Our Board of Directors
Board Chair - Dr Saara Grizzell
Dr. Saara Grizzell faithfully serves as Chair of the Board at First Christian Church of McAllen. In both her professional and spiritual life, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to compassion, education, service, and the well-being of others.
Professionally, Dr. Grizzell serves as Associate Professor and Program Coordinator in the School of Rehabilitation Services & Counseling at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas, where she works closely with students and future counselors preparing to serve their communities with care and dignity.
Within the life of the church, Dr. Grizzell brings thoughtful leadership, wisdom, encouragement, and a genuine heart for ministry. Her dedication to Christ’s call to love and serve others continues to be a blessing to the congregation and the wider community.
Board Vice-Chair - Kathy Stevens
Kathy Stevens was born and raised in Oregon, though she likes to say she made it to Texas as fast as she could. She grew up in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and, throughout her life, has worshiped alongside friends in a variety of mainstream and non-mainstream church traditions, experiences that helped shape her broad appreciation for faith and community.
Kathy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Art from Eastern Oregon State College, and later received a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in Learning Styles from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma.
After a remarkable 40-year career in education, Kathy retired to the Rio Grande Valley. Her final 17 years in public education were spent at Ted Polk Middle School in Carrollton, Texas, where she served both as an educator and as the coordinator of campus technology support.
Kathy has faithfully served as an Elder at First Christian Church, now United Disciples Christian Church, in Richardson, Texas since 2000. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Board and continues to bring wisdom, compassion, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to Christian service to the ministries and leadership of the church.
Treasurer/Secretary-Sharon Chapman
Sharon Chapman is currently serving as Board Secretary and Church Treasurer at First Christian Church of McAllen. She is actively involved in many areas of church life, including worship planning, music ministry, and church administration. Sharon especially enjoys sharing her gifts through ensemble music and solo performances, while also serving faithfully as the church office secretary.
A retired elementary school principal and teacher, Sharon dedicated many years to the education and encouragement of children. Even in retirement, she continues that calling by tutoring students after school and investing in the lives of young learners.
Sharon also enjoys crafting and treasures spending time with friends, family, and her three beloved cats. Through her faithful service, caring spirit, and joyful participation in ministry, she continues to be a valued blessing to the life and leadership of the church.
Parliamentarian - Chris Pederson
Chris Pederson currently serves as Parliamentarian for the Board and continues to faithfully serve as an Elder at First Christian Church of McAllen. He and his wife, Rexanne, have been devoted members of the congregation since their marriage at First Christian Church on Tenth and Nyssa in 1968, giving them a lifelong connection to the church and its ministry.
Chris comes from a remarkable background in underwater photography and marine exploration. Working alongside his father and uncle, he participated in professional underwater filming projects during a pioneering era of documentary filmmaking. Among these was the Time-Life television production “The Admirable Octopus,” which aired as the season premiere of The Wild, Wild World of Animals in 1974 and was narrated by William Conrad. Earlier still, Chris’ father and uncle worked with Walt Disney Productions to provide underwater footage for the classic film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
Following his years in underwater photography, Chris owned and operated his own photography business from 1971 to 1989. In 1990, he began a new chapter in education, teaching Freshman Biology and upper-level Marine Science until his retirement in 2000.
Chris earned his degree in Biology, with double minors in English and History, from what is now The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Throughout his life, he has brought wisdom, creativity, dedication, and faithful leadership to both the classroom and the church community.
Jose Luis Sanchez - Spanish Representative at large
Joe Louis, a Mission native, joined First Christian Church along with his family in 2025. He has worked in death care for over 24 years - which he considers his calling from God. He is currently serving a fourth term as Commissioner for the Housing Authority of the City of Mission and remains active in both the Texas and National Funeral Directors Associations. Joe Louis also serves on the advisory board for Serenity Fields Cemetery and is part of the church leadership at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in McAllen. He is a Licensed Funeral Director at Kreidler Funeral Home in McAllen. In his spare time he enjoys running, reading and spending time with his four dogs.
Lauryl Blossom - Member at Large/Chair of Elders
Laura Quattlebaum’s faith journey has been guided by Matthew 22:36–40, a passage she considers her spiritual foundation and lifelong guidepost: to love God wholeheartedly and to love one’s neighbor as oneself.
Raised in the Southern Baptist tradition, Laura was actively involved in church life from an early age. She participated in choir, led backyard Bible studies, and joined mission projects in Southern California during her high school years. As she grew older, she began searching for a faith community that more fully reflected her understanding of God’s inclusive and affirming love for all people.
That journey eventually led her to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where she found a denomination that closely aligned with her beliefs and values. She first became involved with Angel of Hope Christian Church and later joined Handley-Meadowbrook Christian Church, where she became deeply engaged in congregational leadership and ministry. Following the birth of her son, she was ordained as an elder and continued serving in numerous leadership roles.
Laura played an important role during the merger of Handley-Meadowbrook Christian Church and Sandy Lane Christian Church, a process that ultimately led to the formation of The Welcome Table Christian Church. Throughout those years, she served in many capacities on the church board, concluding her leadership as Moderator in December 2014. During that season, the congregation developed its mission statement and by-laws, secured property, and built the worship facility the church now calls home.
Today, Laura continues her journey of spiritual growth and discernment through active participation in Bible study and community fellowship. She finds her greatest joy in sharing God’s love with every person she encounters and remains committed to living out Christ’s call to compassion, hospitality, and service.