Our Staff
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Rev. Ethan J. Cole - Rector
A lifelong Episcopalian, the Rev Ethan J. Cole is a native of Western New York. He attended Hobart College (’00) and Harvard Divinity School (’04). After being ordained in 2004, he served churches in the Buffalo area before moving to Southwest Florida in 2014. Most recently he has served as Canon for Congregational Life at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in St. Petersburg. Having served as a missionary in South Africa and Uganda as a seminarian, he has a focus on mission and outreach. Preaching, pastoral care, and bible studies are particular ministerial focuses for Ethan, seeking to connect people with the transforming love of Christ. He believes that the church is called to be open, inclusive, and welcoming to all people, and that the church has a responsibility to be an agent for good in the community. Ethan’s personal interests include nature and hiking, birds and wildlife, travel, reading, fitness, 12 Step spirituality, and a good cup of coffee.
Contact Ethan at ethancole@stbartsinstpete.org
Follow on Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/revethancole/
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Rev. Bruce N. Gillies - Deacon
The Rev. Bruce N. Gillies has served the Episcopal Church with deep commitment and compassion for over four decades. Born in Buffalo, New York, and educated in Kenmore public schools, Bruce graduated from Hope College in 1963 with a double major in English and Psychology. He went on to earn a Master’s in Social Work from SUNY Buffalo in 1989, combining his love of education and service to others.
Bruce’s professional background includes work in both education and social services, having taught at Niagara Christian College and Medaille College, including in New York State correctional facilities. He also served in various roles at Connors Children’s Center, E.J. Meyer Memorial Hospital, the Erie County Department of Social Services, Benedict House, and the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York.
Ordained to the diaconate on June 9, 1984, at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Buffalo, Bruce served as Archdeacon in the Diocese of Western New York from 1995 to 2011 and as Deployment Officer from 2000 to 2011. After moving to Florida, he continued his ministry as Deacon at Church of the Annunciation in Holmes Beach from 2013 to 2023. In 2024, he joined the clergy team at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, where he continues to serve faithfully.
Deacon Bruce brings with him a wealth of pastoral experience, a heart for outreach, and a deep love for the Church and its people.
Contact Bruce at BGILLIES1@tampabay.rr.com
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Britt Fabrello - Administrator & Communications Director
Britt Fabrello serves as the Administrator and Communications Director at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, bringing a background in communications, operations, and people-focused leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Augsburg University and is SHRM - CP certified. Britt has worked across corporate, nonprofit, and wellness sectors. At St. Bartholomew’s, Britt ensures smooth day-to-day operations and leads communication efforts that keep the parish connected, informed, and engaged. Originally from Minnesota, she has lived in St. Petersburg, Florida for the past four years and loves being part of this vibrant community. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the area and spending time with her miniature American Eskimo dog, Charlie Bear.
Contact Britt at office@stbartsinstpete.org
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Travis Evans Minister of Music
After calling St. Louis, Missouri home for more than 20 years he moved to St Petersburg in early 2022. During his time in St. Louis he served on the faculty at St. Charles Community College, the University of Missouri - St. Louis and Lindenwood University. In addition to his academic work, he has also held positions as a church musician, a career that he started at the age of 16.
He holds a Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance from the University of Missouri - St. Louis (UMSL) where he studied both organ and composition with Dr. Barbara Harbach, and a Masters of Music in Organ Performance from Webster University in St. Louis where he studied with William Partridge, Canon Precentor at Christ Church Cathedral in St. Louis.
He has been a guest speaker at the American Guild of Organists January Jubilee, the Missouri Choral Directors Association and was a member of the faculty for the UMSL Summer Keyboard camp. He volunteered on a grant advisory panel for the Missouri Arts Council for the State of Missouri and has had music published by Paraclete Press.
Contact Travis at music@stbartsinstpete.org
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Jeanine Campbell-Sutton - Sunday School Teacher
Mrs. Jeanine Campbell-Sutton is a dedicated Sunday School teacher with a lifelong passion for drawing children closer to God. As both an educator and a believer who grew up with a strong, Bible-based foundation, she brings a deep love for Scripture and a heart for helping kids build their own relationship with Christ.
Jeanine has spent the past 17 years teaching in Pinellas County Schools, including 12 years in upper elementary and the last 5 years in gifted and talent studies. Before joining the district, she served as a preschool teacher. She earned her education degree from the USF Bayboro campus and holds endorsements in gifted studies, civics, reading, and ESOL. She also spent several years working as a STEM instructor, adding another dimension to her creative and hands-on approach to teaching.
As a mother of two girls—one in elementary school and one in middle school—Jeanine understands children deeply and brings that insight into every lesson she teaches. In the classroom and in Sunday School, she is known for being kind, fair, balanced, and intentional. She loves incorporating activities that are interactive, meaningful, and designed to help kids connect biblical truth to real life.
Jeanine’s mission in Sunday School is simple: to create a welcoming, engaging, and spiritually rich environment where every child can experience God’s love, explore Scripture with confidence, and grow in their faith. She is grateful to use her years of teaching experience, training, and passion for ministry to serve the church and the next generation.
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Douglas Thonen - Sexton
Douglas Thonen was born in Saint Petersburg, Florida and lived most of his life in the Tampa Bay area. Douglas and his family have been Parishioners of St. Barthlomew’s Episcopal Church for two years, and feel that they have found their home and a real connection with the community of St. Bart’s.
Douglas earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts at the University of South Florida. Doug has worked in a variety of professions including twelve years as a Teacher with Pinellas County Schools for students with Special Needs.
Douglas enjoys the opportunity to contribute to the upkeep, maintenance, and inner workings of St. Bart’s Church and to provide assistance to help maintain a special environment for all that our Church has to offer.
Outside of St. Bartholomew’s Church, Douglas is an accomplished and prolific Artist, working mainly in paints, and enjoys time with his wife and two daughters.
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Suzanne Solari - Parish Nurse
Suzanne Solari brings over five decades of compassionate, professional nursing experience to our church community. A registered nurse for 50 years and a family nurse practitioner for 45 years, Suzanne has served in a variety of healthcare settings, including medical offices and emergency rooms.
Her clinical background includes extensive work in women’s health, cancer care, and family medicine, allowing her to provide holistic support to individuals and families across all stages of life.
In addition to her role at the church, Suzanne volunteers her time at the Free Clinic in St. Petersburg, continuing her lifelong commitment to caring for those in need.
We are grateful to have Suzanne as part of our ministry, where her experience and heart for service bless our congregation in meaningful ways.
Contact Suzanne at nurse@stbartsinstpete.org