Cathedral Clergy, Staff & Chapter

The Very Reverend Michelle Robertshaw
Provost

mrobertshaw@spcathedral.com

I began my ministry as Provost of the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in March 2025 and consider it an honor to lead a community that values beauty in worship, growing in faith – no matter our age, and ensuring all are welcome. Whether presiding at the altar, leading formation, or simply listening over coffee, I seek to create space for healing, connection, and spiritual renewal. It is a joy to serve the cathedral congregation, the diocese, and the greater downtown area of St. Petersburg.

Ask Me About:

· Why the Mexico pavilion at EPCOT is always set to twilight (Disney fans unite!)

· What walking a pilgrimage taught me about the spiritual life

· How a quiet moment in a pew can change your life

· Why “relationship” might be the most important word in ministry

The Reverend Canon Mike Alford
Canon for Congregational Care

malford@spcathedral.com

As Canon for Congregational Care, I am privileged to provide pastoral counseling and support to the Cathedral community. I am also engaged in addressing the needs of our neighbors beyond the church doors. Practicing the ministry of presence keeps me focused on my calling as pastor and priest. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be present with those in need as we walk our faith journeys together.

Ask Me About:

• The transformative power of Christian contemplative practices like centering prayer and meditation, lectio divina, and walking the labyrinth

• Why I love serving on international mission trips

• My favorite movies

• Gator sports

The Reverend Canon Brandon Peete
Canon for hospitality

bpeete@spcathedral.com

I began praying with my family at St. Peter's Cathedral over the summer of 2017. We sought and found a progressive and inclusive church that also values the beauty of formal Episcopal liturgy. I am pleased to serve at the altar, along with offering occasional opportunities in formation.

Ask Me About:

• How many days there are until the college football season kicks off (Roll Tide!)

• The important role the church plays in sparking joy in everyday life

• How my Church of Christ upbringing led me to the Episcopal tradition

• The trail races I’ve completed across the United States

The Reverend Hillary Peete
Director of Christian Formation and Digital Communications

hpeete@spcathedral.com

I have been attending the Cathedral with my family since September 2017. We love the sense of hospitality and welcome at the Cathedral, especially for our children. I love working with all ages at the Cathedral — through our service in the community, leading Bible studies, creating intergenerational activities for children and families, and hanging out with the 20s/40s group.

Ask Me About:

• Why memoir is one of my favorite genres (or anything about books!)

• How leading Children’s Chapel will help you engage in worship in a new way

• Grabbing a cup of coffee or lunch. Hearing the stories of newcomers and longtime Cathedral members is always such a gift

• The challenge of making healthy meals for two growing kids who would rather subsist on Bagel Bites

Dwight Thomas
Canon for Music & Precentor

dthomas@spcathedral.com

I fell in love with the Episcopal Church and its liturgy and music while in graduate school. I moved to Florida in 1999 and have been serving at the Cathedral since 2009. Outside of my work at the Cathedral, I have a keen interest in weight training and exercise science, meteorology, Star Trek, and am a frustrated composer and wanna-be percussionist. With my husband Bruce, we are also servants to three adult cats with varying personality disorders.

Ask Me About:

• being involved with Cathedral music or serving on one of the Worship Guilds

• ways to support the hospitality/outreach component of Cathedral music by helping with receptions or publicity

• traveling to the Florida Keys

• what euchre is and why I love playing

Andi Gorton
Publications

agorton@spcathedral.com

I have been at the Cathedral as a parishioner since 1986 and came on staff in 2011. In my work with Publications, I work on a variety of projects ranging from bulletins for worship and weddings, coordinating with the Altar Guild, and updating monthly intercessions for birthdays, anniversaries and deaths. I also love rehearsing for and singing in the Cathedral, Chamber, and Festival Choirs.

Michael Ricciardi
Building and Grounds Coordinator

mricciardi@spcathedral.com

I am not new to the Cathedral, just new to this role! My wife and I joined in 2018 and I have volunteered as an usher, coffee-hour host, chef for Messy Church and VBS, co-chair of the Flower Guild, and member of the Chapter (2020-2023). In my new role, I coordinate routine maintenance and working with outside vendors. As we gear up work on the Reserve Study, I look forward to tackling significant building projects to ensure to long-term longevity of the Cathedral campus, and working closely with the Building and Grounds Committee. In my spare time, I enjoy mini getaways with my wife Lois — Christmas in Mount Dora is a must — spending time with friends, and attending Rays and Rowdies games.

Michelle Thomas
Cathedral Administrator & Associate for Christian Formation

mthomas@spcathedral.com

I joined the staff in 2020 but have been singing at the Cathedral since 2009! I love the liturgy and the broad scope of ministries and organizations that the Cathedral has cultivated throughout the years. I enjoy finding God’s love through life’s new challenges and opportunities to think and move outside the box. My background is primarily in music education, and I strongly believe that lifelong faith starts with strong mentors and Christian community.

Ask Me About:

• How the Cathedral operates, whether it’s about online giving, the church calendar, reserving a room for an event, or how to get involved

• The latest goings on with my son, the “Cathedral Baby”

• Gregorian Chant and how we see it living on in parts of our liturgies

• Craft beer (21+ only!)

Carla Escobar
Custodian

I am from Nicaragua, a small country in Central America. I came to Florida 4 years ago with my 23 year-old son, Goly Miguel. Since I started cleaning the Cathedral I have felt a special sense of peace. It makes me happy. I appreciate the harmony here and kindness from everyone on staff. In addition to my cleaning service, I have another small business, “Kelindo Design.” I make crafts, flowers, edible arrangements and charcuterie. I definitely enjoy making each individual order. Goly and I love Florida because of its beautiful beaches. We go there often and enjoy the spectacular sunsets. 

Nana Paultre
Hospitality Associate

I am a junior at Eckerd college majoring in human development and sociology. I look forward to being at the front desk on Sunday mornings to answer any questions people have and monitor the narthex area. I am a native of Knoxville and grew up Lutheran. I am involved with the Active Minds Club, a mental-health advocacy group. I have two cats, Apollo and Odysseus, too!

Cathedral Chapter

The Chapter is the 12-member lay board of directors that, with the dean, sets policy, watches the finances, and supports the spiritual life of the congregation. Each year four new members are elected to three-year terms.