Clergy and Staff

Clergy

The Rev. Frank Samuelson | Associate Rector

The Rev. Frank Samuelson served as a curate at Trinity Episcopal Church from July 2017 until June 2019, and was named associate rector as of July 1, 2019. Fr. Frank’s education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Science from Texas A&M University and a Master of Divinity from Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, TX. He has been married to The Rev. Louise Samuelson for over 30 years, and they have three adult children; Peter, Eric, and Martha.

Office: 281.367.8113, Ext. 117

The Rev. Joanna Unangst | Associate Rector

The Rev. Joanna DeHaan Unangst (she/her) joined the staff of Trinity Episcopal Church in July of 2022. She was born in Canada and grew up in Toronto and Chicago. Her education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Disorders from Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University, and a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary. Prior to her ordination, the Rev. Joanna worked as a psychotherapist. She is the chaplain to all clergy spouses and partners in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, as well as a chaplain to Trinity Episcopal Day School. She is married to the Rev. Kurt Unangst who serves at St. Mary's in Cypress, and together they have two marvelous children and an embarrassing amount of books.

Office: 281.367.8113, Ext. 102

The Rev. Russel Oechsel | Deacon

I am a cradle Episcopalian. I grew up in Northwestern Illinois and went to college there. My work in the world was with an oil company for almost 30 years in Human Resources. Since then I’ve worked as a Chaplain for a Hospice Company for a couple of years. I now work as an Usher for the Astros at Minute Maid Park. I was in the first class of deacons at Iona School for Ministry. We were graduated and ordained in February of 2007. From 2008 until 2018 I served as the Archdeacon of the Diocese and as a deacon at St. Mary’s in Cypress. I’ve worked in the feeding and caring for homeless people. I have been involved in doing disaster relief work since Hurricane Ike in 2008. Another significant part of my ministry is about pastoral care. I look forward to being a part of Trinity as we move forward in the coming years.

Office: 281.367.8113, Ext. 125

Staff

Jack Balog

Music Associate & Principal Organist
Office: 281.367.8113, ext. 118

Jack Balog began his studies on piano at age 5, and at the age of 12 made his debut on organ at his home church in Kingwood, Tx. He has studied with Jackson Hearn, Dr. Gerald Dolter, and Dr. Eric Gunderson. Jack began his church work at the age of 18, and has served as organist at Idalou UMC, Cokesbury UMC (Houston), Klein UMC, and St. Paul’s Lutheran in Brenham. He also served as a staff accompanist at Sam Houston State University, and has accompanied the Brazos Valley Chorale on several occasions. Jack accompanied the Trinity Choir on their trip to New England, and served as organist for the day at Boston’s historic Old North Church. While a member of a visiting choir at England’s Salisbury Cathedral, Jack was able to participate in Evensong and enjoy the opportunity to play the ‘Father’ Willis organ. Jack enjoys fishing, and cooking the catch of the day.

Micki Balog

Director of Music Ministry
Office: 281.367.8113, ext. 113

Micki has been responsible for all things music related at Trinity since May of 2010. That includes the choir, handbells, MadriGals, MADD Camp, CMG, Instrumentalists, and the Ukulele Ensemble. She also serves as organist and accompanist and is responsible for all music selection.

Prior to joining Trinity, Micki was music associate at Kingwood United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church in Houston, and Music Director at Holy Covenant United Methodist Church in Carrollton, Texas.

Micki grew up in Ft. Worth and moved to Kingwood in 1999, where she lives with her family.

Other than music, Micki enjoys sewing, playing with her dogs, cooking, and baking. As any Trinity staff member can tell you, her cooking and baking skills are top-notch, making her frequently responsible for highly elevated calorie counts at staff meetings.

Jennifer Davenport

Minister to Children, Youth, and Families
Office: 281.367.8113, ext. 103

Jennifer graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and then earned a Master of Education from Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia. She has served Trinity on the Youth Ministry Team since 2014 and officially joined the staff in 2019. In December 2019, Jennifer completed her certification in both Children and Youth Formation from FORMA, a ministry of the Episcopal Church Foundation. Jennifer lives in The Woodlands with her husband, John, and children Ellie, Reagan, and Garrett, their Brittany Spaniel, Trac, and a bunny named Henry.

Betsy Delaney

Head of School, Trinity Episcopal Day School
Office: 281.367.5148, ext. 116

As head of school, Betsy is responsible for the overall operation of Trinity Episcopal Day School in a manner consistent with the school’s mission, core values, long-range strategic plan, and the policies of the School Board. In administering her job, she is responsible for the recruitment and supervision of personnel and students, preparation and administration of the school budget, and development and implementation of all school policies and procedures.

Prior to joining the Trinity staff, Betsy was founding head of school at Christ Church School in Paradise Valley, Arizona, where she served from 2003 – 2015. She began her career as a kindergarten teacher at All Saints Episcopal Day School in Phoenix in 1992. Her experience includes serving as a member of on-site accreditation teams for The Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019.

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Betsy attended the University of Texas and after a move to Arizona, received her M. Ed at Arizona State University. She came back to Texas in 2015 to be closer to family, most of whom live in the Houston area. She is especially happy to be nearer to her grandchildren. In her spare time, Betsy enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, and spending time at family gatherings.

Liz Linger

Admin. Assistant to Parish Ministries
Office: 281.367.8113, ext. 105

As a member of the Parish Life Team, Liz supports the many ministries of Trinity and leads the volunteer and staff teams for our popular events, including the Epiphany Celebration, Mardi Gras Parade and Pancake Supper, celebrations for those married 50+ years and those who have celebrated 80+ birthdays, our Fall Festival, St. Nicholas Day, and our No Rehearsal Christmas Pageant.

In addition to knowing how to rent a camel, persuade parishioners to pose as the Wise Men, decorate tables in Butler Fellowship Hall for parties, and arrange for a lot of cake, Liz helps to lay out and copy the service bulletins, run the church calendar, and help the Children and Youth Staff Members with administrative tasks in the office.

Liz spent two years on the staff of Trinity Kids Corner, where she discovered her knack for all things administrative. She has been in her current role at Trinity for 10 years.

Liz was born an Army brat in Frankfurt, Germany, and has lived in The Woodlands since 1981. She and her husband Jordan have five children. Liz is a member of the National Charity League with two of her girls, and they enjoy volunteering in the community. She also enjoys spending time with her family, playing games, watching funny movies, and road trips to see family in Austin. With her oldest daughter at Texas A&M in College Station, Liz’s interests recently have expanded to include everything Aggie.

John Nedelka

Parish Treasurer
Office: 281.367.8113, ext. 104

Carlos Robles

Facilities Manager
Office: 281.367.8113, ext. 106

Carlos Robles joined the Trinity staff in July of 2023. Carlos has 8+ years of experience in Facilities Management, remodeling, plumbing, and HVAC Systems. Carlos is also the founder and CEO of The Texas Alliance for Crime Prevention, a nonprofit organization that educates communities about gang awareness, working directly with the City of Houston to bridge the gap between police and communities.

Carlos has worked with various local churches, educating the youth about the dangers of drugs and joining street gangs. The nonprofit has worked with the Houston Independent School District to bring the summits to several high schools and middle schools. Carlos has also worked closely with Houston Councilmember Dwight Boykins, as well as helped provide meals for those in need and assisted with job placement for ex-offenders.

Carlos was recognized for his commitment to maintaining safe communities, increasing gang awareness and locating second chance resources for ex-offenders. Sylvester ‘Turner, Mayor of the City of Houston, proclaimed August 18, 2017, as Texas Alliance for Crime Prevention Day, One Houston One Hood.

Carlos is also a published photographer. Specializing in portrait shots, fashion, and wedding’s. He loves to explore his creativity while documenting significant moments in the lives of the people in front of his lens.

Melanie Sheffield

Administrative Assistant to the Rector
Office: 281.367.8113, ext. 101

During her nine years at Trinity, Melanie has provided administrative support to the rector, the clergy, the vestry, and Sr. and Jr. Wardens. In addition, she manages the office, administers the Trinity Safeguarding programs, supports the pastoral care team, and serves as Trinity’s administrator for ACS which encompasses our database, calendar, and financial software.

Melanie’s previous work experience prepared her well for this role at Trinity. She was executive assistant to the head master at three Christian schools, business manager at a Christian school, and church administrator and office manager at previous churches. Before she found her calling in administrative support for Christian organizations, she was a national sales representative for Emery Air Freight and a women’s clothing buyer for a national department store.

Born in Louisiana (Geaux Tigers!), Melanie was the daughter of an executive in the petroleum industry and moved frequently. She attended 12 schools prior to graduating from high school. After graduation from Louisiana Tech, she began an internship and then won a position at Joske’s of Texas.

In her spare time, Melanie enjoys caring for family and friends, travel, boating (all water sports), sewing, smocking, needlepoint, counted cross stitch, knitting, crocheting, cooking, entertaining, cards, dominos, Mah Jongg, decorating, and reading.

Sandra Soghikian

Community Outreach Coordinator
Office: 281.367.8113, ext. 121