The Rev. Amanda Brayton Eiman
Rector

Amanda grew up in nearby northern New Jersey and graduated from Drew University as a biology major. She graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2007. As Amanda states her calling, “Through the ministry of the priesthood, I seek to be a skilled guide to reveal to others the deeper understanding of how God is working in their lives. I aim to develop disciples and congregations through servant leadership, love, and radical welcome.” Amanda has practiced her ministry both nationally and globally, in Kenya, Georgia, Virginia, Kansas, and at two parishes in Pennsylvania. Prior to St. Philip's, was an Associate Rector at St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne, PA. Her responsibilities included preaching, liturgical leadership, teaching, and pastoral care. She focused on family ministry, newcomer incorporation, men’s and women’s fellowship groups, and liturgical planning. Amanda was the priest in charge for two years at The Church of the Holy Trinity (Episcopal), in Lansdale, PA. There, she helped lead the parish through a healing process following a period of decline in membership and attendance. She has also held many leadership positions on Diocesan projects.

Amanda’s interests are definitely well-matched with the Philipstown community: she is a certified yoga teacher—“I love sharing the gift and practice of yoga with others”—as well as an equestrian. She loves gardening and jogging and being outdoors. Amanda is married to The Rev. Christopher Bishop, and they are parents to Emma, age 7, and 5-year-old twins Agnes and Wesley.

Christopher Fasulo
Music Minister & Parish Administrator

Chris grew up in nearby Cornwall, New York, and has been a church musician since he was a child. Outside of church, Chris teaches voice lessons, and is a piano tuner and technician. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Westchester Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Chris pursued a Vocal Performance degree at the NYU Steinhardt School of Education. Chris served on faculty at NYU as an accompanist and vocal coach where he had the magical experience of working with the Broadway composer, Stephen Schwartz. He has accompanied for auditions for the American Institute of Musical Studies, and for The Juilliard School. Chris has served as Music Director and Piano Conductor for several productions Off-Broadway, at NYU, Marist College, Wagner College, and for many community theaters and high schools. His vocal studies were with Dr. Michael Douglas Jones, Matthew Chellis, Dianna Heldman, and Dr. Elaine Simpson. Chris’ advanced keyboard studies were with Dr. Ruthanne Schempf and Dr. Grant Wenaus.

Find out more about Chris on his website: www.christopherfasulo.com.

Stacy Labriola
Children’s Choir Director

Stacy grew up in Minnesota but came east for college. After graduation she moved to NYC and worked for years in corporate sales, mostly in Manhattan. She and her husband Art made the best decision to move to the Hudson Valley 30 years ago and parent their two kids. It was during this time that Stacy started getting back in touch with her love of music. It had always been a big part of her life growing up and in college. She formed an indie country/rock group called MotherLode with two other local moms and started writing & performing. She also became proficient in early childhood music education when her own kids were little and led many Baby & Me classes around the Hudson Valley & Westchester as well as music classes for 2-6 year olds. This musical connection to the community ultimately led to opening her own full-time preschool out of her home with an emphasis on music. It’s still going strong 14 years later.

Betsy Alberty
Director, St. Philip’s Nursery School

Betsy grew up on the south shore of Long Island and graduated from the State University at Albany as an American History major. She received her Masters of Science in Elementary Education from Long Island University, C.W. Post. She holds a New York State Permanent Certification in Elementary Education, grades N-6.

Prior to joining St. Philip’s Nursery School, Betsy has served as the Director of the Little Blessings Christian Preschool in Mt. Kisco and the Yorktown Presbyterian Preschool in Yorktown Heights. She also brings strong teaching experience in early childhood education, having taught at preschools on Long Island and Westchester and been Educational Coordinator at Adelphi University’s Alice Brown Early Learning Center in Garden City, New York. With the Planting Fields Foundation in Oyster Bay, she has developed curricula on environmental education for young children. She feels strongly that educators need to meet children where they are developmentally and support and facilitate their thirst for knowledge in a hands-on way.

Betsy’s interests are reading, spending time outdoors, cooking, gardening and vacationing with her children. She is married to her best friend, Robert, and they are parents to daughter Lillian and son Bobby.

Visit the Nursery School Website

VESTRY

The Vestry is a group of 12 people—11 Vestry members (including two Wardens, all elected by the congregation) and the Rector—that represents the parish in matters of finance, stewardship, budget approval, Diocesan assessment and payment, annual audits, records maintenance and the business of the church.

The Vestry works with the Rector to carry out the mission of the parish, and supports the Rector as head of the parish. As liaison between parish members and clergy and staff, the Vestry supports and promotes good communication in the church.

The Vestry meets on the third Sunday of each month. Please feel free to approach any of us at any time with questions or suggestions!

Vestry Reports and Meeting Minutes

Sarah Bayne (2025) Senior Warden warden@stphilipshighlands.org

Will Felder (2028) Junior Warden

Margy Gerber (2026) Clerk

Kari Jo Cates (2028)

Jamie Copeland (2030)

Charlie Dupree (2030)

Paul Kantor (2025)

Frederick H. Osborn III (2026)

Marilyn Palefsky (2028)

Kim Massey (2030)

Charity Shumway (2029)