About APC
APC Staff
Tom Holliday
Senior Pastor
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Tom has been pastor of Alexandria Presbyterian Church since 1990. Before coming to Alexandria, Tom pastored Abingdon Presbyterian Church in Abingdon, VA, for nine years. Tom is a graduate of Covenant College and Covenant Theological Seminary. Tom and his wife Sharon have three children: Tommy, Stacey, and Caitlin. Tom is a great lover of baseball, especially the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Joel Acevedo
Pastor, Iglesia Gracia y Paz
Joel was born in Concepcion, Chile in 1961. Both Joel and his wife, Gladys, come from non-Christian families. At the age of twelve, Joel went to live with a Presbyterian missionary family; and Gladys left her home at the age of nine and was raised by her grandmother. It was during these difficult years that they heard the Gospel and came to know Christ, and became actively involved in their churches. Joel and Gladys first met in 1985 while helping to develop and lead youth evangelism activities, and they were married in 1989. They have three daughters: Valentina, Deborah and Natalia. Joel has completed an Associates in Christian Ministry degree from the University of the Nations, and he has also completed his Theological Bachelor Degree in Paraguay. Gladys has studied at the University of the Nations as well. Together, their ministry includes urban evangelism, personal counseling, and Church Planting—and Joel now provides leadership for APC's Hispanic church plant, Iglesia Presbiteriana Gracia y Paz.
Chris Joyce
Executive Director of Ministries
Leslie Bridge
Director of Children's Ministries
After graduating from Westfield State University and teaching school for a semester, Leslie joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ where she has been serving since 1979 and is currently the VA Catalytic Director. Leslie graduated from Regent University in 2003 with a Masters in Education with the desire to influence the next generation of students, elementary children with the gospel. She has been attending APC since 1995 and has volunteered with children since 1998. She considers it a great privilege to be involved with teaching and influencing the children of APC. Her heart’s desire in all that she does is to send laborers equipped and prepared to bring the gospel to the world.
Chris Sicks
Director of Mercy Ministries
Chris Sicks has attended APC since 1996, and has been on staff as the Director of Mercy Ministries since December, 2001. Chris has served as a deacon since 1999. He also leads APC's Electric Company, a team of individuals dedicated to welcoming newcomers and assimilating them into our church activities. In his spare time, Chris coordinates scholarship and mentor programs for children in Anacostia, and is a columnist for The Washington Times. He and his wife Sara were married in 1999. They have three children: Lucy, Campbell and Ginger.
Doug and Gale Manor
Directors of Music Ministries
Doug and Gale Manor are co-music directors at APC. Gale has a master’s degree in music and has worked as a director in church music for over 20 years. She leads the adult and youth choirs at APC, and also teaches piano from her studio in Arlington. Doug is a full time video producer for the Federal Government. He has his bachelor’s degree in media with only a few hours short of a music degree. He has been working in church music for over two decades. Doug and Gale work together to coordinate and lead worship on Sunday mornings and for all of our special services and events. Doug and Gale have been married since 1982 and have three children: Trevor, Sydney and Graham. They both have a love for music and worship.
Adam LeRoy
Director of Youth Ministries
Adam has attended APC since Fall 2002 and joined staff in October 2005. God kindled Adam's desire to work with teens while he was in college at JMU. A group of eight friends formed a band called Buckledown, spending three years rocking out shows and sharing the gospel (don't bother looking for the albums on iTunes--they're not there). Adam & his beautiful bride, Laurie, were married in October of 2001 and have two children: Mella and Dante. They are both blessed to be in service to the King here in Alexandria!
Vicki Wolfe
Building & Finance Manager
Vicki has been a member at APC since February 1995. She has been on staff since February 1999, and currently oversees the day to day building operations and financial management of the church, as well as oversight of the nursery. Over the years, she has been actively involved in ministry - she has taught Sunday School, Children's Church, Sunday evening children programs, works with nursery, and has served on the Hospitality Committee. She is married and has three children: Josh, Jonny and Jessica.
Liz Balmer
Publications Specialist / Webmaster
Liz and Tom joined APC in the summer of 2002 and Liz began working at the church as an administrative assistant that fall. After taking a brief break in 2008, Liz now concentrates her time on designing and managing all of the church's publications and marketing materials. Prior to coming to APC, Liz spent five years with Prison Fellowship Ministries as a grant- and ghost-writer, and almost a decade prior in the banking industry. Liz hails from Nebraska and now lives in Alexandria. She and Tom serve in various capacities at the church and enjoy hosting a weekly Covenant Fellowship Group in their home.
Sharon Smith
Assistant to the Pastor
Sharon was born in Panama and lived in Central America until she was ten years old, then her family moved to Florida. Sharon and Ralph began visiting APC in 2001 and they loved it the first Sunday they came—they were welcomed warmly and appreciated the teaching. They have three children: Shylah, Jared, and Gabriel. The Lord brought Sharon the opportunity to serve on staff at APC as Administrative Assistant to our Pastor in April 2008, and she is so thankful! She trusts herself to the God who made her, for He will never fail her... I Peter 4:12-19.
Leonor Lee
Office Assistant
Leonor grew up in Meadville, Mississippi, the 4th of 6 children. She earned her Bachelor of Music Degree with an emphasis in Church Music from the University of Southern Mississippi which enable her to serve APC for twelve years as founding choir director. She and her husband, Daniel, have been married since 1980 and have 4 amazing children, a wonderful son-in-law, and 2 adorable grandsons. They joined APC in 1988 when attendance was 25. Leonor joined the APC staff part time as Office Assistant and also works part time as bookkeeper for her husband’s architectural firm. Leonor enjoys time with family and friends, teaching 1st and 2nd grade Sunday school, backyard birding, growing orchids and other plants, having an aquarium, taking road trips, camping, and singing in APC’s choir where the gospel is expressed in song.
Holly Berger Sanchez
Nursery Coordinator
Holly was born in Long Beach, CA and lived in southern CA most of her childhood years with a five-year break when she lived in Phoenix. Holly met Pastor Joel Acevedo and her future husband, Gerardo Sanchez, while on a mission trip to Paraguay. In 2002, Holly and Gerardo were married in Chile, where they both lived for the first year and a half of their marriage. When Holly and Gerardo made their way back to the states, Gerardo received an invitation from Pastor Acevedo to be the music worship leader for Gracia y Paz, and Holly began working for APC as the Nursery Coordinator. In 2006, Holly had a brief hiatus with the birth of their daughter, Millalin, but has been back with APC since 2007. They are now looking forward to the upcoming birth of their second child in August.
APC Officers
Listed below for your reference are the elected officers (elders and deacons) of Alexandria Presbyterian Church, along with their respective areas of responsibility. Contact information for these men can be found in the APC Directory (located on our website in the Member Area or in printed form at the Information Booth).
Elders:
Tom Holliday -- Teaching Elder
Marc Allen -- Adult Education
Chris Joyce -- Administration
Bob Metheny -- Clerk of Session
Jeremy Root -- Covenant Fellowship Groups
Bryant Streett -- Evangelism/Missions
Dave Todaro -- Children/Youth Ministries
David Thompson -- Men's/Women's Ministries
Deacons:
Tom Balmer -- Deacon Chairman
Kyle Forsyth
Emmanuel Lako
Mike McMullen
Chris Olderog
Tim Petrie
Christian Poole
Chris Sicks
Paul Steketee
David Stephens
David Swinson
Justin Wells-Morgan
Tom HollidaySenior Pastor
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Tom has been pastor of Alexandria Presbyterian Church since 1990. Before coming to Alexandria, Tom pastored Abingdon Presbyterian Church in Abingdon, VA, for nine years. Tom is a graduate of Covenant College and Covenant Theological Seminary. Tom and his wife Sharon have three children: Tommy, Stacey, and Caitlin. Tom is a great lover of baseball, especially the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Joel AcevedoPastor, Iglesia Gracia y Paz
Joel was born in Concepcion, Chile in 1961. Both Joel and his wife, Gladys, come from non-Christian families. At the age of twelve, Joel went to live with a Presbyterian missionary family; and Gladys left her home at the age of nine and was raised by her grandmother. It was during these difficult years that they heard the Gospel and came to know Christ, and became actively involved in their churches. Joel and Gladys first met in 1985 while helping to develop and lead youth evangelism activities, and they were married in 1989. They have three daughters: Valentina, Deborah and Natalia. Joel has completed an Associates in Christian Ministry degree from the University of the Nations, and he has also completed his Theological Bachelor Degree in Paraguay. Gladys has studied at the University of the Nations as well. Together, their ministry includes urban evangelism, personal counseling, and Church Planting—and Joel now provides leadership for APC's Hispanic church plant, Iglesia Presbiteriana Gracia y Paz.
Chris JoyceExecutive Director of Ministries
We joined APC in 1995, when we relocated to NVa. Our son, Adam and daughter, Ruth, made their
professions of faith at APC, so this is indeed 'home' for us. Much has changed since my wife Lori and I
arrived, yet much remains the same. The external changes are obvious-in
numbers, in location, in the decibel level during fellowship, and in my own
hairline. The internal changes within us are less obvious, but
profound, as we have marinated in God's Word and with His people here in
Alexandria. I recall a famous CEO stating that he wanted his
employees to be "anxious to stay, but ready to go." That's how we
feel about APC-we are anxious to stay, but are ready to go where God calls us.
Since 1995, that's here, and we thank Him for that!
Leslie BridgeDirector of Children's Ministries
After graduating from Westfield State University and teaching school for a semester, Leslie joined the staff of Campus Crusade for Christ where she has been serving since 1979 and is currently the VA Catalytic Director. Leslie graduated from Regent University in 2003 with a Masters in Education with the desire to influence the next generation of students, elementary children with the gospel. She has been attending APC since 1995 and has volunteered with children since 1998. She considers it a great privilege to be involved with teaching and influencing the children of APC. Her heart’s desire in all that she does is to send laborers equipped and prepared to bring the gospel to the world.
Chris SicksDirector of Mercy Ministries
Chris Sicks has attended APC since 1996, and has been on staff as the Director of Mercy Ministries since December, 2001. Chris has served as a deacon since 1999. He also leads APC's Electric Company, a team of individuals dedicated to welcoming newcomers and assimilating them into our church activities. In his spare time, Chris coordinates scholarship and mentor programs for children in Anacostia, and is a columnist for The Washington Times. He and his wife Sara were married in 1999. They have three children: Lucy, Campbell and Ginger.
Doug and Gale ManorDirectors of Music Ministries
Doug and Gale Manor are co-music directors at APC. Gale has a master’s degree in music and has worked as a director in church music for over 20 years. She leads the adult and youth choirs at APC, and also teaches piano from her studio in Arlington. Doug is a full time video producer for the Federal Government. He has his bachelor’s degree in media with only a few hours short of a music degree. He has been working in church music for over two decades. Doug and Gale work together to coordinate and lead worship on Sunday mornings and for all of our special services and events. Doug and Gale have been married since 1982 and have three children: Trevor, Sydney and Graham. They both have a love for music and worship.
Adam LeRoyDirector of Youth Ministries
Adam has attended APC since Fall 2002 and joined staff in October 2005. God kindled Adam's desire to work with teens while he was in college at JMU. A group of eight friends formed a band called Buckledown, spending three years rocking out shows and sharing the gospel (don't bother looking for the albums on iTunes--they're not there). Adam & his beautiful bride, Laurie, were married in October of 2001 and have two children: Mella and Dante. They are both blessed to be in service to the King here in Alexandria!
Vicki WolfeBuilding & Finance Manager
Vicki has been a member at APC since February 1995. She has been on staff since February 1999, and currently oversees the day to day building operations and financial management of the church, as well as oversight of the nursery. Over the years, she has been actively involved in ministry - she has taught Sunday School, Children's Church, Sunday evening children programs, works with nursery, and has served on the Hospitality Committee. She is married and has three children: Josh, Jonny and Jessica.
Liz BalmerPublications Specialist / Webmaster
Liz and Tom joined APC in the summer of 2002 and Liz began working at the church as an administrative assistant that fall. After taking a brief break in 2008, Liz now concentrates her time on designing and managing all of the church's publications and marketing materials. Prior to coming to APC, Liz spent five years with Prison Fellowship Ministries as a grant- and ghost-writer, and almost a decade prior in the banking industry. Liz hails from Nebraska and now lives in Alexandria. She and Tom serve in various capacities at the church and enjoy hosting a weekly Covenant Fellowship Group in their home.
Sharon SmithAssistant to the Pastor
Sharon was born in Panama and lived in Central America until she was ten years old, then her family moved to Florida. Sharon and Ralph began visiting APC in 2001 and they loved it the first Sunday they came—they were welcomed warmly and appreciated the teaching. They have three children: Shylah, Jared, and Gabriel. The Lord brought Sharon the opportunity to serve on staff at APC as Administrative Assistant to our Pastor in April 2008, and she is so thankful! She trusts herself to the God who made her, for He will never fail her... I Peter 4:12-19.
Leonor LeeOffice Assistant
Leonor grew up in Meadville, Mississippi, the 4th of 6 children. She earned her Bachelor of Music Degree with an emphasis in Church Music from the University of Southern Mississippi which enable her to serve APC for twelve years as founding choir director. She and her husband, Daniel, have been married since 1980 and have 4 amazing children, a wonderful son-in-law, and 2 adorable grandsons. They joined APC in 1988 when attendance was 25. Leonor joined the APC staff part time as Office Assistant and also works part time as bookkeeper for her husband’s architectural firm. Leonor enjoys time with family and friends, teaching 1st and 2nd grade Sunday school, backyard birding, growing orchids and other plants, having an aquarium, taking road trips, camping, and singing in APC’s choir where the gospel is expressed in song.
Holly Berger SanchezNursery Coordinator
Holly was born in Long Beach, CA and lived in southern CA most of her childhood years with a five-year break when she lived in Phoenix. Holly met Pastor Joel Acevedo and her future husband, Gerardo Sanchez, while on a mission trip to Paraguay. In 2002, Holly and Gerardo were married in Chile, where they both lived for the first year and a half of their marriage. When Holly and Gerardo made their way back to the states, Gerardo received an invitation from Pastor Acevedo to be the music worship leader for Gracia y Paz, and Holly began working for APC as the Nursery Coordinator. In 2006, Holly had a brief hiatus with the birth of their daughter, Millalin, but has been back with APC since 2007. They are now looking forward to the upcoming birth of their second child in August.
APC Officers
Listed below for your reference are the elected officers (elders and deacons) of Alexandria Presbyterian Church, along with their respective areas of responsibility. Contact information for these men can be found in the APC Directory (located on our website in the Member Area or in printed form at the Information Booth).
Elders:
Tom Holliday -- Teaching Elder
Marc Allen -- Adult Education
Chris Joyce -- Administration
Bob Metheny -- Clerk of Session
Jeremy Root -- Covenant Fellowship Groups
Bryant Streett -- Evangelism/Missions
Dave Todaro -- Children/Youth Ministries
David Thompson -- Men's/Women's Ministries
Deacons:
Tom Balmer -- Deacon Chairman
Kyle Forsyth
Emmanuel Lako
Mike McMullen
Chris Olderog
Tim Petrie
Christian Poole
Chris Sicks
Paul Steketee
David Stephens
David Swinson
Justin Wells-Morgan