MEET OUR CHURCH STAFF

At Naples UCC, we are a community of believers who strive to be inclusive and welcoming of all. Meet our team of dedicated staff members who work together to spread the message of God's love and grace in everything we do. Each member brings unique skills and talents to help us live out our mission.

Led by Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Mark Williams

Rev. Dr. Mark Williams

Senior Minister

Rev. Dr. Mark Williams brings to Naples UCC a pastoral spirit and vision that is enthusiastic, hopeful, kind, mission-driven, and authentic. A thoughtful and compelling preacher who enjoys connecting scripture to the everyday lives of parishioners, Pastor Mark truly cares for our church and for our community. Williams's interdenominational experience is the perfect fit for pastoring a church with a wide variety of theological backgrounds. Williams has led diverse churches in four different states in three different denominations. His vocational and educational experience with the U.C.C., United Methodist Church, Episcopal Church, Congregational Church, Presbyterian Church, and Cooperative Baptist Church (not to mention marrying a Roman Catholic) speaks to his inclusive, all-embracing spiritual values. Rev. Williams received his undergraduate degree from Davidson College, a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry in preaching from Mercer University. A Florida native, Pastor Mark enjoys the outdoors and "anything and everything baseball." Mark and his wife Emily are very involved in the Naples community and have three young children: Nolan, Marie, and Anna.

Email Mark

Rev. Sonja M. Phillips

Associate Minister

Rev. Sonja M. Phillips is a native of Vinton, Virginia, and a graduate of Mary Baldwin University and Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. She brings over sixteen years of pastoral ministry and church leadership and twenty-one years in chaplaincy and social work. Ordained in 1999, she received privilege of call in the United Church of Christ in 2014. She has served UCC and Cooperative Baptist congregations in Virginia and Florida and is co-pastor in south-central Texas. She is married to Rev Dave Phillips they have one son Tyler a graduate of Florida State University and George Washington University living in Richmond VA. Her ministry is a shared sacred journey grounded in pastoral care spiritual formation and worship. She serves through hospital visitation nursing homes homebound ministry and is committed to inclusivity and life transitions including mental health bereavement and holistic well-being. She admires Naples UCC as a welcoming vibrant congregation rooted in God’s Spirit and resonates deeply with its embodiment of the compassionate love and grace of Jesus Christ—a community where all are affirmed, faith is thoughtfully engaged, and ministry is lived out with authenticity and hope.

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Program Staff

Samantha Santarosa

Membership Coordinator & Pastoral Assistant

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As Membership Coordinator and Pastoral Assistant, Samantha is here to help you feel connected, supported, and engaged in the life of the church. A Florida native, Samantha holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Florida Gulf Coast University and a Master of Social Work from Columbia University. She brings years of experience working with nonprofits, home health care, and individuals with visual impairments—giving her the compassion and skills to walk alongside people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're new and exploring membership, interested in programs and ministries, or facing a personal or spiritual challenge, Samantha is your point of contact. She serves as a bridge between you and the clergy, offering care, guidance, and connection. You can find her after worship at the event table in the Gathering Place or reach out through the church office—Samantha is here for you and would love to meet you!

Jeanne Snedeker

Director of Children and Youth Education

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Jeanne Snedeker brings to Naples UCC a vision for Christian Education that is compassionate, thoughtful, and always inclusive. A mother of three grown children and former elementary school teacher, Jeanne has decades of experience teaching and relating to families and young people of all ages. What we all love about Jeanne is that she always goes the extra mile to help both children and their parents feel welcome and comfortable at our family-friendly church. If you have questions about Youth Sunday School, the Naples UCC nursery, or our Splash Wednesday afternoon curriculum, be sure to contact Jeanne. When sharing a precious child with Jeanne, you are entrusting the child into wisest and most caring of hands!

Dr. Becky Weese-Rumpf

Director of Music

Email Dr. Becky Weese-Rumpf

If you're searching for a stellar music program, look no further! At Naples UCC, music is at the heart of our worship and ministry, with each service featuring music creatively intertwined with the day's scripture. We regularly host performers from The Naples Philharmonic at Artis-Naples and talented singers from Florida Gulf Coast University. Dr. Becky Weese-Rumpf, our Organist and Director of Music since 2001, oversees every facet of our Music Program. In addition to her choral and organ duties, she manages an extensive concert series. Dr. Becky earned dual undergraduate degrees in Music Education and Church Music from Shenandoah College & Conservatory of Music and pursued graduate studies at Westminster Choir College and the University of Miami, where she completed her Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting. Hailing from a small West Virginia town, she began her keyboard studies in childhood and continued her education with weekly trips to Potomac State College, Keyser, WV. Married to William Rumpf since April 16, 2016, they live in Naples with their two rescue puppies, Bonnie and Clyde. For inquiries about our music events or to get involved, please reach out to Becky via email.

Team

From leading worship to organizing events, our team is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Jim Asmus

Lead Custodian

Jim assists with custodial work on campus and keeping the church running. Jim supports our campus by assisting with custodial duties, church activities, and rental operations. You’ll often see him around campus helping with events, programs, and daily cleaning tasks that keep our facilities looking their best. If you spot Jim, be sure to say hello!

Bianca Bellido

Communications Specialist

Bianca serves as our Communications Specialist at Naples UCC. She creates, edits, and manages our weekly Bulletin and Eblast communications, and works directly with committees to support them and their programs. Bianca champions our annual NEXT magazine, where you can view all of the great programs offered by Naples UCC. If you would like to chat with Bianca, please email her with the link below.

Email Bianca Bellido

Sara Both

Receptionist

Sara serves as the receptionist at Naples United Church of Christ, assisting members and visitors with their needs while supporting the daily work of the church office. She will help ensure our office remains welcoming, organized, and responsive to the Naples UCC community.

Email Sara Both

Dr. Alexandra Carlson

Pianist

Dr. Carlson is our resident pianist and plays during worship each week supporting the choir. Sasha's gifts in the area of sacred music have helped her garner the reputation of being one of the most outstanding church pianists in the United States.

Email Dr. Alexandra Carlson

George De La Roche

The Bargain Box Thrift Store Manager

As Manager of The Bargain Box, George oversees the daily operations of the store, including volunteer coordination, merchandise management, and customer service. He plays a key role in ensuring the shop’s continued success as a mission-driven retail space that supports the outreach efforts of Naples United Church of Christ. With a strong background in nonprofit leadership and community engagement, Jorge brings valuable experience in team management and program development. His focus is on creating a welcoming environment for shoppers and volunteers alike, while maintaining the high standards that make The Bargain Box a trusted part of the Naples community. If you have questions for about the Bargain Box, send George an email.

Email George De La Roche

Tony Falco

Director of Technology

Tony is responsible for managing all aspects of our Information Technology, such as email, Office 365, the card key system and classroom technologies. If you have questions regarding technology or IT, please email Tony.

Email Tony Falco

Elena Fernandez

Nursery Caregiver

Elena works with our kids ministry and is here on Sundays to provide Nursery care during the services.

Email Elena Fernandez

Ray Gangl

Facilities Manager

Ray oversees maintenance and repairs across our beautiful campus and helps support our rentals and events. You’ll often see him ensuring that our facilities are safe, functional, and ready for use. If you notice anything on campus that needs attention, please don’t hesitate to email Ray

Email Ray Gangl

John Greer

Custodian

John assists with custodial work on campus and keeping the church running. John supports our campus by assisting with custodial duties, church activities, and rental operations. You’ll often see him around campus helping with events, programs, and daily cleaning tasks that keep our facilities looking their best. If you spot John, be sure to say hello!

Email John Greer

Tori Hyman

Floor Lead at the Bargain Box

Tori serves as our Floor Lead, helping ensure daily operations run smoothly and our store remains welcoming and organized. She supports our volunteers, assists guests, and keeps everything on track with our donations. Be sure to stop by the store and say hello to Tori

Email Tori Hyman

Maura Kjar

Director of Financial Operations

If you have any questions about giving, including online donations, recurring gifts, stock or IRA contributions, and donor-advised funds, reach out to Maura. She is happy to help you navigate donation options, review your estimate of giving, or share how your generosity supports our ministries and mission at Naples UCC. Maura is here to help answer any of your financial or giving questions, so please feel free to reach out!

Email Maura Kjar

Susan Melick

Events Coordinator

Susan helps in supporting all church events, both on, and sometimes, off campus. If you have questions about our monthly Social Soirée, need assistance with a reception, or support in coordinating your wedding day, email Susan.

Email Susan Melick

Janine Rahaim

Director of Programs

Janine is responsible for coordinating all rentals, events & weddings. She is the main proprietor of the NUCC Calendar and the first point of contact for the Boards and Committees of Naples UCC. If you would like to add an event to the calendar, have a question about your meeting (including zoom links) or would like to discuss hosting an event here, please email Janine!

Email Janine Rahaim

Bradley Van Houten

Executive Director

As Executive Director, Brad oversees all business operations at Naples UCC. He works directly with staff to support them in all their efforts to build ministry for our congregation. Additionally, Brad supervises all aspects of our Audio Visual and Video production. If you have questions about our church, life at church, or general business-related inquiries, please don't hesitate to email Brad.

Email Bradley Van Houten

DISCOVER YOUR FAITH

We were put on earth to be in relationship with God and others. Naples UCC exists to help you with these two key relationships. At Naples UCC, we hope you will find encouragement, love, and support as you walk with God and live with God's people. No matter your faith background and no matter where you are on your spiritual journey, Naples UCC will always honor your individual religious freedom as you deepen your understanding of God. At Naples UCC, we believe that more unites us together in our faith than does divide. We may not all believe alike, but we do love alike!