Our Staff

Andries “Dries” Coetzee started his ministry at UPC in January 2018. Dries was born in South Africa, here he attended school and seminary before coming to the U.S. in 1998. Dries’ love of all people in the human family, and his passionate advocacy for a just world informs his life and ministry and led him to UPC. Before his call to UPC, he served churches in Houston, Bloomington, MN, and Wooster, OH. Dries and his wife Beth are the parents of five children, and became grandparents in 2017. With relatives and children spread out between two continents and three American states, they value any precious time spent with family. The couple enjoys sharing meals with family and friends, and time together cooking, gardening, traveling, and jogging.

Contact Dries here.

 “I am privileged and humbled to serve UPC as pastor. It is a tremendous gift to be part of a community of faith who values you for who you are and treasures all people as beloved children of God. With the many opportunities to build a more compassionate world, there is a place for everyone at UPC.”

Hannah is a born-and-raised Austinite with a Bachelor of Science in Youth and Community Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. She is receiving her Master of Arts in Youth Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary while working at UPC as the Director of Youth Ministries. Hannah has been involved in youth ministry at the church she attended prior to UPC both as a student and volunteer for the past ten years. She firmly believes that students are the future of the Church and knows that cultivating a sense of belonging for students early on will lead to stronger, more diverse congregations in the future. She hopes that the youth ministry helps them to foster relationships with each other and God no matter where life takes them beyond UPC.

Erika’s background is in theatre and education, and recently served as the Director of Children’s Ministry at Travis Park Church. She loves to teach and learn through storytelling, imagining, and wondering. Erika states that she “have been around children long enough to know I don’t have all the answers and to enjoy the questions and perspectives people of all ages bring to the conversation.” Erika and her husband Justin are parents to Blaine and Elise. As a family we enjoy spending time outside together, snuggling our kittens, and Friday pizza and movie nights.

“I am grateful for the trust you are placing in me to teach and care for your children. “

Cindi joined the Children’s Center in 1982 as a teacher; and has served as its director since 1989. She teaches as an adjunct faculty in the Early Childhood Studies department at San Antonio College, and is the author of two books on toddler curriculum. She is also a frequent presenter at workshops for early childhood conferences. Cindi earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with specialization in child development from Santa Clara University and a master’s degree inEarly Childhood Education from University of Texas at San Antonio. Since 2010, she has also served as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) peer coordinator and volunteer for children removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect in Bexar County.

“My role as the director of the Children’s Center gives me a way to provide and advocate for high-quality early learning and care for all young children and their families.”

Raised in San Antonio, Dhawn joined the SoL Center after teaching classes covering theology, philosophy, and civic engagement at St. Mary’s University and then Hanover College. Right out of Wellesley College, Dhawn worked on a research project at the Kennedy School of Government, analyzing election politics. From that moment on, Dhawn was hooked on a life-long quest to examine the intersections of faith and politics. She has an M.Div. from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Drew University. She has published in print and online media, such as Religion Dispatches.

“I am passionate about the life of the mind and of faith, and so the work of the SoL Center, past and future, resonates with my deepest convictions. I am privileged and blessed to be a part not only of the SoL community, but also the community of UPC.”

Keith feels called to fulfill UPC’s mission to facilitate “music which engages people spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally.” Since graduating from UTSA, Keith has excelled in choral directing at the high school level.  He has taught at John Marshall High School as an Assistant Director since 2015. Among his choral-director colleagues, he was elected to the prestigious office of Region XXIX Vocal Chair, May 2017-present.   Keith has served in various church music positions.  Between 2014 and 2016, he worked as Choir Director at St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church, San Antonio.  There he led music in worship and selected anthems that fit the liturgical season. At First Presbyterian Church, San Antonio, he has worked eight years as a singer and Assistant Director, leading rehearsals and substituting in the Director’s absence.   

Mary relocated to San Antonio in August 2014 from Charlotte, NC where she was organist at First Baptist Church of Mount Holly for 15 years. She is the accompanist for the UTSA Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and numerous voice and instrumental students. Mary is the accompanist for the advanced ensembles of the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio and the San Antonio Mastersingers, and frequently plays keyboard in the orchestra for musical theater productions at the Public Theater of San Antonio and the Woodlawn Theatre.

“I really enjoy being organist at UPC. Since my arrival, the congregation, choir and staff have embraced me and I feel like I’m part of the family. I am truly blessed to be part of the music ministry at UPC.”

Maggie Sorrell received her degree in Music Education in August 2017 at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Prior to coming to UPC, she was the assistant director of the St. Brigid’s children’s choir and the director of the St. Brigid’s Legacy Handbell Choir. She is currently the choir teacher at Bernal and Zachry Middle Schools in the Northside Independent School District. Maggie not only fills the role of the Children’s Choir Director but also sings in the UPC choir as one of their choral scholars.

Leroy has been a member of UPC since 1980. He graduated from the University of Texas, Austin, with a BS in music. Then he spent the next thirty years working in the Federal Civil Service at Kelly AFB, TX. Leroy has three daughters and three grandsons who he visits every chance he gets.

“I really enjoy working with the UPC music program. Choir members are great friends and our music leadership is outstanding.”

Thomas Redmond is a native San Antonian who has been been singing in choirs since the beginning of high school. As an two time All-State choir member, Thomas decided to pursue music in college serving his first 2 years at Texas State University and his upper level years at The University of Texas at San Antonio. After graduation Thomas is residing in San Antonio with his fiancée to continue his newfound career as a music equipment seller and continue his role as a member of the UPC choir.

Katrina Cantu is a senior at UTSA, pursing a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Katrina has been worshipping in the UPC choir as a choral scholar since 2015. While she works to finish school she also works as a nanny and spends her time growing her conducting skills, gardening, and spending time with her loved ones. Katrina, a Rio Grande Valley native, calls San Antonio, Texas home since 2013

James Dickens II has been singing with UPC as a tenor section leader since the fall of 2017. He attended UTSA as a music education major and graduated Fall 2017. What people don’t know is that he earned his cosmetology license in 2008, and has been doing hair ever since. He plans on getting his instructor/CTE license so he can teach cosmetology in highschool!!!

Supporting our hospitality ministry and providing custodial support on Sunday mornings, Allan serves an important role as UPC extends its welcome to new members, friends and visitors. Allan, son of UPCC Director Cindi Catlin Gaskins, is a long time member of UPC and an alumnus of the Children’s Center. Allan is working towards a second degree in civil engineering at UTSA to complement his degree in water resources from Texas State University. When not working at UPC, doing updates to the UPCC playgrounds or in classes at UTSA, Allan enjoys working at the Canyon Lake Marina or fishing.

Previously, Frank’s employment includes Culligan, Toyota, and JaniKing. He is also a U.S. Navy veteran. Born and raised in San Antonio, his personal Interests include playing basketball and pool, swimming, and attending family gatherings.

“I enjoy working at UPC because everyone is so friendly.”