Forma Leadership

Pattie Ames (she/her) has served as a lay professional in the Episcopal Church for over 30 years. She began serving as the Canon for Christian Formation in the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia in July of 2019. Her role on the Bishop’s staff is to be a resource and support to all the churches and institutions in the diocese in the areas of Children’s Ministry, Campus and Young Adult Ministry, Adult Formation, Becoming Beloved Community and Safe Church. Pattie also served as the Director of Children’s Ministries at St Columba’s Episcopal Church in Washington DC for 21 years, St John’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg, VA for 4 years and Old Donation Episcopal Church in VA Beach, VA for 3 years. Pattie has been a member of Forma since its inception and is part of the formation planning team for Province 3. She is also on the Board of Trustees for Westminster-Canterbury, a large Senior Living facility in Lynchburg, VA. Pattie loves walking her dog, Riley, going to baseball games, being outside and hanging out with her friends. Pattie lives in Lynchburg, VA.

Chad Brinkman is the Director, Faith Fundraising for Episcopal Relief & Development, overseeing fundraising for The Episcopal Church, faith entities and faith influencers with shared values and supporting the organization’s global programs, improving the lives of people around the world.

Previously he served the organization as Director, Campaign for Episcopal Relief & Development, overseeing ONE THOUSAND DAYS OF LOVE, our grassroots Church-wide campaign dedicated to expanding the organization’s global programs and improving the lives of children worldwide. As well as Program Officer, Engagement, where he worked to “engage”, educate and mobilize local communities, affinity groups and the larger Episcopal Church through the work of Episcopal Relief & Development and he served through the NetsforLife® Inspiration Fund, working to raise awareness and support for Episcopal Relief & Development’s award-winning malaria prevention program partnership.

Chad has worked on five continents in numerous countries. He is a regular contributor of pictures and stories to the organization’s website. He is the father of a fat ginger cat, a regal black cat named Sir Alfred, a precocious boy named Calloway, husband to a beautiful and talented human named Amanda, and an avid cook – skilled in the clandestine art of vegetable butchery. Chad has been on staff at Episcopal Relief & Development since 2010.

Chris (she/her/hers) is a native New Yorker, born and raised, who transplanted to Michigan almost twenty years ago, serving churches and centers in and around the Birmingham, MI area. Ordained to the Priesthood during the pandemic she continues to serve as the Associate for Formation and Outreach at St. James Episcopal Church, where she has been for eleven years.

A favorite when playing “2 Truths and a Lie” with any group of new people, Chris often shares that she is a graduate of the New York City Police Academy in 1987. While walking beats in Times Square and Chinatown she earned two commendations. And that would be one of the ‘truths,’ although she admits that it seems like a lifetime ago!

She grew up Roman Catholic and was extremely active in the church but quickly realized that as a lesbian her gifts and talents were not fully welcome. Finding more opportunities to serve in the Presbyterian Church (USA) she worked with youth and young adults and began the ordination process. Chris attained her Master of Divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2002. She found her way ‘back home’ into the Episcopal Church through St. James in 2010 in the Diocese of Michigan.

The pandemic has reignited for Chris the importance of the church’s need of a focus on its digital ministry and presence, exploring the ways in which we can creatively and effectively use technology to continue the work of Christ and the church in the world.

Chris has spent her entire career working in non-profits as a reference/computer assistant in a public library, in child guidance and teen center work, and with day camp and after school programs. Sharing the words of Kenda Creasy Dean, one of Chris’ seminary professors, Chris wholeheartedly believes that “the church’s job is to till the soil, prepare the heart, ready the mind, still the soul, and stay awake so we notice where God is on the move, and follow.”

Chris and her wife, Sara, have three young adult children and two rescue dogs. When not hosting backyard BBQs or creating charcuterie boards for ‘book club,’ they enjoy vacations at the beach with friends and family. Let’s go Mets!

Emily Gowdy Canady (she/her) has served as a lay professional in the Episcopal Church for more than 20 years. She began serving as the Missioner for Lifelong Christian Formation in the Diocese of East Carolina in October of 2020. Prior to that role in East Carolina, Emily served as the Program Officer for Youth, College Campus and Young Adult Ministries for 10 years. From 1999 to 2009 she served as the Director of Youth Ministries at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C. While earning her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Emily served as the Sr. High Youth Minister at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn, Alabama from 1997-1999. In 2017 Emily earned her Certificate in Lifelong Christian Formation through Virginia Theological Seminary and Forma and began writing for Grow Christians in 2019. She currently serves on the Trinity Center Board of Managers. In her very spare time, Emily enjoys exercising, crafting of all kinds, and cooking. She lives with her husband, a 7th grade son, and a 4th grade daughter in New Bern, NC.

Meet Patrick Christopher Kangrga (he/him/his), whose start in ministry was through the Episcopal Service Corps (ESC) in the dioceses of Maryland and Massachusetts. For two years he had the opportunity to “try on” youth ministry and found it to be “the most challenging and craziest thing I ever did. I absolutely loved it.” Born and raised in Arkansas, he has lived and worked in ministry in Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, California, and Mississippi. He currently resides in Jackson, MS where he ministers with 6^th-12^th graders as Director of Youth Ministries at St. James’ Episcopal Church. Most of his free time is spent with his partner, Laura, their dog, Sunday, and recent rescue cat, Jackson.

Patrick didn’t grow up going to church and didn’t really participate in a faith community until his young adult years. However, an early memory that sticks with him is from late in elementary school or middle school when he attended a neighborhood friend’s church around Christmas time when everyone sang “Go Tell It On the Mountain” around a piano.

During his second year with ESC in 2014, his host site supported the cost of his attending his first Forma conference. Since then, Forma “has given me a network of colleagues who I look to for inspiration and trust and whom I respect immensely – not to mention a group of people whose friendship and partnership I find invaluable.” Patrick has been an integral part of Forma in recent years as part of the conference planning team and was appointed to the Council in January 2020. His words of wisdom to anyone in the formation field: “You are not alone. You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out and connect to people. Reach out and connect with lay people and colleagues in your congregation. Reach out and connect with other ministers of all kinds and orders in your city and diocese or region. And reach out to the wider network of ministers available to you through the whole of your denomination. For me, Forma has been the best place to do that and the start to being able to find connections and networks other ways as well.”

At the moment Patrick is listening to a lot of Christmas music, including Mariah Carey’s “Joy to the World,” and one or possibly a dozen too many Hallmark movies. When the world is not in the midst of a pandemic, Patrick loves to travel domestically and internationally. Asked what his claim to fame might be, he shared that he learned to scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef. But then came this caveat: “Honestly, I don’t know that I want a ‘claim to fame.’ Don’t get me wrong, I want to live a unique and adventurous life. I am ambitious in my work and ministry. If people remember anything about me after my time on this world, I hope that it is that I was a loving and faithful person, I constantly strived to be better, and I failed miserably at it – but I got up each day and tried again and prayed to God for help. I hope I would be seen as one who was a fierce advocate for youth and other people, as well as a half-decent manifestation of God’s love. I really think that would suffice. But it’s also really hard work. The hardest work I know. “

Ms. Missy Morain has been a lay professional in the Episcopal Church for 20 years, currently serving as the Director for Program Ministry at The Parish of St. Matthew, in Pacific Palisades, CA, part of the Diocese of Los Angeles, where her work grows out of her passion for life-long Christian formation. At St. Matt’s she engages in ministry with parish school students, the parish summer day camp, attempting to corral 300+ members of the parish BSA program, engaging in digital innovation, and coordinating life-long formation programming. She also currently produces the 6 camera, live stream worship services each week. Missy has led Forma’s advocacy efforts at General Convention and beyond for more than a decade, focusing on Christian formation and lay/clergy employment issues, and she is delighted to return to the Forma board for another term. Missy lives in Los Angeles, where she loves riding her bike to work, keeping her local independent bookstore in business, and being a fairy godmother.

Teresa Phares (she/her) is the Children & Youth Coordinator for The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma. Her role involves resourcing and supporting churches, coordinating diocesan youth events, and serving as the Camp Director for the diocesan summer camp. She is also a certified Godly Play Trainer. Teresa has previously been on staff for the Godly Play Foundation as the Director of Training & Membership, and served as Children’s Minister at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Pensacola, FL and at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Battle Creek, MI. Teresa was also previously a Program Assistant for Gathering of Leaders, a network of innovative and creative leaders in The Episcopal Church.

Prior to church ministry, Teresa spent 11 years teaching middle school and high school math. During that time, she obtained a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction. In 2014, Teresa moved with her family to Sewanee, TN and in 2017 she graduated from The School of Theology at The University of the South with a master’s in Theology.

Teresa grew up in the Pentecostal Church, spending most of her childhood formed at the church that her grandfather pastored. As an inquisitive child, she found that her questions and curiosity were often squelched and that many of the teachings of that church did not align with her heart or her own experiences of God. Teresa found her way to The Episcopal Church via her husband, knowing right away that it was her spiritual home and the place where her own children’s spiritual lives could be nurtured. She takes seriously the church’s role in the spiritual guidance and development of children and youth, working hard to cultivate safe spaces and relationships that embody God’s grace and love. The Forma network and resources have been invaluable to her.

Teresa lives in Bartlesville, OK with her husband, who serves as the rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. They have three children – two daughters in college and one son in middle school. Teresa enjoys doing puzzles and watching reality TV and has recently started to learn embroidery.

Carmen Piggins is a cradle Episcopalian from Columbus, GA growing up at St. Stephen’s and St. Thomas Episcopal Churches. She attended Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA and studied Public Policy and Religious Studies.

After college, she moved to Detroit, MI to teach elementary school with Teach for America. After 9 years in lower elementary classrooms, she joined the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan staff as the Missioner for Ministry with Young People in 2022. Through this position, Carmen was able to attend her first Forma Conference virtually in 2023.

In her current role, Carmen offers congregational leaders support and resources for Christian Education programming. Carmen supports congregations in deepening their ministries to families and their children by resourcing the adults who work with young people. She is constantly learning from our congregations about what type of support they need to sustain, grow or build their formation programs for children.

Carmen supports programming for children and youth throughout the diocese, training and resourcing for children and youth formation leaders, oversees the Diocesan Youth Council, Safe Church, Safe Communities training, and is a liaison for College Chaplains.

Along with her spouse, Carmen attends the Cathedral Church of St. Paul. In her free time, Carmen enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, watching college football, or trying a new recipe!

Carmen Piggins es una episcopal de cuna de Columbus, Georgia, que creció en las iglesias episcopales de St. Stephen y St. Thomas. Asistió a la Universidad Estatal de Georgia en Atlanta, y estudio Políticas Públicas y Estudios Religiosos.

Después de la universidad, se mudó a Detroit, Michigan, para enseñar en la escuela primaria con el programa Teach for America. Después de 9 años en aulas de primaria básica, se unió al personal de la Diócesis Episcopal de Michigan como Misionera para el Ministerio con los Jóvenes en 2022. A través de este puesto, Carmen pudo asistir virtualmente a su primera Conferencia Forma en 2023.

En su puesto actual, Carmen ofrece a los lideres congregacionales apoyo y recursos para la programación de educación cristiana. Carmen apoya a las parroquias en la profundización de sus ministerios hacia las familias y sus hijos proporcionado sus recursos a los adultos que trabajan con los jóvenes. Ella está constantemente aprendiendo de nuestras parroquias sobre qué tipo de apoyo necesitan para sostener, hacer crecer o construir sus programas de formación para niños.

Carmen apoya la programación para niños y jóvenes en toda la diócesis, la capacitación y los recursos para los líderes de formación de niños y jóvenes, supervisa la capacitación del Consejo Juvenil Diocesano, el entrenamiento de Iglesia y Comunidades Seguras (Safe Church and Safe Communities), y es enlace para los Capellanes Universitarios.

Junto con su cónyuge, Carmen asiste a la Iglesia Catedral de San Pablo. ¡En su tiempo libre, a Carmen le gusta viajar, probar nuevos restaurantes, ver fútbol universitario o probar una nueva receta!

Emily Schnabl (she/her/hers) grew up in the Episcopal Church, roaming around her parish church in Chicago while her mother practiced the organ. She was active in her local congregations, and campus ministry while earning her undergrad at the University of Illinois and her MA in Anthropology/Museum Studies at the University of Arizona in Tucson. After graduate school, she served as a church office manager, which somehow did not discourage her from going to seminary. She graduated from Seabury-Western in 1999, has served as Assistant Rector at St. George’s, Belleville, IL, Rector of St. Christopher’s, Midwest City, OK, and is currently Rector of St. Martha’s Episcopal Church in Papillion, NE. She has served on the Commission on Ministry of four dioceses, taught in the bi-vocational/deacon formation program for two dioceses, has served as chaplain to a diocesan ECW board twice, and was active in disaster recovery following the central Oklahoma tornadoes of 2013. She was spiritual director for the Diocese of Oklahoma Racial Reconciliation Youth Pilgrimage of 2019 and chaplain for the RSCM Tulsa Course for many years.

As a longtime Rector, she can turn on a dime from talking about the ins and outs of church roof insurance claims to nuances of the rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer, but one of her deep passions is Christian formation and including all ages in the life and worship of the church.

Emily is married to the Rev. David Stock, who is the rector of St. David’s, Lincoln, NE. Emily enjoys knitting, reading (particularly mysteries and history), hiking, and travel, and posting pictures of their two cats, Coal and Bristow, to social media.

MacKenzie Teal (she/her) is a multi-generation cradle Episcopalian. She grew up at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Newnan, Georgia. Her mother served in a number of ministries, and MacKenzie fondly recalls spending more time at church as a child than she did at home (and not much has changed from that!) While growing up at St. Paul’s, MacKenzie was deeply involved both at her home parish, participating in anything and everything they would allow, as well as on a Diocesan level through Happening, New Beginnings, Diocesan Youth Commission, and serving as a counselor at Camp Mikell. As a youth, MacKenzie strived for Youth presence and advocacy in the Church, and that ultimately led to a call to lay ministry.

While in college, MacKenzie worked at DaySpring Episcopal Camp in Southwest Florida, interned with the Youth and Young Adult ministries in the Diocese of Atlanta, and worked in children’s ministry at St. Clare’s in Blairsville, GA. Church community remained at the core of everything she did.

In 2022, MacKenzie graduated from Young Harris College with a degree in English Studies and soon after moved to Tennessee to begin her work at St. Paul’s Episcopal, Chattanooga as Director of Youth Ministry, where she continues to serve. Her leadership philosophy is grounded in creating a nurturing environment for youth where they can access the tools needed to claim their faith journey as their own with support from their community and peers.

In the past year, MacKenzie has served as the Interim Children’s Minister at St. Paul’s as well as the Interim Diocesan Youth Programming Director for East Tennessee. She is grateful for the extra time at Grace Point Camp with diocesan youth and for the extra time playing guitar.

MacKenzie attended FORMA conference for the first time in 2023 and very quickly began to utilize the resources and community as she laid the groundwork for her life in ministry.

When she’s not working, MacKenzie loves tending to her house plants, going to the local spot with friends, and attending live concerts. If you want to be her best friend, simply mention the music of Caamp or Flipturn, and you’re golden!