Our Staff

The Rev. Kristin C. Kopren, Rector

Mother Kristin joined the St. Francis on the Hill community as rector in early 2023. Ordained in 1997, her ministry has spanned a variety of calls in parish and school settings, including rector, interim, and chaplain—here in the Diocese of the Rio Grande and previously in the Diocese of New York. Mother Kristin serves in wider church leadership as president of the DRG Standing Committee and as deputy to the 2024 General Convention in Louisville.

Raised in North Carolina in the independent church tradition, Mother Kristin discovered the welcoming, inclusive, liturgical environment of the Episcopal Church as a young adult living in Brooklyn. Her educational background includes an M.Div. from the General Theological Seminary and two units of Clinical Pastoral Education. A mother of two grown daughters, with whom she shares four cats near and far, Mother Kristin enjoys travel; rewatching favorite episodes of “Father Brown” and “Call the Midwife”; and the glorious El Paso sunsets.

Ajith “AJ” Kumar, Music Director and Organist

Ajith “AJ” Kumar, Music Director. Bringing a wealth of musical experience, AJ is proficient in several instruments including piano, organ, violin, guitar, and voice. A sought after music and voice coach throughout El Paso, he works with various local performance organizations including Kids N Co., UTEP Dinner Theatre, and EPYSO. An alumnus of Baylor University with a major in Neuroscience and minor in Music, AJ is also a Registered Nurse at Rio Vista Hospital. He enjoys playing tennis and golf, and is also currently seeking his yoga teacher certification.