Our Staff

  • Rev. Valerie Sansing

    senior pastor

    Valerie has served as a pastor in the United Methodist Church since 1999. She served for 19 years in the Rio Texas Annual Conference before coming to the Texas Annual Conference in 2020. At every congregation Valerie has served, she has helped lead the creation of new places for new people by developing new expressions of worship, growing outreach ministries to those on the margins, creating intentional welcoming and discipling processes, and fostering participation in spiritual formation and covenant groups.

    Pastor Valerie is committed to prayer and discernment. She hosts an online prayer and meditation every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 am. She loves teaching courses on prayer and leading others in spiritual discernment practices for decision-making.

    Valerie plays tennis, hikes, camps, swims and hangs out with her Irishdoodle Scarlett. She loves to write and has completed The Mourning Doves, a book about her grief process after the death of her husband John 10 years ago. She is currently working on another book of fiction.

  • Christine Phares, Ed.D.

    director of music

    Christine has served in church music ministry since the age of 14 and has a Bachelors in Music Education, a Master in Music in Vocal Performance and Opera and a Doctorate in Education.

    Christine's past roles in music ministry include Music Director, Children's Music Director, Praise Band, Worship Director, Cantor, and Accompanist. Trained as a classical musician, Christine has performed in operas and symphonies across the United States.

    Previously a Music Educator, Christine transitioned to an administrative role working in grants and development for a nonprofit focused on ensuring positive outcomes for children and families who face the greatest obstacles. Christine enjoys volunteering with BARC animal shelters, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Greater Houston Community Foundation, Buckner, and Pride Chorus Houston.

  • Don Risinger

    lay minister

    Don worked as an engineer and manager in aerospace and oilfield companies for 30 years. He previously served as the Associate Pastor at Cypress Trails United Methodist Church for three years, as well as the Music Ministries Director for 34 years. Don and his wife, Elsie, have been married for fifty years. They have four daughters, a son who is deceased, and six grandchildren.

  • Jess Olvera

    Interim Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries

    Jessica received her Industrial Engineering degree from the University of Houston. She married her high school sweetheart and has worked by his side on their small business for the last 9 years. She has two boys aged 7 and 9 years old. Her children were the spark that restarted her spiritual journey.

    She has a passion for creating a caring community for children, youth, and families.

  • Ravyn Wallace

    After School Care Lead Teacher

    Church Office Administrator

    Ravyn has studied and worked in childcare for the past seven years. After graduating with a Child Development Associates certification, Ravyn moved to Houston from the small town of Coolidge, Texas. Her objective has been to to pursue education in childcare, herself and God.

    Ravyn came to Spring Community Church in January 2023 to work in our Aftercare program. Soon after she became our Church Office Administrator. She hopes to continue to grow in finding herself while doing and sharing what she loves with those around her.

  • Hanna Lim Murphy

    Pianist

    Hanna is our 9:00 am worship service pianist. She was born in Seoul, Korea and moved to the states when she was 15. She finished her degree in Piano Performance at University of Houston after having two beautiful children, Silver and Jex. She is a piano teacher to private students and an accompanist to many musicians. Growing up in a Christian family, she served as a church pianist many years. She is very excited to share her love of music with her new church family.