KCC Staff Directory

The Reverends Robert and Mindy Fugarino, KCC Co-Pastors

The Revs. Mindy and Robert Fugarino began their journey as the new co-pastors of Kingwood Christian Church in February 2011. Robert and Mindy are both native Texans, earned Masters of Divinity degrees from Brite Divinity School at TCU in Fort Worth, and possess more than 15 years of professional experience in ministry. They have one daughter, Karyssa, 4.

Robert and Mindy are thrilled to be at Kingwood Christian Church because members display a high level of enthusiasm and dedication. "Christians come together to do three main things: worship God, explore and question the Christian faith and share what they have with others in the name of Jesus," Robert said. "My experience at Kingwood is that it is very alive and active in all of these areas -- worship, study, and outreach."

Mindy already has been working with parents to implement programming for children and teens that includes a Friday Night Hang Out for middle and high school students to spend time in a safe environment while exploring the arts, including a jam session, and a Wednesday night Music and Movement class for children ages 4 through fifth grade. "The children's and youth ministry is really promising," Mindy said. "It's exciting to be a part of a church that is energetic about new things."

Robert graduated from Klein High School and went on to the University of Houston where he graduated magna cum laude with a bachelors' degree in English and a minor in political science. Robert planned to be an attorney but a book he read during college changed his life. "C.S. Lewis had a major influence on me," Robert said. "After reading him, I really started to think about my future and sensed that it should focus more around faith than legal briefs". He graduated magna cum laude from seminary, was ordained in 1999 and did additional post-graduate work at the University of Notre Dame. Professionally, he has served as a pastor, associate minister and co-pastor at churches in Texas, Kansas and Arizona. Robert enjoys reading, writing, bicycling on the greenbelts and kayaking on Lake Houston.

Mindy graduated from Arlington High School, where she played varsity tennis before attending TCU and the University of Texas-Arlington. She graduated summa cum laude from UTA with a degree in philosophy. Mindy's dad was a minister so she grew up immersed in church activities. "By the time I was in the third grade, I knew I was going to be a minister," Mindy said. "I enjoyed being in the church because it felt like an extension of family to me." She graduated summa cum laude from seminary and was ordained in 2001. Her professional experience includes working in Kansas, Missouri and Texas, where she has been a chaplain, associate regional minister and co-pastor. Her post-seminary training includes a one year hospital residency where she specialized in ministering to patients dealing with cancer, mental health issues and child birth complications. She also taught World Religions for the University of Phoenix. In 2009, Mindy traveled with other Christians to Burundi, Africa. "I was inspired by the people for how they approached adversity with a strong sense of faith and a deep sense of joy -- despite what they didn't have-- and by how they cooperated to make sure the community's needs were met," Mindy said.

Kingwood Christian Church is indeed blessed to have these two dedicated and talented Christian leaders to lead and share God's love and commitment with our community and beyond. Both of them may be contacted by calling the KCC Office at 281-360-7910. Mindy's email is mindy@kwcc.org and Robert's is revrobert@kwcc.org.

Christian Steingart, KCC Director of Ministries with Children and Youth

Christian Steingart graduated from Valley Christian Academy in Osler, SK (that's Canada, folks!) in 1995 and remembers receiving the Athletic Leadership Award. He needed to be agile because at sixteen he entered his first year at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, SK. During this time, he discovered and honed his passion for music and songwriting. In his 3rd year of the B.Ed program, Christian picked up his guitar and began sorting out a professional life in the arts.

After being offered a staff position with Community Living Alternative Services, his desire to positively invest in people's lives eventually brought him to work along side people with developmental disabilities . Starting in 2002, Christian spent almost five rewarding years working with people diagnosed with FAS, autism and other cognitive disabilities.

During this time, Christian was appointed the Creative Director at Jubilee Christian Center in Calgary, Alberta, Canada where he spearheaded the Music Department until getting married and relocating to Houston in 2009. His wife Chelsea is a flight attendant with Continental (now United) and they happily decided to call Houston home.

Since moving to Houston, Christian has been working with OpusOne Music in private schools around Houston, as well as gigging with different Worship and cover bands. He is thrilled to be on staff at Kingwood Christian Church and eager to help the kids of KWCC meet and experience God in such a way that it would not only transform their lives but also empower them to invest in the lives of others. Christian loves all sports and will help you win your golf tournaments. He is also passionate about the arts, traveling, social justice, the global community and helping the marginalized and disadvantaged. Did we mention he drives the 2010 Green Car of the Year and he likes to recycle???

The Reverend Nancy Parsons, KCC Minister of Congregational Care

Nancy joined Kingwood Christian Church in April 2006 and during that time has been a devoted servant to our congregation in several capacities including Elder Chair. Her kind, compassionate and professional assistance to those in need is selfless and much appreciated by all who know her. Her long term professional goal is to be a solo pastor but she is open to being on staff and eager to be a part of the faith formation of multiple generations.

Nancy explains "What brought me to Kingwood Christian Church was an invitation by Mary Cavnar Johnson. I came to an Advent program and found there an answer to some questions I had inviting me to grow deeper in my relationship with Christ. What really struck me about Disciples that was a major impact is its emphasis on ecumenical nature of THE CHURCH. Christian Unity! My previous religious affiliation was with the Episcopal Church and I was acquainted with Renee (Hoke) through hospice but it was the people of KCC who convinced me this is the right community for me. What I love about KCC is its servant heart and emphasis on MISSION. The friendships that I have formed are so very special to me. I see Christ reflected in each person."

Anyone who knows Nancy is aware that she is a HUGE animal lover (complete with cell phone photos!) and the "Mom" to Sweet William, a thirteen year old orange and white tabby. Sweet William's younger "brother" Leo, and eleven year old Lynx point snow shoe.

The Reverend Carol Laroche, KCC Children's Church Director

Carol has been a member of Kingwood Christian Church for nine years and has been the Director of Children's Church since 2005. Prior to that she was the Director of Young Adult Ministries. Carol also serves on the Board of CLER Ministries, a not-for-profit Christian sexuality education ministry.

Carol is married and has three grown daughters. She lives in The Woodlands where she teaches ballet, tap and motor development to young children.

The Reverend Linda Goddard, President of CLER Ministries

Rev. Linda Goddard is a speaker, teacher, preacher, workshop leader and author of five Biblically-based human sexuality education curriculum known as "Just Say Know!"

Linda is the co-founder and President of CLER Ministries, a not-for-profit Christian sexuality education ministry that provides curriculum and leadership for churches and for the "Created To Be Me" camping program she developed in 1988. Rev. Goddard is a Licensed Minister through Kingwood Christian Church for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest Region. If you would like to learn more about this vital and growing ministry, please click here.

Mr. Keith Dixon, KCC Music Director

Keith Dixon has sung with the Robert Shaw Festival Singers, the Houston Symphony Chorus and Concert Chorale of Houston. He has held a music position in various churches since he was 12 years old, playing piano for his home church, Holly Grove United Methodist Church in Anacoco, Louisiana.

Teaching public school choral music for 34 years, Keith currently teaches at Klein High School. He also conducts the 45 year old Bay Area Chorus, a community chorus located in the Clear Lake area.

Ms. Pixie Thames, KCC Church Pianist

Pixie Thames is a retired teacher of Middle School Math for thirty years. She has also served in church music programs since her high school days by playing the piano and recently has directed the adult handbell choir here at Kingwood Christian Church.

Pixie and her husband Johnny have three grown children and five grandchildren. Her hobbies include gardening, reading, volunteering and enjoying family.

Ms. Jemma Howell, KCC Office Administrator

Jemma Howell takes care of the administrative side of the church. She lived in Kingwood from 1986 until 2011 when she moved closer to downtown Houston to be near her parents and her sister's family.

For the last seven years, Jemma has enjoyed being a single mom to her two sons, now 18 and 21. Her interests include reading, writing, hunting for resale treasures, time with her kids, yoga, movie watching and gardening. She states that she has to "pinch herself" sometimes for having found a job where her administrative skills, all-encompassing crazy love for people and quiet commitment to God have led her to KCC to do work she truly enjoys.