Clergy & Staff

The Rev. John Ohmer recently retired from thirty years of full-time ministry in the Episcopal Church. Most recently, he served as the Upper School Chaplain at St. Christopher’s School in Richmond, Virginia. Prior to that, he was the Interim Dean for the Cathedral of All Souls in Asheville, NC, served as the Rector of the Falls Church Episcopal in Falls Church, Virginia, as the Rector of St. James Episcopal Church in Leesburg, and as Youth Pastor for St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Arlington. 

Ohmer is the author of the book Slaying Your Goliaths: How God Can Help. He is a graduate of Wabash College and earned a Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary. Prior to ordination, he had a brief career in government, working as a Capitol Hill and presidential campaign staff member, and as a press secretary and speech writer in his home state of Indiana. 

His wife, Mary, is a public school teacher; they have three grown-and-flown children and recently welcomed their first grandchild. They spend their free reading, hiking, and figuring out how to tire out their tireless Border Collie-Springer Spaniel mix named Sadie.

Kasey Buckland is committed to providing exceptional support to our parishioners. With a passion for people in general and helping parishioners bring their gifts to life, Kasey ensures that every person feels heard, valued, and empowered.

Professionally, Kasey worked as the Operations Manager for a Corporate Concierge company and learned a deep love of connection. She was a Pharmaceutical Sales Representative for 12 years where she made excellent relationships with medical communities around Virginia.  She was also able to stay at home for a valuable season with her children, and volunteered for numerous organizations and received her Spiritual Direction certification from Richmond Hill’s RUAH program.  She has worked for SJtL for over 5 years.

When not assisting parishioners and clergy, Kasey feels privileged to be raising three fantastic kids with her husband Paul, enjoys traveling and having new adventures whenever possible, reading or listening to podcasts and looking for new spots to have a great meal with dear friends.  She is always seeking to grow both personally and professionally.

Reggie Long is a native of Ashland, Virginia. He received the Bachelor of Music in Church Music degree, with a major in organ and minor in piano and voice, from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music. He is a frequent performer in the Richmond area and has been a featured recitalist several times at the Washington National Cathedral and has also made several tours of England. 

Reggie is an active member of the American Guild of Organists, The American Choral Directors Association, The Choristers Guild, and The Royal School of Church Music.

Miriam Smith is a Board-Certified Music Therapist with experience working with youth and adults for over 10 years in both group and individual settings. She is passionate about working within the community and actively engaging participants to give back to those around them. In her private practice, she works with multiple non-profits in the area to provide music therapy to pediatric patients and those with developmental disabilities.

Miriam has a B.A. in Religious Studies from Randolph-Macon College and a graduate certificate in Music Therapy from Shenandoah University. She volunteers with the Virginia State Task Force on Music Therapy and the Ashland Community Preschool as well as the Delta Zeta chapter at Randolph-Macon College.  Miriam is an active member in the St. James the Less Choir. She is a long time Richmond area resident and has two children, three dogs, and too many chickens.