Our Staff
Staff in Chruch
Brad Otto
Senior Pastor
Associate Pastor Pr. Alma was called to Messiah in October of 2023. She completed her undergraduate work in Social Work at Luther College in Decorah, IA. Pr. Alma received her Master’s of Divinity from Lutheran School of Theology Chicago. Pr Alma is an avid knitter, a meditative swimmer and an eager story collector! She looks forward to meeting you!
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Michelle Mote
Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries
Michelle joined Messiah in December 2010. Michelle has a bachelors degree in theology concentration Youth and Family Ministry from Texas Lutheran University. She also has a Masters of Arts degree in Children, Youth and Family Ministries from Luther Seminary. Michelle works with families to minister to children and youth from ages birth through adult. Michelle is married to her husband Jason and they are dog parents. To email Michelle, just click on her name above.
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Johnny Salvesen
Director of Worship and Music
I’m Johnny Salvesen from Waco, Texas, with a B.M. from Texas Christian University and an M.M. in Music Theory from the University of Houston. I sing in the Houston Grand Opera chorus and teach piano at Houston Piano Company. Outside of music, I enjoy tennis, weightlifting, baseball, and reading biographies. My musical influences include Elton John, Daniel Barenboim, Martha Argerich, George London, and Nicolai Ghiaurov. I’m excited to begin at Messiah!
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Alma Gast
Associate Pastor
Associate Pastor
Pr. Alma was called to Messiah in October of 2023. She completed her undergraduate work in Social Work at Luther College in Decorah, IA. Pr. Alma received her Master’s of Divinity from Lutheran School of Theology Chicago. She and her husband, David, have a son. Pr Alma is an avid knitter, a meditative swimmer and an eager story collector! She is looking forward to meeting you!
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Saharah Solis
Communications Director
My family and I just moved to Cypress from Lubbock, Texas. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to help expand the kingdom of God through communication. I have several years in admin, marketing, and communications and cannot wait to see what the Lord does through me in this season. My husband and I have been married for 7 years and we have a 4-year-old little boy who attends Chrysalis and keeps us on our toes. I love puzzles, reading, and tending to my variety of plants.
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Brenda Patton
Assistant Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries
Brenda joined the staff at Messiah in March 2022. She is an assistant to the children youth, and family ministry director. She is married to her husband John, has three adult children and two grandchildren. Her favorite things, family, friends, camping and kayaking.
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Jackie Peters
Office Manager
I'm married to my best friend for 36 years, mother of 2 beautiful girls and a proud grandmother of a very rambunctious 8-year-old boy. I grew up in Spring Branch and moved to Copperfield in '94. I enjoy sewing, and all crafts.
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Candice Adkins
Chrysalis Director
I’m Candice Adkins, with 17 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, starting as a teacher’s aide. I have a degree in criminal justice, which allows me to give back to my community in different ways. I also enjoy creating organic balloon garlands for events.
I have two daughters who love art, dancing, Roblox, and Legos. I’m excited to continue teaching children, sharing both the love of God and the joy of learning. Our children are our future leaders!
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Jason Mote
Director of AV
Jason joined Messiah in December 2010. He grew up in the Cypress area and graduated from Cy-Creek High School. He has a bachelors degree in environmental biology from Texas Lutheran University where he met his wife, Michelle. They married in 2003 and they are dog parents. They currently live in Copperfield.
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Earl Mote
Property Manager
Earl Mote
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Janell Schultz
Director of Events
My name is Janell Schultz. My husband David and I have been active members of Messiah for more than 20 years. We have two adult sons, two daughters-in-law, and 4 grandchildren. I’ve made many friends while participating in the different Ministries at Messiah and Chrysalis. My time is usually focused on grandchildren, sewing projects, amateur photography, Messiah, Chrysalis or sometimes a mixture of all of them together.
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Jennifer Wildrick
Childcare Coordinator
I grew up in Waller and have been a Lutheran all my life. I am a librarian at Harmony School of Achievement and have 4 godchildren and 2 nephews. I enjoy concerts and spending time with friends and family. I started in the nursery at Messiah in June of 2012.
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