Our Staff
Covenant Presbyterian Church thrives because of the energy, commitment and unique style of those who lead it. Here are a few of the people that make our church community special:
Rev. Becky Schwandt
Pastor
Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, Pastor Becky was the second daughter of George and Joyce Schwandt. Growing up in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Becky and her family attended First and Calvary Presbyterian Church, a large church with vibrant ministry and programing for all ages. She learned about God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit, but it was in college that the Bible became much more expansive and graphic than was learned in her youth group.
Pastor Becky attended Drury University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Religion. She continued her studies at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, were she would achieve a Master of Divinity followed by a Master of Theology.
Between 2014 and 2017, Pastor Becky served as Pulpit Supply Pastor for John Calvin Presbytery, Springfield MO and Stated Supply at Ozark Prairie Presbyterian Church, Mt. Vernon, MO as solo pastor. In 2019, she accepted a call to Ozark Presbyterian Church in Ozark, MO. For the next two years, she served both as the Pastor of Ozark and Stated Supply in Mt. Vernon. Since February, 2023, Pastor Becky has also served the John Calvin Presbytery as Stated Clerk. She became Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church on January 13, 2025. There was a Service of Installation on February 23, 2025, followed by a reception of celebration.
Pastor Becky believes her strongest gifts and training as a pastor are in worship planning, preaching and teaching. She states, “I trust that God is calling me to a place where I can use these gifts to inspire and empower the people of God to authentically love and serve one another.”
Dr. Warren Apple
Director of Music/Organist
Warren began his ministry at Covenant in September 2011. He has his Doctor of Music Arts from Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester NY. He also has a Master of Music. He has been a student at Vienna (Austria) Conservatory of Music and Performing Arts. Warren is married to Nancy Speakman Apple and has three grown sons. At Covenant, he directs the Chancel Choir, Summer Choir, Concert Choir and the Jubilate Ringers bell choir. Warren has a vast knowledge of music and is a great asset to Covenant.
If you are interested in learning more about Covenant’s music ministry please email Warren at rwa10@hotmail.com.
Juan Pablo Oliva
Co-Youth Director, Worship Band Leader
Juan Pablo began his formal musical education when he was age 11 at the Vocational School of Arts in Holguin, Cuba and is a graduate from the Conservatory of Music Jose Maria Ochoa also in Holguin. He earned his Bachelor of Music, graduating suma cum laude, from the lnstituto Superior de Artes/Higher Institute of Arts in Havana, Cuba and studied music analysis, harmony and music history at the Mozarteum University of Salzburg, Austria. Early in his career, Juan Pablo participated in musical tours in Europe and served as music director at El Fuerte Presbyterian Church in Cardenas, Cuba. In addition to his director responsibilities, he was also a music teacher and a musician.
Juan Pablo earned a special recognition from the Jury at the X Havana International Guitar Contest and Festival in May of 2000. He was also concertino and first guitar at the Sonantas Habaneras Guitar Orchestra for 2000-2002. Since August 2018, Juan Pablo and his family have been residents of Lee County as he serves as a guitar and piano teacher at the Fort Myers School of Music. Juan Pablo loves to spend time with his family, play and teach music among other activities that involve human culture, history, development and languages.
Barb Sheets
Co-Youth Director
Barb Sheets was born in Toledo, Ohio. She has three children, two daughters living in Lee County, and a son, living in Murfreesboro, TN. Barb is very proud of her eight grandchildren. She and her family joined Covenant in 1988, and after being away for a few years, rejoined in 2009. Barb has served as one of our Stephen Ministers, Deacon, Circle Leader for Presbyterian Women, and has led adult church school for several years as well. Barb has traveled to both Nicaragua and Palestine performing mission work.
After many years of helping with VBS, MOPS and many other family ministry events, she served as our Director of Christian Education. Barb is now Co-Youth Director with Juan Pablo Oliva.
Deanna Gordon
Administrative Assistant / Membership Coordinator / Director of Publications
Deanna was born and raised in Ft. Myers, Florida to Dean and Barbara Heflin. She was baptized and joined Covenant Presbyterian Church in 1972 as a child. As an adult, she lived in Bradenton, FL and co-owned a very successful photography studio business with her husband. After her divorce, she returned to college and studied nursing, working in memory care as a Charge Nurse and also a Health and Wellness Director. Although she loved nursing, she felt a pull to return closer to home and be close to her family. She attended Covenant with her parents and rejoined in 2024. Deanna has one son, Dean, a daughter-in-law, Megan, and two grand-dogs. She loves the beach, cooking, and being surrounded by friends and family. She enjoys helping others through her work in the church office and looks forward to the next journey that God has planned for her.
Mary Callaway
Financial Secretary
Mary and her husband, Steve, have been members of Covenant Presbyterian Church since 2002. She is a dedicated volunteer and gives freely of her time to this position. She keeps records of personal contributions to the church and sends out personal financial statements when requested. You can find her hard at work in the church office on Monday and Wednesday mornings.
Gary Brothers
Facilities Coordinator
Gary started attending Covenant Presbyterian Church in 2004, becoming a member in 2005. Gary has served Covenant in numerous ways. Being blessed with the knowledge and capability to fix or build almost anything, he volunteered for the church property committee. He has also served as a deacon and as a Stephen Minister. Gary’s career path has been varied, interesting, and has taken him across the country. After receiving a diploma in Management of Information Systems, he took a sideline position managing one of the largest entertainment establishments in the country. This diversion lasted for over 10 years. He finally decided to pursue a position utilizing his degree, working with computers. For the next 20 plus years, Gary worked as a computer service engineer, and sales and national reorganization manager. The last 18 years of his computer career was spent with EDS, traveling nationwide deploying and supporting networks and computer systems with General Motors, GMAC, DOW and most of the larger credit unions in the country. In his free time, Gary engaged in investment real estate which is what ultimately brought him to Ft. Myers. Gary is a licensed real estate agent, a certified community association manager and possesses vast experience in property management and maintenance. During his down time he enjoys time on the beach and boating.
Barbara Thrasher
Custodial Care
Barbara was born and raised in Indiana. She has two sons, Jason who lives in Florida with his two sons, and Jim who lives in Indiana. Barbara previously had her own cake and catering business for 10 years prior to moving to Florida in 1996. She started working for Covenant in 1998.
Our Volunteers
We honor all the volunteers who have served as teachers, office workers, choir directors, musicians, event assistants, money counters, library workers, committee members, property caretakers, ushers, greeters, visitation volunteers, prayer ministry coordinators, designers, supply organizers – the list of helpers is countless! On behalf of the entire congregation, Thank you for your dedicated service!