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 Sykes
Lay Assistant to the Rector
Marion Pace Sykes joined Manakin Episcopal Church in 2020 as the Lay Assistant to the Rector. Marion, a native of Richmond, is the daughter of Hermie and Watson Powell. She grew up attending First Presbyterian Church, graduated from The Collegiate School and Mary Baldwin College. After college she spent 39 years in banking and in 2019 retired as a Consumer Banking President for Atlantic Union Bank. Her community involvement includes Board President of A Grace Place, Board Member of the Petersburg United Way, and a graduate of Leadership Metro Richmond.
Marion is currently married to Mark Sykes. Between them they have three grown sons, Sam, Powell, and Luke. Marion enjoys walking and biking, reading and needlepointing, and spending time with family and friends.
Nicole Goots
Youth Minister
Nicole Goots, originally from Richmond, Virginia, returned to the area after completing her studies. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from West Virginia University and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans. Currently, Nicole is a real estate agent at Providence Hill Real Estate, a Richmond-based brokerage. She enjoys leveraging her background to assist others in navigating the real estate market.
Growing up, Nicole attended St. Michael’s Catholic Church and has enjoyed working with the youth as leader for the Episcopal Youth Community (EYC). Her passion for creating a supportive environment for young people is rooted in her own faith journey, which motivates her to help youth understand their identity in God.
Outside of her professional life, Nicole loves reading, learning, watching sports, cooking, and trying new recipes. These activities not only enrich her personal life but also inspire her creativity in both her community and professional endeavors.
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