CLERGY & STAFF

Our Rector

Mother Mitzi; as we refer to her, came to us out of retirement. That's correct; she had retired two years prior to joining us. She first came as a substitute, and then as our full-time rector. She gave up retirement at the +Bishop's request and ours. She has been ordained for 31 years. Of that she served as a Deacon for 6 1/2 years prior to becoming a priest. For many years, Mother Mitzi was a full-time teacher, a Deacon in Charge of Mission Congregation, and Diocesan Youth Director. Prior to her retirement she was Associate Rector at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Lafayette, LA. She has also served multiple terms on both the Standing Committee and the Diocesan Council under all four Diocesan +Bishops. She has been a deputy to National Convention several times, has spear headed the Provincial Youth Event, and attended the National Youth Event several times. She served as Disaster Coordinator for the Diocese 9 years and continues to assist in that area in Southwest Louisiana. Mother Mitzi has an extensive background in missional and outreach work including a long history of working with youth and college age students, teaching and preparing them for missions around the globe, which she has organized and led.
She is a dedicated member of the clergy of the diocese and Good Shepherd is fortunate to have her expertise and guidance.

Our Associate Rector

Reverend Countess West

The Reverend Countess West comes to us by way of our Diocesan Curacy Program. Rev. Countess graduated from Duke University School of Theology in May of 2024. She was ordained to the diaconate in December of 2023, and ordained to the Sacred Order of Priests June 14. 2024 here at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. At the time of her ordination to the priesthood, Reverend Countess became our Curate serving in that capacity for 2 years. After her Curacy the Rector requested she be considered for permanent position, and the Vestry agreed 100%. She has added much to our Church community including a ladies boxing class, a young adults program, she has become an EFM Mentor allowing us to add a third EFM class to our programing, and is directing our Shepherds Staff Group. She is married to Jakob West, and they reside in Sulphur, LA. near her extended family and 3 goats!  We are very excited to have her and her husband with us here at Good Shepherd.

Associate Priest, The Reverend Francis "Boo" Kay

Mother "Boo" Kay

Mother Boo has been at Good Shepherd since she began teaching at our school in 1970. She began as a fourth grade Science teacher; and became principal in1986; after which she was asked by the Rector of Good Shepherd to become a Permanent Deacon. She was ordained in 2000 and has served the Good Shepherd community all these many years. In 2014 she was asked by the +Bishop to become a priest and began studying at the University of the South. Ordained to the priesthood in 2014 and served as Priest in Charge of a small congregation north of Lake Charles, as well as serving as a priest at Good Shepherd. She has been instrumental at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at Big Lake.  Mother Boo+ retired from EDS after 55 years of service and now works with solely with Good Shepherd. She works closely with our Rector, Associate Rector and Deacon as well as our 2  Postulants.

The Reverend Deacon Paul Burgess

Deacon Paul

Deacon Paul is the newest member of our staff. He was recently ordained to the diaconate and then assigned by Bishop Owensby to Good Shepherd. Paul recently graduated from the Iona School in the Diocese of Texas and was married to Renata his lovely bride, the same week! Paul is also serving as our Parish Coordinator, as such Paul will assist you with scheduling any events, setting up, taking down, and finding volunteers. In addition, Deacon Paul will work closely with our outreach programs, assist with our youth, and be involved in our liturgies. He is a great teacher and coach, and we so enjoy him being among us.

Choir Director

Molly McMillen

Molly McMillen is our new Choir Director, and we blessed to have her. She replaces Jordy Stanley who has moved to the Atlanta area, we wish him all the best! We are so fortunate to have such talented musicians in our midst, and Molly is no exception. She brings years of experience as a vocalist and a music/choir teacher for Calcasieu Parish School Board. Molly and her students have won several well recognized awards throughout the state. Molly has been a part of our choir for years and often served as our Cantor on Sunday mornings, as well as filling in for Jordey when he had to be gone for other engagements. She is active in many of our local Choral groups. Certainly, you too have enjoyed her music in and around the Lake Charles area, if you are a music enthusiast. Molly is married to Matthew McMillen, also a music teacher in Calcasieu Parish, and as an added bonus he will be joining our music program here at Good Shepherd. We just love and adore our music program.

Organist/Pianist

Pam Leblanc

Pam has been with us for many years. She came to us as Pam Gabriel, when she was a vocal teacher at EDS and Saint Louis. Over the years she has worked with numerous children in our community, who have grown up learning music from her. Pam served as an accompanist with Dr. Fred Sahlman here at Good Shepherd. After Dr. Sahlman retired Pam was kind enough to step in as our organist.  Pam is like family here at Good Shepherd as she has been here either through the school or church since the 80's. She has attempted to retire, but we are having none of that! She is a vital part of our fabulous music program.

Secretary and Finance

Christy Scroggins

Christy comes to us a seasoned Church secretary and financial assistant. She has several years of experience in both the Church world and the corporate world. Christy worked for American Airlines for many years in Marketing before taking on the Church world. If you need answers about your pledge, need a reimbursement, or an invoice paid please call Christy. She has already mastered Realm and ACS. We are so thrilled to have her at Good Shepherd. She even came here knowing we were under construction and things might be a little chaotic. Through it all she has been a trooper. Christy is a joy to work with as she always has a smile and willingness to help. She is a keeper!