Greetings from the Midwest! I am so excited to embark on a new adventure to the Pacific Northwest and spend the year with your congregation!
I am a born and raised Minnesotan and have lived in the state my entire life (I've never even moved houses!) I attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where I studied history, political science, and international studies. After graduating college, I had all intentions to pack up my bags and move to Washington, DC to work on The Hill, but the Holy Spirit had other ideas, and I soon found myself attending Luther Seminary.
I consider myself an "honorary pastor's kid" as my mom works on staff at my home congregation—she has been Children's Ministry Director since I was in grade school. My home church, Augustana Lutheran, has played a huge role in my journey toward a career in ministry. We are about 2,500 members strong but a very tight-knit community. I had zero intentions of attending seminary or even going into ministry, but with the support and encouragement of the people of Augustana, family, friends, and mentors, I decided to go for it, and I'm so glad I did.
My passion in ministry is pastoral care; I have a concentration in Congregational and Community Care and hope to become a board-certified chaplain in the future. In the past year, I spent much of my time volunteering as a street chaplain during the civil unrest, riots, and protests that have filled the streets in Minneapolis and St. Paul. This work has been incredibly rewarding and powerful to be a part of and has given me the chance to continue in my passion for caring for others.
When I'm not studying, I spend most of my time playing with my dog, Soeli (so-lee), who will be joining me in Vancouver. I enjoy playing and coaching tennis, traveling, eating any gluten-free desserts I can find, and drinking coffee. If you ever can't find me, I'd recommend checking the local baseball fields. I LOVE watching all levels of baseball and would do so every single day if I could! I'm so looking forward to a great year with the good people of Messiah, and I know I will learn so much from all of you!
I am a born and raised Minnesotan and have lived in the state my entire life (I've never even moved houses!) I attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where I studied history, political science, and international studies. After graduating college, I had all intentions to pack up my bags and move to Washington, DC to work on The Hill, but the Holy Spirit had other ideas, and I soon found myself attending Luther Seminary.
I consider myself an "honorary pastor's kid" as my mom works on staff at my home congregation—she has been Children's Ministry Director since I was in grade school. My home church, Augustana Lutheran, has played a huge role in my journey toward a career in ministry. We are about 2,500 members strong but a very tight-knit community. I had zero intentions of attending seminary or even going into ministry, but with the support and encouragement of the people of Augustana, family, friends, and mentors, I decided to go for it, and I'm so glad I did.
My passion in ministry is pastoral care; I have a concentration in Congregational and Community Care and hope to become a board-certified chaplain in the future. In the past year, I spent much of my time volunteering as a street chaplain during the civil unrest, riots, and protests that have filled the streets in Minneapolis and St. Paul. This work has been incredibly rewarding and powerful to be a part of and has given me the chance to continue in my passion for caring for others.
When I'm not studying, I spend most of my time playing with my dog, Soeli (so-lee), who will be joining me in Vancouver. I enjoy playing and coaching tennis, traveling, eating any gluten-free desserts I can find, and drinking coffee. If you ever can't find me, I'd recommend checking the local baseball fields. I LOVE watching all levels of baseball and would do so every single day if I could! I'm so looking forward to a great year with the good people of Messiah, and I know I will learn so much from all of you!
Peace, Katie
