Our Minister & Staff

Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford

Rev. Joanna Fontaine Crawford has been the lead minister of Live Oak since August 2014, after serving at the multi-site First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston. A born and raised Unitarian Universalist, Rev. Joanna grew up in Spring, TX, attending the University of Texas at Austin and having a career in marketing before getting “the call” and attending seminary.

As part of the requirements for becoming an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, she earned a Master of Divinity degree, summa cum laude, from Houston Graduate School of Theology; did a dual internship with Northwoods UU Church in The Woodlands and the Church of the Larger Fellowship, an international online UU church; and completed hospital chaplaincy training at the Methodist Hospital of Houston.

Rev. Joanna is married to Tom Crawford, and they have four children: Jackson, Kaziah, Lily, and Marenna.

You can also find her online at:

• Facebook

• TikTok

• Blog

She/Her

Position: Minister

Christine (Chris) Jarman

As Director of Lifespan Development, Christine is responsible for overseeing lifelong learning opportunities for all ages.

Unitarian Universalism proclaims that revelation is ongoing, and time spent sharing stories and reflecting on our experiences is one way we grow into a stronger community that can help shape a better world through our living and our action.

She/Her

Position: Director of Lifespan Development

737-240-3127 (Office)

Curtis White

Curtis is a native Texan, holding a Bachelor of Music in Performance: Voice, a Bachelor of Science and Arts in Biochemistry, and a Minor in Music Composition from the University of Texas.

From there, he attended Louisiana State University, earning a Master of Music in Choral Conducting.

Curtis has studied voice privately from primary teachers Prof. Donnie Ray Albert, Dr. Steven Brennfleck, and Dr. Brandon Hendrickson. He has served as Artistic Director and Conductor for Collegium Music for three years while at UT, Assistant Director for the UT Summer Choral Society in 2016, and Conducting Fellow for the Ars Longa Conducting Fellowship Program in 2017.

He has conducted choirs at both UT and LSU, as well as worked with many local ensembles including the BREC Independence Park Theatre, Amphion Youth Choruses, and Chorus Austin among others.

One of his many glowing references was from Dr. John Dickson, Professor Emeritus and Retired Director of Choral Studies, and the Edward G. and Catherine M. Galante Chair for Choral Music Education at LSU. He wrote that Curtis “understands how to train singers and he is particularly adept at developing the volunteer singer,” adding, “In addition to his musical gifts, Curtis is a highly intelligent person. Double majors in biochemistry and music at The University of Texas at Austin attest to his intellect and curiosity. Following his graduate degree at LSU, he found his calling as a musician and teacher.

He/Him

Position: Music Director

Diane Stepakof-Fay

Diane grew up in D.C. but has lived in Austin more than 25 years since moving here to attend UT for a degree in Latin American Studies. She lives in Cedar Park with her husband, dog and 4 cats. Her daughter is attending graduate school out of state.

Diane worked a wide variety of jobs (data entry at a hospital, accounting for a truck tire company, kitchen consultant for the Pampered Chef and owner of a Judaica business) before landing at Live Oak in 2008. In addition to paid positions, she has also served many volunteer roles at her synagogue and volunteered for Destination Imagination, the Endometriosis Association, Hadassah and Cedar Park HS theatre boosters.

She/Her

Position: Administrator

737-240-3345

More About the People of Live Oak

Our Minister & Staff

Learn more about our minister & Live Oak UU staff

Elected Leadership

Each position on the Board of Trustees is elected by church members at a congregational meeting. The Board handles policy related decisions, and has the fiduciary responsibilities of the church.

To oversee the day to day operations of Live Oak UU, making decisions based on the policies established by the Board of Trustees.

Executive Leadership