staff & vestry
Our Rector
Rev. Dr. Caroline Carson, aka "Parson Carson", originally from Charleston, SC, comes to us from the Sewanee School of Theology at The University of the South by way of her most recent home, New Orleans and the Diocese of Louisiana. She formerly taught at The University of New Orleans and was Director of Music at St. Paul's Episcopal, state ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) president, and assistant with the New Orleans Civic Symphony. Mother Caroline is a missioner interested in global partnerships, peacemaking, interfaith relationships, pastoral care, the environment, and Anglican ecumenism. She is an active member of the Episcopal Communicators and is a NASA Solar System Ambassador. She has high energy and enthusiasm for life and is dedicated to intentional discipleship, learning, pastoral sensitivity, missional engagement, and recognizing the movement of the Holy Spirit in all levels of the world today. Rev Dr. Carson loves people, coffee, space, travel, photography, and her mischievous cat Bluebell.
Our Deacon-Almoner
Judith Krom is our Deacon-Almoner. She is a native of Hartford, Connecticut. Dr. Krom retired after many years in higher education administration. She resides in Brick, New Jersey and is a widow of Dr. Bernard Braen. Dr. Krom is an alumna of Gordon College, Syracuse University, The State University of New York at Buffalo, and our diocesan School for Deacons. Her principal vocation is as a nursing home chaplain; she offers this ministry at Meridian Nursing and Rehabilitation Unit in Brick, New Jersey. As Almoner of our Parish, Dr. Krom keeps the discretionary purse for use in distributing alms for the relief of the needy. She is a member of our diocesan Commission on Recovery. Dr. Krom participates in the Liturgy, offers adult education opportunities in the Parish, and is one of the organizers and leaders of the Parish's 2012 pilgrimage to Israel. She also participates with the team from Holy Innocents' serving in the Family Promise Shelter in Manahawkin. Dr. Krom has four children and seven grandchildren.
Our Music Director
Ellen J. Dondero serves as Minister of Music and Organist at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church. Ministries include playing for Sunday services, as well as other special services throughout the year as well as directing Innocents’ Choir. In addition, she is coordinator for the Spring Concert Series and the annual Messiah Sing. Ellen grew up in a large household and is one of eight children raised by two musician parents. Music has always been a very important part of her life. She received her college education at Westminster Choir College, in Princeton New Jersey, earning a Bachelor’s in Music Education. In addition to her position at Holy Innocents, Ellen manages two retail stores in Beach Haven; How to Live and How to Live Bayside, and serves as Associate Conductor for Capital Singers of Trenton. She is married to John P. Dondero, and together they have three adult children, all performing musicians.
Our Parish Administrator
Mrs. Lisa Halpin is our parish administrator and comes to us from Manahawkin, New Jersey. Lisa is active in the Beach Haven Community and also works at the Surflight Theatre. She handles our schedule, arrangements for Memorial Garden niches, and much much more. She is full of hospitality and helpfulness!
Our Vestry
The Wardens and Vestry are a group consisting of "adult, confirmed communicants in good standing," elected by the Annual Meeting of the Parish, serving together with a Priest or Bishop called by the Vestry." The Episcopal Church of The Holy Innocents in Beach Haven is blessed with a committed, active leadership through faithful service. Each of the wardens and Vestry members has unique gifts and strengths, and together they collaborate well to lead the membership.
Senior Warden
LEILA GONZÁLEZ SULLIVAN recently relocated to Long Beach Island from Maplewood, New Jersey. She and her spouse, Charlie, have had a house on the island since 1984 and now they are happily retired here. Leila has attended HIEC for a number of years and was Received last fall. She and a number of other parishioners read children’s books for Kids Korner, and she is an Usher/Greeter monthly. For the coming year, she will serve as Junior Warden.
In her professional life, Leila was a community college professor and administrator at institutions in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland for some 35 years. Then, she took a leap of faith to become a professor of higher and community college education at North Carolina State University for nine years. In retirement, Leila volunteers for Moms Demand Action for Gun Safety, hunger programs and racial inclusion projects, as well as studying Italian and photography.
Junior Warden
DAVE WHITE Dave grew up here in Beach Haven and graduated from Southern Regional High School in 1983. He entered the US Army and served for 10 years including service in the Desert Storm War. He brought his Christian beliefs and way of life to the Army and ever since. He served as the AV leader in Auburn, MA, at Bethel Lutheran Church and moved back to Beach Haven in 2010. He has been active in attending service since his return. Dave has served on the Vestry, as an Usher and now as the Junior Warden.
The Vestry
Class of 2023
Kay DeCicco
Larry Peacock
Rob Meyer
Class of 2024
Diane Carter
Vince Contreras
Matt Starr
Class of 2025
Bruce Hillyer
Bill Kehr
Judy Contreras