Ministry Leaders
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.
Travis Fader studied music at Saginaw Valley University and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Northwood University. Travis grew up in church and began playing piano weekly at the age of 8. His love for church music and the desire to utilize his gift to serve the body of Christ led to many wonderful opportunities resulting in over 20 years of experience serving various churches. Travis is an accomplished pianist and organist, directed a 100+ voice choir for 9 years, and co-created a Christmas production which drew over 5,000 in annual attendance for its 5-year run. Additionally, Travis is an arranger and orchestrator with a passion for Christmas music which led him to record an album at the noted Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, TN with the renowned orchestra, The Nashville String Machine.
Travis’ love for Christmas and the joy it brings has inspired him to create a Broadway-style Christmas show, NOEL – Experience Christmas, performed at the Temple Theatre in Saginaw, MI, with over 70 talented performers. In the coming years, Travis hopes to see NOEL grow to become a tradition for our communities and state.
Travis and his wife Hailey, along with their incredibly furry and enthusiastic Keeshond, Phillip, reside in Midland. An expert in Mid–Century Modern architecture, Travis is also a licensed Real Estate Agent specializing in Mid–Century homes.
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.
Vestry
With our Rector, Vestry members oversee resource development, people, property and money to support the mission and ministry of St. John’s Episcopal Church. They have a standing monthly meeting whose minutes are always posted publically. More about this group of elected leaders may be found on our Church Governance page.
