Our Staff
Rev. Andrew (Andy) Gans
PASTOR AND HEAD OF STAFF
Andy was called to Pines in the spring of 2017, having previously served churches in Florida and Georgia. Andy was raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Divinity degree from Columbia Theological Seminary. Andy’s passion for Christ, his desire to seek justice for all people, his gift of real and vulnerable preaching and his previous experience in youth and children’s ministry are benefits not only to the Pines congregation, but also to the larger church and the surrounding community. He eagerly uses his gifts to walk alongside the Pines family, as together we seek to deepen our understanding of faith through study, worship, and mission. Andy and his wife, Cheryl, are the proud parents of two adult daughters.
Email Pastor Andy
Laurie Conner
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRIES
Laurie comes to Pines Presbyterian Church from the classroom. Having taught music at all levels, pre-school through college, she was the head choir director in Houston ISD at Johnston Middle School for the Performing and Visual Arts for 18 years. Laurie finished her classroom career as the choir director at Terry High School in Lamar CISD before retiring in May of 2021. With degrees in piano, instrumental and vocal music education, Laurie brings a diversity of experience that is sure to enhance the life of the Pines family. Laurie is a lifelong church goer and is a member of Pines. While she has many former students of whom she is proud – once a Conner Kid, always a Conner Kid – she is most delighted with her own daughter, Sydney Conner, a trained opera singer who lives in The Woodlands and works in supply chain management. Thrilled to be working again with former colleague, Shawn Heller, accompanist extraordinaire, Laurie is ecstatic with the music team at Pines and looking to expand its reach and membership. As she always says, “God said, ‘Make a joyful noise’; He didn’t demand that we make a perfect one.” Come rehearse with us and make a joyful noise leading worship on Sunday mornings!!
​
Cassandra Burke
DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION
Cassandra is passionate about helping children, youth, and families grow in faith and discover what it means to live out the love of Christ in their everyday lives. Cassandra has a diverse background, bringing experience in elementary and special education, political and social advocacy and activism and management. Cassandra brings a strong commitment to creating engaging, meaningful, and accessible opportunities for people of all ages to learn, serve, and grow together.
One of Cassandra’s particular passions is creating a more inclusive church community where people with disabilities and their families are fully welcomed, supported, and able to participate in the life of the church. She looks forward to developing and expanding ministry opportunities for children, youth and adults, while helping to build a disability and special needs ministry.
Cassandra believes faith formation happens not only in the classroom or during Sunday school, but throughout the life of a family and a community. She loves creating opportunities for families to connect, serve others, have fun together, and put their faith into action.
Cassandra and her family relocated to Texas to pursue this calling in ministry. She is a mother of five and, outside of church and family life, enjoys writing, creative projects, and exploring new ideas. She is excited to be part of the Pines family as we all grow together in our faith and love of Jesus.
​
​
PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR
Connie Pike
Connie first joined the Pines family in 2009 as a preschool parent. Having experienced other schools in other cities, she immediately realized that Pines Preschool’s focus on developing the whole child was something truly unique in today’s fast-paced, schedule-driven world. Connie jumped at the chance to join the staff and spent 7-years as a teacher, before being named Director in 2017. A commercial banker in her previous life, she holds a BA degree from the University of Oklahoma and an MBA in Finance from the University of Missouri. Connie first honed her teaching skills at home where she and her husband, Troy, are the parents of three loud, opinionated, wonderful children. As a Christian, Connie believes she has the privilege and the responsibility to share God’s unconditional love to the children and parents of the preschool. As Jesus says in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.”
​
OFFICE MANAGER
Cindy Houlihan
Cindy came to Pines in December of 1999. As office manager, she works closely with all members of the church, manages the church facilities and supplies, and assists in the scheduling of all activities and special events. If you have a question concerning the church, she can usually answer it! Cindy has a son, JD.
​
​
​
​
​
​
OFFICE MANAGER
Theresa Perales
Theresa is a Houston native who brings extensive experience in property management and nonprofit work to her role at Pines. Known for her excellent organizational skills, warm interpersonal approach, and dependability, she is passionate about using her professional talents to serve the body of Christ. A dedicated follower of Jesus for the past 19 years, Theresa is excited to connect with and serve the families of Pines.
Theresa lives in Houston with her husband, Vicente, and their two children, Freddie and Arabella. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time at home with her family, including their two cats, Mango and Mateo, and their turtle, Snappy. She loves fuzzy socks, a cozy night at home, and considers coffee her favorite time of day.
​
> Email Theresa​​​​​
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Alexis Graham
Alexis joined the office staff at Pines in November of 2014. She is a graduate of The University of Tulsa, with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a MBA. Her background has lead her through many fields, industries and locations throughout the United States. Her primary responsibilities are to handle the accounting functions for the church, including accounts payable and receivables. She works under the guidance of the Church Treasurer and the Stewardship Committee. In addition, she provides support to the Committee Moderators in overseeing their committee budgets and disbursements.
​