Full-Time Staff

Robert Cunningham serves as Vicar and co-planter of Church of the Good Shepherd. He graduated from Auburn University and spent five years on staff with Cru before attending Covenant Theological Seminary for his Master of Divinity. He then spent seven years serving with Reformed University Fellowship before accepting the call from the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic to plant Church of the Good Shepherd. He is married to Katherine and together they live in the city with two children.

The Rev. Robert Cunningham | Vicar

April Murrie serves as Pastor of Formation and co-planter of Church of the Good Shepherd. She earned a Master’s in Education and a Master’s in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership, and has spent almost thirty years teaching history, theology, and the Bible with all ages and stages, from preschool to adult. She is most joyful when she is shepherding others to live a “with-God” life attuned to the voice of Jesus, their Good Shepherd, who knows them by name. She is married to Daniel and mother to Jacob (and his wife Abby), Adelyn, and Teagan.

The Rev. April Murrie | Pastor of Formation

Kyle O'Donnell serves as the Curate at Church of the Good Shepherd. Originally a "NoVa kid", he came down to attend UVA, where he unexpectedly encountered the living God in Jesus Christ. Following Jesus led him to his wife, Elizabeth, into youth and campus ministry on Grounds, and, after three years pastoring in North Carolina, back here to Charlottesville. He's most alive at the intersection of physical and spiritual training; so, if you ever want to pray while lifting weights, he's your guy! He and Elizabeth and their three kids live in the city and would love to host you for dinner.

Kyle O’Donnell | Curate

Part-time Staff

  • Music and Worship Arts Coordinator

    Donovan was born and raised in Gilbert, AZ. He studied Business and Psychology at Washington and Lee University. With over a decade of experience in leading worship at a variety of different churches (including "Cowboy Church" in Arizona!), he's delighted to join Good Shepherd's worship team. He loves good coffee and meeting new folks — come say “hello!”

  • Ministry Team Coordinator

    Abby grew up in small-town New Hampshire and graduated from Mount Holyoke College before moving to Charlottesville in 2021. With a background in dance composition and technical production, Abby is happiest when giving tangible expression to intangible values, and finds joy in managing practical needs to support Christ-centered community. When she’s not making a to-do list, she also loves creative nonfiction (reading and writing), fall foliage, and summer camp.

  • Children's Ministry Coordinator

    Milena grew up in the DC area and moved to Charlottesville in 2015 to attend graduate school at the University of Virginia. She received an M.T. in special and elementary education, leading her to teach in the Charlottesville City school district for the past 7 years. Other than teaching, her favorite things to do are cook, travel, spend time outside, and read good books. Send any and all book recommendations her way (truly).

  • Parish Coordinator

    Jaclyn was born and raised in the beautiful state of California (west coast, best coast). She graduated from the University of Virginia and decided to stay in town after graduating. Jaclyn works full-time with Arrabon and is honored to participate in the work of racial reconciliation among christian institutions through this vocation. In her free time, Jaclyn enjoys planning events that bring people together and encourage attendees to share their lives and stories.

  • Catechist in Residence

    Elizabeth O'Donnell serves as the Catechist in Residence which is just a fancy way of saying she develops and guides our Catechesis of the Good Shepherd formation for our children. Originally from Louisiana, Elizabeth moved to Charlottesville over a decade ago. She met her husband Kyle here and they now have three children. Through her previous work as a Children's Director she was introduced to Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) and is now trained in all three levels. It is not always the case that one's greatest joy aligns with one's vocation, but this is true for Elizabeth. Serving as a catechist and guiding others in this path is a source of unbounded joy. She looks forward to welcoming and serving your children!

  • Pastor of Mercy

    Angela Holstege serves as Pastor of Mercy for Church of the Good Shepherd. Originally from Michigan, she has lived in Charlottesville for 23 years. She began her adult life as a pediatric nurse. She has been married to Chris for 35 years and spent 25 years as the primary caregiver to Erik [wife Margaret and son Henry], Eli [wife Kiara and son Levi], Ben, Sam, Noah, and Annalee. She graduated from Calvin Theological Seminary with an MDiv. She serves as a volunteer chaplain at the Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail. She is most alive when introducing people to the flourishing life offered in Jesus Christ.