Our Staff
Meet our leadership
Say hello to the staff at Church of the Ascension.
Contact us by clicking here.
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With over 20 years in Christian ministry, Fr. Ryan Cook has worked in young adult ministry, Christian education, university chaplaincy and as a parish priest. Most recently, alongside his interim parish role, Fr. Ryan has been serving as a Manager at the Union Gospel Mission. This mission supports those caught in homelessness and drug addiction, in Vancouver’s notorious Downtown Eastside.
Fr. Ryan spent the first ten years of ministry as a pastor, in a non-denominational church, until becoming an Anglican in 2010. He was subsequently ordained in the Church of England, Diocese of Liverpool. His formation for the Priesthood took place at Regent College, Vancouver, and All Saints Center for Mission and Ministry in England. He holds a Diploma in Christian Ministry, a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Theology, an additional Master’s Degree in Practical Theology, and is presently pursuing a Doctorate in Ministry through Trinity Western University.
Fr. Ryan has a passion for the church to become a robust reflection of Christ in the community. He carries a love for the poor, a commitment to biblical preaching, and a growing interest in healing and spiritual formation.
Fr. Ryan has been married to his wife, Chantelle, for almost 21 years. Chantelle presently works in the film industry and enjoys painting and travel. Together they have three kids: Judah (19), Anna (17) and Greyson (16).
Rev. Dr. Bob Johnson
Associate for Liturgy and Music
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Bob has been minister of music at Church of the Ascension since 2009. He and his wife Catherine have one daughter, Kiersten. His passion is to see people transformed by the presence and power of God as they join together in worship. In addition to ministry as a church music director, Bob’s ministry has taken him throughout the United States and abroad to teach music and worship at conferences and local church events representing a wide variety of denominations and spiritual traditions.
Rev. Debby Buechner
Deacon
I’ve been a Deacon with Church of the Ascension for 16 years, I also oversee The Women’s Encouragement Bible Study. I am active with The Order of St. Luke. I am Chaplain to Daughter’s of the King, and Spiritual Director to Kairos Outside.
Rev. Rusty Hazelrigg
Deacon
Deacon Rusty’s passion is for Outreach and Evangelism to connect with not only the “churched” but the “unchurched.” The mission is to reach out to the working families that are “too busy” to attend church on Sunday mornings. Within the church he is active in the Men’s Ministry, Building & Grounds, and the Memorial Garden ministries.
Rev. Stephanie Soper
Deacon
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Rev’d Stephanie serves as a deacon at Church of the Ascension in the Doctor Phillips area of Orlando. She has a passion for teaching the Word of God to all ages and extending Christian hospitality.
Stephanie manages the Prayer Chain ministry and is involved in the Spiritual Formation ministry at the church. She lives in Orange County with her husband and two sons and is working on a Master’s degree at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando.
Rev. Sarah Bronos
Retired Associate for Healing Ministry
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Rev’d Sarah was Director of Adult and Children’s Christian Formation ministries at All Saints, Winter Park for nine years, and associate priest at the then-new mission plant in Oviedo for two years. She has most recently been the Rector of Church of the Good Shepherd in Maitland for almost nine years, retiring in May 2018.
Extended Supply Priest
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Bio coming soon…
Mercy Bruce-Amanquah
Office Administrator
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Anna Snider
Children’s Coordinator
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Coming from Jamaica – Anna has recently moved back to the States to live and work. She has worked closely with Children over the past 5 years from private tutoring to running a Preschool Co-Op. She joined the staff as Children’s Ministry Coordinator in April 2023 and currently works with families and volunteers for Sunday Programming, Vacation Bible School and other family events throughout the year. Anna is excited to build a loving christ-centered community here at Church of the Ascension and guide the children here in their relationship with Christ.
Siju John
Technology and Media Coordinator
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Siju has been a parishioner at Church of the Ascension since 2003. He joined the staff as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator in April 2020.
In June 2023, he transitioned into the Technology and Media Coordinator role, where he collaborates with A/V volunteers to optimize online services and oversees the maintenance of church equipment.
Michele Gladding
COOP Preschool Director
Our Vestry
Kathryn Angulo
Beckie Bass, Sr. Warden
Michelle Lewis
Phillip Manno
Lawrence Mokwunye
Mark Peebles, Jr. Warden
Kathy Roach
Katherine Schwab
Joe Warren
