top of page
Meet The Team
.png)
Office: 512-282-7274 ext. 329
E-Mail: pastorpaul@manchacaumc.org
REV. PAUL HARRIS
Senior Pastor
Paul has celebrate 23 years as a minister in the United Methodist Church. In the itinerant system of appointed pastors, he has served as pastor with church communities in five of our seven districts within the Rio Texas Conference. He enjoys preaching, facilitating discipleship groups, and singing within the church, along with a variety of experiences in mission and outreach like Disaster Response and Volunteers in Mission. In addition to his theological training at SMU Perkins School of Theology and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, he is a 1982 graduate of the University of Texas Engineering and has practiced for more than 20 years as an Engineer & Capital Projects Manager. He is available for spiritual guidance and pastoral support by appointment through the church office.
Cell: 817-559-4040
E-Mail: chansin@manchacaumc.org
CHANSIN ESPARZA
Associate Pastor
Chansin serves as our Associate Pastor. She has a background in pastoral leadership, connection ministry, youth ministry, journalism, and managing a nonprofit office. She completed a Bachelors in Biblical Studies at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. in 2008 and a Master of Divinity degree from Truett Seminary at Baylor in 2013. Some of her favorite things about church are small group discussions, celebrating holidays and milestones together, digging deep into Scripture, and having a family with whom to journey the ups and downs of life. She juggles the demands of full-time ministry, marriage, and parenting three small children. As full as life can be, Chansin always loves making new friends.
Office: 512-282-7274 ext. 325
E-Mail: mark@manchacaumc.org
MARK HIXON
Director of Music & Fine Arts
Mark is an avid supporter of the arts. As the Director of Music and Fine Arts at MUMC he oversees all music, theater and art activities. Mark co-directs the Children's Choir and directs the Sanctuary Choir. Mark also manages the church calendar and scheduling of the building and facilities. In addition, Mark is one of the staff representatives for the Worship and Fine Arts Team. Mark has two grown children, Seth and Leah. Mark currently serves as an officer for the Rio Texas Conference Chapter of the Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts.
Office: 512-282-7274 ext.324
E-Mail: kim@manchacaumc.org
KIM CARROLL
Director of Christian Education
Kim has been a member of Manchaca UMC since 2001, joined the church staff as Director of Children's Ministries in 2009, and transitioned into the role of Director of Christian Education in 2013. She is passionate about Bible study and enjoys teaching people of all ages about the love of God through Jesus Christ. She is an avid reader, loves to laugh, and enjoys spending time with her family: her husband Bruce, daughter Kendall, and sweet puppy Gracie.
Office: 512-280-2552
E-Mail: leighanne@manchacaumc.org
LEIGH ANNE MOORE
Child Development Center Director
Leigh Anne has been with Manchaca UMC Child Development Center since January 2001. She received her degree in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also certified in Early Childhood Education and English as a Second Language. Leigh Anne taught for ten years in public school, including Menchaca and Baranoff Elementary, before starting at the CDC.
Leigh Anne believes children need a loving and nurturing environment in which they are able to explore learning through a hands on approach. She resides in Buda with her husband, Greg and their two sons. Both of boys started in the nursery at the CDC and graduated from the program.
Leigh Anne attends Manchaca UMC and is involved with Vacation Bible School in the summer. In her spare time, she enjoys attending her son’s sporting events, running with her dog, camping and spending time with her family.
Office: 512-282-7274 ext. 328
E-Mail: busadmin@manchacaumc.org
DAVE BOURELL
Treasurer
Dave Bourell is a professor emeritus of engineering at The University of Texas. He’s thrilled to use his love of numbers to serve the church as Treasurer. He loves Tex Mex, BBQ, traveling, and playing electric bass in the contemporary service band. He’s also a pioneer of 3D printing. Check out https://www.me.utexas.edu/people/faculty-directory/bourell.
E-Mail: kendall@manchacaumc.org
KENDALL CARROLL
Communications Specialist
Kendall has been a life-long member of MUMC since her parents first joined right around when she was born. Throughout the years she's been volunteering and participating in a variety of ways. After graduating from the University of North Texas in December 2022, she has returned to do the newsletter, website, and other communication needs. Otherwise, she loves to read, play video games, and spend time with her family. In fact, if you don't see her in the nursery on Sunday mornings, you'll likely find her following and helping her mom, Kim.
E-Mail: thadnoland@gmail.com
THAD NOLAND
Pianist/Organist
Thad plays the piano and organ at our traditional worship services. He is actually a professional keyboardist and saxophonist and teaches piano lessons. He has sent shivers down many spines when playing in church. The applause is well deserved!
E-Mail: gynyfyr_2000@yahoo.com
JEN ROMERO
Worship Leader for Contemporary Worship
Jen has been a member of MUMC for almost 20 years, and has been singing in the Such As These praise band for almost as long. What started as “singing with the band” evolved over the years into planning songs, leading worship and even writing worship songs with her sons. The majority of the Such As These band have been singing and playing together for at least 18 of those years. It has been an amazing journey and she has loved every minute of it! Wednesday night rehearsals are “music therapy” and Sunday worship a balm to her soul.
E-Mail: childcare@manchacaumc.org
JESSICA MYERS
Childcare Coordinator
Jessica has spent the last 14 years involved in Children's Ministry. From Sunday school to Preschool, she has taught children of all ages about worship and the Bible. Jessica is a true Austinite, and in her free time enjoys writing, traveling, and watching cartoons. She is so excited to be a part of the Children's Ministry team!
E-Mail: office@manchacaumc.org
DANNY GUARDIOLA
Head Custodian
Danny is our go-to guy for just about any issue we come across. He keeps the building clean and will volunteer to help with almost everything, except electrical issues...he leaves that to the experts. Friendly and likeable, he can do a mean air guitar and an Elvis impression, if you ask him to.
bottom of page