Meet the team.
Reverend Douglas T. King
Head Pastor
When I am not haunting the halls of Ladue Chapel, my favorite things are reading with my cat beside me, cooking, hiking, and kayaking.
Reverend Melissa K. Smith
Associate Pastor
I am originally from Los Angeles, California, but St. Louis has become home. My husband and I love playing games, spending time with our family, and cooking or baking in the kitchen.
Reverend Courtney Chandler
Director of Faith Formation and Family Ministry
I was born and raised in Georgia. When I am not at work or acting as chauffeur to my children, you can find me doing projects around the house, playing with my dogs, hitting up thrift stores or going for walks.
David Erwin
Minister of Music
Besides my love of music, I enjoy reading mystery novels, entertaining, and keeping up with my study of French.
Anne Peacock
Director of Spiritual Life
What brings me life is experiencing God through baking bread, walking the meadow, practicing qigong, music, and enjoying a good dark chocolate and black licorice.
Mark Vago
Business Administrator
I am a native to St. Louis. These days, my life is woodworking, home projects, and finishing my first mystery novel.
Lia Nunley
Director of Communications
I'm an artist, a traveler, and I do more crosswords than Stanley Hudson. My biggest joys are my husband, my dog, music, coffee, Jesus, and comedy.
Danica Koster
Administrative Assistant
I am a St. Louis native and a lover of Blues hockey, Ted Drewes, and Imos pizza! I have an adoring husband and 3 incredible children.
John Poelker
Head of Maintenance
I'm married to my wonderful wife Chris. We are parents to our 4 children, grandparents to 8, and great-grandparents to 2.
Paden Magee
Maintenance Staff
I'm an artist, philosopher, and just deeply passionate about my family. Life's a journey, so I just want to grow more.
Sonie Orsay
Director, Ladue Chapel Nursery Schol
I am a teacher, born and raised in St. Louis. Before becoming the Director of Ladue Chapel Nursery School, I taught in the purple, green and orange room. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my 13 year daughter, traveling, reading and needlepointing.
Elders Class of 2024
Jo Dyroff, Lester Hill, Matt Mikula, Steve Nystrom, Carr Trovillion, Renee Van Stavern, Tammy Walsh
Jo Dyroff, Lester Hill, Matt Mikula, Steve Nystrom, Carr Trovillion, Renee Van Stavern, Tammy Walsh
Board of Deacons Class of 2024
Patsy Ball, Bennet Baur, Judy Behle, George Hibbard, Eric Hiby, Sarah Hickey, Wendy Schneider, Jim Wellman
Patsy Ball, Bennet Baur, Judy Behle, George Hibbard, Eric Hiby, Sarah Hickey, Wendy Schneider, Jim Wellman
Elders Class of 2025
Laila Crabtree, Jane Geer, Edward Reeb, Lynn Smith, Mike Thaman, Bob Wiltenburg, Jeanne Wilton
Laila Crabtree, Jane Geer, Edward Reeb, Lynn Smith, Mike Thaman, Bob Wiltenburg, Jeanne Wilton
Board of Deacons Class of 2025
Nancy Allen, Pat Anslinger, Ann Earley, Ann Hermes, Kathy Noonan, Dee Anne Sjogren, Marty Sumner, Alexander Theodos, Holly Wilson
Nancy Allen, Pat Anslinger, Ann Earley, Ann Hermes, Kathy Noonan, Dee Anne Sjogren, Marty Sumner, Alexander Theodos, Holly Wilson
Elders Class of 2026
Arnie Edwards, John Hensley, Mark Hoeman, Chris Preston, Elizabeth Southern, Claire Sutton, Ellie Williams
Arnie Edwards, John Hensley, Mark Hoeman, Chris Preston, Elizabeth Southern, Claire Sutton, Ellie Williams
Board of Deacons Class of 2026
Larry Daniels, Annie Donnell, Faye Henderson, Michelle Kappas, Susan Lee, Grace Mikula, Rick Pennington, Sophie Palatnick
Larry Daniels, Annie Donnell, Faye Henderson, Michelle Kappas, Susan Lee, Grace Mikula, Rick Pennington, Sophie Palatnick