The Rev. Chris Veillon
Priest-in-Charge
The Rev. Chris Veillon joined St. John’s Episcopal Church as priest-in-charge on October 1, 2023. Originally from northern New Jersey, Chris came to St. John’s after working in the Episcopal Church in Manhattan and Connecticut since 2011. She prepared for the priesthood at Yale Divinity School, Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, and the Yale Institute of Sacred Music. Before seminary, she was Director of Communications and Education for Ministry mentor at St. James’, Madison Avenue. Chris earned her MFA in writing and publishing in 2011 and continues to source the arts as a preacher and theologian.
Chris is married to Peter (whom she met at church, the old fashioned way). They have two young daughters and a menagerie of pets. When they’re not at church or strolling through Pleasantville, they love international travel, ice cream shops, and Taylor Swift.
As priest-in-charge, Chris is involved in nearly every aspect of life at St. John’s, from preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and leadership development, to budgets, administration, and financial stewardship. Her focus is on creating a culture in which people of all ages can grow in faith and be equipped as disciples who will know, love, and follow Jesus. If you haven’t already been in touch, she would love to hear from you.
The Rev. Michelle Howard
Priest Associate
Michelle was ordained a priest in September 2023, and her hope for her ministry is that every person would know how deeply they are loved by God. Michelle’s day job is as the Interim Chief Program Officer at the Osborne Association, which aims to transform lives, communities, and the criminal justice system. In addition to supporting program areas to accomplish strategic objectives, she serves as a chaplain to people at Rikers Island and supports chaplaincy interns completing their Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE).
In 2017, Michelle was appointed as a fellow of Silliman College at Yale University where she co-taught a class on prison law and policy with her husband, Hyatt. Prior to moving to New York, she received her Master of Divinity Degree with honors from Duke University and a B.A. with distinction from Yale University. Michelle recently relocated from Manhattan to Scarsdale with Hyatt, their two children, and their labradoodle, Kenobi.
Dr. Nancy Engel
Interim Organist
Dr. Nancy Engel is a performer, teacher, music therapist, and choir director with more than 40 years of musical experience. Nancy studied piano and voice from a young age in her hometown of Ada, OK; she attended the University of Oklahoma, where she sang her first opera role and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music.
Nancy worked as a music therapist and choral director during her college years. She then attended the American Institute of Musical Studies in Graz, Austria, where she was engaged with the Bielefeld City Opera in Germany.
After the birth of her daughter, she returned to the U.S. and earned her doctorate in music from Indiana University. She then moved to NY, where she taught choral music in Mt. Pleasant Central Schools for 22 years. In addition, she was the Children’s Choir Director at St. Peter Church in Danbury, CT. Nancy recently retired from these two positions. She currently maintains a music studio and substitutes at several local churches as a music director.
Megan Whalen
Director of Administration & Operations
Megan Whalen has worked in the Episcopal Church since 2012. She got her start as a Sunday School teacher and Middle School Youth Group director; she brings that wealth of experience to St. John’s as the administrative support for our Church School and Youth Group programs. Megan embarked on her bookkeeping career with the Episcopal Church in 2017 and became bookkeeper at St. John’s in 2019; she took on St. John’s Administrator tasks in 2021.
Under the direction of the clergy and in consultation with the Treasurer, Megan is responsible for overseeing administrative operations and the financial health of the church. This role involves managing the church’s budgeting, accounting, and reporting activities, as well as numerous administrative and Communications functions that ensure the smooth running of the church’s day-to-day operations. She plays a vital role in supporting the church’s mission and vision and contributes to our spiritual well-being with her compassionate presence.
Megan is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Columbia Teachers College. She has three children and loves working with St. Johns!