PASTOR HEATH WILSON
Senior Pastor
Pastor Heath Wilson has served in ministry since 2008 and is passionate about creating vibrant worship and a strong sense of community within the church. Before joining Desert Skies UMC, he served as pastor of Mt. Zion UMC in Lothian, Maryland, as well as Wesley Chapel UMC in Lothian. He believes worship should be meaningful, joyful, and authentic, with opportunities to laugh, reflect, and sometimes even be surprised. Outside of ministry, Heath enjoys cooking and baking and is known to share a fresh loaf of bread from time to time. He is grateful for the opportunity to serve Desert Skies UMC and walk alongside its congregation as they journey together in faith.
RYAN PHILLIPS
Director of Music Ministries
Ryan Phillips is the part-time Director of Music Ministries at DSUMC. Ryan comes to us with impressive credentials and experience. He grew up in Tucson and graduated from University High School. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the U of A and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from NAU. He has taught music theory, music history, voice and guitar in high school, middle school and private instruction as well as conducted hand-bell choirs, high school choirs and guitar ensembles. He is currently the Music Director of The Arizona Repertory Singers.
RAYMOND RYDER
Organist/Director of Handbell Choirs
Dr. Raymond T. Ryder, Organist and Handbell Director at Desert Skies, is also on the faculty at Pima Community College where he teaches piano, class piano and music fundamentals. Raymond is a performing member of the Sonoran Bells, and active in the Southern Arizona American Guild of Organists. He is a Past President and the Honored Teacher 2014 of the Arizona State Music Teachers Association. Dr. Ryder holds degrees from the University of Colorado, the Florida State University, and the University of Arizona where he studied piano with Rex Woods and organ with Roy Johnson. Prior to moving to Tucson, Raymond was on the faculty of Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi.
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TAMMY CONCIENNE
Administrative Assistant
Tammy Concienne was born and raised in Tucson and graduated from Palo Verde High School. In 2002, she relocated to Kansas City, Missouri, where she worked at Harrah’s North Kansas City Hotel and Casino. Tammy returned to Tucson in March 2006 and is Desert Skies longest serving member on staff, having served over 20 years. Tammy enjoys being part of the Desert Skies community and is dedicated to helping keep the church running smoothly. Her years of experience, knowledge, and commitment make her a valued member of the Desert Skies team.
PERCIE LECHEMINANT
Children's Ministry Coordinator
Percie grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a love for the outdoors, soccer, God, and community. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Utah in 2015 and spent four years teaching kindergarten and working as a behavioral specialist on the Navajo Nation. She later earned a Master’s degree in Montessori Education and continued working in early childhood education. In 2023, Percie and her family moved to Tucson to raise their three daughters. As Children’s Ministry Coordinator, Percie is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming environment where children can grow in faith, confidence, friendship, and joy. She feels blessed to walk alongside children and families as they grow in faith and wonder.
TERESA PATTERSON
Custodian
Teresa Patterson is the custodian at Desert Skies UMC. A Tucson native and Sahuaro High School graduate, Teresa has been part of the Desert Skies community for many years. She treasures her time in the South East Circle, Disciple classes, and being baptized at Desert Skies by Rev. Dan Hurlbert. She especially enjoys the Messy Church services in Vail.
Teresa brings more than 20 years of professional cleaning experience, including work in medical facilities, businesses, hotels, and private homes. She also runs a small house-cleaning business.
Teresa is grateful to be part of the Desert Skies team and help create a welcoming environment for worship. She and her husband, Tom, live in Rita Ranch.
