Meet the Youth, Young Adults, & Young Families Team
Youth, Young Adults, & Young Families Team
Our team includes the Director of Ministries to Youth, Young Adults, & Young Families, the Coordinator of Youth Ministry, a Program Assistant, and volunteer leaders who make up our Youth and Young Adult Core Teams. Together, we accompany children, teens, young adults, couples, and families through formation, fellowship, service, discipleship, and worship within the life of the parish.
Click on the sections below to learn more about each staff member, their background, favorite things, and why they serve in ministry.
Director of Ministries to Youth, Young Adults, & Young Families — Mariane Staron
About Me
Hometown: Indaiatuba, São Paulo, Brazil
Birthdate: August 6
Education: Franciscan University of Steubenville — M.A. in Catechetics and Evangelization; George Mason University — B.A. in Global Affairs with a concentration in Global Governance; Franciscan University of Steubenville — Certification in the Apostolate of Catholic Youth Ministry
Active in ministry since: 2013
Working at The Basilica of Saint Mary since: July 2017
Fun Fact: Since my parents were not Catholic, I was baptized at age five — and I still remember it!
Favorites
- Favorite Food: Brazilian barbecue (churrasco) & chocolate
- Favorite Music Artist: Ed Sheeran
- Favorite Pastime: Reading & watching Netflix or Amazon Prime
- Favorite Saints: St. Rita of Cascia & St. Thérèse of Lisieux
- Favorite Books: My Sisters the Saints by Colleen Carroll Campbell & Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Why I Work with Youth & Young Adults
My journey in ministry began through Catholic Campus Ministry at George Mason University, where I first felt called to serve. Through leading Bible studies and organizing events, I grew in my own faith and discovered a deep desire to help others do the same.
After college, I worked in the secular world, gaining valuable professional and life experience. But it was through volunteering at The Basilica of Saint Mary that I felt a stronger call to full-time ministry. Since 2017, I have had the joy of serving in several roles, walking alongside youth and young adults as they encounter Christ and grow as disciples.
I am especially grateful to serve not only youth and young adults, but also young families within my own parish community, where I have been a parishioner since 2015. My hope is to help create a welcoming and Christ-centered community where individuals and families can deepen their faith, build authentic relationships, and grow in love for Christ and His Church.
Coordinator of Youth Ministry — Flanagan Anderson
About Me
Hometown: McLean, Virginia
Birthdate: December 20
Education & Experience: Fairfax County Public Access Producer; Hillsdale College — B.A. in Rhetoric and Media; Host at 101.7 FM WRFH Radio Free Hillsdale; IESE University of Navarre — Management: A Professional Future; The Heights School ’19. Internships include The Air & Space Forces Association, Nlyte DCIM, and The Heritage Foundation in media, sales, and public relations.
Active in ministry since: December 2025
Working at The Basilica of Saint Mary since: December 2025
Fun Fact: I lived in Thailand for two years.
Favorites
- Favorite Food: Tacos
- Favorite Band: The Eagles
- Favorite Pastime: Fixing iPhones & shooting archery
- Favorite Saints: St. John Paul II & St. Josemaría Escrivá
- Favorite Books: True Grit by Charles Portis & The Quiet Light by Louis de Wohl
Why I Work with Youth & Young Adults
I have been blessed with many opportunities in my life, and I value the chance to give back through ministry. After attending school in the Washington area and studying in Michigan, I realized that while professional success matters, helping lead young people closer to Christ matters even more.
I love the outdoors and enjoy camping, archery, and rock climbing. I believe we can encounter God deeply through the beauty of His creation and through authentic community with others.
As Coordinator of Youth Ministry, I hope to help foster a safe, joyful, and dynamic environment where young people can grow in confidence, deepen their faith, and discover what it means to be fully alive in Christ. My mission is to help form young people who are grounded in their Catholic faith and prepared to live it boldly in high school, college, and beyond.
Program Assistant to Youth, Young Adults, & Young Families
COMING SOON