Our Vestry
According to dictionary.com a Vestry in the Episcopal Church is "a committee elected by members of a congregation to serve with the church wardens in managing the temporal affairs of the church." At St. Martin's the Vestry is a group of individuals who are truly committed to helping our church run smoothly, bring great events and ministries to the congregation, and looking ahead to see what we may need to do in order to not only keep St. Martin's current but also best serve the ever changing needs of our parishioners.
Bryan Coussens
Senior Warden
Senior Warden
Justin Cochran
Junior Warden
Justin joined St. Martins a year ago and has enjoyed getting involved in our activities and ministries. His knowledge and understanding of the community have helped us mold how St. Martin's can more effectively integrate with our community.
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Kristen Dahlstrom
Kris has been a longtime member of St. Martins, since 1991. She and her family have been active here since then. She comes onto the Vestry with interest in growing St. Martin's and looking toward a future of community for our congregation.
Monica Brunson
Monica has been a member of St. Martin’s for many years. She joined the Vestry this year to put her heart and energy into helping St. Martin’s move forward. Monica believes that with the vibrancy of our members we can all work together to take that step.
She says it was initially a coincidence that we are all animal lovers but it speaks to her passion in her personal life. In her spare time Monica is an avid animal lover and friend. Her facebook boasts posts of animals found in the community and looking to get back home.
Monica is looking forward to her term on our Vestry.
Amanda Vandervort
Amanda has been at St. Martin's since September 2009. This is her second time on Vestry. Amanda leads the Des Plaines Chronic Pain Support Group and heads up the the St. Martin's Craft Show with an amazing team.
Amanda spends her free time creating resin stained glass, learning any art project available. During the summer, the garden becomes a calm space for art and reflection
Jack Short,Certified Episcopal Treasurer
Jack Short came to St Martin’s July 4th weekend 2017, after shopping for a local Episcopal church for several months. A big fan of a faith based community, good (plentiful) food, and love for animals, St. Martins is a perfect fit!
A career nonprofit professional, Jack works for the Alzheimer’s Association, Stage 773, and has served on several nonprofit boards. As a musician, Jack can be seen filling in on the St Martin’s Organ from time to time, and occasionally plays for musical theatre and cabarets. As the treasurer, Jack frequently often enjoys a lovely excel spreadsheet and graphs.
Originally from Ohio (via St. Clair, Michigan), Jack comes from a long line of Episcopal Church family members. Jack has one fur-baby Janet Vivian, who will never attend Paws in the Pews – by her choice.