Clergy & Staff
The Rev. Leah Romanelli DeJesus
Priest-in-Charge
I graduated from Grinnell College in 2006 with a BA in English and spent my early career as a youth minister. I moved from the Chicago area to Cleveland’s east side in 2017 and to the west side in 2022. That’s when I fell in love with the area. I love that Cleveland has the energy of a big city, yet somehow everyone seems to know everyone else. At St. Luke’s, our work is deeply rooted in the neighborhood and focused on meeting people’s physical and spiritual needs. Every day, I leave knowing that what I did mattered and helped someone else. I graduated from Bexley Seabury Seminary Federation and was ordained a deacon in May 2022, then started as curate at St. Luke’s in July 2022, was ordained to the priesthood in December 2022, and have been priest-in-charge since January 2023.
Questionnaire Results
Best sandwich?
Avocado BLT, but just on bread, not toast.
Least favorite word?
No.
What’s the one thing you own that you should throw out?
A bag of t-shirts from old clubs, events, and theatre productions going all the way back to freshman year of high school.
Scariest animal?
Snakes! They’re everywhere and we don’t know it!
Apples or oranges?
Apples.
Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?
David Sedaris. He also drew a sketch of my sister and me next to his signature. It was…not great.
What do you think happens when we die?
I think we are wrapped up in God’s love and become part of that love. Everyone and everything that has ever had part of our hearts is there, too. And because we will be outside human time, even the people who are chronologically still alive or yet to be born are also there.
Favorite action movie?
The Princess Bride
Window or aisle?
Window—I love watching the world float by.
Favorite smell?
Sweetgrass
Favorite sound?
My dog’s ears flapping when she shakes her head.
Least favorite smell?
Mold
Exercise: worth it?
If it gives you joy and makes you feel good!
Flat or sparkling?
Sparkling, I love anything with bubbles.
Most used app on your phone?
Facebook.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs, but don’t tell my cats.
You only get to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what is it?
“They All Laughed”, by George and Ira Gerswhin, sung by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Wait, wait—my church answer is S280 from the 1982 Hymnal. It’s Canticle 20 and Robert Powell wrote the music.
Describe the rest of your life in five words:
Love, adventure, justice, growth, home.
The Rev. Dan Hinde
Deacon
I’ve lived in the Cleveland area my entire life and I love the changing of the seasons and the diversity of our population. I see that reflected in St. Luke’s and am proud of our sense of mission and service to our community. Deacons are assigned to their congregations by the bishop, so I joined St. Luke’s three years ago. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else! Except maybe on vacation.
Questionnaire Results
Best sandwich?
BLT.
Least favorite word?
Hate
What’s the one thing you own that you should throw out?
Tools.
Scariest animal?
Sharks.
Apples or oranges?
Apples.
Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?
Bernie Kosar.
What do you think happens when we die?
We enter into the presence of God.
Favorite action movie?
The Right Stuff.
Window or aisle?
Window.
Favorite smell?
Fresh bread.
Favorite sound?
Children laughing.
Least favorite smell?
Sewage.
Exercise: worth it?
Yes.
Flat or sparkling?
Flat.
Most used app on your phone?
Facebook.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs.
You only get to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what is it?
Brahms’ “Variations on a Theme by Haydn”
Describe the rest of your life in five words:
Serving Christ and the World.
Ms. Kasia Bufford
Director of Community And Youth Engagement
I’ve lived in the Cleveland area my whole life, and my favorite thing about this city is the people. Clevelanders are a special group—resilient, diverse, and fiercely loyal (just look at Browns fans!).
I joined St. Luke’s as the Director of Community & Youth Engagement in June 2024. I coordinate the volunteers and develop connections in the neighborhood and city. Working at St. Luke’s is meaningful to me because I get the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, serve as a resource for those in need, and build meaningful connections within the community.
Questionnaire Results
Best sandwich?
The Black Forest (Grum’s)
What’s the one thing you own that you should throw out?
A gun.
Scariest animal?
Hyenas.
Apples or oranges?
Apples
Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?
Yes! From two of my favorite artists, H.E.R. and Kenny Loggins!
What do you think happens when we die?
We end up wherever we truly believe we will end up.
Favorite action movie?
Zodiac.
Window or aisle?
Window.
Favorite smell?
Vanilla.
Least favorite smell?
Puppy breath.
Exercise: worth it?
YES! Wish I did it more.
Flat or sparkling?
Sparkling.
Most used app on your phone?
TikTok.
Cats or dogs?
Cats. (I love my dogs, though!)
You only get to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what is it?
Describe the rest of your life in five words:
Whatever will be, will be!
Ms. Lori Fiorelli
Parish Administrator
I am a life-long Clevelander. I love our big city vibe with the small town community feel. I began working at St. Luke’s in March of 2021 and the best part of the job is the people and how we’re “the little engine that could”. Nothing is impossible when St. Luke’s puts its collective mind to it!
Questionnaire Results
Best sandwich?
Peanut butter and jelly on fresh bread.
Least favorite word?
Can’t.
What’s the one thing you own that you should throw out?
Hmmm…..
Scariest animal?
Man.
Apples or oranges?
Both!
Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?
No.
What do you think happens when we die?
I want to believe we reunite with all our loved ones who have gone before us, and our spirit continues through other earthly beings doing good and working for peace and harmony.
Favorite action movie?
Not a fan of action. I much prefer a good mystery or rom/com.
Window or aisle?
Aisle.
Favorite smell?
There are many—that newborn baby smell, freshly mown grass, and gasoline (to name a few).
Least favorite smell?
Skunk.
Exercise: worth it?
Absolutely.
Flat or sparkling?
Both!
Most used app on your phone?
Tied—Text Messaging & Solitaire.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs.
You only get to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what is it?
“Walking in Memphis” by Marc Cohn.
Describe the rest of your life in five words:
Live today—tomorrow’s not promised.
Ms. Vidorian Massingale
Executive Chef
I was born in Columbus, Georgia, but I was raised in Cleveland. One of the things I love most about this city is how scenic and walkable it is. I joined St. Luke’s as Cook in September 2023 and was promoted to Executive Chef in May 2024. I run Community Meal and Mobile Pantry. My goal is for the events to feel less like a soup kitchen and more like a family meal. What I appreciate most is how we work together to get things done. Through all the ups and downs, we function like one big happy family, supporting each other and our community.
Questionnaire Results
Best sandwich?
Spicy chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions.
What’s the one thing you own that you should throw out?
Shoes that don’t fit!
Apples or oranges?
Apples.
Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?
No, but someone asked me for my autograph and said it would be worth something one day.
What do you think happens when we die?
When we die I feel we gather with our other dead family, reset, start over and live another life.
Favorite action movie?
Fantastic Four.
Window or aisle?
Aisle.
Favorite smell?
Flowers.
Least favorite smell?
Rotton food.
Exercise: worth it?
In the long run I think exercise is worth it.
Flat or sparkling?
Sparkling.
Most used app on your phone?
Mobile banking app.
Cats or dogs?
Cats.
You only get to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what is it?
Describe the rest of your life in five words:
Adventurous, hilarious, healthy, beautiful, understanding.
Mr. Bob Navis, Jr
Musician
I’ve lived in Cleveland my whole life—73 years and counting! I especially love Cleveland’s nature and living near the lake. Every morning I’m at the water’s edge with my home-brewed coffee. It is a time to greet the day, meditate, and set my intentions for the next 24 hours. The parks, the biking trails, the river, the near and accessible rural countryside, etc. I could go on and on. And then, the PEOPLE. I have been extremely fortunate to have grown up with a glorious sense of community in my home church of St. Francis on the east side. I worked there for 17 years of my adult life creating the St. Francis Community Theatre, acting as Liturgist, Organist, Music Director, and teaching at the school. Those were golden years! Then, for the next 40+ years I was privileged to be part of the leadership team of Near West Theatre, who mission was using the theatrical/musical arts to build diverse community, and provide a place for people of all ages, races, genders, experience levels, and cultural backgrounds to find their voice and build their sense of purpose and belonging, individually and in community. I began working at St. Luke’s somewhere around August of 1989—but don’t quote me! I love the spirit of this place. We’ve been counted out more than once, but the community always seems to reinvent itself into something new and relevant.
Questionnaire Results
Best sandwich?
The Big Boy and Mr. Hero’s Roman burger!
Least favorite word?
Should. Don’t. Can’t. Any idea that disempowers.
What’s the one thing you own that you should throw out?
Half of my attic and all of my “fat clothes” from when I was 300+ pounds.
Scariest animal?
June bugs.
Apples or oranges?
Neither. I am a big fan of bananas, cherries, and blueberries.
Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?
Yes! Marlo Thomas back in the day and Judy Collins, my musical goddess.
What do you think happens when we die?
Expansion, clarity, and purity of Spirit. Also, planning for what’s next!
Favorite action movie?
The Sound of Music, for its transformative action of the heart.
Window or aisle?
No compromise here—WINDOW!
Favorite smell?
Hyacinth, lilac, rose. Chicken paprikash, turkey, and stuffing.
Favorite sound?
Bells. The sound of a voice trying to sing for the very first time. Chant. Cello. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Least favorite smell?
Hate.
Exercise: worth it?
Essential.
Flat or sparkling?
Flat.
Most used app on your phone?
Amazon Music, Facebook, Bubble Buzz
Cats or dogs?
Dogs, hands down.
You only get to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what is it?
Describe the rest of your life in five words:
Miraculous. Pregnant. Mysterious. Adventure. Travel, in body and spirit.
Trustees
Mr. Lex Sierra
Senior Warden of Trustees
I grew up in Cleveland and lived here my whole life except for a decade out of state. I’ve been back since 2017 and I love that I still find new things to do in the city. I like being Senior Warden because I get to take an active role in decision making for a community that I care about. When I was in college I interned at St. Luke’s for two summers in 2005 and 2006. I started participating in the congregation in 2023 and joined trustees the summer of 2024.
Questionnaire Results
Best sandwich?
Avocado BLT
Least favorite word?
Ornery when pronounced wrong.
Scariest animal?
Bear.
Apples or oranges?
Oranges
Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?
Sandy Alomar, Jr….many times!
Favorite action movie?
The Mighty Ducks.
Window or aisle?
Window.
Favorite smell?
Campfire.
Favorite sound?
Waves off the water.
Least favorite smell?
Anything fake fruit scented.
Exercise: worth it?
Yes.
Flat or sparkling?
Flat.
Most used app on your phone?
Texting.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs.
You only get to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what is it?
The album James Taylor’s Greatest Hits, Volume 2
Describe the rest of your life in five words:
Day by day, dear Lord.
Ms. Nichelle Knox
Trustee
I’ve lived in Cleveland for about 30 years, now. The people are much friendlier here than in New York City! I live in Lakewood and attend church in Lyndhurst, but I enjoy being a trustee at St. Luke’s because it gives me the opportunity to learn more about the city, the neighborhood, and the church community. I’m a founding member of the trustees, and have been here since the day the group was started back in 2021.
Questionnaire Results
Best sandwich?
Jersey Mike’s Italian
Least favorite word?
“in regards—”
What’s the one thing you own that you should throw out?
High school stuff.
Scariest animal?
Raccoon
Apples or oranges?
Apples.
Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?
Yes, NY Mets Pitcher and Outfielder.
What do you think happens when we die?
We are reincarnated.
Favorite action movie?
Marvel’s Avengers.
Window or aisle?
Aisle.
Favorite smell?
Clean baby/baby powder.
Least favorite smell?
Skunk.
Exercise: worth it?
Maybe!
Flat or sparkling?
Flat.
Most used app on your phone?
Libby Library App.
Cats or dogs?
Cats.
You only get to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what is it?
“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston
Describe the rest of your life in five words:
Happy, Peaceful, Fun, Loving, and Long
Marlein Ortiz
Trustee, Volunteer Manager of Your Neighbor’s Cloak Free Store
I grew up in Puerto Rico and had my children in Chicago, but moved to Cleveland 25 years ago. I love my neighborhood and I love that Cleveland feels like a city, but it’s not as congested as other big cities. We take care of each other here. Everyone is interesting, everyone is different, and I love meeting new people through my work at St. Luke’s. I’ve been a trustee, now, since the summer of 2024. My friend Martiza and I also run the church’s free store, Your Neighbor’s Cloak.
Questionnaire Results
Best sandwich?
Jibaritos.
Least favorite word?
Hate.
What’s the one thing you own that you should throw out?
Nothing.
Scariest animal?
Snakes.
Apples or oranges?
Apples.
Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?
No.
What do you think happens when we die?
We go to heaven.
Favorite action movie?
Bad Boyz.
Window or aisle?
No windows! No aisles! No planes!
Favorite smell?
Black cherry.
Favorite sound?
Ocean waves.
Least favorite smell?
Broccoli.
Exercise: worth it?
Yes!
Flat or sparkling?
Sparkling.
Most used app on your phone?
YouTube.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs. I don’t like cats, but they don’t seem to care.
You only get to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what is it?
“I’m Every Woman” by Whitney Houston
Describe the rest of your life in five words:
I’ll be happy and healthy.
Mr. Reed Stith
Trustee
I’ve lived in the Cleveland area all my life, and I love how accessible everything is—arts and music, major league sports, and incredible nature, from forests to rivers to lakes—all without the headaches of big city density. I joined St. Luke’s as a trustee in 2024, and my favorite part of the role is meeting and working with a great group of people who truly care.
Questionnaire Results
Best sandwich?
Corned beef on rye.
Least favorite word?
Can’t.
What’s the one thing you own that you should throw out?
Old textbooks.
Scariest animal?
Honey badger.
Apples or oranges?
Oranges.
Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?
Yes—Bob Feller at Indians spring training!
What do you think happens when we die?
Our friends and family have a party.
Favorite action movie?
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Window or aisle?
Aisle.
Favorite smell?
Hyacinths.
Least favorite smell?
Dead animals.
Exercise: worth it?
Absolutely!
Flat or sparkling?
Flat.
Most used app on your phone?
Calm.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs, but I love cats, too.
Describe the rest of your life in five words:
Getting better all the time.
Mr. Mike Walker
Trustee
I’ve lived in the Cleveland area for a total of 26 years, with a five-year stint in Austin in between. I love the variety of people here and the deep passion for Cleveland sports teams. Since spring 2024, I’ve been a trustee at St. Luke’s, where I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside truly outstanding people.
Questionnaire Results
Least favorite word?
Rhubarb
What’s the one thing you own that you should throw out?
Cords for electronic equipment that I can’t quite convince myself I don’t need.
Scariest animal?
Rat.
Apples or oranges?
Apples.
Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?
Not in person but I purchased 40 autographs for my wife’s 40th birthday.
What do you think happens when we die?
We go back from whence we came.
Favorite action movie?
Total Recall.
Window or aisle?
Aisle (I’m old and need bathroom access).
Favorite smell?
Baking Bread.
Least favorite smell?
Decaying animals.
Exercise: worth it?
Yes.
Flat or sparkling?
Flat.
Most used app on your phone?
New York Times
Cats or dogs?
Dogs (but don’t tell me cats).
You only get to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what is it?
Bruce Springsteen’s “Thunder Road” (with and without the band, fast and slow)
Describe the rest of your life in five words:
Trying My Best Every Day (at least that’s the goal)
The Rev. Canon Audra Abt
Canon for Congregational Development and Innovation
Bishop’s Liaison to Trustees
I’ve lived in the Cleveland area for a year this time around, but I was here 19 years ago as well. I love the sense of community—street parties, parades, and neighbors from around the world—along with the parks, my friends and family, and Cleveland baseball. Since spring 2024, I’ve worked with the trustees at St. Luke’s, where I’m inspired by the creativity, the deep commitment to the dignity of every person, and the strong focus on people and relationships.
Questionnaire Results
Least favorite word?
Hurry
What’s the one thing you own that you should throw out?
My ex’s earrings.
Scariest animal?
Silverfish.
Apples or oranges?
Apples.
Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?
No.
What do you think happens when we die?
Free spirit, with Jesus, whole new adventure, I hope a reconnection beyond my comprehension.
Favorite action movie?
G.I. Jane
Window or aisle?
Aisle.
Favorite smell?
Lavender.
Least favorite smell?
Vomit.
Exercise: worth it?
Goodness, yes!!
Flat or sparkling?
Flat.
Most used app on your phone?
Driving directions.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs.
You only get to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what is it?
“Despacito” by Luis Fonsi
Describe the rest of your life in five words:
Yearning, loving, singing, la lucha.
Mrs. Helen Miskovitz
Trustee Emeritus
I’ve lived in Cleveland for more than 65 years now. I love it because it’s my home; it’s where my children were born. I’m comfortable here. It’s just such a great place. You told me I can only list ONE favorite thing about St. Luke’s? St. Luke’s to me is unique. It’s so welcoming and so inclusive of everyone. It really shows me how to live through Jesus and see things through his eyes. I’m blessed to have lasting friendships with so many people who have come through our doors. I started attending St. Luke’s around 1999-2000 when St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church closed, so it was just natural for me to come here because this is where I was already working with all the volunteers on outreach with the Episcopal West Side Shared Ministry. I became the volunteer administrator at the church in 2006 and retired again in 2017, then I served on vestry and trustees until 2024.
Questionnaire Results
Best sandwich?
Peanut butter and jelly. I’ve loved it since I was a child and to this day I still have it at least once a week.
Least favorite word?
“No,” because I don’t like being told I can’t do something. I can! Don’t tell me no—I’ll figure out a way!
What’s the one thing you own that you should throw out?
I’m working on it, but old papers—bills and receipts. I have gas bills from 1970.
Scariest animal?
Snakes.
Apples or oranges?
Apples.
Have you ever asked someone for their autograph?
I don’t think so.
What do you think happens when we die?
It’s going to be peaceful and quiet. A new, different kind of being. I’m looking forward to that day, it’s got to be fun!
Favorite action movie?
I’m not into action. What I really like to watch are westerns with John Wayne.
Window or aisle?
Window.
Favorite smell?
Fresh cut grass.
Favorite sound?
When I hear the birds singing.
Least favorite smell?
Liver cooking. My dad used to try to pay me to try it!
Exercise: worth it?
I’m sure it’s worth it. However, I don’t do it enough.
Flat or sparkling?
Sparkling.
Most used app on your phone?
Facebook. I don’t post anything, but I like to see what people are up to.
Cats or dogs?
Cats.
You only get to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what is it?
“The Way You Look Tonight”. My husband Buddy used to sing it.
Describe the rest of your life in five words:
Happy, contented, and pleased with what I’ve accomplished.