Meet the St. James' Clergy and Staff
The Rev. Dr. Chad T. Martin
Rector
Fr. Chad joined St. James' in June 2022 after serving multiple parishes in Houston, TX. Chad holds degrees in music from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and Missouri State University. After teaching middle school choir for several years in Waco, TX, he followed his call into ordained ministry and attended Virginia Theological Seminary, where he received a Master of Divinity in 2009. In May of 2021, Fr. Chad received his Doctor of Ministry in Church Leadership from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Chad's wife, Dr. Cinnamon Martin, is a physical therapist originally from New Mexico. Chad and Cinnamon have two young sons, Phoenix and Peri.
The Rev. Marybeth Sanders-Wilson
Associate Rector for Family Ministry and Pastoral Care
The Rev. Marybeth joined St. James' in July 2023. She received her M.Div. from Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) with a certificate in New Mission Practices in 2023. Marybeth grew up in South Carolina. She holds a Bachelors in Music from Converse University and a Masters of Sacred Music from Perkins School of Theology.
She, her spouse Brad, a member of the Air National Guard, their daughter Larkin (8), and two rescue dogs, Chili and Frank, live in Purcellville. She and her family have called Northern Virginia home since 2015. When not reading, writing, or worshiping, Marybeth and her family like to spend their time outdoors hiking, biking, kayaking, running, learning about ecology, or relaxing with neighbors and friends.
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Joshua House
Seminarian
Josh is a postulant for the priesthood in the Diocese of Virginia and attends Virginia Theological Seminary. Before seminary, Josh was an attorney at a civil-rights nonprofit, where he litigated constitutional cases nationwide. He currently works part-time at a different nonprofit focused on First Amendment freedoms.
Originally from Northern California, Josh has degrees from the University of California, San Diego (History of the Near East) and The George Washington University (Law), where he is an adjunct professor. When he’s not studying or working, you can find Josh rock climbing, running, or spending time with his wife, Lauren, and their two daughters. They live in Falls Church.
Ready Snodgrass
Parish Administrator
Ready (pronounced: Ree-dee) is a long-time resident of the Loudoun County area and has been involved in many aspects of life here, ranging from a landowner, a small business owner, to a professional steeplechase jockey. Ready is excited to be a part of the St. James' Family and to do good works for the parish and the wider community she loves.
Dr. Steven Cooksey
Director of Music, Choirmaster, & Organist
There is a stanza in Fred Pratt Green's great hymn, "When in Our Music," which reads: "How often making music we have found a new dimension in the world of sound, as worship moved us to a more profound, Alleluia." My life at St. James' centers around the tasks of locating, preparing, and performing all manners of music which I am hopeful that will lead us to a more profound "Alleluia." In this work, I have been assisted by not one, but several generations of St. James' parishioners. The results of our labors are to be heard every Sunday in the hymns, anthems, solos, organ, and instrumental music. This "world of sound" is ever fascinating and challenging. How lucky I am to be a part of this particular universe.
Kay Gregg
Verger
For more than 10 years, Kay Gregg has served as Verger of St. James' at all worship times. She completed the year-long course to become a Fellow of the Vergers Guild of the Episcopal Church in 2011. Kay became a member of St. James' in 1999 and immediately joined the staff as a volunteer and then became a full-time employee, holding various staff positions for more than 20 years. Kay retired as the Parish Administrator/Registrar in 2021. Kay is a native of Newmarket, England, and came to the United States upon her marriage. She is now a naturalized American citizen. Prior to joining St. James', Kay worked for Xerox for 25 years. "It is a blessing and a joy for me to serve the Church so devotedly in this role."
Adán Cortes
Lead Sexton
Adán has been a part of the St. James' family for 15 years. He is responsible for taking care of the church through cleaning and maintenance. Adán is dedicated to his work and enjoys seeing the happiness of others around the church. He finds comfort in the church and does what he can to help provide a space where others can also seek that comfort. Adán is from Morelia Michoacan, Mexico and came to the United States in 2007. Outside of church, Adán loves spending time with his family and his husband of 3 years, Dj. Adán has a flower business where he makes beautiful flower arrangements for various events.
Daisy Cruz
Childcare Worker
Daisy loves spending time with children, watching them learn and play, and building a connection with them. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, seeing new places, and seeking exciting new adventures with her four-year-old son. Daisy has enjoyed her short time at St. James’ and looks forward to meeting the St. James’ parishioners and their children.
Valerie Evans
Childcare Worker
Valerie grew up at St. James’, where she attended Sunday school, went through confirmation, attended youth group, and worked in the toddler room for Sunday school. Valerie worked in the social work field for 4 years until welcoming her daughter. She is currently a stay-at-home mom to a 20-month-old. When Valerie is not in the nursery, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, playing with her daughter, and watching cooking shows.
Jessica Eastridge
Children's Formation Minister
Jess comes to St. James’ with over a decade of teaching experience in a variety of contexts. Jessica holds a Master of Music in Education from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Music in Education from the University of South Carolina. She has worked with students of all ages (from birth to over 90 years old)! Jess is looking forward to working with the children and families of St. James!
Gustavo del Callejo
Sunday Sexton
Gustavo became a part of the St. James' family in April of 2022. He is responsible for taking care of the church on Sundays. Gustavo enjoys being around the people of St. James' and keeping the church in good condition for the people who come here to worship. He is always eager to help others. Gustavo is from Cochabamba, Bolivia and came to the U.S. in 2021. Outside of church, Gustavo enjoys spending time with his wife. Gustavo also works in maintenance at Hilton Suites in Leesburg.
Meet the Preschool Staff
Janet Stayrook
Preschool Director
Janet Stayrook joined St. James' Preschool in September of 2000 as a teacher. She taught in 2s and 3s programs for 14 years. Janet was then promoted to Co-Director and continued to teach for 10 years until she became the Preschool Director in 2015. Prior to working at St. James' Preschool, Janet was employed as a manager and business administrator. She is married and has two grown children, both of which attended St. James' Preschool. When she is not at the Preschool, Janet enjoys time with her family, her dog, Cooper, her friends, cooking, exercising, and traveling. Janet is fluent in English and Spanish.
Laura Heyer
Preschool Administrative Assistant
Laura joined the St. James' family in October of 2005 as the Administrative Assistant for St. James' Episcopal Church. In October of 2007, Laura became the Administrative Assistant for the St. James' Preschool. She is responsible for managing the Preschool office and finances, as well as assisting with Summer Camps, the Preschool registration process, fundraising, mailings, staff meetings, and other areas as needed. Outside of St. James', Laura enjoys teaching swim classes at Ida Lee Recreation Center and coaching the Summer swim team and youth bowling league in Leesburg. Laura loves working with children.