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.”

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.”

Todd is passionate about guiding youth and children, building their self-confidence, and encouraging them to explore their faith. He holds a Master of Divinity from the Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. Prior to UPC, he worked as a youth pastor for Trinity United Methodist Church in Denton and an interim youth pastor for Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church in Dallas. Before seminary, he served at Basilica of the Sacred Heart as a jail chaplain. Todd also has experience as a Senior Analyst with Duff & Phelps, LLC before changing career paths into ministry. He is a contributor to a book published in 2017, “Rainbow in the Word: LGBTQ Christians’ Biblical Memoirs.”  Todd is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where he was a member of the UGA swim team.

“Ever since I can remember, I have always loved working with youth and children. In working with our young people, it is important to convey God’s unconditional love. Being openly gay, I have aspired to work for a church that is inclusive to all of God’s children, and include as part of my ministry at University Presbyterian Church outreach to LGBTQIA+ individuals.”

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.”

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.”

John has taught and conducted choirs on the secondary education and collegiate levels in Texas, the Washington D.C., area, and New York. Previously he was on the faculty of the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. In the spring of 2018, he retired as Professor Emeritus from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He continues to serve as Director of the San Antonio Symphony Mastersingers and the Adult Choir at UPC. John holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Illinois. His awards include a Rockefeller grant for choral conducting at Aspen, Colorado, and a Fulbright Award for research in London, England. His hobbies include gardening, fishing, and wine tasting.

“Working at UPC gives me the opportunity to interact with special people on the staff and choir and in the congregation on a spiritual as well as a musical level.”

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.

“UPC is such a warm and welcoming environment. The congregation and staff are so incredibly wonderful and embody what it means to be a Christian! I love working with the children here and seeing them connect to God through the love of music!”

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.”