After much prayer and discernment, the Rio Texas Annual Conference Mission Vitality Center is proud to announce our selection of our newest member, Rev. Dr. Tanya Marie Eustace as the Assistant Director of Intergenerational Discipleship.  Dr. Eustace is an ordained deacon in the Rio Texas Conference and currently serves as Director, Children and Intergenerational Ministries at Discipleship Ministries (formerly known as the General Board of Discipleship). Bishop Janice Riggle Huie appointed her to this new position beginning on July 1. Dr. Eustace will be serving the District Strategy Teams to assist them in their ministries with children, youth and adults. Her first assignment is to meet individuals and to understand the needs of each district and its churches.

As a native Texan, Tanya was born in Houston and grew up in Midland. She graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in Music and Religion from Austin College in Sherman, TX. She attained a Masters of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Tanya received her doctorate of philosophy in Christian education and congregational studies from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Children's spirituality was her research focus. She has 19 years of experience as a Christian Educator and Minister to Children and Families in the local church. 

When Tanya is not at work, she can be found spending time with her Portuguese Water Dog, Bela Esperança (beautiful hope). Tanya and Bela are working together to become a certified therapy dog team so that Bela can join Tanya in ministry. 

Tanya also spends a lot of her free time outside–experiencing God’s beautiful creation. Running, cycling and yoga help keep Tanya connected to God. She also enjoys personal meditation, prayer, and her time with beloved friends and family. Tanya has completed three marathons and a Bike MS 150-mile ride. Tanya believes that God is actively present in the lives of all people and enjoys discovering God in every life moment.