JODI EVANS
As the Director of Groups and First Impressions, Jodi brings her passion for people, creativity, and connection to life. She found Riverbend in 2021 through small groups and instantly felt at home - drawn in by the authenticity and sense of community. With a background in hospitality, over 20 years as a pastry chef, and a touch of interior design, Jodi has always loved crafting spaces and experiences that feel warm and welcoming. Now, she’s grateful for the opportunity to use those gifts to help others grow in their faith and find meaningful connection. Jodi has called Austin home since 2009 and enjoys life here with her teenage daughter.
Favorite thing about Austin: The ever-growing food scene.
Email: jevans@riverbend.com
AUDREY PARKER
Audrey is excited - and still a bit surprised - to find herself working in ministry and loving it. She was raised agnostic and had a life-altering experience of God in 2006 that changed Everything. Audrey is most passionate about helping people with inner wounds experience transformation and a refreshing sense of newness in their faith. So naturally, the Deeper Journey course offered here is exactly her jam! Audrey is blessed to attend Riverbend with her dear friend (and ex-husband) Jason and their two vibrant sons, Christopher and Jack.
Favorite thing about Austin: The collective embrace of weirdness, creativity, and out-of-the-boxiness.
Email: aparker@riverbend.com
SARAH SHAFFER
Although born and raised in central Kentucky, Sarah has called Texas home for over thirty years. Shortly after moving to Austin she and her husband Marc joined the Riverbend family, prompted by Sarah’s grandmother who loved watching Gerald Mann on TV. Sarah & Marc have two grown daughters, Dylan and Brooke, as well as a dog Alice and cat Milo. Besides loving her family, Sarah enjoys traveling, reading, cultivating relationships and creating beautiful spaces. Whenever she has free time, Sarah is exploring Austin, walking or running Lady Bird Lake, hiking the greenbelt and discovering cozy coffee shops and bookstores.
Favorite thing about Austin: The variety of things to do outdoors… hiking, biking, picnicking, kayaking, SUPs, outdoor music, festivals and more!
Email: sshaffer@riverbend.com
KACY LYNN HILL
Kacy was born and raised in Austin and attended Texas A&M University from 2017 to 2023. There she received her bachelor of science in psychology and master's degree in public health. Kacy’s desire is to continue to grow in faith and love through being the hands and feet of Jesus. Her passion is promoting wellness so others can live a quality life. Kacy is an advocate of a holistic health approach that involves fueling the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit. Caring for others, listening to others, and loving others are most important to Kacy. She is so grateful to be part of the Riverbend family!
Favorite thing about Austin: Exploring the trails and good eats!
Email: khill@riverbend.com
BAILEY HUFFMAN
Bailey is a Texas State University graduate and an Austinite to his core. He is super excited to be working with students at Riverbend and wants to help them understand who God has called them to be. Bailey has a heart for serving others and wants everyone that he encounters to feel the love that Jesus has for them. He has a huge passion for developing deep and meaningful relations with others and wants to see God work uniquely through those relationships. Bailey has a vision to see the church as part of the community rather than the community being a part of the church. He loves all things outdoors and will find any excuse to bring his dog Bill along to explore the beautiful city of Austin.
Favorite thing about Austin: Hands down all the food around town.
Email: bhuffman@riverbend.com
JENNY KEENER
Jenny is a native Texan who made Austin her home in 2014. She and her husband, Jayson, visited Riverbend shortly after moving and immediately felt at home. She loves the opportunities that Riverbend offers to serve and grow in a community that accepts everyone just as they are, wherever they are. Jenny enjoys exploring Austin and discovering new things to do and places to go. She also loves hanging out with friends, with family, and with Jayson and their dog Emmett, the sweetest rescue ever!
Favorite thing about Austin: The people, the food, and never running out of new places to discover.
Email: jkeener@riverbend.com
TRAYSI SPACE
Traysi began volunteering in children’s ministry in 1998. She has served in several capacities, but VBS has always been the highlight of her year. She feels privileged to be able to share her love for Jesus Christ and her love of worship music with kids every week. Traysi enjoys all things creative, hanging out with family and friends, and traveling with her husband/best friend, Chris, their daughter, Mei, and their dog, Luna.
Favorite thing about Austin: It’s vibe!
Email: tspace@riverbend.com
BARBARA DECKERS
Barbara has attended Riverbend since 2016. Volunteering and watching her kids grow through the children’s ministry here has led her to want to serve the youth and families more than just on Sundays. Barbara, and her husband Michael, are native Austinites. They have two big-hearted children, Patrick and Grace. She enjoys sharing experiences while making new memories with family and friends.
Favorite thing about Austin: Live music!
Email: bdeckers@riverbend.com
MADDIE SCHULTE
Maddie was born in Minnesota but has been a Riverbender since age three when her parents moved to Austin and found Riverbend. After graduating from Baylor University with a degree in music, she plugged in to Riverbend’s choir and music ministry, serving as an active soloist for nearly ten years before becoming a staff member. As a writer, aspiring author, and singer/songwriter, Maddie is deeply passionate about using all forms of communication as pathways to inspire people to follow the unique call God has placed on their heart. She’s also passionate about her sweet family – her husband, Ryan, her stepdaughter, Maizie, and her cat, Matilda.
Favorite thing about Austin: It strikes a rare balance between heritage and innovation.
Email: mschulte@riverbend.com
DEDE KELLICKER
DeDe found Riverbend Church in 2003 and has enjoyed being a part of this community ever since. She loves the idea of a community where everyone is accepted regardless of their past and current situations, as well as where they are along their spiritual journey. She has volunteered in a variety of areas over the years and officially joined the staff in April 2014. She's very proud of her adult daughter, Danae, and her twin teen boys, Brenden & Patrick, keep her busy at home.
Favorite thing about Austin: The diversity and acceptance of odd and unusual – and of course… Riverbend Church!
Email: dkellicker@riverbend.com
HANNAH STEDMAN
Hannah is a recent graduate from Abilene Christian University where she studied Advertising and Public Relations with Graphic Design as a minor. She’s worked in a variety of industries, one of her favorite jobs being a graphic design intern at a church in Abilene, TX. That’s one of the reasons why she’s so excited to be working as a graphic designer at Riverbend! Hannah’s goal is to live her life loving others like Jesus did. When Hannah isn’t working, she loves to crochet, explore the outdoors, or go for a run!
Favorite thing about Austin: Going to ACL!
Email: hstedman@riverbend.com
JOSEPH PAZ
Joseph is excited to join the team at Riverbend Church! Having graduated from Texas State University with a BFA in Performance and Production, Joseph has been blessed with the opportunity to work with venues and productions all across the city. He is passionate about the arts and the relationships and community that can be created through it. When he’s not working, you can find him acting in a production around the city, paddleboarding on Town Lake, or hanging out with his dogs, Hal and Swayze!
Favorite thing about Austin: Such a dog-friendly city, all of the outdoor activities, and Bird Bird Biscuit!
Email: jpaz@riverbend.com