Our Team
Rector
Mother Mercedes began her ministry at All Saints’ in July of 2023. She previously served as vicar of Trinity Episcopal Church in Van Buren, Arkansas.
Prior to following her call to ordained ministry, Mercedes worked in information technology for 20 years across a variety of roles and industries. She also volunteered for several non-profits including St. Francis House of Little Rock, InfraGard Arkansas, and Central Arkansas ISACA, and she is a graduate of Leadership Greater Little Rock.
Mercedes holds a B.S. degree in Chemistry and Theatre from the University of the South, Sewanee, TN, and an M. Div. degree from the School of Theology at Sewanee. She is a former Marine Corps officer.
The Rev. Mercedes Clements
Melissa Simpson
Program Director
Melissa (she/her pronouns) found the Episcopal Church through friends who simple just asked her to come and see. She brings years of nonprofit experience, advocating for youth and emergency service. As Program Director, she oversees the nursery, Kids Chapel, Episcopal Youth Nights, Episcopal Kids Community, Vacation Bible School, and @TheTable college and young adult ministry. Melissa also manages our social media pages and helps with evangelism. She served on the vestry as junior warden and lead for Neighbors Table.
Melissa is a licensed Lay Catechist, Eucharistic Minister, Eucharistic Visitor, Worship Leader, and completed Education for Ministry in 2022. She currently serves on the board for Camp Mitchell, a member of FORMA, and served one term on the Executive Council with the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas. She is also a deputy for the Diocese of Arkansas to General Convention 2024 in Kentucky. She will serve on the Social Justice and US Policy committee.
When Melissa isn’t at church she’s enjoying time with her four children, her husband Travis, her dog Kona Kai. She loves thrift shop, spend time outdoors in her hammock, iced matchas or traveling to historical sites.
Sherrie Cotton
Parish Administrator
Sherrie is a longtime member of All Saints’ and has served in many capacities at All Saints’, including that of Senior Warden. As Ministry Coordinator, Sherrie’s support for our ministries ranges from announcements in newsletters to updating our nursery to ensuring a warm welcome to those using our facilities to many, many more ways she helps keep ministry happening All Saints’.
When not in the church office, Sherrie enjoys time with her husband, three adult children, and two granddaughters and grandson.
Kristin Smith
Choir Director
Kristin Smith is co-director of the music program along with her husband, Dr. Timothy Smith. As a member of the All Saints community for the past 16 years, she has served on the rector search committee and on the vestry, sung in the choir and taught Sunday School. She also chairs the organ committee. Trained primarily as a cellist, she currently performs with the Arkansas Symphony in Little Rock and maintains a private cello studio. She holds degrees in music from St. Olaf College and Indiana University. Her interests outside of music include running, cooking and reading.
Dr. Timothy Smith
Organist
Dr. Timothy Smith is co-director of the music program along with his wife, Kristin Smith. He has been deeply involved with music over the past 16 years as choir director, organist and choir member. As an associate professor of music at Arkansas Tech University, Dr. Smith teaches piano, music theory and ear training. He has performed widely as both a solo and collaborative pianist and has adjudicated numerous competitions. He holds degrees in piano performance from St. Olaf College and Indiana University. When not playing the piano, Dr. Smith enjoys acting and accompanying in local theater productions.
Lukas Turner
EYC and College Intern
Lukas Turner (he/him) has been a confirmed member of All Saints’ since 2021. He is an active member of the choir, vestry, and young adult fellowship. He also serves as a Eucharistic Minister and Visitor. Originally from central Arkansas, Lukas moved to the River Valley area to attend Arkansas Tech University. He graduated in May of 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. Currently, Lukas serves as the Youth Intern leading the Episcopal Youth Community on Wednesday evenings. He is also working to establish a relationship between All Saints’ and students at Arkansas Tech. Outside of church, Lukas loves to roam antique malls looking for old books.
Trevor Coats
Audio and Visual Director
Trevor Coats joined All Saints’ in October 2020 as Technical Director. He grew up in Russellville and owns a small business assisting local residents with their technological needs in their homes. As Technical Director, Trevor oversees the audio and video production needs of the church. He earned his Associates Degree in Business from UACCM in December of 2020 and will continue attending online at the University of Arkansas.
Lisa Donahou
Custodian
Lisa Donahou, originally from Heber Springs but has spent the last 15 years in Russellville with her 5 boys, ages 6 years old to 15 years old. They love to be outdoors, go to the creeks, fish, swim and take trips to Branson.