St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church

About

Our Clergy & Leaders

Cross on the roof in front of a sunset sky
nikky-wood

The Rev. Nikky Wood

Rector

A native Floridian and Roman Catholic, growing up I could not have imagined that I’d be serving as an Episcopal priest in Silicon Valley, CA – and I am incredibly grateful that my life has led to this work among these people. I’m passionate about collaborating to build deep community, offer loving care, strengthen faith formation for all ages, and empower each person to live fully into their unique call in the world. I find particular joy in liturgy that is authentic to the people gathered, open to both profound awe and light-hearted delight, and embodied in tangible sacramental signs. Having been shaped by an undergraduate at the University of South Florida (in Communication and Psychology), a Master of Divinity at CDSP (Church Divinity School of the Pacific, in Berkeley CA), CPE training at David Grant Medical Center (on Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield CA), field education at All Souls Episcopal Church (Berkeley, CA), and as the Associate Rector at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (Palo Alto, CA), I am thrilled to have been called to serve at St. Tim’s starting in 2023. Outside of my church work, I can often be found hiking local trails with my husband Adam, and two children, Ethan and Malcolm. I can’t wait to get to know you and gather with you around the table!  

Staff

nete-christoffersen

Nete Christoffersen

Administrative Assistant

As the Administrative Assistant I help keep the church’s daily operations running smoothly, handling administrative and organizational tasks with efficiency and care. Originally from Denmark, I have a background in sales, marketing, and social work. I moved here with my husband and our two young boys, and I enjoy exploring California, experiencing its culture, and being part of a caring community.

peter-sammel

Peter Sammel

Music Director

Hi, I’m Peter Sammel, Music Director at St. Tim’s. My family joined this parish community in 1974 after living in Asia for 3 years, and I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of serving as music and tech director for the last 30 years. My wife Susanne has been part of the music team, and our two sons have grown up in the church, participating in youth group and other activities. I help design and illustrate our services by choosing music which reflects the weekly scriptural message from the Episcopal Lectionary, and leading our music and tech teams in Sunday worship. I studied music as a classical guitarist at Foothill College, transferring to San Jose State for studies in Radio, TV, and Film. My ministry has been a joyful journey of spiritual transformation for me, and this parish has been a cornerstone of faith and community for our family.

A smiling photo of Holly McCullough, St. Tim's Children and Youth Minister

Holly McCullough

Children and Youth Formation Minister

As a young person, I was loved, formed and nurtured by this congregation. It is so much more than my home church. Now as the Children and Youth Formation Minister, I work to ensure that children 0-18 can experience St. Tim’s as a place to call home.  Where they can experience God’s love, just as they are – that they can be formed by the practices of worship and living in community, so that together we can nurture the world, working together to build God’s Kingdom.

I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Santa Clara University where I minored in religion. I live in Sunnyvale with my husband Bill and our two children; Max and Margaret. I find joy in being outside, making new and exciting things in the kitchen, and sitting longer than necessary at the dinner table.  

I’m looking forward to building this community with you all.

sue-scribner

Sue Scribner

Preschool Director

I have spent the last 4 decades in the early childhood education field in various roles as a teacher, site director and program coordinator. Through my journey, I have discovered the play based approach to be the most authentic philosophy. I see the results when children have autonomy in their learning! I am passionate about supporting children with strong emotions and finding solutions for all children to be successful at school. I grew up in Santa Cruz and it still holds a place in my heart. In my free time I love going to music events, cooking, baking, hiking and visiting various beach towns and spending time with my daughter Makayla and granddaughter Lily. I am ever grateful for the gift that has been afforded to me to connect with young children and be a guide in their learning.
Ella Nelson, the nursery staff at S. Tim's church

Ella Nelson

Nursery Staff

I’m excited to be part of the church nursery team and to support families by loving on their little ones each week. I love creating a warm, safe, and welcoming space where kids can feel comfortable and cared for. I have over 10 years of childcare experience and am excited to grow our nursery program. 

Vestry

leadership body of lay leaders

Elected from the congregation each year, the vestry is our governing board of directors who work together with the rector to prayerfully consider what God is doing in our parish and in the world around us, and where we’re being called to focus.

The vestry is responsible for the financial and legal matters of the parish, for setting the strategic vision, and for calling and supporting the rector. During our Annual Meeting each January, we thank those rolling off of vestry and elect new members to a three-year term. The vestry is led by a senior warden (appointed by the rector) and a junior warden (elected by the vestry).

The 2026 Vestry members are: 

Joan Lewis, Margo Siewert, Jen Shumway, Bill Shreve, Ros Barajas, Melissa Malley 

Senior Warden: Bob Ulrey
Junior Warden: Teresa Peters
Clerk: Jamie Gainer
Treasurer (non-voting): Larry Mendoza

Diocesan Delegates

Delegates are elected members from our congregation who represent St. Tim’s at our annual Diocesan Convention. They are responsible for voting on the diocesan budget, passing resolutions or changes to our canons, and overseeing the governance and ministry of our wider church.

Our 2026 Delegates are: 

Jamie Gainer, Fern Jaspers-Fayer, Jim O’Shea, Bill Shreve, Marguerite Williams

Ministry Leaders

Facilities Coordinator: Dave Wilde
Godly Play Coordinator: Holly McCullough, Wyn Schuh
Double Digits Coordinator: Kathy Mikulis
Altar Guild, Altar Flowers Ministry, Bread Baking Ministry: Cindy Jarvis
Lectors & Intercessors: Grace Schmidt
Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Sue-Ellen Johnson
Little Free Pantry: Sue-Ellen Johnson, Chrissy Ulrey
Usher/Greeters: Anne Wilde, Dave Wilde
Coffee Hour: Joanna Shreve
Compassion Week: Melissa Malley, Joanna Shreve
Safe Parking: Chrissy Ulrey
Wednesday Night Dinner: Jamie Gainer
Stephen Ministry: Anne Wilde, Bill Shreve
Tellers, Creation Care: Bill Shreve
Lay Weeders: Wyn Schuh
Prayer Journey, Jail Ministry: Anne Wilde

Send an email to admin@sttims.org to get connected with any of these leaders!