Rev. Dr. Brian C. Hardee, Senior Pastor
Rev. Hardee joined the staff of West Avon Congregational Church in August of 2006. He was previously the Pastor at Shenkel United Church of Christ in Pottstown, Pennsylvania from 1996 through 2006. While at Shenkel, Brian obtained his Doctor of Ministry from Lancaster Theological Seminary in 2005. He obtained his Masters of Divinity from Yale in 1996, receiving the Mersick Preaching Prize. Brian's undergraduate work was done at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he graduated in three years summa cum laude as a Caldwell Scholar.
As the son of a career Army officer, Brian has had the opportunity to live in various areas throughout the country and spent five years in Germany. He has also traveled to Puerto Rico, India and Israel. Brian and his four daughters live in West Simsbury.
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. or by appointment.
Rev. Hardee does visitations on Fridays.
Amy Distel, Director of Youth and Christian Education
Amy has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in family studies.
She is very passionate about working with children and community involvement. Most recently, she worked as a Site Director for the YMCA Child Care program at Pine Grove School in Avon, as well as substitute teaching for Pine Grove and Pine Grove Nursery Schools. She has lived in Avon for 14 years with her husband, Ken, and their four boys, Braden, Caleb, Gavin, and Levi.
Office Hours: Wednesday 12:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m., Thursday 10:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. or by appointment.
Lisa Schadler-Alessio, Church Administrator
Lisa is often the first contact one has when they enter the WACC facility. Her duties include providing secretarial and administrative services to the Senior Pastor, the Christian Education Director, the Church Staff, and lay leadership. She also supervises general office operation and oversees rental of the facility. Lisa graduated cum laude from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a degree in Fine Arts and a concentration in design. She adds her art and design background to our church's published materials. Lisa and her family are members of the West Avon Congregational Church. Lisa may be contacted through the WACC office during normal office hours.
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Andrey Stolyarov, Director of Music
Andrey recently completed a Master of Music in Composition at Hartt School of Music. He is currently pursuing his doctoral studies at Hartt. He is a graduate of Lehigh University, where he majored in Music with concentrations in Composition, Conducting and Vocal Performance. While at Lehigh, he was named a Presidential Scholar, a prestigious award entitling him to an additional year of study. Andrey was also accepted to an esteemed European composition festival (ISAM) and won its composition competition. His most recent position was Composer in Residence at the Unitarian Society of Hartford, where he crafted numerous choral and organ works for incorporation into the worship service. A gifted vocalist, Andrey also plays organ/keyboards, guitar, saxophone and percussion.
Donald Funk, Organist
Don has many years of experience as a church musician. Churches he has served include Bristol Congregational Church, Grace Congregational Church in Framingham, and St. Patrick– St. Anthony Church in Hartford. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Hartt School, and has a Master of Sacred Music degree from Boston University.
Donald Funk, Organist
Don has many years of experience as a church musician. Churches he has served include Bristol Congregational Church, Grace Congregational Church in Framingham, and St. Patrick– St. Anthony Church in Hartford. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from the Hartt School, and has a Master of Sacred Music degree from Boston University.
