Cathedral Clergy, Staff & Chapter

The Very Reverend Michelle Robertshaw, Provost

mrobertshaw@spcathedral.com

I began my ministry as Provost 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 community, 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

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

• News, trends and styles of 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. 

Celeste Paultre
Hospitality Associate

I am from Knoxville, TN but have lived in St. Pete for four years now! I recently graduated from Eckerd College with a B.A. in Sociology and minors in Human Development and Public Health. I have been at the Cathedral since 2023 and am excited to see both new and familiar faces every week! I look forward to answering questions and building relationships with y’all while at the front desk on Sunday mornings.

In my free time, I like to scrapbook; hang out with my three cats: Apollo, Artemis, and Odysseus; and wear my Tennessee Orange to cheer on my favorite team (Go Vols)! I can’t wait to connect with you!

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.