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
REYN HARPOLE
Reyn is an adrenaline seeker who married his High School Sweetheart, Amber, in 2013 and has been doing student ministry ever since. With four children (two biological boys: Emerson & Everett, and two adopted girls: Maisy (2019) & Ivy (2020)), there is never a dull moment! Reyn has a passion for seeing teens encounter Jesus in a real, and relevant way, utilizing a wide variety of random talents to do it. Follow him on IG or TikTok and see for yourself!
Favorite thing about Austin: Going to concerts
Email: rharpole@riverbend.com
DELANEY ESTES
Delaney is a lifelong Riverbender and recent Baylor graduate. After a few summers working with students as an intern, she is excited to now be on full-time staff and hopes she can help students learn more about how deep God’s love is for them. She feels passionate about giving students the space and opportunity to be leaders. Delaney loves the close community of Riverbend and feels inspired by the culture of the church. She enjoys being outside in nature, spending time with friends, and trying out new places and restaurants.
Favorite thing about Austin: The culture!
Email: destes@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
SCOTT REEVES
Scott and his wife, Heather, have attended Riverbend for seventeen years. They have two daughters, Ella and Tessa. A native Texan, and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Scott spent 25 years in the Specialty Sports Surfacing industry as a Sales Executive and in Senior Management. His passion for serving and engaging people led him to pursue ministry at Riverbend. Scott loves a good meal or coffee at any table, he hasn’t met a stranger, and enjoys the live music in Austin. In addition to serving on the leadership team, church council, and Riverbend Foundation, Scott sits on several nonprofit boards and is active in a variety of ventures in the city.
Favorite thing about Austin: I love the quirkiness of Austin. The arts scene is another good reason to live here. Austin dances to its own rhythm in the heart of Texas. And of course, the Longhorns, tacos, and a beautiful drive out to the hill country make it a special place to live.
Email: sreeves@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
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
CHRIS HANSON
Chris, his wife Alaina, their daughter Olivia and son Baron are long time Riverbenders having volunteered in a variety of areas. Chris grew up in Houston before attending the University of Texas where he began attending Riverbend. After a 20+ year career in the business sector Chris is now working with Riverbend’s Facilities, IT, Gardens, Centres, Stewardship, and Church Foundation teams. He holds a Bachelors degree from UT Austin and a Masters degree from Colorado Christian University. In his free time Chris enjoys coaching baseball at Regents School of Austin, traveling with family, and a relaxing dinner out.
Email: chanson@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