St. Andrew UMC: About Us

The Youth Team

Rev. Jay Cousino, Youth Pastor

Jay Cousino has been at St. Andrew for about 8 years and calls St. Andrew his extended family. He is passionate about students getting REAL in their walk with Christ, while being steeped in a community that truly loves one another. You can email him at jcousino@standrewumc.org

Jeanne Smith, Director of Confirmation

Jeanne is a native Texan and has been on the youth staff for 7 years. She and her family have been members of St. Andrew for 18 years. Jeanne brings to the youth department her love of Christ combined with an education background and the experience of being a "mom" to three grown sons. Her passion is for the Confirmation Class to see Jesus as real in their lives and for parents to see the value of being a part of the Christian community that is offered in the St. Andrew youth department. You can email her at jsmith@standrewumc.org

Barbara Hedlund, Director of 6th Grade

Barbara is a native of Fort Worth, Texas. She and her family have made Plano their home again after several relocations and she has been on staff since June, 2008. Barbara has three children who have been fortunate enough to experience the many wonderful opportunities available through the Youth Dept. of St. Andrew. She and her husband have volunteered at many of these and have received so much through these experiences. Barbara has previously been a substitute teacher for many years in middle and high school after having left the work force to raise her children. She is looking forward to her work with the 6^th grade class and all the fun trips and activities with all the youth.

Kim Hargrove, Middle School Intern

Kim is back in the US after spending almost 3 years living as a missionary in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She is excited to work with the youth of St. andrew again and hopes to ignite a passion for missions in the students. She is a Plano native and graduated from Texas A&M University in 2005. She is now pursuing a Masters degree in counseling and development from Texas Woman's University. In her spare time she enjoys cooking, playing soccer, and interpretive dancing to movie soundtracks...and plans on holding out as long as possible on getting a twitter. You can reach Kim at khargrove@standrewumc.org or 214-291-8086.

Stan Rhoden, Praise & Worship Director

Stan and his beautiful wife Julie, currently live in Frisco TX. Stan served as the Worship Leader at Providence Church. Soon after being there he felt the Lord calling him to go back to school to get his biblical studies degree and to serve as the Youth Worship Director here at St. Andrew. He is loving serving on the youth staff and watching the youth grow deeper in Christ. His hope is for the gospel to be known, and that everyone’s affections would be stirred towards the heart of Christ. Hallelujah, God is Here!! You can reach Stan at srhoden@standrewumc.org.

Alex Casado, Confirmation Praise & Worship Leader

Alex is not a born Texan but has spent the last 18 years living in the Plano area. He graduated from the University of North Texas with his B. A. in Interdisciplinary Education Studies. Getting past the long title for his degree, he is a 5^th grade math and science teacher here in Plano. For the past few years Alex has been our Confirmation and Middle School worship leader. Music is his passion that he pursues outside of the church as well as in our ministry. You can reach him at alexcasadomusic@yahoo.com.

Traci Hughes, Administrative Assistant

Traci and her family relocated to Frisco in 2005 from Paris, Texas. She and Heath have two daughters, grade 8 and 11. They are involved in dance, band, tennis, art, jogging, swimming and basically having a ton of FUN, FUN, FUN!!! Traci's work history consists of non-profit employment as well as having spent ten years at home being a MOM!! You can reach her at thughes@standrewumc.org or 214-291-8034

You can reach us at...

St. Andrew United Methodist Church / 5801 W. Plano Parkway Plano, TX 75093 / (972)380-8001 / Fax(972)380-9533

We commit ourselves to the practice of 5 Holy Habits, in order to equip others to grow, to reach, and to serve for Christ. We will love, worship, learn, invite, and give. Click here to go to St. Andrew United Methodist Church main webpage.