Abbey Adcox

Missions and Advocacy Coordinator

Abbey Adcox joined the Wilshire staff in 2016 and now coordinates the church’s missions and advocacy work. She also provides leadership to the Women of Wilshire ministry and is coordinator for Marriage Connections. She and her husband, Chris, are both deacons at Wilshire and are parents to Carter, Camryn and Collin. Abbey enjoys reading, listening to podcasts and traveling with family.

Kelly Akins

ECLC Assistant Director and Curriculum Specialist

Kelly Akins started at ECLC as a Pre-K teacher in 2016 after 32 years teaching kindergarten in public schools. In 2021 she was named curriculum specialist and assistant director. A Wilshire member since 1990, Kelly is married to Allan, and they are parents to two adult children, Brian and Emily. Kelly enjoys music and loves to quilt, sew and smock.

Rene Altamirano

Maintenance Technician

Rene Altimirano joined the Wilshire staff in December 2018 and is responsible for general maintenance of the church building. He is happily married and enjoys travel and helping others in his spare time.

Jeff Brummel

Associate Minister of Music/Organist

A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jeff Brummel earned the bachelor of science degree at the College of the Ozarks in Branson, Missouri, majoring in vocal and choral music education and competing with NATS as a tenor vocal soloist. He studied organ with Al Travis and Yoon-Mi Lim for the master of music and doctor of musical arts degrees in organ performance and church music at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He has competed in the Bank Street Organ Competition in London and the William C. Hall Organ Competition in San Antonio. He has participated in master classes with notable organists including David Higgs in the U.S. and Daniel Roth, Thierry Escaich and Christoph Mantoux in Paris. Jeff previously served as the choir director and pianist at Trinity Baptist Church, Springfield, Oregon; collegiate organist at The Church of the College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, Missouri; and choirmaster/organist at John Knox Presbyterian Church, River Oaks. In addition to serving Wilshire, Jeff is adjunct professor of music theory at Dallas Baptist University.

At Wilshire, Jeff serves as associate minister of music and organist, and director of the Wilshire Academy of Fine Arts. In addition to playing Wilshire’s 80-rank Schantz pipe organ, Jeff directs Youth Choir and Shekinah, Wilshire’s select youth vocal ensemble. The Youth Choir has been on tour to Washington D.C., New Orleans, Oregon. Memphis/Birmingham, Denver and San Francisco under Jeff’s leadership.

Debby Burton

Pathways to Ministry Assistant

Debby Burton serves as assistant for Wilshire’s Pathways to Ministry program. She previously was executive assistant to the senior pastor, first working with George Mason from 1997 until his 2022 retirement, and then with Timothy Peoples. Debby also supports several ministries, including deacons and the ministry teams for baptism and Lord’s Supper. She serves as church clerk, assists with outreach and new member assimilation and serves as coordinator of funerals and the church columbarium. Debby and her husband, David, are the parents of two adult sons, Andrew and Josh. She is a dog lover and lifelong baseball fan whose other interests include jigsaw puzzles, scrapbooking and reading.

Carol Cabaniss

Music and Worship Coordinator

Carol provides logistical and administrative support in the areas of music ministry and worship, including the enlistment of church members to lead in weekly worship services. A Wilshire member since 1992, Carol joined the staff in 2015 and previously served as spiritual formation coordinator. She and her husband, Kevin, are parents to Peyton, Tanner and Trace. Carol enjoys working out, reading and listening to podcasts.

Barbara Clayton

Pastoral Care Assistant

As pastoral care assistant, Barbara Clayton distributes the daily Care Notes prayer list and is the first point of contact for benevolence requests. She coordinates hospitality efforts, including ushers and greeters, and supports Wilshire’s homebound ministry and Adventurers senior adult group. Barbara joined the staff in 2004 and worked as office manager and music ministry assistant before assuming her current role in 2020. She has four adult children and four grandchildren. Barbara is a collector of all things frog and enjoys traveling and musicals.

Darren DeMent

Associate Pastor

Darren has served on staff at Wilshire since 1996 and as minister to students since 1998. He ministers directly with youth in grades seven through 12, leading them in worship experiences, Bible study, camps and other special programs. As associate pastor, Darren coordinates all of Wilshire’s spiritual formation and educational programming, including Sunday School and Wednesday Bible studies.

A native of Louisiana, Darren earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from Louisiana State University and a master of divinity degree from Fort Worth’s Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Joannah, have been married since 1999 and are the parents of Virginia and Elias.

Darren plays guitar and mandolin, and often uses his musical talents in worship and other Wilshire events. He performed on and coordinated production of the Wilshire Roots album, which was released in 2020.

Darren is passionate about making the Bible accessible and engaging to everyone, and he feels called to help people discover the role they have to play in bringing about God’s Kingdom.

Maricela Escutia

Facilities Supervisor

Maricela Escutia joined the Wilshire staff in 2002. As facilities staff supervisor, she manages and schedules the team responsible for room setups, supplies and the readiness and appearance of the building. Maricela and her husband, Juan, have four children, two grandchildren and two dogs. Maricela enjoys cooking and is active at Good Shepherd Catholic Church.

Charlie Fuller

Director of Pathways to Ministry/Coach in Residence

Charlie Fuller became director of Wilshire’s Pathways to Ministry initiative in early 2024 after serving nine months as interim minister of music. 

A native of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Charlie earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Baylor University, a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from West Texas State University and a Doctor of Music Arts from Arizona State University. Charlie taught at East Texas Baptist University and Ouachita Baptist University, where he served as professor and dean of the School of Fine Arts.

In 2007 Charlie returned to school, earning a Master of Divinity from Baylor’s Truett Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond. Since 2010 he has served in church positions including minister for congregational life at Little Rock’s Second Baptist Church, executive pastor at First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, DC, and most recently transition pastor at Lake Shore Baptist Church in Waco. Charlie served as the final music director and conductor of the CenturyMen, a men’s chorus of professional church music leaders that disbanded in 2022.

Charlie also works as a personal coach and consultant and is credentialed through the International Coaching Federation. He offers coaching services free of charge to Wilshire staff and members. His wife, Cindy, is also a church musician.

Shana Gaines

Wilshire Winds Director

Shana Gaines has been director of Wilshire Winds, a volunteer ensemble of woodwind, brass and percussion players, since 2017. She is also an elementary school administrator in Richardson Independent School District. Shana joined Wilshire in 2006 and has been active in music ministry, singing in Sanctuary Choir and playing flute in Wilshire Winds before becoming director. She and her husband, Ron, are parents of one daughter, Abigail. Shana enjoys cooking, crafting, college football and road trips.

Linda Garner

Parish Nurse

Linda Garner has served as Wilshire’s parish nurse since 2003. In this role she promotes and educates on matters of health, including answering questions, pointing people to resources and teaching CPR and first aid. A longtime Wilshire member, Linda is also involved with Stephen Ministry and Wilshire’s care and support teams. She enjoys reading, gardening and knitting and is a dog lover, volunteering for a pet rescue, fostering dogs in need of adoption and making “pet visits” with her certified therapy dog to people on hospice.

Merik Gillett

Operations Director

Merik Gillett began work at Wilshire in June 2022 as operations director, overseeing property management and technology. Merik came to Wilshire with years of experience in facilities management for Fortune 500 companies in DFW. Merik is married to Wilshire member Kathryn Keller, and they are the parents of two young sons, Henri and Hayz.

Julie Girards

Minister to Children

Julie Girards is minister to children at Wilshire. She joined the staff on a permanent basis in June 2007 after serving a year in an interim capacity. Prior to joining the staff, Julie was a lay leader in the congregation for many years, serving as a deacon and teacher and one of the founders of Wilshire’s Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) program. She holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Baylor University and has several years of experience as a classroom teacher. Julie completed her master’s degree in school counseling in 2012. She has three adult children — James, Jason and Jessica — and one grandchild.

Lori Gooden

Director of Finance

Lori Gooden joined Wilshire’s staff in 2015 as accounting manager and became director of finance in 2021. She is married to a pastor, Wayne Gooden, and has three adult children and eight grandchildren. Lori’s interests include photographic travel, interior design and spending time with family.

Holly Irvin

Director of Hospitality

Holly Irvin joined the Wilshire staff in 2005. As director of hospitality, she manages the church calendar and coordinates with other staffers to make sure all events in Wilshire’s building happen as planned. She is the main point of contact for outside groups who use the facility and also supervises Wilshire’s receptionist. Holly enjoys road trips, reading and organizing.

Chelsea Hopkins

Executive Assistant

Chelsea Hopkins joined Wilshire’s administrative staff in January 2024 and serves as executive assistant to Senior Pastor Timothy Peoples. A Wilshire member since 2022, Chelsea is active in Ithaka Class, Sanctuary Choir, Nova and Wilshire Winds. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Texas Tech University and worked as a middle school band director for five years. In her free time Chelsea enjoys crocheting, podcasting, watching movies and TV, reading and participating in trivia events with friends. She lives in Dallas with her cat, Tucker, and spends lots of time with her godson and nephews.

Daniel Latin

Facilities

Daniel Latin has worked on Wilshire’s facilities team since 2005. He has been married to his wife, Martha, for over 30 years, and they are parents to three boys and one dog, Rocko. While not at work Daniel enjoys working out and spending time with family.

Ralph Manual

Handbell Coordinator

Ralph Manuel has been Wilshire’s handbell coordinator since 2019. He directs the adult handbell group Carillon Ringers and oversees other handbell groups and activities. A former music minister and missionary, Ralph is a composer, arranger and pianist who also enjoys reading and collecting quirky facts. He and his wife, Donna, have two adult children and two grandchildren.

George Mason

Senior Pastor Emeritus and Pathways to Ministry Alumni Director

George was Wilshire’s senior pastor for 33 years, from 1989 until 2022, when he retired from the role. He is a nationally recognized religious leader, serving the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Fellowship Southwest, Pastors for Texas Children and Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square. He is the lead advisor for the Baptist House of Studies at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology. George is an op-ed contributor to the Dallas Morning News and for many years wrote a monthly column on public theology for the community news magazine the Advocate. Since 2018, he has produced and hosted Good God, a podcast featuring conversations about faith and public life. He founded and serves as president of Faith Commons, a nonprofit organization promoting public discourse rooted in the common values of many faiths.

At Wilshire, George birthed and continues to be involved with the Pathways to Ministry clergy apprenticeship program. This includes a renowned pastoral residency program that has become a model for congregations nationwide. His book, Preparing the Pastors We Need: Reclaiming the Congregation’s Role in Training Clergy, was published in 2012 by Alban Press. One of his passions is encouraging those whom God has called into vocational ministry.

George’s second book, The Word Made Fresh: Preaching God’s Love for Every Body — a compilation of 80 sermons spanning his Wilshire tenure — was published in 2023 by Read the Spirit, an imprint of Front Edge Publishing.

George earned a business degree in 1978 from the University of Miami (Florida), where he was a quarterback on the football team. He holds both the Master of Divinity (1982) and Doctor of Philosophy (1987) degrees from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. His doctoral field of study was systematic theology, with a minor in philosophy of religion.

A native of New York City, George has been married to Kim since 1979. They have three children and seven grandchildren.

Carole McClung

ECLC Administrative Assistant

Carole McClung began working as administrative assistant and bookkeeper for the Wilshire ECLC in January 2024. She and her husband, Britt, joined Wilshire as members in 2011 with their three daughters, Ava, Miriam and Ruby, all of whom attended ECLC. A native of Waco, Carole attended Baylor University, earning a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences. While at Baylor she worked as a student employee and full-time administrative assistant in the university treasurer’s office. Carole then spent 20 years as a stay-at-home mom while frequently volunteering at her girls’ schools and at church. Her hobbies include movies, board games, collecting vintage Pyrex dishes, baking, crafting, and traveling to National Parks with her family.

Candy McComb

Children’s Choir Coordinator

Candy McComb joined Wilshire as children’s choir coordinator in 2018. A native of Lubbock, she attended Texas Tech University on a voice scholarship and earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree with honors. Candy also earned a master’s degree from the University of North Texas. She spent most of her teaching career in Garland ISD at Austin Academy for Excellence and Sachse High School, where her choirs were consistent award winners. Candy also co-directed the Garland All-City Boys Choir. Three of her choirs were invited to sing at the Texas Music Educators Association convention, and she remains a busy conductor, clinician and adjudicator across Texas.

Candy is also a certified presenter of Teaching with Love & Logic and Parenting with Love & Logic, and presents workshops on classroom control, sightreading, UIL preparation and planning for success in the choral classroom at the local and statewide levels. Since “retiring” and coming to work at Wilshire, Candy has worked for several area school districts as a mentor to young directors and a supervisor for university student teachers.

At Wilshire, Candy conducts the Young Musicians choir, oversees all choral activities for children and preschoolers and leads Creative Arts Camp each summer. She also co-directs Nova, a select adult ensemble, and is a deacon and Sunday School director. She is married to Vic Henry, and they are the parents of two adult sons. Candy enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Geri McKenzie

Executive Director of Administration

Mark McKenzie

Communications Director

Mark McKenzie began working for Wilshire in 2020 in the area of communications. His work as steward of the Wilshire brand includes writing and designing the weekly Tapestry newsletter and overseeing Wilshire’s social media, website, emails, advertising and printed materials. Mark’s experience includes stints at The Richards Group ad agency and in the marketing department of retailer Half Price Books. He and his wife, Geri, joined Wilshire in 1992 and are the parents of an adult daughter, Harper. He is an avocational saxophonist who also enjoys reading and midcentury modern design.

Leticia Medina

Facilities

Leticia Medina has been part of Wilshire’s facilities staff since 2021. She has three children and five dogs, and when not at work she enjoys taking walks and spending time alone for self-care.

Ariel Merivil

Minister of Music

Ariel Merivil joined Wilshire as minister of music in February 2024. He previously served six years as associate minister of music at First-Plymouth Congregational Church, a 5,000-member United Church of Christ congregation in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Born in Boston and raised in Atlanta, Ariel graduated in 2007 from Southern Polytechnic State University (now Kennesaw State University) in Marietta, Georgia, with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. After working several years for an architecture firm in Atlanta, he earned a Master of Music in choral conducting and organ performance from Georgia State University in 2013.

From 2012 to 2017, Ariel served in various ministerial positions at Atlanta First United Methodist Church, including director of music, worship and administration from 2014 to 2017 and director of music and worship from 2012 to 2014. He has conducted, instructed and accompanied high school and collegiate choirs in Nebraska and Georgia and has sung and performed as a soloist in a variety of groups, including the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta’s Chorale – New Creation, Sounding Light and Exigence, as well as at national conventions, concert series and festivals.

Ariel believes “music has the power to elevate our worship and connect us to each other and the divine.” This fuels his commitment to serving and ministering to all members of the congregation.

Ariel enjoys design, photography and gardening. He also is a cyclist and an accomplished weightlifter, having won multiple competitions in USA Powerlifting since 2016.

Eric Mirochna

IT Manager

Eric Mirochna began as a Wilshire staffer in January 2019. As IT Manager he is responsible for all technology implementation and support. He grew up at Wilshire, where his family has been members for over three decades, and he also met his wife, Laura, here. In his spare time he enjoys bowling, reading sci fi and fantasy books, playing trumpet and building computers.

Carolyn Murray

Coordinator of Congregational Life

Carolyn Murray joined Wilshire’s staff as coordinator of congregational life in February, 2020, having previously worked as Sunday School coordinator for young adults from 1996 to 2010. In her current role, Carolyn leads in outreach to guests and new member assimilation; assists with women’s ministry; and is staff liaison to Committee on Committees, the Churchwide Social Committee and Mothers of Preschoolers. She is mom to Mason and Lucy Kate and enjoys spending time with friends, working out and teaching kids to water ski.

Katie Murray

Minister to Senior Adults

Heather Mustain

Associate Pastor

Heather has led Wilshire’s missions and advocacy work since 2013, when she joined the staff as minister of missions. Her responsibilities include engaging congregants in missions experiences in Dallas and internationally while also equipping the church to be advocates on issues of justice. As associate pastor, Heather also oversees congregational life, pastoral care and communications.

She is a graduate of Baylor University, where she earned a master of social work degree and a master of divinity degree from Truett Seminary. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. Heather has extensive missions experience, having worked in Ghana, South Africa, Jamaica and Philadelphia. She has written on issues of social work in the local church and has been a presenter at the National Association of Christian Social Workers and at Baylor conferences.

Heather is passionate about connecting people with service opportunities and feels called to help the church think about its mission to be both compassionate and justice-seeking. She is one of Wilshire’s experts on the Enneagram and how it can be used for spiritual and personal development. Heather is mom to two kids — a daughter, Jimmie, and a son, Bly.

Rachel Oney

Receptionist

Rachel Oney started as Wilshire’s front-desk receptionist in March 2024 and works weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rachel grew up at Wilshire and graduated in 2020 from Austin College with a double major in English and East Asian studies. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in library science from the University of North Texas. Rachel has worked at the Carrell Clinic, the Dallas Museum of Art and the Johnson Center at Austin College.

Timothy Peoples

Senior Pastor

Timothy became Wilshire’s senior pastor in January 2023 after serving five years as senior minister at Emerywood Baptist Church in High Point, North Carolina. He was a pastoral resident at Wilshire from 2015 to 2017.

A native of Jones, Oklahoma, Timothy received a BA in religious studies from Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan, a Master of Divinity degree from Yale University School of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. The focus of his doctoral work was biblical interpretation and proclamation, and his dissertation was titled The Perceived Ethos and its Effect on Rhetoric and Relationship.

Timothy is married to Valerie Lott, and they have two amazing Old English Sheepdogs, Frankie and Cardozo.

Barbara Peterson

Librarian

Barbara Peterson, Wilshire’s librarian since 2015, oversees the church library, keeping its collection up to date, maintaining its database and supervising library volunteers. She also leads story times for Wilshire’s Early Childhood Learning Center and Mothers of Preschoolers group. Barbara enjoys reading, computer games, playing piano and cooking.

Ramona Randle

ECLC Director

Ramona Randle came to Wilshire’s ECLC as director in April 2021. She previously served as director and assistant director of the day school of First Presbyterian Church in Dallas, and taught or held administrative roles in the day schools of Park Cities Baptist Church and University Park United Methodist Church. In a career spanning 35 years, Ramona has worked as a counselor, consultant, professional development specialist and trainer in early childhood education.

Haley Robinson

Food Service Staff

Haley Robinson was named Wilshire’s food service director in August 2023. In this role she oversees the church’s full-service kitchen and plans food and beverage service for church events and outside groups using Wilshire facilities. Haley is a graduate of the culinary arts program at Collin College and has worked in the hospitality industry since 2017. She has two dogs, loves music and is a Halloween enthusiast.

Kevin Sierra

Facilities Staff

Kevin Sierra has been part of Wilshire’s facilities staff since 2019. One of eight siblings, he enjoys sports, weightlifting, car racing and target shooting.

Elias Vasquez

Food Service Staff

Elias Vasquez joined Wilshire’s kitchen staff in 2006 and works as a cook and sous chef. He is a father of four, and his oldest daughter works part-time at Wilshire. Elias is a soccer fan, enjoys going to the gym and is active in his church.

Leticia Vega

Facilities

Leticia Vega began working at Wilshire in 2004 as part of the facilities staff. Leticia and her husband, Juan, have been married over 30 years, and they have four children and four grandchildren. In her spare time, Leticia enjoys cooking and taking walks.

Wilfredo Velasquez-Cruz

Food Service Staff

Wilfredo Velasquez-Cruz joined the Wilshire kitchen staff in 2010. While not at work he enjoys watching television, exercising and hanging out with his dog, Coco.

Sarah Yodh

Spiritual Formation Coordinator

Sarah came to Wilshire as spiritual formation coordinator in March 2024. In this role she provides logistical and administrative support to Wilshire’s education ministries across the age spectrum. Sarah has 20 years of experience in education, nonprofit and church work.