helps oversee and maintain the church’s property and helps with logistics for events. In Mya’s free time, they like to hang out with their two adorable rescue pitbull-mix dogs. Mya is a part-time staff member and works various days of the week. sexton2@stphilipsdurham.org
Laura Dearth, Parish Bookkeeper, joined St. Philip’s staff in September 2023. Laura worked in corporate accounting for many years and has lived in North Carolina since 1998. She has extensive bookkeeping experience and particularly enjoys working with small businesses, non-profit organizations and churches as part of a team. The proud parent of twins, Laura enjoys gardening, puzzles, Tai Chi and yoga, and crafting. Laura is a part-time staff member and works various days of the week including Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. finance@stphilipsdurham.org
Tonya Wilson, Parish Chef, has been on a food journey for the past 29 years – as an at-home mom creating baby food, a short-order and line cook, dining room supervisor, catering manager, kitchen manger, private chef and product developer. She is pleased the wind has blown her to St. Philip’s! Chef Tonya is also the chef at our neighbor, First Presbyterian Day School, and she has experience preparing food for all ages and for those with dietary restrictions. Chef Tonya works on Wednesday nights.
Laura Kirby, Executive Director, The Trees is passionate about helping people slow down, listen for God, and connect with their truest selves. After nearly 20 years as a psychologist supporting children, teens, and young adults, she followed a call to focus on spiritual health. She trained in contemplative leadership and retreat leadership at the Shalem Institute and in spiritual direction at the Haden Institute. She loves being outdoors hiking, biking, kayaking, or traveling with her husband and two sons. Laura works part time on various days of the week. thetrees@stphilipsdurham.org
Olynda Smith, Operations Manager, The Trees, brings experience as a yoga teacher, Montessori educator, writer, Simplicity Parenting coach, and most importantly a mama. She is passionate about creating sacred spaces where people can find rest, healing, and connection, and is delighted to join the team at The Trees. In her free time, Olynda enjoys gardening, hiking, reading, and spending time with her family. She works part time on various days of the week and is usually at The Trees on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. olyndasmith@gmail.com.
Henry Kennelly, Seminarian in Residence, The Trees, is a full-time student at Duke Divinity School. Henry served as Director at The Trees from February-August 2025, after serving through the final two and a half years of the property’s discernment. Henry studied history and international development in his undergraduate and masters programs, focusing on power, racial identity, and social and religious movements in colonial and post-colonial settings. He’s passionate about seeing God in people and communities finding their way, and he’s excited by healing justice. In his free time Henry dances a bit too much and enjoys lots of games.