SARAH COLLINS
Sarah is a proud native Texan with over three decades of experience in sales and management. Her professional journey began with AT&T, where she honed her skills before entering a fulfilling career at Dignity Memorial. At Dignity Memorial, she had the privilege of guiding families through challenging times, assisting them with cemetery selections, and prearranging funeral services.
Beyond her professional life, Sarah is a devoted wife and mother to two wonderful boys. As a native, she proudly supports our local teams, including her beloved Astros. She enjoys immersing herself in a good book, traveling to new places, and cherishing every moment with loved ones.
BRAD MYRAND
Brad made Austin his adopted home five years ago and has really enjoyed it! He is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles where he captained the men’s soccer team and has worked on and off in the funeral and cemetery industry since 2006. Brad dedicated the last 20 years of his life to helping people, whether it’s through helping them get through the hardest time in their life, or coaching and mentoring competitive youth soccer players. Having the opportunity to work for Riverbend Church is a dream come true! Brad is also crazy about the NFL, Fantasy Football, European Soccer, and golf, and enjoys a good Bourbon at the end of a hard day’s work.
Favorite thing about Austin: The artistic flare Austin symbolizes, all the fantastic BBQ, and always a short drive to get out of city life.
LINDA BELL
Linda is a native of Austin and has served on the Riverbend Staff for over 30 years. She and her husband, Tommy, live in Southwest Austin with their 2 zany cats, Sugar and Spice.
Favorite thing about Austin: Texas Longhorn Football!!
Email: lbell@riverbend.com
KIM FARR
Kim and her husband John are native Texans. They have two adult children who also live in Austin. Kim has been the Finance/ Human Resources Director for over 18 years. When she’s not pinching pennies, you will find her running town lake and enjoying the great outdoors.
Favorite thing about Austin: There is always old/new and interesting events/places to discover.
Email: kfarr@riverbend.com
MELANIE TAYLOR
Although born and raised in Baytown, TX, Melanie has called the Austin area home for over 30 years. In 1999, she and her husband Steve joined the Riverbend family, prompted by Steve, who saw Gerald Mann at a Washington D.C. prayer breakfast and on TV. Melanie retired in April 2023 after a 30-year career in HR at a global company and says she loves that God opened doors for her to work part-time at Riverbend. Melanie and Steve love their extended family, and she enjoys reading, traveling, and volunteering at The Lighthouse at Riverbend dementia respite program.
Favorite thing about Austin: The beauty and wildflowers of Austin and the hill country.
Email: mtaylor@riverbend.com
MATTHEW KANGAS
Matthew is from Southern California and moved to Houston, Texas when he was 13 years old. He is currently a student at Concordia University studying business and accounting. He loves Riverbend because it gives him the opportunity to do what he loves to do and also see God work in many people. In his free time, Matthew enjoys collecting coins and running.
Favorite thing about Austin: All the running trails available to run and bike on.
Email: mkangas@riverbend.com
PAUL VIEBROCK
Paul is a Kansas native “Rock Chalk, Jayhawk,” whose spent over 30 years in the tech industry. Married to his wife Anna, they have four boys and six wonderful grandchildren. Paul is jazzed to be at Riverbend. He loves having the opportunity to be able to serve others - just being able to “care” and then watch God “cure”. A lover of the outdoors, Paul enjoys hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, and camping.
Favorite thing about Austin: First, that all my family is here. Second, the natural beauty seen from hike and bike trails. Third, the eclectic vibe of the city – with an inclusiveness fostered by a wonderful mix of music & arts, food, sports teams, and spirited politics.
Email: pviebrock@riverbend.com
SCOTT MATTESON
Scott Matteson, IT Director at Riverbend Church, has dedicated 23 years to fostering innovation and community. With a passion for IT and a keen sense for technology's role in connection, Scott's leadership is pivotal. Outside work, he cherishes time with his wife Cyndie and their beloved pets, and finds joy in traveling, yard work, and reading.
Favorite thing about Austin: Great BBQ and the beautiful Hill Country.
Email: smatteson@riverbend.com
BROOKE PHINNEY
Brooke is a born and raised Austinite and “Riverbender” who graduated from Texas State University in December 2018. She and her husband, Drew, live in Leander with their two rescue dogs, Maple and Rye, and are expecting their first child in early April 2025. She loves to cook and bake, craft, experience live music, and spend time with friends and family. She enjoys doing anything that lets her apply her creativity and if it’s service-oriented, then that’s a bonus.
Favorite thing about Austin: The funky restaurants and bars, knowing you can get into almost any function wearing shorts, and Gary Clark Jr.
Email: bphinney@riverbend.com
