Leadership / Staff

The Rev. Javier Garcia Ocampo

Rector

Javier Garcia Ocampo is from Mexico City. He began his ministry at Ascension in the Summer of 2014 after serving in the Diocese of Mexico City as a Vicar of the Church of La Santa Cruz for ten years. He grew up in a little town in Morelos State, Mexico, called Jojutla and moved to Mexico City to study at the Saint Andrew’s Anglican Seminary and the Theological Community of Mexico where he received a degree in Divinity.

As a cradle Episcopalian, Javier has been working for the Church in Mexico for many years. When he was at the Seminary, with a group of seminarians they planted a new church called “Cristo Rey”. He started his ministry working with the youth group and children. He was part of the OPAJUV (Young Adult Diocesan Committee). He was working also in Cursillo and Happening.

He was ordained as a Deacon in September of 2001 and as a Priest in October of 2002.

He is fascinated by languages, having studied English and Sign Language (in Spanish) and studying different cultures. For fun, he enjoys bike riding, physical fitness, reading books, travel, going to the movies and listening to music.

The Rev. Rosa Briones 

Deacon

Rosa L. Briones is from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, married and with two children.  Since I came to this Country I’ve always lived in DC, because my husband loves this town.  I was a parishioner at Saint Matthews in Hyattsville, MD. I was there for over 20 + years.

I was ordained a Deacon on November 12-2022 and I’m serving at The Ascension Church in Gaithersburg.

For the past 30 years I have built my career in the Hospitality Industry.

Etienne Zhou

Minister of Music

Etienne Zhou is a dynamic classical pianist with a great passion for captivating audiences through his performances across Asia, Europe, and North America. Zhou’s versatile repertoire has graced the stages of prestigious venues such as The Forbes Center of the Performing Arts, Bradshaw Hall in England, Hongkong Cultural Center, Shenzhen Concert Hall, and many others. Recently, Zhou was honored as the Third-Prize Winner at the 2024 New York International Artists Piano Competition, and the Winner of the Luciana Montanari- Mendola Award from the Italian Cultural Society, further recognizing his musical artistry. He is now serving as the Minister of Music at the Episcopal Church of Ascension in Gaithersburg and is currently a doctorate candidate in piano performance at The Catholic University of America.

Julie Lively

Parish Administrator 

My name is Julie Lively and I’m the Parish Administrator for the Church of the Ascension. I’m married and have 6 kids. Family time a super important to me and making memories and charishing those moments with them.

Before starting at the Church of the Ascension and I in the medical field. 8 years in pediatrics and 7 years in cardic medicine. I always saw myself helping others. Now I’m helping other in a different way way.

As the Parish Administrator, not only do I get to work behind the scenes, but I also get to work closely with our members, our vestory and our Rector.

My goal and desire is to help and serve them to the best of my ability to make their experience at the Church of the Ascension the best possible. I love God and love serving His people.

Jesse Velazquez

Communication

Jesse Velazquez, born in Washington, DC, comes from a family with roots in El Salvador, a vibrant country in Central America. Since the summer of 2016, Jesse has been a committed member of the Church of the Ascension, where his leadership and dedication have flourished. Over the years, he has served as choir director for several congregations, including the Latin choir at St. Gabriel’s Church in Washington, DC, and the choirs of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Our Savior’s Episcopal Church, and St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, all located in Hyattsville, MD.

Beyond his musical leadership, Jesse has brought his talents to the digital realm, managing social media for St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and serving as the technical director of its radio station. His musical journey began in his youth, with private instruction shaping his skills across multiple instruments, including piano, bass, and guitar. Today, at the Church of the Ascension, Jesse wears many hats, serving as director of the Spanish choir, sexton, and communications director.