Our Chaplain Team

MEET THE TEAM

Connie Ophus ~ Since 2004
Chaplain Team Director

My parents were from Texas. I was born in Lynwood California and grew up in Norwalk, with my first home away from home being in North Long Beach. From there I moved to Napa, a place I had never heard of before; this beautiful place where I have resided since 1973. I enjoyed the life of a stay-at-home mom while raising my daughter Tiffany and son Troy. Once grown, I went to work for the Robert Mondavi Winery, a career that lasted almost 18 years and then transitioned to Paradise Pools as the office manager for 8 years.

My life took a turn on January 2004. It was my day off when I received a call from Bill Waldan, my pastor, who at that time was on the chaplain team. Lee was out of town and he and Chaplain Vic had been called to a suicide. Bill proceeded to tell me that the son of my dear friend from work had hung himself. He asked and I accepted his request for my help. It was my first experience “shadowing” a death notification. At that time, I knew almost nothing about chaplain work, but knew immediately that I wanted to serve others in this way. After that day, doors began opening for me to become a Community Chaplain. I know it to be a good fit, as my nature is to jump in the middle of any emergency to see where and how I might help.

Lee contacted me right away and God kept opening doors in the most irresistible way.

I took the necessary training and on Dec 4, 2004, my last day at Mondavi, was accepted on the team. My first week I was on a 24/7 shift, without any callouts, (I’m convinced God has a since of humor).  After many years and so many call outs, I always sense the great privilege in serving the people of our community.

Joanne Duncan ~ 2007

I was born in Alameda, California and grew up in Danville.  I moved to Napa in 1980 where I raised 4 children. I have been blessed with six grandchildren. I was greatly influenced by my dear friends, Vic and Phyllis Bockstadter, who served as Chaplains with LECNC for many years.  When the tragedy of 9/11 took place, I knew I wanted to be a Chaplain. It was several years later before I applied, as I was busy with children at home and in college. After attending the Chaplain Academy, I began going out on calls in 2007. Being able to assist Napa’s first responders, and the community during times of critical incidents, is both challenging and rewarding. It is a great honor and privilege to bring comfort and healing to those who are grieving and traumatized.

Cassie Grimaldo ~ 2015

I was born here in Napa and have lived here all my life, along with my husband Steve and many extended family members.

It was a very dark time in my life, when I first met Lee Shaw. In 1985 I walked into his church, Morning Star, and heard the gospel message for the first time. It wasn't until 1992 that I began attending frequently and fully surrendered my life to Christ.

As I attended, blessed by a steady diet of God's truth, my once dark life was transformed. After many years of attending Morning Star, Lee began meeting with then Police Chief, Dan Monez. It was obvious that the Lord had begun a stirring in Lee's heart, leading him into chaplaincy work. The rest is history, as Lee soon became Napa's first law enforcement chaplain.

After encouragement from Lee and several friends, I attended a chaplain training in 2008 and began attending monthly chaplain training meetings. In 2015 I began going out on calls with Lee and soon became aware of the necessity and profound effect of the work.  My heart's desire has always been to come alongside and support others in their darkest times, exactly what the chaplaincy offers. Personally, my deepest love is for my Lord, my husband, my sons and grandchildren, and sports 😉

Debbie Fisher ~ 2018

For as long as I can remember, I have always desired to help others who suffer from physical or emotional pain. This desire led me to a 40-year career as a Registered Nurse at the Queen of the Valley hospital. In my position as Nursing Supervisor, I frequently interacted with families dealing with critical situations and death, where my passion to help others grew. After my retirement, I began looking for a place where I could volunteer and give back to my community. As I had worked many times in the hospital emergency department with Chaplain Lee Shaw, during critical events, it seemed like his program might be a good fit for me. Early in 2018, there was an announcement in our church bulletin for an upcoming Chaplain Academy, taught by Lee here in Napa. I enrolled, completed the course and in early Spring began to volunteer as a Community Chaplain. The calls are never easy, but most I consider to be “sacred encounters,” where I can demonstrate God’s love and care to those in our community who may be suffering the worst day of their life. I am honored and very blessed to be a part of this very important ministry.

Janelle Brown ~ 2018

I was born and raised in Napa and have never left this lovely community, of which I hold very dear. My work in the insurance and healthcare industries over the course of my career provided me an abundance of opportunities to serve people, people from all walks of life, aligning perfectly with my desire to help others.

I became acquainted with Lee Shaw when he pastored the church my husband and I attended. Often his Sunday messages included his recent and intriguing ride-a-long stories with law enforcement. I have always had a great admiration for law enforcement, fire, and emergency service workers.  It was no surprise to me that he soon made the change from pastor to becoming Napa County’s first full-time Law Enforcement Chaplain.

We stayed connected over the next several years as Lee assisted during several tragedies that our family endured. It was because of those encounters and his service to us that inspired me to become a chaplain. I knew when the time was right and I was able to commit, I would become a chaplain, providing that same help and service to others.  In 2018 I attended the Chaplain Academy. During the training it became clear to me that this is where God wanted me to serve, representing Him to others who were experiencing tragedy and trauma. In 2022 I retired which now allows me more time and greater opportunity to serve as a chaplain. It is an absolute honor to serve as a Community Chaplain for Napa County!

Steve Hiza ~ 2023

My background and career is in Emergency Services; as field Manager, trainer, 1^st responder, EMT, Paramedic, Firefighter/Chief officer, both as paid and volunteer positions for more than 20 years. I have served as a volunteer for Napa County Fire Department Carneros station for more than 15 years. I’ve had the opportunity to help many peer responders, as well as the public, during difficult and traumatic situations. One of my roles in emergency services was to provide critical incident stress management, guidance, and leadership. I have learned through personal hardships, training and with the help of others, how to come along side to assist in humble, compassionate ways.  I’ve completed the School of Shepherding at Grace church and have led weekly services at a local assisted living facility.

In 2018 I stared having conversations with Chaplain Lee Shaw regarding the Law Enforcement, Fire Service & EMS Chaplaincy. At that time, I sensed God’s leading to serve in Lee’s ministry. I started attending team meetings in April 2022, and through Lee’s mentorship I completed the Living Shield Ministries Chaplaincy Program in 2023 as well as additional chaplaincy classes in their program. I was accepted as a community chaplain for Law Enforcement, Fire Service & EMS Chaplaincy of Napa County in May 2023.

Nancy Smernes ~ 2000, Retired

I was born in San Francisco and have lived in the Bay Area all my life.  My early years were very difficult, stemming from my parent’s alcohol use.  I first met Pastor Lee and Mary in 1978 when I started going to Calvary Chapel in Napa.  I was single at that time and Lee and Mary were leaders of the singles group. Since that time, I have considered Lee to be my Pastor, my mentor and dear friend.

I have always had the desire to help people who are struggling in life.  In 1991, I began working in the Alcohol and Drug rehabilitation program at St. Helena Hospital. It was there, I became the first person of contact, whenever a call came in seeking help, either for themselves or a loved one. I enjoyed helping people work through the difficult process of rehabilitation both at St. Helena Hospital and at Mountain Vista Farm in Glen Ellen for 22 years.

When Lee started the Chaplaincy program, he asked if I would be interested in becoming a Chaplain. After extensive training, I started in 2000. I stayed active until I retired in 2018 and continue to be involved in helping when needed and hosting monthly meetings.

It has been an honor to serve our community and people in need, providing the special care and support that chaplains bring in times of great loss and sorrow.

Steve Grimaldo – 2018

I was born in Napa and have lived my entire life here in the valley.  I first met Lee Shaw years ago through my wife Cassie. I was greatly impacted by his genuine compassionate nature and his unwavering stand for biblical truth.

For many years my wife and I have been involved in biblical recovery with outreach programs to the homeless and to those suffering with substance abuse and addictions.  My life also involved recovery from my own dark and difficult past, making me thoroughly acquainted with their struggles.

In 2008 I attended the chaplain training program, finding it to be the perfect place for me to help others.  After completing the training, it was not until 2017 that I began serving as a chaplain. For some time, I have been the only bilingual Chaplain on the team.  As a Mexican-American, I am aware of the special place I hold, that of being able to communicate to Spanish speaking people, during what is often their darkest time.

On another note...my wife, my kids and grandchildren are my world.