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.
Nicolette Norris, Parish Executive
Nicolette has been a member of Saint James since 1997 and joined the staff in 2015. In her role, she serves as chief operating officer with oversight of personnel, finance and stewardship, buildings and grounds and communications. She recently 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. She is married to Brad and the mother of 4 adult children. In her spare time, she plays the piano and flute, enjoys studying foreign languages and researching the history of Saint James. 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, Parish Office Administrator
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.
