Members

2011-2012 Brite Student Association Members:

Moderator- Sam Castleberry:

I came to Brite Divinity School in January 2010 after twenty-five years in Arkansas. I am currently working on my M.T.S and my research interests include postcolonial theology, biopolitics, and continental philosophy. I’ve served on the Brite Student Government since my first semester and I am proud to serve as the moderator during my final year.

Look for me at our Community Conversation meals on Tuesdays from 12pm-1pm, or at the Agape Feast on Thursday evenings at 6:00pm, I’d love to meet you.

To contact me: I deactivated my facebook account after a long and serious conversation with Michel Foucault, but you can still reach me the old-fashion way at s.castleberry@tcu.edu. I’d love to hear from you!

 

Vice-Moderator- Jonathan Brink

“I have been created in love so that I may also love” -Anonymous

I grew up in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and am a proud member of First Christian Church of Pasadena. My calling to ministry has been based upon my desire to love others as I have been created in love.  I am in my fifth semester here at the Brite community and I love being a part of a place that can be diverse in its programming, academic course work, and culture.

I am an MDiv student and currently serve as a Minister of Youth with Royal Lane Baptist Church over in Dallas. My passions lie with teaching, global missions, languages, and interfaith dialogues. As such, Brite provides many wonderful opportunities for me to expound upon these kinds of exploits. Through eclectic ministry opportunities I hope to continue learning and share those teachings with others. Should you have similar interests or questions concerning these areas feel free to find or email me and I’ll be glad to help where I can!

Many Blessings,
Jonathan Brink
j.brink@tcu.edu

General Secretary- Douglass Anne Cartwright

What art offers is space – a certain breathing room for the spirit.     ~John Updike

Although I am a sixth generation member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the daughter of two Disciples ministers, a call to ministry was not something I ever considered as I was growing up.  Now, in my second year of seminary at Brite, I am still amazed with the ways that God has shaped my life and my call to ministry.

I am an artist with many mediums, and am continuously finding ways in which the Arts can connect the Church, worship, and the community together.  I am a graduate of The George Washington University in Washington D.C., where I received a B.A. in Music and a B.A. in theatre.  I have also lived in New York City, Iowa, North Carolina, Louisiana, and, of course, Texas.  I plan to continue acting, directing, singing, dancing, writing, doodling, and learning new things as I find my place in ministry.

If you have any questions about things that are going on at Brite or in Fort Worth, please feel free to email me!  I’d love to talk to you and hear about what moves you!!

Douglass Anne Cartwright
d.a.cartwright@tcu.edu

Community Conversations Coordinator- Heather Santi

Heather Santi is in her second year at Brite Divinity in the Masters of Divinity program. Heather is seeking ordination in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Prior to coming to Brite, she completed her undergrad degree in Religion right here at TCU.

Heather is currently serving as the Coordinator for Outreach and Evangelism at Central Christian Church in Dallas where she can be found enjoying getting to know the community in the church’s dog park and community garden where she gets to do what she loves most– finding ways to meet the community needs.

Heather encourages everyone to attend community conversations on Tuesday at noon (after chapel) for good food as well as learning what is going on in the Brite community, to hear about a special topic, or just for a good conversation with fellow students.

Brite Student Chaplain- David Baggett

Agape Feast Coordinator- Sarah Almanza

I am getting ready to start my second semester at Brite Divinity School where I am working to receive my MDiv.  I am very blessed to be where I am today and I am very grateful to the many people who have supported me through my journey that has led me here.   Brite was very appealing to me for many reasons but after my first semester I am positive this is where I need to be to grow in ministry.  At the core of my beliefs is that God’s love is greater than anything and I am continually amazed by where that love can lead a person.

I am a member of the Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) and my family has always been my greatest example of what it truly means to serve others.  I was raised in the DFW area and received my Bachelors of Science in Social Work from Texas Christian University.  After graduation in 2008 I moved to Seattle, WA to find out more about myself.  This experience was one that will forever be with me and only reassured my calling to ministry.

I am the Minister to Children and Families at Irving North Christian Church and have had the most wonderful time working with these beautiful children of God who teach me more about faith than I could have ever expected.  Although, I never truly know where God will take me next, I am happy about where I am now and excited to see where my future will lead.

Sarah Almanza
s.k.almanza@tcu.edu