Rev. Virginia “Gini” DiStanislao
Rector
The Reverend Virginia “Gini” DiStanislao joined Manakin Episcopal Church as its Rector on December 1, 2017. Before coming to Manakin, Gini served for eight years as the Priest in Charge at the Episcopal Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew in Kenbridge, Virginia.
Born in Chesterfield County to Ernest and Virginia Gates, Gini grew up in Central Virginia, attending St. John’s in Chester and then Christ and Grace in Petersburg. She graduated from Mary Baldwin College in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and went on to become the President of Bon Air Title Agency in Richmond, where she worked with real estate attorneys and professionals throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 2005, Gini heard God’s call and decided to pursue a path to ordained ministry that took her through the School of Ministry Formation in the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. She was ordained in 2008.
Gini is married to Phil and their family includes son Thomas, Thomas’ wife, Elizabeth, and grandsons, Phillip and George; son Drew and Drew’s wife, Lindsey.
Gini and Phil also have a new puppy, Missy. Missy visits the church office often and would love to meet you.
Gini’s interests outside of church include walking and hiking with Phil, watching sports, and spending time in the mountains with family and friends.
Contact information: gini@manakin.org, 804-794-6401 (office), 804-921-0629 (cell)
Wendy DeHart
Parish Administrator
Wendy grew up in Midlothian. She and her husband, Chris, were married at Manakin in 1994 and live in Powhatan County. They have three sons: Kyle (Amy); Daniel (Jessie); Michael and five grandchildren. Wendy has been the Parish Administrator at Manakin since 1992. In her spare time, she enjoys being a wife, mother and grandmother; participating in outdoor activities, including gardening and yard work; spending time with family; and fishing on the James River.
Rita Gulliksen
Organist/Choir Director
Rita Gulliksen graduated with honors from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) with a degree in piano performance. She also majored in organ and studied voice. She earned a Master of Music degree from VCU in piano performance. Rita also studied Church Music and Organ at Shenandoah University and at the Pontifical Institute of Music, Rome, Italy.
Rita began teaching piano in Richmond when she was 15-years old, and she continues to maintain a small piano studio in the city. She has taught general music and choir in the county school system and chorus at VCU and has held minister of music positions at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and St. Benedict Church. She is currently organist and choir director at Manakin Episcopal Church.
Rita is a national certified piano judge and a member of the Music Teachers National Association, The American Guild of Piano Teachers, the American Guild of Organists, Delta Omicron and the Leschetizky Society.
In addition to her music activities, Rita enjoys growing orchids, sailing and playing golf. She has two grown children and six grandchildren. She lives in Richmond with her husband and her Siamese cat.
Marion Pace
Lay Assistant to the Rector
Marion is a native of Richmond and a graduate of The Collegiate Schools and Mary Baldwin College. She was married to the late Sam “Nectar” Pace and they have two sons, Sam and Powell. Her community involvement includes Board president of A Grace Place, Board member of Petersburg United Way and a graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond.
Vestry Members
Traci Badin
Stephany Breed
Coleman Brydon
Elisabet Goodwyn
Katie Harrison
Chris Hott
Jeff Lighthiser
David Martin
Michael Walker
Vestry Officers
David Martin – Senior Warden
Michael Walker – Junior Warden
Leslie Eckmann – Treasurer
Traci Badin – Register