Leadership Team

Meet Our Passionate Team

We See

Communities when the potential of all members gets realized,
as people recognize that they are called.

They walk with us in the valley, while fighting for us in the prayer room, and are there to celebrate with us on the mountaintops, all while praising Jesus our source. These are our people. Wayne & Ingrid Carney
Mike Patz

Mike Patz

Lead Pastor

Born in Ohio and raised in St. Petersburg, Mike’s life took a dramatic turn as a freshman at the University of Florida. He connected with Jesus, began his faith journey, and got involved with what is now the Greenhouse Church. He has served as a youth leader, youth pastor, associate pastor, and lead pastor. He is married to his Puerto Rican bride, Ruth (Rivera), and they have been fruitful and multiplied, having eight children. Mike is a lover of innovation, leadership, cultures, languages, communication, sports, and chocolate. He is spending his life for the sake of souls, disciples, justice, and nations. But his deepest passion is his first love: knowing Jesus. He blogs at Mikepatz.com.

352-376-6992
mpatz@greenhousechurch.org

Matt Ulrich

Microchurch Pastor

Matt was born and raised in Vero Beach, FL. Not coming from a Christian home, he met Jesus through an elderly woman in a Savannah ghetto in 1999. Since then, he has been trying to follow Jesus while avoiding the snares of Christendom. He graduated from UF with a B.A in World Religions, attended Fuller Seminary where he received his M.A. in Crosscultural Studies, and graduated from Southeastern University with his Doctorate of Ministry. Matt joined the Greenhouse staff in January of 2008 as the microchurch pastor. He has a heart and passion for God-seeking, discipleship, and multiplication.  He is married to his more beautiful half, Tracy, and has two daughters, Alethea and Adalie.

352-376-6992
mulrich@greenhousechurch.org

BYRON WILLIAMS

HUB Pastor

Byron was raised in Chicago, IL. He moved to Jackson, MS just before starting high school. He had several encounters with God at a young age and tried to establish himself in Christ as a young adult. Although he had a heart to follow God, he lacked strong, consistent, close Godly influences in his life. It wasn’t until his 3rd year as a student at Mississippi State University where he connected with other believers at a local campus ministry that his life in Christ began to flourish. He met and then married the brilliant and beautiful Lakiesha Claude in 2005. 

Byron and Lakiesha both went on to complete doctoral degrees and worked several years as professors at MSU. In 2018 they accepted faculty positions at the University of Florida and moved with their amazing daughters, Sophia and Sage to Gainesville. Byron joined the Greenhouse staff in May of 2021 after almost 3 years as an Associate Professor in Computer & Information Science & Engineering at UF. Byron has a strong desire for wisdom and a high capacity for building systems. His favorite Bible stories are those that feature  Joseph, Solomon, and Daniel, men who relied on God’s wisdom to impact their worlds. 

Byron enjoys all things tech, writing software programs, watching movies, and hanging out with his family.  

bwilliams@greenhousechurch.org

Julie Pagan

Human Resources and Operations Director

Julie moved to Gainesville in 2007 from New York with her two lovely children, Brittany and Jared. Julie was a Greenhouse Church volunteer for over 5 years before joining the staff in November of 2012. She handles Operations at Greenhouse including Sunday services, Breakthrough Weekends, Arnold’s Missions Cafe, and the development of future satellite churches. Julie loves the NY Yankees!

352-376-6992
jpagan@greenhousechurch.org

Andrea Levings

Missions Director

Andrea moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida after earning degrees in Biochemistry and Psychology from Jacksonville University. After finishing school at UF, she joined the Greenhouse Internship (now the school of ministry) before coming on staff at Greenhouse Church. Andrea is passionate about Biblical justice and missions. She loves teaching the Bible and seeing people come alive as they discover and follow their call to make disciples of all nations. Andrea loves experiencing new cultures, outdoor adventures, all woodland creatures, finding legitimate Middle Eastern food in the US, and Daniel Sarafan.
 

alevings@greenhousechurch.org

Ruth Patz

Prayer and Counseling Director

Born in Puerto Rico, Ruth moved to Florida in 1989 and connected with Greenhouse with her mom. She married Mike Patz in 1994 and they’ve been on an adventure ever since. She’s passionate about emotionally healthy spirituality, prayer, healing, and the supernatural. Ruth loves to read and play volleyball, and spending time with Mike and their 8 children.

rpatz@greenhousechurch.org

Oscar RoCHE

Prayer & School of Ministry Pastor

Oscar has been serving the Lord since he was 10 years old. He was an entrepreneur the last 20 years and transitioned into full-time ministry in 2008.  He moved to Gainesville, Florida from Kansas City, Missouri in 2012.  He has traveled and ministered all across the nation preaching and teaching on the glory of Christ and the cost of discipleship. His passion and mission are to serve and equip the body of Christ. He is committed to see Jesus Christ be formed in this generation through the expression of night and day prayer & worship, and the adoring study of the Word of God (Gal. 4:19, Col. 1:18). 

He currently serves as the Greenhouse Church Prayer Pastor and Greenhouse School of Ministry Student Pastor. He is an ordained minister and has been married for over 30 years to his bride, Nancy.  They have two daughters, son-in-law and are recently proud grandparents.  His favorite past times are hanging out with his family, playing softball, fishing, and studying the Bible.

oroche@greenhousechurch.org

Renee Handtke

Care Pastor

Renee is passionate about worship and discipleship. She has been ministering since 1990 and earned an M. A. in Practical Theology at Regent University in 2004. She spent several years in Moscow, Russia as a missionary with her husband, Phil, and after returning to Florida in 1994 she continued to travel to numerous nations ministering the beauty of the Gospel message. She loves seeing people connected to God, each other, and serving in the kingdom. She has two daughters, five grandchildren, and enjoys interior design.

352-376-6992
rhandtke@greenhousechurch.org

Brooke Bauzon

Youth Pastor

Brooke was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. She came to Gainesville in 2006 to attend the University of Florida where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences. During her senior year at UF, she rediscovered and encountered the love and grace of Jesus Christ. This was when she connected with Greenhouse. She has a deep passion for youth and families, and loves watching people encounter God as they discover their gifts. Brooke loves road trips, the beach, coffee, and scaring people!

352-376-6992
bbauzon@greenhousechurch.org

Kat Napoleon

katherine napoleon

youth coordinator

Kat is a graduate school student that came to Greenhouse her freshman year at the University of Florida. She graduated with her Bachelors degree in psychology and is passionate about connecting the youth to their heavenly Father and allowing them to experience the love and joy He pours out as well bringing heaven to earth through prayer. She is a self-described music enthusiast and loves connecting with her Cuban and Puerto Rican roots through it! In her free time she loves to swim at the beach, hang out with friends, or go stargazing!
Gunner Munn

gunner munn

youth intern

Gunner was born and raised here in Gainesville, Florida. He followed early dreams of playing college basketball at St. Thomas University and Santa Fe College later gone rogue. And would soon after be radically saved by the grace of God. An encounter that marked his life forever has led to a call and life of ministry. He serves in various areas of ministry but has a special heart for the generation to follow. He enjoys engaging with and equipping the youth with tactics to withstand the ways of the world. Remaining in school, Gunner is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Management (BBM) and Ministerial studies as well. He loves beach trips, working out, and being with family. But nothing tops making the greatest name known.
 

gmunn@greenhousechurch.org

Gaby Samaniego

Gaby Samaniego

Prayer Administrator

Gaby was born in Ecuador and moved to the United States when she was 6 years old. She lived in Tampa, Fl until she moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida. She is passionate about seeing people of all ages encounter the love of God, seeing them grow in intimacy with Him, and seeing them respond in worship and prayer. Gaby loves listening to live worship, spending time with her family, the beach, puzzles, plants, and doing random creative projects.
 

gsamaniego@greenhousechurch.org

Dayra Pires

Dayra Galarza

Hospitality Director

Dayra was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida. She grew up attending Greenhouse, having some of her core memories take place in children’s church and youth group! It was during a retreat at youth group where she heard God calling her to be a light in the fashion industry. After graduating high school, she moved to New York City to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology where she graduated with her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Fashion Design. She moved on to pursue a career in the fashion industry, and continues to be a light within the fashion industry today in the hopes to see the industry infiltrated with the love of Jesus.

While studying in New York she met the love of her life, Joao Pires, while attending a young adult ministry. Prior to dating, Joao and Dayra served together in worship ministry, until they finally fell in love. Together, they began fulfilling their calling in ministry as youth pastors and continued to be in youth ministry for the next 7 years, until God called them back to Florida where they now serve on staff at Greenhouse Church. In her free time, Dayra enjoys music, art, singing, watching investigative documentaries, and making people laugh uncontrollably!

 

dgalarza@greenhousechurch.org

Andrew Quiros

Andrew quiros

Lead pastor assistant

Andrew was born and raised on Long Island, New York. Moved to Gainesville after spending the last four years as Youth/Children’s Pastor in Brunswick, Georgia. He enjoys pickleball, basketball, baseball (GO YANKEES), and disc-golf. He has a knack for waking up really early & energized to workout, encounter God, and make coffee!
 

aquiros@greenhousechurch.org

Wendy Roche

Local Missions Coordinator

Wendy was raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and moved to West Palm Beach, FL, in her early teenage years. In 2006, Wendy relocated to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida, where God radically transformed her life. At UF, she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Family, Youth and Community Sciences with a concentration in Nonprofit Organizational Leadership.

Before joining our staff, Wendy completed the Greenhouse Internship. Her passion is to see others, especially youth, rise to their full potential and know their identity in Christ. Currently, Wendy coordinates the various local missions initiatives in East Gainesville. She enjoys cooking new recipes, learning about different cultures, traveling, and being outdoors with her journal or a good read.

352-376-6992
wroche@greenhousechurch.org

Tess Bottenhorn

Missions Mobilization Coordinator

Tess was born outside Washington D.C. and grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. In 2013 she moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida, graduating with undergraduate degrees in Marketing and Classical Studies, and with a masters in International Business. After graduation, she participated in the year-long Greenhouse Internship, specializing in Global Missions and Church Planting. In her current role, Tess creates systems to mobilize the local church towards global mission and coordinates local outreach initiatives. Tess is passionate about equipping the local church to advocate for the vulnerable, support the global church, and increase Gospel access around the world. She enjoys being in rooms full of laughter, going on new adventures, and spending time with her family, her friends, and her neighborhood.
 

tbottenhorn@greenhousechurch.org

Tiffany Kuhne

Senior Adult Outreach Coordinator

Tiffany was born and raised in Gainesville. She gave her life to Jesus at Greenhouse while in college in 2014. God softened and broke her heart for what breaks his during the 2015 Greenhouse Summer Internship. God ignited a purpose in her to reach senior adults in nursing homes and remind them of God’s faithfulness and that he has not forgotten them nor has he forsaken them. For the next three years, God continued to grow Tiffany and prepare her for this calling. God moved her into global missions for a year and continued to burden her heart for senior adults. Tiffany returned home and did the year-long internship in 2017 where this calling was confirmed. Now she works in full-time ministry with local outreach to senior adults. Tiffany loves her husband Dylan, her cat Luna, and fashion.

tkuhne@greenhousechurch.org

Patrick McConn

Interim Worship Director​

Patrick has been a part of our Greenhouse family since he was in Middle School, and a part of our Greenhouse staff family since early 2019. He serves as our Next Gen Worship Director, overseeing and leading the corporate worship experience for our College and Youth gatherings, developing and training future worship leaders, and working with our team to write and release new songs of worship from the heart of our church. Prior to returning to Gainesville, FL and Greenhouse, Patrick and his family lived in Atlanta, GA and were involved with and led on Passion City Church’s worship teams, and on leadership teams for Passion Conferences. While vocational ministry hasn’t always been a full-time career, his heart for learning about what it looks like to live a life postured in worship continues to deepen and grow. Patrick enjoys leading in worship together with his wife, Sally, spending time with loved ones, writing music, and raising their two children to love Jesus and the people around them with abandon.

pmcconn@greenhousechurch.org

Gina Umoh

Gina Umoh

Worship leader

Gina was born and raised in Ohio. She moved to Florida in 2014 and gave her life to the Lord in 2015. Gina is passionate about social justice and creating atmospheres of pure worship. Through her ministry experiences over the years, her heart burns to steward the presence of the Lord. She is committed to seeing a new generation have an accurate revelation of Jesus. Gina loves to travel, explore local coffee shops, and eat at every rooftop restaurant she can find.
 

gumoh@greenhousechurch.org

Jonny Taylor

Jonny Taylor

College worship intern

Jonny was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida. From a very young age, music was his passion. He began playing the piano when he was just six years old, and since then has picked up multiple other instruments as well as singing. However, it wasn’t until his junior year of high school that he learned that his true calling wasn’t just for music; it was for worship ministry. Ever since he first joined a worship team in 2019, Jonny has had a fire for worship in all shapes and forms, as well as activating gifts of worship in others. Now a sophomore at the University of Florida, Jonny is a Behavioral Analysis Psychology major. He loves meeting new people, car rides with the windows down and the music blasting, and trying new foods!
Sierra Bacha

Sierra Bacha

Youth Worship Intern

Sierra was born and raised in Long Island, New York, with her mom, dad, older sister, and twin sister, but moved to Florida right before starting middle school. For as long as she can remember, she had such a love for music. From as early as 8th grade, she was serving on a worship team, and has continued to grow in her passion for worship ever since. The more she began serving on worship teams, the more she felt her calling as a worship leader being revealed. Her heart burns for authentic worshippers and to see people who live true lives worshiping Jesus. After moving to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida to pursue a degree in Psychology with a focus on Behavioral Analysis, Sierra’s heart is to be able to apply all she is learning to connect with people on a deeper level during times of worship. Her favorite things include watching sunsets, playing piano, road trips with friends, and exploring new places!

Samara Godshalk

Kids Director

Samara was born and raised in Gainesville, FL at Greenhouse. She started following Jesus when she was just six years old, and has continued ever since! Samara moved to Orlando to attend the University of Central Florida and eventually moved back to Gainesville to pursue full time ministry. Samara is passionate about teaching children how to worship, pray for the sick, hear from God, and tell others about Him. She aspires to create an environment where all children have the opportunity to express their love for God and receive His love for them while becoming familiar with His presence. Samara loves her husband, Jared; together they enjoy leading worship, the beach, and spending time with their families.

sgodshalk@greenhousechurch.org

Bri Young

Kids Ministry Coordinator

Bri was born and raised in West Palm Beach, Fl. She came to know Jesus at the age of 11 and has been passionately following him ever since! After starting college in Massachusetts, she realized that the Lord had other plans and moved back to Gainesville in 2013 to continue her schooling. Bri connected with Greenhouse in the same year and her passion for children came alive! In 2014, she participated in the Greenhouse year-long internship and has been making disciples of youth and children ever since. Bri is passionate about all things kids, family discipleship, and wholeness. She loves sunsets, sunflowers, and puzzles!
 

Sherry Strickland

Bookkeeper

Sherry is responsible for bookkeeping. She is available during the week from 8AM – 3PM.

352-376-6992 ext. 205
accounting@greenhousechurch.org

Leilani Heisler

Finance & Guest Services Assistant

Leilani grew up in Archer, FL. She went to school at Santa Fe and Southeastern University to get her degree in Psychology. After 2 years of marriage to her husband Cody, God called them to Gainesville just in time to be a part of Greenhouse School of Ministry. She is now on our financial and operational teams and you can often see her serving at Arnold’s Cafe. She loves cooking, music, board games with friends, and spending time Cody and their dog, Shadow.

352-376-6992
lheisler@greenhousechurch.org

Betty Wilkinson

Operations Assistant

Betty has been with the Greenhouse staff for over 30 years and has enjoyed many roles during that time. She currently serves as the Operations Assistant. Betty is a widow, with 3 adult children and 8 grandchildren. Her hobbies include nature walks, cooking, and writing for her blog where she speaks candidly about her experience as a cancer survivor.  You can find Betty’s blog at bettywilkinsonblog.wordpress.com

352-376-6992
admin@greenhousechurch.org

Janine Johnson Headshot

Janine Johnson

microchurch admin. asst.

Janine was born and raised in Miami, Florida and graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2013. She was introduced to Greenhouse Church through her boyfriend, now husband, Sean Johnson, back in April of 2014. Attending Breakthrough in July 2014 radically changed Janine’s life – setting her on a path of more intimacy with God, deeper levels of faith, reconciliation with family, and drive to see Jesus set other people free from bondage. Janine joined Greenhouse’s staff in a part time role in 2017 as the Kid Keeper Coordinator before transitioning in 2018 to a full time position as the Microchurch Administrative Assistant. Janine enjoys engaging with new guests and helping them activate the gifts and talents God gave them through serving or finding a great Microchurch community. Janine has been married to her husband Sean since 2016 and they adore their smiley, bubbly miracle daughter, Esther. Janine loves exploring God’s great outdoors, amusement parks/roller coasters, cooking, reading, bowling and all things Pokemon.
 

jjohnson@greenhousechurch.org

Tim Welch

Facilities Director

Tim and his family moved to Gainesville in 1986 and began attending the Greenhouse Church in 1998. He is Greenhouse Churches facility director. He has served in various ministries, including Youth, Technical Production, and Breakthrough. Tim loves to golf, and is married to Tracey, and they have two children, T.J. & Leah.

352-376-6992
timwelch@greenhousechurch.org

Jared Godshalk

Jared Godshalk

Technical Production Director

Jared was born and raised in Gainesville, FL and studied Show Production in Orlando. After working in New Orleans, he married his high school sweetheart, Samara, and in 2017 they moved back to Gainesville. Jared joined the Greenhouse staff shortly thereafter as the Technical Director, overseeing training and operations of the Tech Department. Jared enjoys leading worship with his wife, jazz music, and all things Google.

3523766992
jgodshalk@greenhousechurch.org

Cody Heisler

Technical Coordinator

Cody Heisler was born and raised in Ocala, Florida. He first began working in ministry in 2015 when the Lord called him to move to Sebring as a Tech intern. It was there that he married his wonderful wife, Leilani in 2017 and they continued to live in Sebring for two years. They felt the Lord calling them to move to Gainesville and shortly thereafter joined the Greenhouse School of Ministry Class of 2020 which deeply impacted the course of their lives. Cody began working as the Technical Coordinator in May 2021.
 

cheisler@greenhousechurch.org

Alejandro Roman

Alejandro Roman

Technical Production Coordinator

Alejandro Roman was born in Guanabacoa, Cuba and migrated to the United Stated when he was 5 years old. When Alejandro was 14, he gave his life to Jesus and felt immediately called into worship. He had/has a huge passion and love for prayer and worship and the mixing of the two. At the age of 16 Alejandro felt called to move to Gainesville to start attending a school of ministry, which he attended for 3 years. During those 3 years he met the love of his life, Chelsea and decided to make his move to Gainesville permanent. He is now married and has a 2-year-old boy with his lovely wife. Alejandro joined the Greenhouse staff in August 2022 as a Technical Coordinator.
 
aroman@greenhousechurch.org
João Pires

João Pires

Digital Engagement Director

Born in Portugal and raised in New Jersey, Joao gave his heart to Lord as a teenager at a funeral after being touched by the worship band singing “Lord, I give you my heart”. He went from being a rebellious teenager to a passionate follower of Jesus.

At the age of 22, he became a youth pastor and an itinerant preacher. He’s done mission work in Brazil and in Mozambique. He has a huge heart for leadership, justice, evangelism, creativity, and preaching.

His wife accuses him of looking like a “teenager” without his beard. He loves Mac n cheese, basketball, coffee, green tea, roasting people, and road trips.

 

jpires@greenhousechurch.org

Matt Benson

creative director

Matt was born in a jungle, carried around in a basket and has been exploring ever since. He is married to an equally adventurous wife, and together they have two daughters. He enjoys hiking, kayaking and exploring Florida wilderness, and is passionate about creativity and art and using them to help serve and connect people with Jesus.
 

mbenson@greenhousechurch.org

Dani Vargas

dAniela vargas

communications coordinator

Dani was born in Rockport, Maine and grew up in Miami before she moved to Gainesville for college. She is currently a full time student at South Eastern University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Ministerial Leadership. Dani grew up in the church but truly surrendered it all to Jesus when she was 16. Being transformed by the love of God in high school has led her to her passion today. She believes there is something so special about an individual becoming aware of the power they hold because of Christ in them. Dani loves baking, being a big sister, sweet conversations over coffee, the beach, and long drives with a good playlist!
 

dvargas@greenhousechurch.org

Sean Crawford

Sean Crawford

Video Producer

Sean was raised in Fernandina Beach, FL and graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Telecommunications in 2012. After graduating college, Sean’s life hit rock bottom when he found himself hopeless, depressed and addicted to the lies of the world; that summer was the beginning of Sean’s pursuit of purpose, hope and truth, which he found in the life, death and resurrection of Yeshua. 

He moved back to Gainesville in the summer of 2013 to work for the UF athletic department – that’s where he was introduced to Greenhouse Church. Sean joined the Greenhouse staff at the beginning of 2017 and he has a hunger to tell others his story of redemption. Sean is passionate about biblical sexuality and is an admirer of the beach and food. He’s married to Val, the most beautiful & funny Colombiana on the planet.

(352) 376-6992
scrawford@greenhousechurch.org

Justin Benjamin

justin benjamin

college director

Born and raised in South Florida, Justin was discipled as a middle schooler amid Greenhouse’s South Florida’s inception years. As he absorbed Jesus’ loving character, he gained a passionate heart for community and making disciples. During Justin’s early college tenure at FIU, he was inspired by God to pioneer a campus ministry. The uncertain experiment turned into an unparalleled college experience, which allowed numerous students to fall in love with God, find authentic community and sparked harvest on campus. Justin loves traveling, watching the Miami Heat, eating Chipotle and playing ping pong!
 

jbenjamin@greenhousechurch.org

Victoria Avila

Victoria Avila

College coordinator

Victoria was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. She began following the Lord at a young age and pursued Him throughout her high school years serving in her home church. She moved to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida and found a home in Greenhouse church. She has a passion for this generation to be known for seeking the face of God. She desires to see devoted, Jesus loving disciples that grow and serve together in community. She loves coffee, reading at the beach, pool days, and road tripping with friends. 

Robbie Johnson

Executive Pastor

Robbie encountered the love of Jesus in the Sante Fe College library on July 7, 1998. After completing his degree in business at the University of Florida, Robbie participated in our internship program for 2 years, married his amazing wife Amanda, and joined our staff as youth pastor in 2002. Robbie now oversees all our macro-church gatherings and the University Campus. Robbie and Amanda have two children, Anna and Matthew. He was also a part of 2 Greenhouse Basketball League Championship teams.

352-376-6992
rjohnson@greenhousechurch.org

Fred McCray

Elder

Murray Brown

Elder

Fred McCray

Elder

After serving in the military for 8 years, Jorge married Lisa, the woman of his dreams, in 2003. Regardless of how hard they tried, there was something missing- it was God. In 2008, Jorge and Lisa started to attend Greenhouse church and during a Breakthrough Weekend in 2009, Jorge and Lisa both surrendered their lives to Jesus. It was such a marking moment for both of them that they decided to live a life entirely surrendered to God and His purpose for them. They both believe that there is nothing more loving that a person can do for another than to introduce and encourage a strong intimate relationship with God.

ego_sum_invictus@cox.net

Kraig Gregory

Elder

Chris Jetté

Elder

I accepted Jesus as my savior in third grade at a Christian summer camp. It turns out that my mom and step-dad did the same while I was away. Shortly after coming home from camp, all three of us were baptized on the same day. While I have never lost my faith, during high-school and college following Jesus was not one of my top priorities. After coming to Gainesville in 1992 for graduate school and meeting Monica, I once again began regularly attending church. Gradually, my faith began to move back to the center of my life. Monica and I have been blessed with 3 children. What originally brought us to Greenhouse Church in 2010 was the children and youth ministries. We are so thankful for the leaders that poured into our children during these formative years. Monica and I began leading a Microchurch in 2015. After being plugged into community for these years, I couldn’t imagine living life without it. I’m so thankful for our faith family. It is a privilege to serve the beautiful Body of Christ. cdjette@gmail.com