Main Contact Info

Address: 
5200 Willowbend Blvd
Houston, Texas 77096-5298

Office Phone: 
713-723-0175

Day School: 
713-723-0191

Fax: 
713-723-0205

Alphabetical Directory (by first name)

Our Staff

Tommy Williams

Tommy Williams

Senior Pastor

Westbury UMC was home to Tommy as a high school youth and he considers it a privilege to serve now as a pastor in this diverse, powerful community of God’s people. He has been blessed to serve in a variety of communities from rural East Texas to urban Houston. After graduating from Stafford High School in Southwest Houston, Tommy attended Lon Morris College, Stephen F. Austin State University and Southern Methodist University. His bachelor’s degree is in political science from SFA, and he received a Master of Divinity degree at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. He and his wife, Bethany, have two young and vivacious children. “Bethany is a fantastic wife, stay-at-home mom, writer and teacher,” says Tommy. “She is as committed a Christian disciple as I know.” The Williams family went abroad for a summer in England serving in the British Methodist Church. They love spending time at their family land in Tyler County, Texas, seeing family, and dreaming about the next trip. Tommy’s favorite hobbies are reading, camping and going to the movies. Some joys of ministry (among many) are preaching, teaching, one-on-one discipling/caring and ministry in the public square.

An author who has affected me is... Henri Nouwen who has been a personal spiritual guide in my own journey of discipleship. His books like The Inner Voice of Love and Life of the Beloved have deepened my own understanding of my identity in Christ and my call to ordained ministry.

I want people to remember me as... a good husband and father.

Email Tommy at tommy1@westburyumc.org

Romonica Malone-Wardley

Romonica Malone-Wardley

Associate Pastor

Romonica is blessed to be the mother of her beautiful daughter, Maya, and the wife of her wonderful, supportive husband, Julius. She grew up in East Texas and, prior to seminary, attended Abundant Life UMC in Lufkin. She received her Bachelor of Social Work from Southwest Texas State University in 2001 and worked in the mental health field for three years before going on to earn her Master of Divinity from Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta. Romonica has been the Associate Pastor of Westbury UMC since June 2007 and was ordained as an elder in the United Methodist Church in 2010. Romonica enjoys working with young adults and organizing Community and Global ministries for WUMC. Her favorite part of ministry is relationship-building and sharing in others’ joys. She and her family enjoy traveling together and finding time to relax.

My favorite meal is... dessert!

Something important on my desk is... The Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can and the Wisdom to know the difference. Amen!”

Email Romonica at romonica1@westburyumc.org

DeAndre Johnson

R. DeAndre Johnson

Music and Worship Pastor

Hailing from Shreveport, DeAndre received his bachelor’s in sacred music from Centenary College. He has worked in churches of various sizes, demographics and worship styles in both Louisiana and Texas. Having completed graduate studies in sacred music at Southern Methodist University, he was commissioned as a deacon in the United Methodist Church in June 2010. From an early age, DeAndre sensed a call from God to “sing for Me forever.” He and his wife (Kelsey Johnson) followed God’s leading to come to Westbury UMC, relocating their family from Bryan-College Station to Houston this spring. DeAndre is passionate about facilitating meaningful worship experiences that are intentionally inclusive of people of all races and ages. He draws musical inspiration from his knowledge of plainchant, classical European music, southern and black gospel music, contemporary Christian and global hymnody. DeAndre enjoys leading worship at Methodist camps, retreats and meetings, and he serves as the chair of the Worship Committee of the Texas Annual Conference. He and his wife delight in their children, Natalie and Henry, and often take road trips to visit family. He likes watching movies, reading, going to concerts and catching up with friends on Facebook.

I collect... old hymnals. I like to see how people have interpreted the faith in song through the years.

My dream vacation would be... to spend a couple of months in Europe to practice my Italian and visit cathedrals.

Email DeAndre at deandre1@westburyumc.org

Jana Kincannon

Jana Kincannon

Director of Children and Family Ministries

Jana attended Lee College in Baytown, Texas and Blinn Junior College in Bryan. She has been a member of Westbury UMC since 1984, serving in various ministries here for children, youth and adults. She thrives on learning God’s Word and has attended Community Bible Study since 1992. She’s the mother of three adult children. Jana would like to see the encouragement of prayer in public schools so that children could focus less on themselves and the pressures placed on them and more on the hope God gave us in His Son.

I am passionate about... Laughter–doing it and causing it. A good laugh conquers stress and can cleanse down to the soul, even if just for a short while.

My favorite quote is... by author Malcolm Muggeridge, “Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message.”

Email Jana at jana1@westburyumc.org

Cody Cruise

Cody Cruise

Director of Youth Ministries

Cody came to Westbury in December of 2009. Prior to Westbury, he was employed at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church for seven years. Cody felt God calling him to Westbury because he saw a need and a love in the people craving an exciting and vibrant youth ministry. As of summer 2011, Cody is 18 hours away from graduating from University of Houston as a Computer Information Systems major. He is a twin and has two additional brothers, one a junior in high school, and the other who is 38, married, and has two amazing boys. Cody loves to play guitar, basketball, football, baseball, and all other sports. He also loves watching the Astros, Texans, and Rockets play, and reading his favorite book, The Bible.

My dream vacation would be... would be snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. I hope to be scuba dive certified soon! I love nature and looking at God’s awesome creative personality in creation. This is why my dream is to go to the Great Barrier Reef (which is the biggest reef in the world).

My most spiritual moment was... in the summer of 2009 when I took youth to “Rainbow Camp,” a camp that is designed to do apartment ministry in the Houston area. We shared the story of Jesus, made crafts and gave out ice cream to all the children at the complex. At night we would come back, and I would lead worship with the teens. I announced, “If you are ready to take the next step and make Christ apart of your life, you can do that now.” That night, nine out of the 30 teens truly accepted Christ into their hearts. There were tears of joy, as many wanted to call their parents and let them know about that decision. All these students were in junior high, and I still keep in touch with many of them to date. I very rarely ask that question while leading worship, unless I really feel like God is putting that on my heart. That night God truly put that on my heart. It’s a moment I will never forget!

Email Cody at codycruise@gmail.com

Kelsey Johnson

Kelsey Johnson

Director of Communications

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Centenary College of Louisiana, Kelsey began designing publications and websites for non-profit clients, including colleges, churches and schools. She has an extensive background in branding/marketing, photography, social media, public relations, writing and graphic design. Kelsey, along with her husband (DeAndre Johnson) and their two young children, moved to Houston in April 2011 from Bryan-College Station, where she worked at the Center on Disability at Texas A&M University. She sees church communications as a ministry that connects, educates and empowers God’s people and conveys the gospel to the community. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, experimenting in the kitchen, being outdoors, volunteering and traveling.

My favorite music to listen to while alone is... something folksy, acoustic and mellow, like JJ Heller, Jill Phillips, Waterdeep or Alison Krauss.

Something that made me laugh recently was... my 3-year-old daughter who says some pretty hilarious things. Come to think of it, she has made me cry most recently too. Just chalk it up to the roller coaster ride that we like to call parenting!

Email Kelsey at kelsey1@westburyumc.org

Patsy Caughman

Patsy Caughman

Business and Facilities Manager

Patsy serves Westbury UMC as Business and Facilities Manager, bringing a combination of secular and church work history. She worked for Exxon Chemical until “retiring” to raise her children. She returned to the workplace as a volunteer in the church office, which soon grew into a full-time position! Patsy and her husband, Bill, have two grown sons, Clint and Jeffrey.

My favorite time of day is... early, early morning before most of the world awakens!

My favorite music to listen to while alone is... swing music. I love the Big Band era!

Email Patsy at patsy1@westburyumc.org

Cindy Parker

Cindy Parker

Administrative Assistant

Cindy graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree
in dance. She has been dancing since the age of 4 and loves anything dealing with the
arts, especially Broadway musicals. She grew up in Palestine, Texas with her mom (whom she considers her favorite person). She has two dogs, Oliver and Elphaba (her name is from the musical Wicked). At Westbury UMC, she has not only found an amazing group of people to work with, but as a church, she has found grace, friendship and a multitude of blessings.

My favorite meal... would have to be pizza. I can eat it hot or cold, for breakfast or dinner.

My dream vacation would be... traveling the world and visiting every continent. I love learning about people, their cultures and what they believe in.

Email Cindy at cindy1@westburyumc.org

Martha Upton

Martha Upton

Membership Coordinator and Communications Assistant

Martha has a degree in music education and majored in cello. She served as the director of the Deci-Belles, a women’s barbershop chorus for over 30 years. She has three grown children who flourished at Westbury UMC while growing up. She now also has nine grandchildren, two of whom are twins. Joining the staff in 2000, Martha has been involved in communications-related efforts by publishing The WORD newsletter, worship bulletins, seasonal booklets and calendars. A deacon at her own church, Martha has been part of Bible studies, church administration, church music and the Living Water prayer group at Westbury UMC. Martha is the only Communications Assistant to carry a cake of rosin in her purse.

The best adventure I’ve ever had was... going to Alaska with my daughters, Tiffany and Sally.

My favorite meal is... cheesecake. Yes, meal.

Email Martha at martha1@westburyumc.org

Sarah Winkel

Sarah Winkel

Organist and Music Assistant

Sarah has always loved music and worship, having begun piano lessons at age 4 and playing in church by the time she was 12 years old. She went on to a degree in music education from Sam Houston State University in 1961 with a focus in piano, organ and flute. Since 1976, Sarah has played organ at Westbury UMC. She is the mother of four children and grandmother of three.

I’m passionate about... children and youth. I strive to set an example of good values in this time of conflicting messages.

The best adventure I’ve ever had was... a road trip through Germany with Westbury UMC member, Julia Treadway--and I was driving!

Email Sarah at swinkel@att.net

Susan EdgeSusan Edge

Day School Director

Many people don’t know that Susan grew up in Houston, specifically, Westbury. She attended Johnston Jr. High and also Westbury High School, then graduated from University of Houston with a degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education. Susan’s parents live right down the street from Westbury UMC! She has two children, Brian Edge and Emily Edge Fenlon. Brian and his wife, Becca, have given her the joy of being “Nana” to her precious granddaughter, Cameron. How did Susan discover Westbury Methodist? Her daughter attended Mother’s Day Out as a 3-year-old, and she fell in love with the school as a parent. Susan was very excited to have had the opportunity to teach Kindergarten at Westbury for 19 memorable years, and she has served as Director of the Day School for the past three years. She feels blessed to be part of the Westbury Methodist family.

I'm passionate about... the wonder of childhood.

Something important in my office is... my scrapbook that was lovingly made for me, highlighting my 19 years as Kindergarten teacher at the Day School. I also love having children’s artwork in my office, and of course, pictures of my granddaughter!

Email Susan at susan1@westburyumc.org

Karen Ewing

Karen Ewing

Day School Assistant Director and Mother's Day Out Director

Karen grew up in Iowa and received her B.A. and M.A. in Spanish from the University of Iowa. She moved to Texas after graduation and taught high school Spanish in a small town near San Antonio. Karen met her husband, Steve, in San Antonio, and they were married in the Little Church of La Villita. After his work transfer to San Francisco, where they lived for two years, the couple moved to Houston. Their two daughters attended Westbury Methodist Day School, where Karen started working part-time 22 years ago. Over the years Karen’s job has changed from part-time Spanish teacher, Kindergarten assistant, and office assistant to her current position as the Assistant Director of the Day School and Director of MDO. Her older daughter, Rebecca, lives in Chicago with her husband Michael and their son Miles, while her younger daughter, Courtney, teaches 2nd grade in Austin. Karen’s husband is self-employed. In her spare time, Karen enjoys reading, gardening and scrapbooking.

A movie I could watch over and over is... Field of Dreams because I am from Iowa and I love baseball.

Something important on my desk is... a picture of my family.

Email Karen at karen1@westburyumc.org