Meet Our Staff
Get to know the UMC Pastoral Care professionals dedicated to providing compassionate spiritual care to all.
Rev. Ernest Brodie, Jr. B.A., M.A., M.Div., Ed.D.
Director of Pastoral Care
Ernie grew up in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York on his family’s dairy farm. He learned a love for family, friends, and faith. He attended Practical Bible Training School, Denver Baptist Bible College, Faith Baptist Theological Seminary, and Grand Canyon University. He served as a youth minister, associate pastor, and senior pastor for a total of 35 years. He also worked as a schoolteacher at a private school for 15 years and as an adjunct instructor for Grand Canyon University in the College of Theology for 8 years.
Ernie and his wife, Carolee moved from New Jersey to Lubbock in July of 2024. They have three children and four grandchildren. Ernie is passionate about helping people. He loves to spend time with his family, enjoys attending church, reading, learning about history, and being outdoors. He is always available to provide spiritual counsel or encouragement.
Sr. Maria Carmela C. Macabanti, MSLT
Chaplain
Sr. Maria Carmela C. Macabanti was born in the Philippines. She is a member of a religious congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Lord’s Table (MSLT) in the Catholic Church. She earned her undergrad degree, Bachelor of Science in Psychology, from the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City, Philippines. Then, she earned her Master of Arts in Theology of Consecrated Life from St. Anthony Mary Claret College, Manila, Philippines. She spent seven years as a Formator, mentoring and accompanying the novices called to be religious/nuns in their congregation (MSLT). Her missionary experiences were with adult and youth faith formation, where she visited the sick at home and in the hospitals. She gained six years of experience as a chaplain before she joined the UMC team in February 2022.
She enjoys and values mealtimes with sisters, family, and friends, plus sharing and listening to stories. With her love for the natural world, she likes to spend time listening to the sounds of nature, be it on the mountains or on the seashore.
Rev. Dr. Jerry K. Hatfield, B.S., M.A., M.Div., D.Lit Chaplain
Jerry Hatfield was born near Sykesville, Maryland but later moved to Westminster, where he graduated high school in 1980. After several years in retail sales, Jerry received the call to full-time ministry. HE attended Valley Forge Christian College (now “University of Valley Forge”), Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Theology and Ministry in 1987.
Following several parish ministry tenures, Jerry pursued graduate theological studies at Fuller Theological Seminary from 1990-1994. His four years there were fruitful. He completed both a Master of Arts in Theology (Semitic Languages and Literature) and a Master of Divinity (Ministerial Studies). Afterward, Jerry spent a year teaching in a K-12 school near Jerusalem, Israel. There he had a chance to utilize some of his newly acquired Hebrew and Arabic in conversation. Several years later, Jerry taught at a theological school in Swartz, Louisiana. He was later awarded a Doctor of Literature after completing a Biblical Hebrew language and grammar workbook in 1999. He was ordained to full-time ministry in the same year.
Jerry married Melinda Grace (Pena) Hatfield on June 17, 2006. Melinda taught junior high and middle school in both Levelland and Lubbock for 36 years. She is now enjoying her teacher retirement but stays active. She uses her skills as a vocal coach and accompanist for the Frenship area school in Lubbock.
In addition to providing spiritual/emotional support to patients and their families, Jerry also plans and organizes yearly symposiums on Faith and Medicine. Since 2017, Jerry has also been at the forefront of providing spiritual/emotional wellness programs for the promotion and well-being of our celebrated medical and administrative staff.
Jerry’s outside interests involve nature photography (especially dragonflies), visual astronomy, reading, writing, and hiking with his wife in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado.
Rev. Michael Walton, M.Div., BSBA, B.A.
Chaplain
Michael has been married to his beautiful wife, Trina, for 34 years, and together they are blessed with three children.
Michael is an ordained pastor who has served in church ministry as a Youth Pastor and Associate Pastor for fourteen years. Michael has received a Master of Divinity from Hardin-Simmons University, a BSBA from Colorado Technical University, and a BA in English from Tarleton State University. He loves to garden and spend time with his family.
Michael has served in child welfare as a therapeutic House Parent, a CPS Foster/Adoption Worker, Licensing Specialist, and Regional Director. Michael is also a certified educator and school administrator with seven years of experience working in the public school system with children of all ages. He has served as an English Teacher, Special Education Teacher, and Assistant Principal/Instructional Coach. He has significant experience working with at-risk populations of students in both the public education system and foster care system.
Before coming to University Medical Center as a Chaplain, Michael worked as Vice President of strategic Initiatives for an influential nonprofit, public interest litigation organization that focused on intercessory prayer and advocating at the Texas Legislature and Washington, D.C. for family values.
Tony Frazier, MA, LPC-S
Peer Support Specialist
Tony Frazier is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 25 years of experience walking alongside individuals, families, and caregivers as they face life’s most difficult and meaningful challenges. His professional journey has taken him through foster care services, school systems, correctional facilities, residential programs, and community health organizations.
He began his career as a case manager and counselor working with children in the care of foster parents and adoptees, and he continues to have a strong passion for families who have felt called to care for children in need. He enjoys connecting with those considering adoption or becoming foster parents and welcomes opportunities to share both professional insight and personal perspective.
While working with foster parents, Tony coordinated social programs and counseling services throughout the West Texas area. His early work alongside adoptees and foster families evolved into a role as a Special Education Counselor, where he served for several years.
Later in his career, Tony contracted with criminal justice agencies, working with victims of abuse and exploitation. More recently, he has worked with senior adults receiving intensive and skilled care services.
Tony’s passion lies in supporting individuals with special needs, those experiencing mental health challenges, as well as family members and caregivers. Whether clients are coping with work-related stress, grief, anxiety, or simply navigating life’s challenges and successes, he is committed to providing a supportive space for meaningful conversation and care.