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. William (Bill) Caleb Teng
Interim Pastor
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Pastor Bill is a fourth-generation Presbyterian minister. After concluding 40 years of active ministry teaching at the Alliance Bible Seminary in Hong Kong and serving congregations in New York; Texas; Hong Kong (twice); Florida (twice); Washington, D.C.; and Alexandria, Virginia, Bill retired from called ministry in 2019 in order to serve in transitional ministry. He has since served as interim pastor at Ardmore Presbyterian Church, in the Philadelphia area, and at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Venice, Florida.
Bill received advanced degrees in music and theology and has served on various councils of the larger church. He was nominated by National Capital Presbytery to stand for moderator of the 218th General Assembly in 2008 and was elected by the 223rd General Assembly (2018) to serve on the Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation (A Corp), and was appointed to serve on the General Assembly Commission to Unify the Office of General Assembly and the Presbyterian Mission Agency in 2022. Bill is also a volunteer chaplain with the Civil Air Patrol, the auxiliary of the United States Air Force, with the rank of Major. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Lake Suzy, Florida.
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, it is a natural transition for her to serve as our Director of Christian Education and Co-Youth Director.
Deanna Gordon
Administrative Assistant / Membership Coordinator / Director of Publications
Deanna was born and raised in Ft. Myers, Florida and joined Covenant Presbyterian Church in 1972. 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. She returned to Ft. Myers to be close to her family and rejoined Covenant in 2024. Deanna has one son, Dean Thomas Gordon, and a daughter-in-law, Megan. She loves the beach and being surrounded by friends and family. She enjoys helping others through her work in the church office, as well as serving on the Worship Committee and participating as an usher on Sunday mornings when needed.
Jean Ann Gogerty
Bookkeeper
Jean Ann had been in Ft. Myers for 37 years, originally from Oklahoma. She is married to her best friend, Mitch. Between them, they have four children. Christina and Ronnie are in their mid-twenties; Luke plays football at John Carroll University in Ohio; and PJ attends ECS. They worship at Cape Christian Fellowship and love spending time in the northeast Georgia mountains, camping anywhere (in a camper, naturally!), bike riding, and of course, the Gators!
Jean Ann started at Covenant as a part-time bookkeeper in March 2011.
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!