Staff at Saint James
J.R. Ankney, Director of Worship
J.R. Ankney has rejoined the staff of Saint James Lancaster after a seven-year absence where he and his wife Peggy moved to Mexico, and then taught at St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School in Sewanee Tennessee for six years. JR previously held the role of Director of Music at Saint James from 2012 to 2017 and returns in the new role of Director of Worship. As Director of Worship J.R. will coordinate lay ministries, and integrate programs and procedures within the church, as well as actively engaging with the larger Lancaster community. In his spare time JR and Peggy love to travel and are planning a trip to Bolivia and the Atacama Desert in Chile to see their shadow by the light from the milky way galaxy. Email JR.
Kristle Evans, Pastoral Care Coordinator
Kristle joined the staff at Saint James in 2023 as Pastoral Care Coordinator. After retiring from over thirty years in the field of education as a teacher and administrator, Kristle has worked with spiritual formation at Saint James, clinical pastoral education at Penn Medicine, and event planning related to Development at the Lancaster Seminary. Kristle is a member of the Order of the Daughters of the King and most recently completed her certification in Spiritual Guidance from the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation in 2022. She and her husband Whit were married at Saint James in 1997 and have 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren. In her spare time, Kristle enjoys reading, gardening, playing tennis, watching sports (Go Heels), and especially being with her grandchildren. Email Kristle.
Matthew Henry, Facilities Manager
Matt is a Lancaster County native and brings over 15 years’ experience to his role at Saint James as head of facilities. A former employee at Willow Valley Retirement Communities and YTI Career Institute, he has acquired a broad range of maintenance and mechanical skills he brings to the care and conservation of our historic buildings and grounds. Matt is a father of two, and in his spare time, loves to hunt, fish and hang out with family & friends. Email Matt.
Nancy LeVasseur, Director of Communication
Nancy brings over 18 years of experience in website development, copywriting and graphic design to her communication director role. She graduated from Clarion University with a bachelor of arts and also holds a certificate in marketing from eCornell. In addition, she attained her internet marketing certification from Hubspot with an emphasis on content marketing, search engine optimization and end-user experience. Nancy has over eight years of experience as an arts administrator and events coordinator. An avid photographer, graphic designer and FAA certified drone pilot, she loves using her skills to educate, encourage and help people and organizations tell their stories.
In her spare time, Nancy loves volunteering at Bridlepath Equine Therapy Center, cycling, gardening and going on long hikes with her husband, John and their adorable Shi Tzu, Grace Note. Email Nancy.
Peter Lewis, Organist
Peter Lewis graduated from the prestigious Eastman School of Music, studying organ with Russell Saunders and David Craighead, choral conducting with Donald Neuen and voice with Marcia Baldwin. He has performed organ recitals in the Philharmonic Hall at Artis-Naples and at St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City. He has worked as a choral director, piano soloist, organist, vocal coach, arranger, orchestra conductor, and piano teacher. In 2011, he recorded a compact disc of Christmas music for piano entitled Quiet Joy.
During the course of his wide-ranging career, Peter has coached professional singers and helped struggling adult volunteers develop rudimentary skills. For several years, he directed the concert series at Moorings Park, a continuing care retirement community in Naples, FL. For ten years, he served as faculty accompanist for George Fox University’s Choral Conductors’ Retreat in Alexandria, VA, under the guidance of Rodney Eichenberger. Peter began his second career in 2011 in social work; he maintains a private psychotherapy practice in Bryn Mawr, PA. Click here to email Peter.
Nicolette Norris, Director of Giving and Finance
Nicolette has been a member of Saint James since 1997 and joined the staff in 2015. In her role, she oversees parish giving, finance, payroll and employee benefits and our building and grounds. She served the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania as a member of the bishop's standing committee from 2018-2022 and as a deputy to General Convention in 2022. A graduate of the University of Virginia, she has held key marketing, fundraising and management roles in the arts and education. Nicolette is a lifelong Episcopalian and church musician and is a member of the Saint James choir. She is married to Brad and the mother of 4 adult children. In her spare time, she also plays the piano and flute and enjoys studying foreign languages and traveling. Email Nicolette.
StephJo Wise, Director of Children, Youth and Families
StephJo has been involved with Saint James since 2006 and serves as the Director of Children, Youth, and Families (CYF). With a background in arts education and outreach, she brings a unique approach to her role, blending her passion for the arts with her commitment to fostering spiritual growth and a deep connection to both the church and the community.
Before joining Saint James, StephJo was the Director of Education, Outreach, and Accessibility at the Fulton Theatre, where she developed arts education programs and led community outreach initiatives. She has also served in various leadership roles in children’s music and worship at Saint James, including directing Christmas Eve pageants, teaching Children’s Chapel, and singing for various services. StephJo is committed to creating inclusive spaces where families can connect with their faith and one another.
StephJo loves spending time with her husband, Guy, and their middle schooler. She enjoys plants, all kinds of music, and collecting owl figurines. Email StephJo.
Kristen Vieldhouse, Director of Administration
Kristen joined the Saint James staff in August 2023 after working for many years in higher education. In addition to her role at Saint James, Kristen continues to work in education and community engagement, serving as the Director of The Good Neighbor Project in Lancaster. Kristen graduated from Cairn University with a bachelor’s in Biblical Studies and also holds a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Geneva College. In her spare time, Kristen loves hosting parties, gardening, and traveling. Email Kristen.
Jeremiah Velez