Pastoral Staff
Rev. Douglas T. King
Pastor, Head of Staff
After college I served as a volunteer in mission with refugees in Mexico and California. I earned my MDiv degree at Princeton while serving congregations in Trenton and Brooklyn coordinating a food pantry and working with people who had come out of the prison system. After seminary I served as an intern at Myers Park Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina….[Read more]
Rev. Dr. Dieter U. Heinzl
Associate Pastor
I was born and raised in Nuremberg, Germany, have lived in the United States since 1987 and am holding dual citizenship—just like the guy from the Bourne Identity … if you are a movie fan. My journey in the US has taken me from Houston to Austin, Texas, to Princeton, New Jersey, and, finally to St. Louis, in August, 2001…[Read more]
Rev. Melanie Smith
Associate Pastor
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and called Spokane, WA home for 24 years. When I went off to college I knew that I loved working with children, youth, and their families and dreamed of being a pediatric nurse. But biochemistry quickly changed my mind. During my sophomore year at Whitworth University, I took a religion course…[Read more]
Program Staff
Mr. David Erwin
Minister of Music
I have been Minister of Music at Ladue Chapel since 2005. I am responsible for the overall music program, which is both my calling and my joy. I direct the Chancel Choir, Youth Choir, Carol Choir, Chorister Choir, Chapel Ringers and Gen/Rev Ringers. I play the organ for Sunday services, as well as for weddings and funerals…[Read more]
Rev. Courtney Chandler
Director of Faith Formation and Family Ministry
I grew up in Lawrenceville, Georgia. At the age of thirteen, I announced to my family that I was going to be a minister when I grew up. Being a young girl from the south, my mother explained to me that I didn’t need to be a pastor, but I could marry one. So, I compromised and did both… [Read more]
Mrs. Anne Peacock
Director of Spiritual Life
I have been a member of Ladue Chapel since 1975, when my family moved here from York, PA. As a student, I was very active in youth fellowship, taught Sunday School, attended mission trips, and enjoyed singing in choir and ringing handbells. After receiving a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from The College of Wooster in Ohio, I volunteered with youth ministry, and have been on staff at Ladue Chapel since 1994…[Read more]
Play Day Out & Nursery School
Mrs. Karen Valvero
Director, Ladue Chapel Nursery School
Support Staff
Ms. Jesi Hempstead
Administrative Assistant for Program and Pastoral Ministries
Ms. Hannah Scheckel
Communications Administrator
I was born in rural Wisconsin and decided to move to the big city of Saint Louis for college. I attended Saint Louis University and received my Bachelors in Communication with an emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising. In my free time, I play guitar and ukulele; I also love to bake!
Mr. Mark Vago
Business Administrator
I grew up in St. Louis in a family of accountants. I have received a Bachelor’s degree from UM St. Louis and a Professional MBA from Washington University and have my CPA. My free time is spent in the yard, reading mysteries and working on trying to finish a novel.
Mr. Keith Kult
Financial Assistant
I grew up in Columbia, Illinois. Just recently moved back there. Always loved the small, quiet town and still, just 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Developed a passion for baseball at the age of 8, baseball and numbers. Started collecting baseball cards then..and still have them!…[Read more]
Custodial Staff
Mr. John Poelker
Maintenance Supervisor
Ms. Rian Beaulieu
Maintenance
Mr. Warren Thomason
Maintenance
