The Clergy at St. Matthew's
The Rt. Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler
Tenth Bishop of Wyoming
The Rt. Rev. Paul-Gordon Chandler, the Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Wyoming, grew up in Senegal, West Africa, and has lived and worked around the world in leadership roles within the Episcopal Church, faith-based publishing, the arts, and relief and development. Read more.
Rev. Jami Anderson
Rev. Anderson received a BA from the University of Northern Colorado and a Masters degree in Education from the University of Wyoming, and then she and her husband John taught at the Wind River schools for several years. Later, while living in Kearney, Nebraska she attended and graduated from Seabury-Western Seminary (located at that time in Evanston, Illinois) and then served as the Rector of Episcopal churches in Holdrege and Arapahoe, Nebraska. In returning to Wyoming, she served as Rector at St. Andrew’s in the Pines in Pinedale for seven years, which included serving as the priest at St. John the Baptist in Big Piney for a couple of years as well.
She and John have four children, two sons and two daughters. Their oldest son Tad and his wife Brenna and two children live in Laramie. One of their two daughters lives in Denver, CO and the other in northern Montana. Their other son hopes to move to the Denver area soon coming from Oakland, California.
Both she and her husband look forward to moving to Laramie and taking part in the vibrant life of the church, plus the outdoor, cultural and educational opportunities found in the area.
The Very Rev. Marilyn Engstrom
Dean Emerita
Marilyn Engstrom is Dean Emerita of St. Matthew's Cathedral, having served from 2002 to 2012. After earning a BA in Communications at UW, she was UW Associate Director of Admission for 12 years. Her life took a different turn with Seminary, ordination, and pastoring churches in Lusk and Gillette. Her primary roles currently are on the Altar Guild and Stewardship Committee.
She enjoys UW athletics (Go, Pokes!) and is president of the UW Symphony Association and a director of the Cathedral Home for Children Board. On a sabbatical she studied at 4 cooking schools in Spain, France, Italy, and Greece. Gathering around the table, whether for Holy Eucharist or an informal supper with family and friends brings her great joy.
The Rev. Chris E. Mottl
The Rev. Christine Elizabeth Mottl was Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. She was also Dean of Bucks Deanery for the Diocese of Pennsylvania. Pastor Chris has served as Rector in both large and small parishes, as well as Interim Pastor for a large Evangelical Lutheran Church in Nebraska.
Christine is a Board Certified Chaplain (BCC), and served as chaplain at the All Saints Medical Center in Racine, WI and then at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE, a world-class transplant center. Christine is also a founding member of the board of governors and Director of Studies for Providence Theological School.
The Rev. Canon Paul E. Mottl
The Rev. Paul Edward Mottl is Dean of Providence Theological School and was Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of Pennsylvania when he retired. He has served parishes in Nebraska, Long Island, upstate New York, North Dakota and Maryland, and moved to Wyoming from the Chesapeake Bay area to be near family two years ago. At first a teacher and later an information systems executive in the military aerospace industry prior to entering ordained ministry, he holds degrees in Physics and Mathematics, Religious Education, Systematic Theology and Philosophy of Religion. He is the author of several philosophical and theological works.
Canon Paul enjoys woodworking and is active in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (yes, even here in Wyoming.) He has held positions at the Flotilla, Division and District levels, is the COR for the local Sea Scout Ship and is particularly interested in boating safety education.
Our Staff
Valentina Gavrilova
Organist
Contact:
Valentina Gavrilova came to St. Matthew’s Cathedral in 2002 as the choir accompanist. As she continued her music ministry among us, her extraordinary organ skills became evident, so that in time she was appointed to the position of Cathedral Organist. Valentina is also known for her beautiful touch as a pianist.
Prior to Valentia’s current appointment at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, she also served as an organist at First United Methodist Church and Trinity Lutheran Church in Laramie. She loves choral music, and for a time, she also worked as the choral accompanist at Laramie High School from 2007 to 2012. During that period, Valentina’s choirs participated in various competitions across the United States, including a performance at Carnegie Hall in 2010. In December of 2020, Valentina returned to the St. Matthew’s Cathedral family, where she is cherished and beloved.
Valentina is an organist and pianist of amazing artistry. She has extraordinary feel for the ministry of supporting Episcopal services, and she is unsurpassed at engaging the hearts, minds, and souls of all who worship with us. Valentina also notes that she feels privileged to play music every Sunday on one of the finest Skinner pipe organs in the country.
Erin Paiva
Choir Director
Contact: erpiano@juno.com
Erin is a classically trained pianist who has been working as an accompanist, instructor, and music director for nearly 30 years in her home state of Wisconsin, Southeast Florida, and now in Wyoming. She happened upon Laramie during cross-country travels late in 2020, and she fell in love with the town so decided to make the move from Florida to the West!
Erin is passionate about connecting with people and making a positive impact in the world, so she has done extensive nonprofit work as well as used her musical gifts to bring educational opportunities to diverse and underserved communities. She is excited for the chance to share her passion and gifts with the St. Matthew’s community and to continue to build upon the beautiful tradition of music in worship!
In addition to people and music, Erin loves cooking, traveling and exploring new cultures, language, and hiking in the beautiful mountains that she now can call “home”!
Joe Roybal
Sexton