CLERGY & STAFF
CLERGY
The Rev. Amy Dills-Wright, Rector
Email Amy, 404.373.8338 ex. 14
she/her
The Rev. Amy Dills-Wright serves as Rector and works with the vestry, staff, and lay leadership to pay attention to how God is present in our midst and how we are being invited to join in God’s healing work in the community around us. Amy is a graduate of Clemson University with a degree in Accounting. She did her theological training at McAfee School of Theology and later a Certificate in Anglican Studies at Church Divinity School of the Pacific. Previously ordained in another tradition, she has served in various roles in parish ministry and as a chaplain with Presbyterian Homes of Georgia. Amy has also completed spiritual direction training at The Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation and enjoys companioning children, youth, and adults on their spiritual journeys as they deepen their sense of connection with the God who loves them immeasurably. Amy nourishes her own spiritual life as a Lay Cistercian at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia, and by spending time outdoors gardening or just enjoying the gift of God’s creation. She has two adult children, Joshua and Sarah, and loves spending time with them outdoors hiking, kayaking, or walking on the beach on the South Carolina coast.
The Rev. Carmie McDonald, Associate Priest for Community Engagement & Family Ministry
Email Carmie, 404.373.8338 ex. 16
she/her
The Rev. Carmie McDonald is a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta and works with Community Engagement and Family Ministries at Epiphany. Carmie has a passion for building inclusive community and empowering others to live into their God-given gifts for ministry. She is a graduated of the Candler School of Theology and was ordained to the Priesthood in June 2023. During seminary, Carmie worked at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church and served as a chaplain intern at Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center. Prior to answering a call to ordained ministry, Carmie received a master’s degree in Architectural History from the Savannah College of Art and Design and had a career in historic preservation. Carmie loves storytelling and connecting with God through the study of scripture and through listening to others’ experiences. She enjoys spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness photography, cooking, reading, and visiting historic sites. Carmie and her husband Mark share his three adult sons, two daughters-in-law, and two granddaughters.
STAFF
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Emily Elder, Director of Children & Youth Ministries
Email Emily, 404.373.8338 ex. 13
she/her
Emily currently serves at Epiphany as the Director of Children and Youth Ministries. Originally from Philadelphia, Emily found her way to Atlanta (and The Episcopal Church) via Emory’s Candler School of Theology, where she graduated with her Master of Divinity in May 2022. Vocationally, Emily feels called to cultivate faith, belonging, and hospitality in the church through storytelling and the study of scripture–something she loves to do with children and youth! In her free time, Emily enjoys reading, cooking with friends, exploring local neighborhoods and parks, and going on road trips.
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Julie P. Ryder, Organist & Choirmaster
Email Julie, 404.373.8338 ex. 11
she/her
Julie Ryder has served Church of the Epiphany as Organist and Choirmaster since 2012. She coordinates the entire music program including rehearsing our 5 choirs and handbell ensemble to support the Sunday services, and choosing and preparing the hymns, service music, and voluntaries for all of our liturgies. Baptized at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Detroit (where it is rumored that she made not a joyful noise throughout the entire event), Julie grew up in Suffolk, Virginia. She received the Bachelor of Music in Sacred Music at James Madison University with a major in organ performance and a minor in voice, and a Master of Music in Church Music from Westminster Choir College with concentrations in organ and conducting. Before joining Epiphany, she served 10 years as Associate Director of Music and interim organist at Fairfax Presbyterian Church and directed summer MAD camps for the Diocese of Virginia at Shrinemont; after moving to Atlanta Julie was Director of Music Ministries for 13 years at St. John UMC. Julie and her wife Terri Lawrence were married at Epiphany in 2016 after an 18-year engagement and they enjoy entertaining family and friends and traveling.
Peter Waggoner, Seminarian
he/him
Peter is beginning his second year at Candler and discerning a call to ordination. Peter had a distinguished career as a church musician, and previously served as the Director of Music and Organist at St. James Marietta and Church of the Ascension Cartersville. Now as seminarian, he comes to deepen his skills in other areas of ministry at Epiphany. Peter is a lifelong Episcopalian and has been active at a diocesan and national level in the areas of congregational development, youth ministry, and liturgy and music.
L. Shea McNutt, Parish Administrator
Email Shea, 404.373.8338 ex. 10
she/her
L. Shea McNutt serves as the Parish Administrator. She provides general office support, and acts as a resource person for the staff, lay leadership and congregation in order to support the ministries and mission of the parish. Shea also oversees the print, digital and online communications of the parish to ensure that members and the surrounding community know about all the wonderful things going on at Epiphany and how they can get involved. A lifelong Episcopalian, Shea was born and raised in the south and graduated from UT Knoxville with a degree in Communications. Before joining the staff in 1997, Shea had a career in broadcast television. She also had a professional organizing consulting business for 19 years.
Susie Boyko, Bookkeeper
Email Susie, 404.373.8338 ex. 12
she/her
Susie graduated from Columbus State University with a BA in History and served as an officer is USAF before obtaining an MBA from the University of Texas. She was a CPA in public practice and industry for 25 years before deciding to simplify her life and use her skills to assist churches with their accounting needs. She enjoys creating art, cooking, gardening, and spending time outdoors.
AFFILIATIONS
The Rev. Bobbi Patterson
Assisting Priest
The Rev. Caroline Peacock
Assisting Priest
