Riverbend staff directory

Senior Pastor

DAVE HANEY
SENIOR PASTOR

Dave’s passion for leading a church for people who don’t like church has shaped his ministry. Dave and his wife, Diane, have three grown daughters; Cayah, Leah and Kaitlyn, all of whom have wound up in Austin, not simply to be near their family, but just because Austin is that awesome.

Favorite thing about Austin: The diversity and creativity... tacos.

Groups & Connections

DIANE HANEY
WOMENS MINISTRY PASTOR

Diane has found Riverbend to be the most awesome place to support her husband, Dave. But it has also become the place where she has found deep passion and purpose in serving and connecting with women on their journey of faith. Spending time with her three grown daughters is Diane’s greatest past time.

Favorite thing about Austin: Walking around downtown; the lake and the hills

Email: dehaney@riverbend.com

KEVIN HEDGES
PASTOR OF SPIRITUAL FORMATION & MEN’S PASTOR

Kevin, his wife Mindy, and daughter Grace, are transplants from the San Francisco Bay Area by way of the foothills of Denver. Experiencing and embracing Austin with the love of Jesus, they hope to live out the blessing that everyday we are all waking up to what God is already doing.

Favorite thing about Austin: It used to be Rainey street… Now it's gotta be its well-deserved rep as a foodie town. Yum. Oh, and pretty much all-around the friendliest people anywhere in the country.

Email: khedges@riverbend.com

STEPHANIE ROLLINS
ASSOCIATE TEACHING PASTOR

Stephanie Rollins recently joined Riverbend as an associate teaching pastor. Before her call to full-time ministry, Stephanie practiced law as a criminal prosecutor. She specialized in child abuse prosecution, helping to protect and advocate for the most vulnerable. While she graduated with an undergraduate degree from SMU, she is a proud Longhorn, having earned her jurisprudence doctor degree from the University of Texas School of Law. It was there she met her husband Derek, with whom she shares three beautiful children. Stephanie spends her free time writing, and you might find her contributions on the women’s ministry newsletter, her personal blog, or in a Sunday morning sermon. She loves reading, queso, her Bernese Mountain dog, decorating for holidays, and a trillion other things.

Favorite thing about Austin: The green spaces, the live music scene, and the city’s cultural quirkiness and laid-back vibe.

Email: srollins@riverbend.com

AUDREY PARKER
DEEPER JOURNEY DIRECTOR

Audrey is excited - and still a bit surprised - to find herself working in ministry and loving it. She was raised agnostic and had a life-altering experience of God in 2006 that changed Everything. Audrey is most passionate about helping people with inner wounds experience transformation and a refreshing sense of newness in their faith. So naturally, the Deeper Journey course offered here is exactly her jam! Audrey is blessed to attend Riverbend with her dear friend (and ex-husband) Jason and their two vibrant sons, Christopher and Jack.

Favorite thing about Austin: The collective embrace of weirdness, creativity, and out-of-the-boxiness.

Email: aparker@riverbend.com

MARK JOHNSON
PASTOR OF MID-LIFE ADULTS

A Baby Boomer himself, Mark oversees the Boomer Ministries here at Riverbend. After working in the hospitality industry for more than 15 years, Mark found his profession interfering with his passion for Jesus and serving others. As a result, Mark left the public sector to pursue full-time ministry and has treasured each day he is allowed to share his faith with others and meet them where they are in their faith Journey. Mark and his wife Tracy have been married for more than 30 years and have 5 children 2 of which are still living at home.

Favorite thing about Austin: Sunset at the Lake, the search for the perfect burger and (moving from Michigan) nearly any Mexican Food restaurant.

Email: mjohnson@riverbend.com

SARAH SHAFFER
WOMEN’S MINISTRY COORDINATOR

Although born and raised in central Kentucky, Sarah has called Texas home for over thirty years. Shortly after moving to Austin she and her husband Marc joined the Riverbend family, prompted by Sarah’s grandmother who loved watching Gerald Mann on TV. Sarah & Marc have two grown daughters, Dylan and Brooke, as well as a dog Alice and cat Milo. Besides loving her family, Sarah enjoys traveling, reading, cultivating relationships and creating beautiful spaces. Whenever she has free time, Sarah is exploring Austin, walking or running Lady Bird Lake, hiking the greenbelt and discovering cozy coffee shops and bookstores.

Favorite thing about Austin: The variety of things to do outdoors… hiking, biking, picnicking, kayaking, SUPs, outdoor music, festivals and more!

Email: sshaffer@riverbend.com

KACY LYNN HILL
CONNECTIONS COORDINATOR & WOMEN’S MINISTRY COORDINATOR

Kacy was born and raised in Austin and attended Texas A&M University from 2017 to 2023. There she received her bachelor of science in psychology and master's degree in public health. Kacy’s desire is to continue to grow in faith and love through being the hands and feet of Jesus. Her passion is promoting wellness so others can live a quality life. Kacy is an advocate of a holistic health approach that involves fueling the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit. Caring for others, listening to others, and loving others are most important to Kacy. She is so grateful to be part of the Riverbend family!

Favorite thing about Austin: Exploring the trails and good eats!

Email: khill@riverbend.com

Missions & Outreach

BRIAN RAWSON
MISSIONS PASTOR

Brian and his wife, Carol have raised three boys: Luke, Justin, and Will. An Austin native, and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Brian spent three decades serving Texans as a public official. His passion for serving this city he loves led him to pursue seminary, with a major emphasis on Urban Ministry. Today, you can find Brian and Carol on Austin’s frontlines serving the marginalized and impoverished, and leading initiatives to bring Christ to our extraordinary city.

Favorite thing about Austin: “The vibrancy and diversity of this place. I was born and raised here, but I still discover new adventures regularly. I was raised in North Austin, raised my own family in South Austin, and now live right in the middle of downtown Austin. It’s all good.”

Email: brawson@riverbend.com

THIAGO DUZZI
ASSOCIATE MISSIONS PASTOR

Thiago and his wife, Raphaella have two children: Micael and Sara. Together, they recently moved to Austin from Dallas, Texas where Thiago and Raphaella both graduated from seminary at Christ For The Nations Institute. Originating from Brazil, Thiago worked for years in the oil business in South America until he was called into ministry. Thiago is a humble man with a servant’s heart, and he looks forward to blessing families across the frontlines in our community, and at Riverbend Church.

Favorite thing about Austin: He’s just now learning about this amazing city, but already he enjoys the outdoors, the people, and of course the opportunity to serve the Kingdom of God here. He’s looking forward to calling Austin home and raising his family here.

Email: tduzzi@riverbend.com

BAILEY HUFFMAN
MISSIONS & OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Bailey is a Texas State University graduate and an Austinite to his core. He is super excited to be working with students at Riverbend and wants to help them understand who God has called them to be. Bailey has a heart for serving others and wants everyone that he encounters to feel the love that Jesus has for them. He has a huge passion for developing deep and meaningful relations with others and wants to see God work uniquely through those relationships. Bailey has a vision to see the church as part of the community rather than the community being a part of the church. He loves all things outdoors and will find any excuse to bring his dog Bill along to explore the beautiful city of Austin.

Favorite thing about Austin: Hands down all the food around town.

Email: bhuffman@riverbend.com

KRISTA ROSS
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Email: kross@riverbend.com

Kids & Students

SUSAN KENNEDY
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY PASTOR

Susan has been actively involved in the development of children's faith for over 18 years, 10 of which have been on staff with Riverbend's Kids Department. Working with children provides Susan with the opportunity to fulfill her passion for bringing the amazing love of Jesus to God's youngest flock. She is the single mother of 3 grown daughters and a 9 -year-old son, and has 4 grandchildren. She enjoys reading, music, hiking, baking and the beach...and of course baseball "the greatest sport EVER!"

Favorite thing about Austin: Family is here.

Email: skennedy@riverbend.com

JENNY KEENER
KINDER-2ND GRADE DIRECTOR

Jenny is a native Texan who made Austin her home in 2014. She and her husband, Jayson, visited Riverbend shortly after moving and immediately felt at home. She loves the opportunities that Riverbend offers to serve and grow in a community that accepts everyone just as they are, wherever they are. Jenny enjoys exploring Austin and discovering new things to do and places to go. She also loves hanging out with friends, with family, and with Jayson and their dog Emmett, the sweetest rescue ever!

Favorite thing about Austin: The people, the food, and never running out of new places to discover.

Email: jkeener@riverbend.com

TRAYSI SPACE
PRETEEN DIRECTOR

Traysi began volunteering in children’s ministry in 1998. She has served in several capacities, but VBS has always been the highlight of her year. She feels privileged to be able to share her love for Jesus Christ and her love of worship music with kids every week. Traysi enjoys all things creative, hanging out with family and friends, and traveling with her husband/best friend, Chris, their daughter, Mei, and their dog, Luna.

Favorite thing about Austin: It’s vibe!

Email: tspace@riverbend.com

REYN HARPOLE
STUDENT MINISTRY PASTOR

Reyn is an adrenaline seeker who married his High School Sweetheart, Amber, in 2013 and has been doing student ministry ever since. With four children (two biological boys: Emerson & Everett, and two adopted girls: Maisy (2019) & Ivy (2020)), there is never a dull moment! Reyn has a passion for seeing teens encounter Jesus in a real, and relevant way, utilizing a wide variety of random talents to do it. Follow him on IG or TikTok and see for yourself!

Favorite thing about Austin: Going to concerts

Email: rharpole@riverbend.com

SAGE OLSZEWSKI
PASTORAL RESIDENT

Sage is an extrovert who thrives on human connection, loves music and poetry, and enjoys traveling to new places! She is passionate about spreading the message of the real, genuine, life-changing love of Jesus to people. She hopes that people will encounter and experience this love in a tangible way and know that they are seen. Sage married her husband, Ry, in 2022 and they are happy to live in a cool city like Austin where they can check out all the cool coffee shops, hiking trails, and live music.

Favorite thing about Austin: The live music!

Email: solszewski@riverbend.com

BARBARA DECKERS
FAMILY MINISTRY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Barbara has attended Riverbend since 2016. Volunteering and watching her kids grow through the children’s ministry here has led her to want to serve the youth and families more than just on Sundays. Barbara, and her husband Michael, are native Austinites. They have two big-hearted children, Patrick and Grace. She enjoys sharing experiences while making new memories with family and friends.

Favorite thing about Austin: Live music!

Email: bdeckers@riverbend.com

Care & Support

MARTHA SLOAN
PASTORAL CARE DIRECTOR

Martha grew up in Dallas and lived in Los Angeles as a documentary producer for the History Channel. She moved to Austin in 2014 and came to Riverbend in 2020 where she quickly found a community who shares her passion for transformational spiritual healing and deepening a relationship with God. She loves traveling, living healthy, and nature hikes with her fur-baby, Shanti. She feels truly blessed to be on staff working in support of our Riverbend community and family.

Favorite thing about Austin: Friendly people, great eats, and lots of walking trails to explore.

Email: msloan@riverbend.com

Community Engagement

SCOTT REEVES
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PASTOR

Scott and his wife, Heather, have attended Riverbend for more than a decade. They have two daughters, Ella and Tessa. A native Texan, and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Scott spent 2 decades in the Specialty Sports Surfacing industry as a Sales Executive and in Senior Management. His passion for serving and engaging people led him to pursue ministry at Riverbend. Scott loves a good meal or coffee at any table, he hasn’t met a stranger, and enjoys the live music in Austin.

Favorite thing about Austin: I love the quirkiness of Austin. The arts scene is another good reason to live here. Austin dances to its own rhythm in the heart of Texas. And of course, the Longhorns and tacos!

Email: sreeves@riverbend.com

MADDIE SCHULTE
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Maddie was born in Minnesota but has been a Riverbender since age three when her parents moved to Austin and found Riverbend. After graduating from Baylor University with a degree in music, she plugged in to Riverbend’s choir and music ministry, serving as an active soloist for nearly ten years before becoming a staff member. As a writer, aspiring author, and singer/songwriter, Maddie is deeply passionate about using all forms of communication as pathways to inspire people to follow the unique call God has placed on their heart. She’s also passionate about her sweet family – her husband, Ryan, her stepdaughter, Maizie, and her cat, Matilda.

Favorite thing about Austin: It strikes a rare balance between heritage and innovation.

Email: mschulte@riverbend.com

DEDE KELLICKER
COORDINATOR FOR RIVERBEND CENTRE, INC AND RIVERBEND CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

DeDe found Riverbend Church in 2003 and has enjoyed being a part of this community ever since. She loves the idea of a community where everyone is accepted regardless of their past and current situations, as well as where they are along their spiritual journey. She has volunteered in a variety of areas over the years and officially joined the staff in April 2014. She's very proud of her adult daughter, Danae, and her twin teen boys, Brenden & Patrick, keep her busy at home.

Favorite thing about Austin: The diversity and acceptance of odd and unusual – and of course… Riverbend Church!

Email: dkellicker@riverbend.com

SARAH ORTEGA
GRAPHIC DESIGNER/SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Sarah graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (Go Cru!) in 2020. She and her husband, Andrew, live in NW Austin with their rescue dogs, Soka and Bear, and cat named Soup. She enjoys finding unique and eclectic items at thrift stores, researching historical events and figures, and discovering more about the human condition. She is passionate about storytelling through creative outreach.

Favorite thing about Austin: The creative nature of the city and Thundercloud Subs!

Email: sortega@riverbend.com

HANNAH STEDMAN
GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Hannah is a recent graduate from Abilene Christian University where she studied Advertising and Public Relations with Graphic Design as a minor. She’s worked in a variety of industries, one of her favorite jobs being a graphic design intern at a church in Abilene, TX. That’s one of the reasons why she’s so excited to be working as a graphic designer at Riverbend! Hannah’s goal is to live her life loving others like Jesus did. When Hannah isn’t working, she loves to crochet, explore the outdoors, or go for a run!

Favorite thing about Austin: Going to ACL!

Email: hstedman@riverbend.com

JOSEPH PAZ
DIRECTOR FOR RIVERBEND CENTRE & RIVERBEND CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

Joseph is excited to join the team at Riverbend Church! Having graduated from Texas State University with a BFA in Performance and Production, Joseph has been blessed with the opportunity to work with venues and productions all across the city. He is passionate about the arts and the relationships and community that can be created through it. When he’s not working, you can find him acting in a production around the city, paddleboarding on Town Lake, or hanging out with his dogs, Hal and Swayze!

Favorite thing about Austin: Such a dog-friendly city, all of the outdoor activities, and Bird Bird Biscuit!

Email: jpaz@riverbend.com

DAYNA BAILEY
REMEMBRANCE GARDENS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Dayna is excited to find herself at Riverbend again. She started out at the preschool in 2012 then went to teach at an elementary school in 2017. She came back to work alongside her dad and mom, Keary and Debbie, in Remembrance Gardens. When Dayna is not at work, you can find her doing something fun outdoors with her son, Agent. They love to go camping, hiking, swimming, and throw around the football.

Favorite Thing about Austin: I love all the parks, trails and nature areas that Austin has to explore.

Email: debailey@remembrancegardens.com

SARAH COLLINS
SALES & DEVELOPMENT REPRESENTATIVE

Sarah is a proud native Texan with over three decades of experience in sales and management. Her professional journey began with AT&T, where she honed her skills before entering a fulfilling career at Dignity Memorial. At Dignity Memorial, she had the privilege of guiding families through challenging times, assisting them with cemetery selections, and prearranging funeral services.

Beyond her professional life, Sarah is a devoted wife and mother to two wonderful boys. As a native, she proudly supports our local teams, including her beloved Astros. She enjoys immersing herself in a good book, traveling to new places, and cherishing every moment with loved ones.

Email: scollins@remembrancegardens.com

Creative Arts

TYLYN TAYLOR
CREATIVE ARTS PASTOR

Tylyn is a Swiss Army knife of creative experiences. He has degrees in music composition and pastoral counseling, and over a decade of working as a graphic designer. He’s spent most of his life in and around churches and has a deep appreciation and love for the entire organism of “church”. When he’s not deep in thought, or allowing himself to be distracted, he’s usually spending time with his wife Bethany, and their three children.

Favorite thing about Austin: Living in a town that embraces the creatives, and weirdos, and beautiful people who would otherwise be considered “outsiders” … also crazy good bowls of pho.

Email: ttaylor@riverbend.com

CARLTON DILLARD
MUSIC & WORSHIP PASTOR

Carlton joined the Riverbend Church staff in 1989. He spent many years in music ministry serving churches in Texas and New Mexico. He is known for his contagious enthusiasm and creative use of various styles of music in the contemporary church. Besides being a gifted vocalist and worship leader, Carlton is a conductor, arranger, and record producer. He and his wife, Sharon, have four children and four grandchildren. Sharon also serves on staff as Manager of Riverbend Centre for the Arts. Carlton's other passions include home theater design and installation, and their two dogs, Maggie and Zoe.

Favorite thing about Austin: The live music scene and great restaurants.

Email: cdillard@riverbend.com

TRAVIS TAYLOR
WORSHIP AND TEACHING PASTOR

Travis, his wife Melissa, and their 3 children moved from San Diego to Austin in 2019. He has a passion for worship, video games and LEGOs. He has been in and around churches his entire life and was a Worship Pastor at his previous church. He loves meeting new people and loves trying new coffee shops. His life’s goal is to find the perfect cortado.

Favorite thing about Austin: Ramen Tatsu-Ya and Topo Chico 🤤

Email: ttaylor@riverbend.com

Production

TORY SANDERS
TECH DIRECTOR

Tory is an Austin plant by way of Dallas, TX. Tory has 17+ years of experience in ministry and the production (audio, video, and lighting) world. Connected to various large artists and production companies, Tory has had the opportunity to travel, tour and connect with artists in and out of ministry. Tory has a huge heart for people and loves to show Christ to anyone he meets. He believes in growth, progress, and elevation! Tory loves music, sports (Go Cowboys), cooking, traveling, and just hanging with great peeps.

Favorite thing about Austin: Live music, good food, nice hanging spots, and I love the liberty to be yourself. You never know who's who in Austin.

Email: tsanders@riverbend.com

WILL CLARK
PRODUCTION MANAGER

Will studied audio engineering at ACC. He was looking for more work experience, and reached out to Riverbend. Will started as an intern for several months and then was brought on to the staff in May of 2023.

Favorite thing about Austin: Beautiful trails, amazing music, and the enchanting scenery.

Email: wclark@riverbend.com

JAKE PAINTER
VIDEO PRODUCER

Jake has been a member of Riverbend Church since childhood. He started working as an intern to finish his Communication Degree from St. Edward's University, and now works full time as a member of the Communication and Tech Team. Jake has a passion for filmmaking and storytelling, and he hopes to use this passion to help others tell their stories. When not at work, you can find Jake watching movies with friends or teaching himself new hobbies.

Favorite thing about Austin: There's always something new to do in the City.

Email: jpainter@riverbend.com

Administrative

LINDA BELL
COORDINATOR OF FINANCE & ACCOUNTING

Linda is a native of Austin and has served on the Riverbend Staff for over 30 years. She and her husband, Tommy, live in Southwest Austin with their 2 zany cats, Sugar and Spice.

Favorite thing about Austin: Texas Longhorn Football!!

Email: lbell@riverbend.com

KIM FARR
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & HR

Kim and her husband John are native Texans. They have two adult children who also live in Austin. Kim has been the Finance/ Human Resources Director for over 18 years. When she’s not pinching pennies, you will find her running town lake and enjoying the great outdoors.

Favorite thing about Austin: There is always old/new and interesting events/places to discover.

Email: kfarr@riverbend.com

MELANIE TAYLOR
HR DIRECTOR

Although born and raised in Baytown, TX, Melanie has called the Austin area home for over 30 years. In 1999, she and her husband Steve joined the Riverbend family, prompted by Steve, who saw Gerald Mann at a Washington D.C. prayer breakfast and on TV. Melanie retired in April 2023 after a 30-year career in HR at a global company and says she loves that God opened doors for her to work part-time at Riverbend. Melanie and Steve love their extended family, and she enjoys reading, traveling, and volunteering at The Lighthouse at Riverbend dementia respite program.

Favorite thing about Austin: The beauty and wildflowers of Austin and the hill country.

Email: mtaylor@riverbend.com

Operations

Chris Hanson_500x500.jpg — LEADERSHIP TEAM

CHRIS HANSON
EXECUTIVE PASTOR

Chris, his wife Alaina, their daughter Olivia and son Baron are long time Riverbenders having volunteered in a variety of areas. Chris grew up in Houston before attending the University of Texas where he began attending Riverbend. After a 20+ year career in the business sector Chris is now working with Riverbend’s Facilities, IT, Gardens, Centres, Stewardship, and Church Foundation teams. He holds a Bachelors degree from UT Austin and a Masters degree from Colorado Christian University. In his free time Chris enjoys coaching baseball at Regents School of Austin, traveling with family, and a relaxing dinner out.

Email: chanson@riverbend.com

PAUL VIEBROCK
DIRECTOR OF MEN’S MINISTRY & OPERATIONS

Paul is a Kansas native “Rock Chalk, Jayhawk,” whose spent over 30 years in the tech industry. Married to his wife Anna, they have four boys and six wonderful grandchildren. Paul is jazzed to be at Riverbend. He loves having the opportunity to be able to serve others - just being able to “care” and then watch God “cure”. A lover of the outdoors, Paul enjoys hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, and camping.

Favorite thing about Austin: First, that all my family is here. Second, the natural beauty seen from hike and bike trails. Third, the eclectic vibe of the city – with an inclusiveness fostered by a wonderful mix of music & arts, food, sports teams, and spirited politics.

Email: pviebrock@riverbend.com

SCOTT MATTESON
DIRECTOR OF IT

Scott was looking to do something different with his life. So when a position opened up at Riverbend Church, he jumped at the chance to work in a faith-based organization and has been blessed to be part of the Riverbend staff for over 15 years. Scott and his wife, Cyndie, have no children but see their dogs, Lilly Belle and Piper, as their children.

Favorite thing about Austin: Scenic hills, lakes and weather.

Email: smatteson@riverbend.com