TRINITY CHURCH
ANNUAL REPORT - 2024
VESTRY NOMINEES : CLASS OF 2027
Anne Bleynat
Anne and her family joined Trinity in 1996 and have been greatly blessed to be part of this church community. Over the years Anne has served in numerous Trinity and Diocesan ministries including two terms on the vestry, the board of Camp Henry, Constitution and Cannons, the Hospitality Committee, Christian education, and two discernment committees. Most recently she has enjoyed her time with the Lake Logan crew, the Flower Guild, Trinity supper club, and Appalachian Regional Ministry. She states that it has been a joy to work alongside her fellow Trinitarians, and she would consider it an honor to serve as one of the incoming vestry members.
Mark Daddona
I was born in New Haven CT as a Roman Catholic and graduated from Southern Connecticut State College with a major in early childhood/elementary education. I received my master’s degree in school administration from the University of South Florida in Tampa. After several years of public school teaching and administration, I transitioned to higher education. Upon earning my Ph.D. from the University of Georgia, I held several administrative positons at universities in GA and finished my full-time career as a psychology professor in the Atlanta area. After retiring in the summer of 2022, my partner, Dan Niccum, and I moved to Asheville.
We joined Trinity Episcopal Church in the fall of 2022, and I was later received in May 2023. We very quickly felt welcomed by fellow parishioners and staff. It didn’t take long for us to realize that Trinity was going to be our new family and church home. Trinity has made our transition from Atlanta much easier, and we cherish all the friendships we have made and continue to make each week. Shortly after we arrived at Trinity, I became a Godly Play Mentor for grades K-2, and this year I am a mentor for the Right in the Middle class (grades 3-5). I brought with me over 10 years experience teaching Godly Play from my church in Atlanta. This past year, I joined one of the usher teams, after serving as head usher for a number of years in Atlanta. You can also find me helping cook breakfast about once a month, delivering flowers, or jumping in wherever there is a need. After flunking retirement, I was hired as an adjunct instructor at A-B Tech where I teach psychology and human services classes on campus and at the Western Correctional Center for Women in Swannanoa. I also do a little private counseling. In addition, I am a weekly volunteer at MANNA Food Bank. In my spare time I enjoy working in the yard, hiking, walking our dog Hawk, and working in my stained-glass studio.
Elleveve Dohahue
As a cradle Episcopalian, the Church has always played a special role in my life. I was born in Raleigh, NC and was quickly introduced to the Episcopal Church when I played the role of Baby Jesus in the Christmas pageant. When I was a young child, I moved to Washington, NC where my family and I became members of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. There I joined the youth choir and became an acolyte.
In High School, I moved to Anderson, SC and became a member of Grace Episcopal Church where I was an active member of the EYC, served as an acolyte, was involved with Happening in the Diocese of Upper South Carolina, and served on the Diocesan Youth Council.
I graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2004 with a degree in Psychology. While living in Columbia, SC, I met Tim, and we married at Grace Episcopal in Anderson in 2008. I graduated from Campbell Law School and after graduation, Tim and I moved to Raleigh, NC where I began my legal career. We welcomed our first daughter, Catherine in 2011 and our second daughter Latham in 2013.
In 2014, we moved to Asheville for a job opportunity and to be closer to extended family. After visiting churches in the area, it was clear that Trinity was the perfect church home. Beth Chestnut and her children’s ministry are a true blessing and welcomed our entire family to Trinity. Since joining Trinity, I have grown my service ministry. Currently, I serve as a Godly Play Mentor, a board member of the Church of the Advocate, a member of the Good Shepherd Committee, and help out with breakfast on Sunday mornings.
I would be honored to serve on the Vestry for Trinity. If elected, I hope to support the great Children and Youth Ministries of Trinity and help guide and grow Trinity’s outreach ministries. The Episcopal Church has always been a fundamental part of who I am and has always given me what I needed. I only hope to give back a small bit of what the Church has given me.
“As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10.
Peyton Evert
Peyton Evert lives in North Asheville with her husband Will and their two sons, Claude and Charles. She was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina where Christ Episcopal Church in Charlotte was central to her upbringing. Her grandfather was one of the founding members of Christ Church, and Peyton was baptized there. Most Sundays, her family walked two blocks from home to attend services.
Peyton pursued her love for languages and travel during her time at Middlebury College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. As part of her undergraduate studies, she spent two years in Spain.
This passion for global engagement continued into her early career, as she moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked in international diplomacy and economic development.
Peyton eventually took a different path and pursued a career in architecture. She attended Columbia University, where she earned a master’s degree in architecture. It was there, in the university’s woodshop, that she met Will Evert. In 2004, the couple moved to Asheville, North Carolina, where they were married at Trinity Episcopal Church in August of the same year.
Peyton's career in architecture spanned 20 years and three firms. Her work primarily focused on institutional projects, including the design of a state park visitor center, courthouses, school buildings, university buildings, and campus master plans. She also has experience in residential and commercial design.
Now, Peyton is embarking on a new chapter in her life—transitioning from architecture to caregiving. Inspired by the significance of caring for others, she is exploring roles as both a postpartum doula and elder care provider, seeking to support people at the beginning and end of life. She envisions building a practice that bridges these two important fields.
For the past 20 years, Peyton and Will have been devoted members of Trinity Episcopal Church in Asheville. From their very first visit, they knew it would be their spiritual home, drawn to the beauty of the sanctuary and the warmth of the community. At Trinity, they have celebrated life’s significant moments, including their marriage, baptisms, confirmations, and regular Eucharists. They have also received loving pastoral care during challenging times. Trinity is a central and cherished part of their family’s spiritual life.
Mike Smith
​Mike Smith lives in Asheville and returned here to his hometown and home church about five years ago after a long time in the Norfolk/VA Beach area. He graduated from UNC Asheville and Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA. Mike is a Veteran of the US Naval Service and retired from the City of Norfolk, VA, Department of Utilities. He is currently employed with the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. He likes sailing (racing), day hiking, backpacking, and camping throughout Western North Carolina. A competitive traditional archer (longbow) and with antique muzzleloading rifles (flintlock). Mike usually attends church at the 8:00 service and occasionally at the 5:30 service.
Nominees to the Diocesan Convention
Nancy Dexter
Ralph Simpson
