WILLIE MATOS
Lead Pastor
Originally from Southern California, Willie has been in ministry for over 30 years in 9 different states, including Alaska. He and his wife Beverly, along with their three children, moved to Richmond from Central Florida in June of 2017.
Willie studied at Westmont College and Alliance Theological Seminary and has traveled to Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Not only has Willie been involved in church work, he has worked in higher education, the transportation, financial, and restaurant/entertainment industries.
His passions are developing leaders, studying history, and spending time with his family. Besides being serious about his coffee, Willie enjoys traveling (anytime, anyplace, for any reason), going on adventures in the outdoors, touring historical sites and art museums, listening to jazz, reading biographies, and watching college football.
SAMUEL CHERY
Associate Pastor
Samuel was born in Haiti, raised in Boston. After Boston, he moved to NY and NJ before settling here in VA with his wife and daughter for family and ministry opportunities. Samuel previously worked as a case manager for families and in homeless prevention. He is multi-lingual, speaking Haitian Creole and French in addition to English. Samuel attended Seminary in 2014 at Alliance Theological Seminary and received his Masters in Divinity in 2017. Having already visited Canada, France, and Belgium, he would love the opportunity to travel the world spreading the gospel.
Samuel and his wife Yamiley have a beautiful story of how they met before marrying in 2016, and they welcomed their daughter to the world in 2021. When he's not spending time with his family, Sam enjoys playing basketball and cheering for all of Boston's pro teams. If he isn't cheering on his favorite teams, you can check Gold's Gym where another hobby is lifting weights. Sam also appreciates shopping for clothing and accessories - especially glasses and sneakers; he's always looking for a good deal! You can also find him trying local pizza shops, as the small pizza places are his favorite.
KATHIE SZEWCZYK
Church Administrator
A native of Buffalo, NY and resident of Richmond since 2000, Kathie has been the West End Church Administrator since 2005. Her background is in business and banking.
Kathie and her husband, Steve, have two adult children, one grandson, three grand-cats and a grand-bunny. In her free time, Kathie enjoys attending the Richmond Celtic Festival (in full Scottish garb) and taking day-trips with her husband. Other interests include a broad range of reading and musical genres.
She and her family are avid Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres fans. Even when Kathie's teams are losing, her ever-hopeful response is, “wait'll next year!”
SHARI MCRAE
Worship Arts Director / Women's Group Leader
Shari has been leading worship, as well as initiating and coordinating a variety of other ministries at West End Church, since 1999. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Taylor University and her M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University.
Shari worked extensively in the mental health field before her unexpected career change toward music ministry. In 2015, Shari recorded her first CD project at Yackland Studios in Nashville, TN called “Deeper." Shari has also spoken at many women’s events nationally and internationally.
She has three amazing kids and seven impossibly beautiful grandchildren. In her spare time, Shari enjoys hanging out with her husband Walter, eating pizza, and playing with their two 90-lbs dogs.
TERA HOLLAND
Children's Ministry / Missions
A native of Central Florida, Tera moved to Richmond with her young family in the Fall of 2003, two weeks before Hurricane Isabel hit. In spite of the crazy weather, she fell in love with Virginia and decided to stay.
Tera is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a bachelor's degree in Journalism Advertising/Public Relations. In the years since, Tera has run a small private preschool, volunteered as a Girl Scout troop leader for 13 years, managed a school of the arts, become an accidental restaurant owner, and raised two amazing daughters.
Tera’s heart for kids and missions has led her to serve on short term mission trips to Haiti, Romania, and Costa Rica. Her passport and bag are always ready for traveling.
If she has any free time, Tera can be found searching for the best guacamole, hunting for vintage treasures and giving new life to old furniture, or chasing after her energetic toddler granddaughter.