Board of Directors

NADCE Board of Directors

Maria Devenport is the Chair of the NADCE Board and recently moved to Fort Collins, CO to serve at Redeemer Lutheran. She would adopt every old grumpy dachshund if her husband
would let her.

Tyler Tollefson is the Chair Elect of the NADCE Board. He serves as Director of Christian Education at Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX.

Jim Lohman is the Board Secretary and recently retired as Associate Director for LCMS Youth Ministry. Jim enjoys time with his family and friends especially when it’s around the dining room table sharing a meal he has prepared.

Steven Whitney is serving as Interim Treasurer and is a member at large. He is the Theology Teacher and Spiritual Life Director at Lutheran High Northeast in Norfolk, NE.

Kayla McGowan is a member at large currently serving as DCE at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Aiea, Hawaii. Before moving to the islands she called St. Louis home. She is a 2016 graduate of Concordia University Chicago and a 2022 graduate of Concordia University Irvine. She loves her family and having green tea in hand.

Hailey Jo Miller is a member at large who serves as DCE of Student Ministries at Memorial Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She is a 2011 graduate of Concordia University Nebraska. She loves spending time with her husband and five children. Ideally, you'll find her reading a book on the couch with a cup of coffee in hand and a good pair of slippers on her feet.

Katie Morgan is a member at large who was born and raised in Brighton, CO. and attended Concordia University Nebraska. She currently serves at Family of Christ Lutheran in Colorado Springs, CO. She enjoys working with children and their big people as their journey in the relationship with Jesus. She loves going on walks with her dog Cruze, cooking for others, and watching movies.

Jolene Siebarth is a member at large who currently serves as DCE at Holy Cross in Jenison, MI. She is a graduate of Concordia River Forest (CURF!) and has served in multiple congregations. Jolene loves all things Michigan and has a goal to visit all 50 states and 7 continents. She enjoys travel, visiting family and friends and seeing how many photos she can have on her iPhone.

Audrey Duensing-Werner is a member at large and the Director of Family Life at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Houston, TX. Just for fun Audrey loves to throw and plan parties. She is an artist at heart and loves all things wonky.

Heath Lewis is a member at large, currently serving as Assistant Professor of Christian Education & Leadership and Associate Chair for Theology & Ministry at Concordia University, St. Paul. Heath is an alumnus of Concordia University, Nebraska (2006), Gonzaga University (2014), and Drake University (2020). He loves spending time with his family, listening to Irish rock band U2, collecting fountain pens, and cheering on his beloved Tottenham Hotspur.

NADCE Support Team

Jessica Blocker is the Editor of the NADCE Quarterly. She graduated from Rasmussen College in 2012, Concordia University-St. Paul in 2016, and Grand Canyon University in 2023. She serves as DCE at St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN, where her primary responsibilities are with those ages 3-18. Her favorite elements of ministry include VBS, Christmas programs, and cup-filling Wednesdays with her high schoolers.

Josh Eckstein serves as Assistant Editor of NADCE Quarterly. He graduated from Concordia University-St. Paul in 2017 and currently serves as Youth & Family Life Director at Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church in St. Peters, MO. His favorite part of ministry is witnessing God at work through young people sharing the Gospel with their peers and using their talents to serve their neighbors and community.

Emily Phoenix serves with NADCE, assisting with membership maintenance. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Theology and Dir. of Christian Education certificate from Concordia University Nebraska in 2008. She currently resides in Baltimore with her husband, Jack and serves with KINDLE. Jack and Emily's Halloween costumes always highlight Emily's red hair.

Bill Karpenko serves as an advocate for the board. Over the past few years the NADCE has been moving to improve organizational policy and overall strategic alignment and has identified a need for further help in these matters. Bill works closely with the board on matters of policy, partnership, and strategic direction.

The National Association of Directors of Christian Education is a

Registered Service Organization (RSO) of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) and 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

505 S. Kirkwood Rd. St. Louis, MO 63122