The Rev. Alissa G. Anderson (Mother Alissa, Rev. Alissa, or simply “Alissa”) is a native of Michigan, growing up in the Grand Rapids area. She earned her BA at Calvin College (now University) in English with a Writing minor, then moved to Indiana to study Rhetoric and Composition at Purdue University. Life then took an unexpected turn resulting in Alissa receiving a Master’s degree in Divinity, cum laude from General Theological Seminary with a certificate in Spiritual Direction. In 2017 she was ordained a deacon by The Right Reverend Cate Waynick and later that year ordained to the priesthood by the Right Reverend Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows in St. John’s Episcopal Church, Larchmont, NY where she served as a Curate & Associate Rector.

Since 2020 Alissa has been the priest at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Plant City, Florida. She began her ministry there a week before the COVID lockdown and successfully navigated through that difficult period. She has been instrumental in expanding the community outreach of St. Peter’s and fostering commitment to Children and Youth ministries, including starting a monthly “Family Sunday” service that centers on children and youth—while tending to the multiple spiritual, educational, pastoral, and administrative needs of the church. She also serves on the Diocesan Council and the Diocesan Finance Committee for the Diocese of Southwest Florida.

Among her many strong attributes, she is deeply committed to embodying and supporting our
Welcoming Statement, furthering our adult formation and welcoming ministries, continuing to build our Children and Youth ministries, and having St. John’s be an integral part of the Midland community and the world through our outreach efforts.

Alissa’s husband, Josh, works (virtually) at the Episcopal Church Foundation, an organization that works with faith communities to develop leadership and financial resources. They have two children – Gus (5) who will begin kindergarten soon, and Avonlea (9 months).

Dr. Eady taught at middle school and high school levels for nine years in Tennessee, where he also served as a mentor teacher in musical literacy instruction in the urban environment. He has also presented at state, regional, and national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association for Music Education on developing the male chorus, the building of a comprehensive choral program, and new and diverse methods of teacher training.

Dr. Eady’s choirs have also performed at state and regional conventions of ACDA and he was recognized by the Tennessee Music Educators Association as Music Educator of the Year (2014). Among his research interests is the rehabilitative impact of choral singing on incarcerated individuals. Dr. Eady holds the bachelor of music education degree and master of music degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, as well as the doctor of philosophy degree in choral conducting and music education from Florida State University.

A lifelong church musician, Amon is excited to be serving here at St. John’s. He lives in Mount Pleasant with his wife Deidra, son Liam, and daughter Rowan.

Nick and wife, Mandy, are the proud parents of little youngsters Julia Grace and Emmett James. After living in Traverse City for about 8 years, they are happy to be closer to family in Midland now. If Nick had an extra 24 hrs a month, he’d spend it fixing something, then packing up the family for an adventure, then wrapping up the day with kids & wife piled on the couch watching old movies.