Staff

Reverend Robert Flick - Interim Rector

Fr. Bob lives in Friendswood and is a recently retired Episcopal Priest of the Diocese of Texas. He retired after spending the last several years as Vicar of Lord of the Streets Episcopal Church. He is married to Sarah, also recently retired. She completed medical school at UTMB and served for many years as a Psychiatrist and a Medical Director at The Harris C enter, serving individuals with mental illness and intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Harris County. They have a daughter, Katie, who just finished college at Texas A&M. Bob is a licensed counselor with an MBA and served in executive management at The Gulf Coast Center for many years. Both Bob and Sarah have had career long interests in work among the poor, those who struggle with mental illness and are disenfranchised, working to bring God’s gift of relationship and wellness in the context of the spiritual journey. Most recently Bob has been working with the Episcopal Health Foundation engaging the congregations of the Diocese as well as local communities in the work of building healing community. Contact Fr. Bob at FrBob@ascensionepiscopalchurch.org

Miranda Griesbaum - Director of Family Ministry

Originally from Brownwood, I was born and raised in the Roman Catholic tradition. At St. Mary's Catholic Church I sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and served as a lector and acolyte. After graduating from Angelo State University with my Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Professional Accountancy, I spent several years as a financial statement auditor at KPMG managing teams that audited oil and gas companies in both Midland and Dallas - that's how I met my husband Isaac!

We moved to Houston several years ago and were fortunate to find a church home at Ascension. Here, I have enjoyed singing in the choir, volunteering in the office, teaching Safeguarding God's Children, and serving as the Jr. Warden. When I'm not volunteering, I love gardening, cooking, putzing around the house, and spoiling my 2 dogs. Contact me at FamilyMinistry@ascensionepiscopalchurch.org

Suzanne Anderson - Organist/Choirmaster

My husband, Mark, and I have lived in Houston since 1989. We returned to the US from 9 years living in Dubai, UAE. Previously, we lived in Hobbs, NM and Casper, WY. Once here, I attended Rice, received my BMus and MMus, and have played for many denominations. I have been fortunate to have music constantly permeate my entire life: learning, teaching, service in churches, working in local theatres, and putting on variety shows.
I am a member and former officer of the American Guild of Organists, and I am active in the Houston chapter. I am a founding member of CMI, Church Music Institute, which is an on-line resource library of sacred music. I have a passion for hymns (I collect hymnals) and am a Life Member of the Hymn Society of America. I feel that well crafted and well presented hymns are a meeting place for God and his people. As organist, I am called to ‘sing the people’s song’ in worship. I look forward to singing the people’s song at Ascension director@ascensionepiscopalchurch.org

Administrative and Support Staff

Samantha King - Parish Administrator

Growing up a military brat, I have lived up and down the east coast and finally settled here in Houston at the age of 13. I have two children, one in Jr. High and one in high school. My daughters are thoroughly involved with Girl Scouts and we donate a lot of our time for community service. I have always felt it is important for children to see that the world is bigger than what is before them and at any age, there is always something they can do to help. I am also a Girl Scout Leader and try to set a good example for them by going the extra mile and living the tried and true expression that "A good deed is its own reward."

Leslie Nirider - Membership

I grew up in West Texas, went to school in Sherman Texas at Austin College, lived overseas and traveled. My husband and I made Ascension our church home in the 90s. Ascension Episcopal School was the right place for our children. They have made friends of all ages here that will last their lifetime. I love helping people find ways to make church more than a Sunday thing; it is community in Christ. Come and see Ascension in West Houston.