The Very Rev. Leslie Burkardt, Rector

Leslie’s family moved to Rochester in 2015 from Corpus Christi, Texas. Jay, her husband, is the Assistant
at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on East Avenue. They have a teenage daughter, Norah, who is fabulous,
and two dogs, Bear, & Eleanor, who are an important part of their family.

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Leslie’s professional experience is both broad and deep. She served as an associate in parishes in Corpus Christi, TX, and Greensboro, NC, and as Rector in North Carolina and Interim Rector in Texas. She has formal training in Interim Leadership, Meditation and Reconciliation in Family Systems, Appreciative Inquiry, and Stewardship Formation. She is passionate about Preaching, Teaching, and Spiritual Formation,
and imagining creative ways people of faith gather, grow, and serve the world.

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Spiritual practices such as yoga and running are key to her health and life with God. She enjoys writing, spending time with her family, volunteering in their daughter’s classroom when possible, and spending
time outside.

 

Phone: 585-442-3544 ext. 103

Email: leslie@stthomasrochester.org

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The Rev. Lydia Arnts, Associate for Children's and Youth Ministries​

Lydia is originally from Bath, New York, and grew up in the Diocese of Rochester, attending St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Bath. She attended Ithaca College majoring in Vocal Performance and graduated

with her Bachelor of Music in 2022.

After discerning a call to ordained ministry, Lydia attended Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. There she completed her seminarian internship at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Washington D.C. Lydia graduated with her Master of Divinity in May of 2025.
 

Lydia is passionate about Christian formation, liturgy and music, and social justice. In her spare time,

she enjoys reading, cooking, going for walks, and making music.

 

Phone: 585-442-3544

Email: lydia@stthomasrochester.org

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Deacon Andrea Stridiron, Deacon

Andrea is a retired teacher from the Rochester City School District. She graduated from West Chester

State University in West Chester, PA, in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.

In 1998, she earned her Master of Education in Elementary Education/Reading from SUNY Brockport. Andrea has been a member of St. Thomas' Church for 40 years. In May 2009, she was ordained to the Diaconate after completing the Rochester Deacon Formation Program.

 

Email: ritastarryeyes@gmail.com

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​​Rhonda Wright, Organist & Choir Director

Rhonda joined the ministry team as organist and choir director in 2023. She brings to the position

an expansive history of choral and handbell conducting, church director of music experience, and
organ and piano performance. She graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor's degree
in Piano Performance and moved to New York for her graduate studies at The Eastman School
of Music. While there, she completed her doctoral coursework, and a Masters degree in Music
Theory. She has also immersed herself in Biblical studies at Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity
School. Rhonda finds joy in the ministry of music, both within the walls of a church sanctuary

and through the engagement of community ensembles with the wider community. 

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Phone: 585-442-3544 ext. 108

Email: organist@stthomasrochester.org

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Jaime Berthold, Finance & Office Manager

Taking on the role of St. Thomas' Finance and Office Manager and newest team member, Jaime Berthold brings a unique blend of financial expertise, local roots, and a deep passion for helping others.

 

Born and raised in Rochester, Jaime has always had a natural love for math and numbers. She turned this passion into a career by earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management from St. John Fisher College. Before bringing her talents to St. Thomas', Jaime built a strong professional foundation working in key office support and financial roles at the Rochester Institute of Technology and the Mendon Golf Club.

 

For Jaime, managing finances is about much more than just balancing spreadsheets. Throughout her career, she has found genuine joy in supporting others and solving problems. She approaches her work with a rare combination of empathy, compassion, and precise attention to detail. As a true team player, she is excited to channel these skills to make our daily operations run smoothly and help our community thrive.

 

When she is not managing the office, Jaime stays highly active. You can often find her playing volleyball, hockey, or golf, or enjoying a peaceful day out on the water paddleboarding. However, her greatest joy of all is spending quality time with her family. Outside the office, Jaime’s world completely revolves around her amazing daughter, Peyton, alongside their beloved family pets—Hughie the dog and Zayn the cat.

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​Phone: 585-442-3544 ext. 102

Email: finance@stthomasrochester.org and office@stthomasrochester.org

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Amy Holowczenko, Communications/Reception

Amy joined the staff with a wealth of experience in communications and website design and oversees

all things communication oriented. Additionally, she serves as the Parish Office Receptionist, answering

the phones and manages some technical aspects of the Parish Office and AV equipment. 

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Phone: 585-442-3544 ext. 101

Email: communications@stthomasrochester.org

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Terrance Grimes, Property Manager

Terrance Grimes joins the team as our Property Manager. With over a decade of expertise in property management. Originally born in Rochester, Terrance was raised in a bustling household with seven

siblings. His formative years were marked by a passion for basketball, a sport that continues to inspire

his active lifestyle.

 

Family remains at the heart of Terrance’s life. He is the proud father of five children—three daughters

and two sons—and a grandfather to three energetic grandchildren. Much of his free time is devoted

to supporting his children’s pursuits, particularly at sporting events and music recitals, and exploring Rochester’s vibrant cultural scene. He is a regular attendee at music concerts and events at the public market. Gardening is another of his favorite pastimes, tending to a small but thriving vegetable plot. Terrance’s love of travel has taken him and his family to numerous Caribbean destinations, creating

lasting memories along the way.

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Phone: 585-442-3544 ext. 107

Email: property@stthomasrochester.org

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