Fr. Daniel is passionate about making the Episcopal Church relevant and accessible to people at every stage of their spiritual and life journeys. He is dedicated to building strong, diverse communities by empowering multigenerational and multiethnic leaders to serve as Christ’s ambassadors—both within and beyond the church. His ministry began as a church planter, first establishing a Hispanic ministry at Grace Church and later founding St. Peter’s ~ San Pedro, a bilingual Episcopal congregation in Salem, MA. He has served as Interim Rector at St. Michael and All Angels in Baltimore, MD, and worked as a consultant for the Office of Hispanic/Latino Ministries at The Episcopal Church Center. In 2021, Fr. Daniel was appointed by the Presiding Bishop and the President of the House of Deputies to serve on the Committee for Truth-Telling, Reckoning, and Healing, a working group focused on guiding the Episcopal Church toward healing from the injustices of racism and prejudice. Fr. Daniel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and a dual master’s degree in Divinity and Social Work from Boston University. One of his most meaningful achievements was co-founding Esperanza Academy, a tuition-free Episcopal middle school for girls in Lawrence, MA. In his free time, Fr. Daniel enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, traveling, practicing Bikram yoga, listening to music, and learning new things. He also loves golf—though he admits he’s still trying to master the game!

Deacon Holly Hanback was appointed to St. Gabriel’s – San Gabriel by the Rt. Rev. Shannon Johnston, Bishop of Virginia, in Advent 2016. In December 2019, the Rt. Rev. Susan E. Goff appointed her Archdeacon of the Diocese of Virginia, where she provides guidance and pastoral care for those discerning and preparing for the diaconate while also serving as a pastoral presence for deacons across the diocese. At St. Gabriel’s, Deacon Holly serves both the bilingual congregation and the greater Leesburg and Loudoun communities. Her secular vocation is just as pastoral as her clerical role—she works for Loudoun County Public Schools as a Parent Liaison, helping families navigate educational challenges. She also serves on the board of Mobile Hope, a nonprofit supporting precariously housed teens, and is actively involved in Grace to Go, a ministry providing meals to those experiencing food insecurity in Leesburg. The word "deacon" comes from the Greek word diakonos, meaning "servant" or "minister." Deacons are called to represent Christ and His Church, especially by serving the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. They also assist in proclaiming the Gospel and administering the sacraments. At St. Gabriel’s, Deacon Holly joyfully shares the love and Spirit of Jesus in both English and Spanish. In the Episcopal Church, deacons are one of four orders of ministry: laypersons, bishops, priests, and deacons. There are two types of deacons: transitional deacons, who go on to become priests, and vocational deacons, who are called to a lifelong ministry of service—a calling Deacon Holly wholeheartedly embraces. Holly and her husband, Clint, are the proud parents of four beloved children. When you meet Deacon Holly, you will know you are in the presence of a spirit-filled, compassionate, and devoted servant of God.

Abi Hernández Cruz is passionate about children and youth formation, a calling rooted in her deep love for Jesus Christ and the church. She and her family were among the first to join St. Gabriel’s~San Gabriel’s Latino Ministry, where she and her sister proudly served as the first acolytes. Abi's dedication to ministry was nurtured during her five summers as a Shrine Mont camper, shaping the skills and care she now brings to working with children and youth. Abi is currently studying Criminology and Criminal Justice at NOVA Community College – Loudoun Campus and plans to transfer to George Mason University to complete her bachelor’s degree. She aspires to attend law school and become a family and immigration attorney, advocating for those in need.

Praised by The Washington Post for her “special sparkle,” Pamela Butler has performed over 35 opera roles and numerous concerts with organizations across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Her performances have been featured at venues including Arlington National Cemetery/Fort Myer Chapel, Bel Cantanti Opera, Loudoun Symphony, Opera International, Syracuse Opera, Victorian Lyric Opera, and the Washington Savoyards, among many others. Her rich mezzo voice with its agile upper extension has made her especially well-suited for the works of Mozart, Rossini, Haydn, Handel, Mendelssohn, and Purcell. A lifelong admirer of British history and musical comedy, Pamela was drawn to opera through her love of Gilbert & Sullivan, having now performed at least one role in all 13 operas in their canon. Pamela’s travels across Europe deepened her appreciation for French and Russian composers such as Bizet and Tchaikovsky, leading her to study their music and languages. In 2005, she gave her first Russian-language performance as Filipyevna in Eugene Onegin to critical acclaim. Beyond her work as a performer, Pamela has been a dedicated advocate for the arts in Northern Virginia, bringing years of business and nonprofit management experience to organizations such as: Loudoun Lyric Opera (Founder & Board Member, 2007–2022), Loudoun Arts Council (Board Member, 2016–2018), Virginia Commission for the Arts (Grant Panelist, 2013–2015), Leesburg Commission on Public Art (Chair & Vice Chair, 2007–2013), Friends of Leesburg Public Art (Founding Board Member, 2012–2015), Leesburg Arts & Cultural District Task Force (2010–2012) and Bel Cantanti Opera (Founding Vice President/Treasurer, 2003–2007). In addition to singing, Pamela is an accomplished guitarist and enjoys lecturing and performing for civic organizations, senior living communities, private events, and festivals. We are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team!

Carmelo joined St. Gabriel's~San Gabriel in 2019 to lead the Spanish language music ministry. He is a gifted musician and guitarist, with over 30 years experience as a church musician and choral director.

David "Dj" Cortés-Gunning is a Baltimore native who still eats at least one crab a year to maintain his "Bawlmer" credibility. ​ Dj manages the day-to-day operations of St. Gabriel's~San Gabriel and serves as assistant to the Clergy and Staff, and Clerk of the Vestry. Dj has a heart for bringing people together in unity, equality, and service, and making the church a more welcoming place for all in today's world. ​ Dj is also a church musician, having served most recently as the Interim Director of Music and Organist at St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Reston. In 2016, Dj transitioned from a 15-year career in Broadcasting and Journalism, and you may have heard him on a nearby radio station in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and locally at the former 92.5 WINC FM. ​ Dj is an avid connoisseur of music of all types, wine, food, and locally produced microbrews and spirits. He also enjoys taking his 16-year-old chihuahua Chloe on adventures to local state parks and beaches, and spending time with friends, family, and his husband Adán.