STAFF
STAFF
Rev. David Slyter
Head Pastor
MEET PASTOR DAVID: Originally from Kansas City, MO, Pastor David received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from Washburn University in Topeka, KS, and his Masters in Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2004.
Pastor David was ordained in the PC(USA) in November 2004 at Wimberley Presbyterian Church in Wimberley, TX where he served as the Associate Pastor of Youth and Family Ministry. Before seminary he served as youth director at First Presbyterian Church of Tyler and Bellaire Presbyterian Church in Houston. Pastor David has served on the Grace Presbytery Youth Ministry Committee and on the staff of several presbytery and synod youth conferences.
Pastor David began his call at Grace First Presbyterian Church in October of 2009. He enjoys hunting, working in his yard, and spending time with friends and family.
Marialice Parish, M.M.
Director of Music & Organist
MEET MARIALICE: Marialice Parish is Director of Music and Organist, a post she has held since 1992. Ms. Parish was reared in Marshall, Texas, and holds degrees in organ performance from Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport, Louisiana, and from Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. She has done extensive post graduate work in organ performance and choral work at the University of North Texas, Denton. She has served churches of many denominations and enjoys teaching organ to interested students. Ms. Parish is also on staff at Texas Christian University as Wedding Organist for Robert Carr Chapel.
Alycia Nelson
Financial Administrator
MEET ALYCIA: Alycia joined the Grace First staff in November of 2014. She has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Economics from Utah State University and has experience as a tax accountant and bookkeeper. Alycia has been married to husband, Nicholas Nelson, since 2000. She stays busy keeping up with her three school aged children; Blake, Sydney, and Trey.
In her spare time, Alycia enjoys running, genealogy, and cooking.
Lacey VanPay
Office Coordinator
MEET LACEY: Lacey joined the Grace First staff in April of 2017. With their children now all grown, she and her husband, Seth, are embracing this joyful season of life together. These days, they’re especially loving their newest (and favorite!) titles—Grandma and Grandpa—soaking up every sweet moment and counting their many blessings.
Madison 'Maddie' Williams
Faith Formation Coordinator
MEET MADDIE: Maddie joined the Grace First staff as Faith Formation Coordinator in October of 2025. She received her Bachelor's degree in Art and Educational Psychology from Baylor University in 2020 and her Masters of Science in Child Life from Texas Woman's University in 2024. Before she was the Faith Formation Coordinator, she worked in the nursery for a year.
She has been married to her husband, Jacob, since 2020; they also have a dog, Titan. In her free time, she enjoys creating art of all kinds, baking, and being outdoors.
Seth Goeldner
AV Specialist
MEET SETH: After moving with his family to Texas in the first grade, Seth has attended and was confirmed at Grace First. He helped set up, run, and upload the online, streaming serves when we were not able to meet together due to Covid and continues that roll now. Seth is a welder/metal fabricator by trade.
In his free time, Seth enjoys playing Magic, gaming on line with friends, and camping with family.