Rev. David Schaefers
Pastor and Head of Staff

David was called to FPC Richardson in 2012 after serving for four years as an associate pastor in Charleston, South Carolina. David is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2007 and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. A lifelong Presbyterian, David grew up (for the most part) in and around Tyler, Texas. He is married to Leigh Schaefers (a ruling elder in the PCUSA) and they have two girls, Celia and Emme.

More about Pastor Schaefers

Email David at: david@fpcrichardson.org
Follow David on Twitter at: @schaefers

Rosy Robson
Associate Pastor

Rosy joined FPC Richardson for her first call after graduating from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA with a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Christian Education. A native of Black Mountain, NC (near Montreat), Rosy attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, where she studied sociology. Rosy has held leadership positions in student government at each of her campus stops, as well as helping launch the Joyful Feast, a new worshipping community in Richmond. Rosy has a deep love for Christ’s Church and is passionate about building relationships and fostering discipleship in creative and collaborative ways. She also has the sweetest puppy in the world named Lucy.

Email Rosy at: rosy@fpcrichardson.org

Ralph Stannard
Director of Music

Ralph Stannard, a second generation Dallasite, has been Director of Music since 1998. He has a bachelor degree in music theory and composition from the University of Texas and a Masters of Music degree in instrumental education from the University of North Texas. He studied voice pedagogy with Grant Williams and choral conducting with Frank McKinley and Henry Gibbons. Ralph is also the choir director at Temple Emanu-El in Dallas and is the artistic director and conductor of the Plano Civic Chorus. A lyric baritone soloist, Ralph performs for numerous oratorios and masterworks throughout the Dallas metroplex.

Email Ralph at: ralph@fpcrichardson.org

Debbie Rowley
Director of Education and Invitation

Debbie is a retired public classroom teacher of 30 years and is happy to be working in Christian Education. She received a Bachelor's degree from Texas Tech and a Master's degree from the University of North Texas, both in the field of Education. A life long Presbyterian, ruling elder, and member of First Presbyterian since 1968, Debbie is excited to combine her past experiences in this new position! She has 3 grown children, Sarah and her husband Jason, and daughter Kelly whom all live away but are thought of constantly!

Email Debbie at: debbie@fpcrichardson.org

Edwin Walker
Organist

Edwin has served several churches throughout his career, the most recent being Kavanaugh United Methodist Church in Greenville and Lake Highlands Presbyterian in Dallas. Edwin graduated from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, with a Bachelor's degree in piano performance and a Master's in Music from SMU in piano and organ performance. Edwin has also studied with Tom Froehlich, longtime organist at First Presbyterian Church Dallas. Edwin served as Official Court Reporter for the 196th District Court and is currently working as a freelance court reporter in the metroplex.

Email Edwin at: edwin@fpcrichardson.org

Becky Lormor
Handbell Director

Since 1988, Becky Lormor has directed the Ruth Greer Handbell Choir for adults, and periodic handbell activities for children and youth. As a board member of the Greater Dallas Handbell Association, she has chaired events for ringers and directors. Becky earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree at the University of Evansville, Indiana. She and her husband, Gene, have two sons.

Email Becky at: blormor@tx.rr.com

Katie Gassensmith
Children's Choir Director

Katie Gassensmith graduated from Indiana University in 2003 with a degree in music education. She spent the following 10 years teaching Kindergarten through 8th grade general music and choir in Indiana, Michigan and Illinois. Katie and her husband, Jeremiah have been married for 8 years. Besides conducting the children's choir at FPC, she is busy raising her two young boys.

Email Katie at: katieg@fpcrichardson.org

Cathy Battler
Office Assistant

Cathy Battler has served as a church Administrative Assistant for 20 years. Her first position was as assistant to the Business Manager at the First Presbyterian Church in Reading, PA, where she served that congregation for 10 years. After moving to New Jersey she became the Parish Administrator at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, Beach Haven, NJ, where she worked for 9 years. Then she made the excellent decision to move to McKinney, Texas and joined the FPC staff in 2016. Cathy is married to her husband, Charlie, and together they have 3 grown sons and 3 grandchildren.

Email Cathy at: cathy@fpcrichardson.org

Shirley Hawkins
Financial Secretary

Shirley joined our staff in October 2018.

Email Janice at: janice@fpcrichardson.org

Dona Blodgett
Kitchen Coordinator

Email Dona at: dona@fpcrichardson.org

Barbara Carpenter
Wedding Coordinator

Email Barbara at: barbara@fpcrichardson.org

Gilli Smith
Childcare Coordinator

Email Gilli at: gilliansmith317@gmail.com