Instructors

The faculty for the St. Thomas Catechetical School is drawn from both the clergy and laity of St. John.

Mike Brown

With an undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Engineering, I have worked in aviation for over 35 years as a mechanic, engineer, and airline pilot.  I have a Masters degree in Christian Apologetics (philosophy and theology) and served as a Protestant pastor (Evangelical Covenant Church) for six years followed by one year with Christian Resource Ministries (CRM) as a pastor to pastors in the Denver area.  I am now retired from aviation.  I’ve been married to Linda for over 32 years; we have a son and grandson.

Rev dn Michael Coleman

Michael has been an Orthodox Christian for 25 years and has taught various classroom levels throughout that time. From Church School (Junior High through College Age) to Adult Church Classes to Catechism Classes for all ages, Michael is a devoted student of the Scriptures and the Holy Fathers.

Rdr Baker GAlloway

Over twenty years ago I began attending services at St. John's, and also began working at the church architecture firm where I work presently. I completed a bachelor's degree in Radio, TV and Film from the University of Texas at Austin in 2003. In 2019 I completed the 3-year Icon Painting Course at The Prince's Foundation School of Traditional Arts, and I now work part-time as an iconographer. I belong to my three living children, and am also a tonsured Reader at our parish.

Rdr Matt Groh

I was born and raised in Maryland. I attended Penn State for my undergraduate education and while there, I converted to Holy Orthodoxy in 1999. I moved to Austin in 2007. I currently work for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Service as a competency management specialist. I am married to Valerie Groh and we have two sons, James and John. I am also blessed to be the head chanter at St. John's.

Rdr Seth Hart

My family and I were received into the Orthodox Church not that long ago – December of 2015 – and learning new, amazing, beautiful things about our Faith continues to be a daily occurrence. It is a wonderful blessing to be united to something that grows larger and more mysterious the longer you look at it. In a past life, I taught high school English, but these days I manage an IT accessibility team for Texas Workforce Commission.

De Anne Maisano

I graduated from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education  and after a brief career as a teacher in Los Angeles and Long Beach, CA, I ‘retired’ to be a homeschooling mother for twenty two years (and counting). I have been married to my beloved husband, Dino, for thirty two years and we have been blessed with eight wonderful children, two fantastic sons in law and one completely amazing grandchild – so far.  I was thrilled to be received into the Orthodox church in July of 2016 and am honored to be asked to join the faculty of the St. Thomas Catechetical School.

Dr. Chris Speckhard

My first encounter with Holy Orthodoxy was in Russia, while I was conducting dissertation fieldwork.  After completing my doctoral degree, I worked for an NGO in Washington, DC, which allowed me to travel to Russia and learn more about the Faith.  Since then, I have completed the St Stephens program in Orthodox Theology, with a thesis in youth ministry.  I currently teach at Round Rock High School.

Polly Thurston

I was raised Catholic, explored Presbyterianism in college, and then became Orthodox in 2011. I was and am drawn to the beauty, mystery, and liturgy of the Orthodox faith. My educational background is in art and design. I have a bachelors degree from Austin College in Art and a masters degree in Communication Design from Pratt Institute. I work as a User Experience designer at Mighty Citizen. I am also trained as a Catechist for 3-6 year olds in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. I live in Austin with my husband and son.

Fr Aidan Wilcoxson

I have been an Orthodox priest since 1999, and I have been assigned to St John’s parish since 2002. Prior to my ordination in Holy Orthodoxy, I served as a United Methodist pastor for twelve years. I have degrees from East Texas State University, Indiana University, Southern Methodist University, and a certificate from the Antiochian House of Studies. I have been married for 42 years to Cynthia, and we have two children, a daughter-in-law, a granddaughter and a grandson.