The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma is pleased to announce that Teresa Phares will be the new Children and Youth Coordinator!
The Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma is pleased to announce that Teresa Phares will be the new Children and Youth Coordinator. Teresa will be a member of the Ministry Partners Team, helping consult congregations on Children and Youth formation as well as leading our summer camp program.
Since 2016, Teresa served as the Director of Membership & Training Operations for the Godly Play Foundation. She has been instrumental in starting and supporting countless Godly Play programs around the country, and has recently been certified as a US Trainer. She also brings her experience as a teacher and a congregational director of children’s formation to this position. Teresa holds a B.S. in Mathematics Education, an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, and an M.A. in Theology from The School of Theology at The University of the South.
Teresa grew up in Michigan and, after also living in Tennessee and Florida, moved to Oklahoma in January of 2021. She is excited to call Oklahoma home now! She currently lives in Bartlesville with her husband, The Rev. Nick Phares, and their 9-year-old son. They also have two daughters (ages 16 and 19) who are away at school. In her free time, Teresa is fed by music (particularly traditional Anglican music), cooking, doing puzzles, playing board games with her family, and any event that involves being with other people.
“This job is honestly my dream job! I have always felt a strong vocational call to nurture the spiritual lives of children and youth, and I cannot wait to do that within the Diocese. I am honored to join such a collaborative and creative team, and I look forward to putting my own skills and energy to use for the Diocese. The Holy Spirit is alive and stirring within the Diocese of Oklahoma! What an exciting time to join in the discernment of where we are being led,” Phares said.
Bishop Poulson shares his thoughts, “I’m delighted to welcome Teresa to our diocesan staff. As we focus on congregational vitality, one of our key tools is the faith formation of children and youth at summer camp and throughout the year. Teresa’s breadth and depth of experience will help us form Christian disciples in congregations of every size, and nurture supportive friendships among our young people from across the diocese.”
Phares first day at the Diocese will be Jan. 10th 2022!