Hi there! I'm Pastor Katie, and I've been serving as the associate pastor here at Bethany Lutheran since 2024. I'm passionate about creating community where transformation, justice, and creativity shape everything we do. I believe every person has unique gifts to share, and I feel called to help make space for those gifts to shine.
I graduated from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago in 2024, where I dove into eco-theology, mystic theology, and intersectional community building that honors everyone. These areas inform how I seek to live out God's love in practical ways.
I'm at Bethany because I believe in the power of God to change lives and communities. We're called to show up for each other, care for one another, and trust as God guides us into liberation.
Before moving to Elgin in 2024, I served as a vicar at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Villa Park, IL, and prior to that worked with ecumenical communities in various parts of the Midwest, doing everything from songwriting to mentoring. Those experiences have shaped who I am as a pastor, and I bring that energy with me here to Bethany.
I'm a lover of cozy conversations and singing songs. When I'm not at church, you'll often find me walking along the Fox River with my spouse Sadie, hanging out with our dog and cat, or crafting at Side Street Art Studio. I also love hiking and learning about local nature spots because I believe we're all part of God's creation.