Rev. Evve Kuykendall he/him - Pastor, Executive Director
Evve Kuykendall earned a Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School, specializing in Christian Theology, Sexual and Gender Justice, and Christian History and Ethics. With several years of ministry experience, Evve is deeply passionate about celebrating the image of God in every person and fostering connections that transcend differences in understanding or background, drawing all people toward God’s grace and love.
A self-proclaimed nerd, Evve delights in the worlds of comic books, superheroes, and electronic gaming—believing that stories of courage, justice, and imagination can inspire faith and community. Whether debating the moral complexities of a favorite comic book character, exploring the symbolism in superhero origin stories, or joining friends for a cooperative gaming adventure, Evve finds joy in the creativity and camaraderie these worlds offer. For Evve, these passions are not just hobbies, but opportunities to connect with others, spark meaningful conversations, and discover unexpected reflections of divine truth in popular culture.
Send him an email at: evve@utawesley.org
Connect with him on Instagram.
Jesus (no, not Christ) Canales he/him - Unity Coordinator
Jesus Adrian Canales is a junior at UT-Arlington pursuing a double major in Public Relations and Advertising, with a certificate in Nonprofits. Originally from Houston, Jesus serves at the UTA Wesley in leading events and advocacy efforts, curating spaces for underrepresented voices. After graduation, he hopes to continue nonprofit work, connecting deeper with local communities. In his free time, he loves crafting, drawing, and blogging.
To learn more about Jesus, send him an email at: jcanales@utawesley.org.
Derek Goodrich he/him - Ministry Intern
A UT-Arlington senior studying Political Science, Derek was born in San Antonio but has lived in Arlington for most of his life. He plans on attending seminary after graduation and was connected to the UTA Wesley through Glen Lake Camp. He loves nerding out about maps, hiking, music, and trying new places to eat (in fact, he recommends Taqueria Maria Bonita on Cooper Street.)
To learn more about Derek, send him an email at: derek@utawesley.org.
Laureen Kuizon she/her - Associate Director
An Advertising and PR graduate of UT-Arlington, Laureen realized her call to ministry while at the UTA Wesley. She first joined the Wesley in 2020 as a student, later serving in leadership and staff roles. Laureen is pursuing a Master of Divinity at SMU Perkins School of Theology and is pursuing ordination within the United Methodist Church.
In her spare time, she enjoys coffee, matcha, and anything Snoopy. She knows the Wesley as a community that lives into deep faith, inclusivity, and love, and is thankful for that witness. You can catch her on Sundays at 8:45am at First UMC Arlington leading their contemporary worship!
Send her an email at: laureen@utawesley.org.
Sarah Graves she/her - Administrative Assistant
Sarah serves as administrative assistant here at Wesley. She loves traveling [14 countries so far!] and sports such as rock climbing, wakeboarding, and snowboarding. She also loves to cook and bake. She’s a problem solver and wants to make the world a better place for future generations. The Wesley was where she found her faith, friends, and the love of her life!
Send her an email at: sarah@utawesley.org.
Connect with her on Facebook or Instagram.