Staff at The Orchard
Click on the heading below to read about and contact the staff.
Pastors
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Colin Smith
Senior Pastor
Pastor Colin Smith was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland. He trained at London School of Theology, where he met his wife, Karen. He served as pastor of Enfield Evangelical Free Church in London for 16 years before coming to The Orchard in 1996. Colin and Karen have two sons, Andrew and David.
» Email Colin Smith -
Scott Lothery
Executive Pastor
Pastor Scott was born and raised in Mt. Prospect, Illinois. Before coming to The Orchard in 2007, he served as a church planter for the EFCA in Valparaiso, Indiana, and Bolingbrook, Illinois, and as a Sports Ministry Director for Athletes In Action in Tampa, Florida. He and his wife, Cindy, who grew up at The Orchard, have four children: Alyssa, John, Matthew, and Ben.
» Email Scott Lothery -
Bill Bradish
Executive Pastor
As Executive Pastor, Bill's ministry focus is on children and youth through college age. Bill and his wife, Judy, have attended The Orchard for over twenty years and are blessed with three married sons and four grandchildren.
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Tim Augustyn
Pastor of Ministry Resources
Tim Augustyn grew up in northern Wisconsin. He began following Jesus Christ while working in the Chicago area. He graduated from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1999. Tim and his wife, Janna, joined The Orchard in January 2002. They have four children: Karis, Caleb, Clay and Kaya. Tim is an avid Chicago Bulls, Bears and Cubs fan.
» Email Tim Augustyn -
Tim Baylor
College Pastor
Tim leads the College Ministry after recently finishing his MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Before coming to The Orchard, Tim taught Theology and Greek at Greenbrier Christian Academy in Chesapeake, Virginia. Tim is husband to Julie, his wife since 2003, and father to their daughter, Madison Hope, born in December 2008. Tim serves as both the College Pastor and the Campus Pastor for the Saturday night service.
» Email Tim Baylor -
Tom Hutchison
Associate Campus Pastor, Barrington Campus
Tom (Hutch) is the Associate Pastor of the Barrington Campus, assisting in the exciting project of doubling our impact for the gospel in the Northwest Suburbs. He also oversees the Celebrate Recovery ministry of The Orchard, reaching out to those dealing with hurts, habits and hangups with the hope of Christ. He has been on staff at The Orchard since 2004, first as an intern completing his coursework for his Master's of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and most recently as Pastor of Compassion Ministries. Hutch is also active in the business community as president of H-O-H Water Technology, Inc. in Palatine. He and his wife, Beth, live in Arlington Heights. They are the proud parents of five children: Eric (wife Ashley), Drew, Lindsay, Jill and Reid, and three grandchildren, Anastasia, Bella and Ezekiel.
» Email Tom Hutchison -
Kevin Meek
Campus Pastor – Barrington
Prior to serving on staff at The Orchard, Kevin served as an Associate Campus Pastor at The Chapel. During his tenure, he led a successful launch of the Barrington Hills campus in 2006. Kevin has experience in strategic planning, pastoral counseling, communication and lay-leader development. The Barrington Hills campus saw significant growth under Kevin’s leadership and is a thriving group of worshippers. Kevin has a Master's of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He also has an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering from the University of Michigan (sorry, Buckeye fans!). Kevin and his wife, Laura, have two sons, Joshua and Jacob, and a daughter, Rachel.
» Email Kevin Meek -
Bing Nieh
Middle School Pastor
Bing grew up in the heart of the Silicon Valley in California. He attended the University of California at Santa Barbara where he received a degree in electrical engineering. After working in the engineering field for a few years, he relocated and joined the pastoral team at a church just outside Cleveland, Ohio. Bing now serves as our Pastor to Middle School, while concurrently a student at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. In his free time you may find him at a local coffee shop reading, in his room strumming away at his guitar, or in a gym playing basketball. He and his wife, Christy, were married at The Orchard in February 2009.
» Email Bing Nieh -
Greg Norwine
Campus Pastor - Sanctuary
Pastor Greg Norwine grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He met Marcia while training with International Teams, a Chicago-based mission agency. The two were married in 1992, then worked with university students in Timisoara, Romania. After graduating from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Greg joined the church staff in 1996 as the Pastor to Young Adults. He has also served here as the Pastor of Growth and Outreach. In January 2008, Greg became the Campus Pastor in the sanctuary. Greg and Marcia have two children, Emilie and Jonathan.
» Email Greg Norwine -
Ted Olsen
Pastor to Seniors
After being trained at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Ted served three churches as senior pastor, then joined the faculty of TEDS as a professor of Practical Theology. In September 2001, he joined The Orchard staff as Pastor to Adults, dedicating most of his time to pastoral care, as well as general oversight of ministries to seniors. He now focuses specifically on ministry to seniors. Ted’s wife is Darlene. He has four married children and 15 grandchildren.
» Email Ted Olsen -
Tom Olson
High School Pastor
Tom grew up in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He attended Wheaton College, where he would meet his wife, Kari. Tom and Kari were married in 2004, and they have two daughters, Kettie and Tovie. Tom served as our contemporary worship pastor while completing his Master's of Divinity degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 2007. He transitioned to the High School Pastor role in 2008.
» Email Tom Olson -
Dave Wardle
Pastor of Missions
Dave Wardle was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. After serving in Evangelical Free Churches in Moline, Illinois, and South Bend, Indiana, he has served The Orchard since 1977 and currently oversees our Global Missions ministry. His wife, Debbie, taught ESL (English as a Second Language) for many years in Arlington Heights. She now serves with Dave in his ministry of worldwide outreach. Dave and Debbie have three adult sons, Tim, Jeff and Steve.
» Email Dave Wardle -
Bob Warren
Campus Pastor – Gym
Bob Warren was born and raised in Kansas. Trained at Friends University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Bob has been a Youth for Christ director, a teacher at Bethel College and has held various pastoral positions at churches throughout the Midwest and Southwest. He and his wife, Nancy, joined The Orchard in 1986. Bob is the Campus Pastor for the gym services. Bob and Nancy have two married adult children, Noel and Rob, and have four grandchildren.
» Email Bob Warren -
Dan Wells
Worship Pastor
Worship Pastor Dan Wells became a Christian in 1992 and poured his life into the Church. In the spring of 2000, he began full-time ministry at the Evangelical Free Church in Orange, CA, where he served until God called him here to The Orchard in September 2007. Trained in music at UCLA, Dan holds BA and MA degrees in composition and piano performance. He has been married since 1995 to his wife, Midge, and has three wonderful children, Lea, Donny, and Debbie.
» Email Dan Wells -
Matt Zaubi
Associate Campus Pastor - AH
Matt grew up near Cleveland, OH. While serving in the Air Force in Germany, he became a follower of Jesus Christ. After returning to the states, he met his wife, Lauren, while attending The Chapel in Akron, OH. They married in 1984. Matt graduated from Moody Bible Institute with a degree in Pastoral Ministries and served as the youth pastor at Trinity EFC in South Bend before becoming Senior Pastor of Living Hope Fellowship in Itasca, IL in 1996. Matt and Lauren have a son Aaron, and twin daughters, Megan and Sarah. He joined the staff of The Orchard in June 2010.
» Email Matt Zaubi
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Directors & Assistants
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Claire Bechard
Director of Connections
Claire grew up in southeastern Michigan. She studied social work at both Central Michigan University and the University of Michigan before moving to the northwest suburbs in January 2006. Soon after moving, she began attending The Orchard and got involved with the team who evaluated what was being done with small groups. Claire joined the staff in March 2008 to help develop and support the LIFE Groups ministry. She helps newcomers and those who have been around for a while to get connected at The Orchard, and also serves as part of the Communications team.
» Email Claire Bechard -
Kristin Catapano
Director of Children's Ministries - Arlington Heights
Kristin comes to The Orchard from the education field, having a BA in Education and a Master’s in Curriculum and Supervision. Over the past 30 years, she has taught full-time in a public elementary school; part-time as the lead preschool teacher in a Christian school; and part-time as a substitute teacher for all grades preschool through 12. Kristin was called to be the Director of Children’s Ministries at Medinah Baptist Church in 2002 where she served for six years. There she was responsible for all programming and volunteers for children from birth through the fifth grade. Kristin and her husband, Pat, have three grown children. Together, they enjoy traveling and bicycling. Kristin also enjoys gardening, reading and sewing in her spare time.
» Email Kristin Catapano -
Linda Green
Director of Women's Ministries
Linda Green has attended The Orchard since 1985. She and her husband, Ray, have three adult children, along with a wonderful daughter-in-law and son-in-law and four precious grandchildren. After receiving her degree in education, Linda taught for six years before staying home to give full attention to raising her children. In 1997 she began serving in Children’s Ministies with Linda Hrivnak. She then went on to become the Pastor to Families where she served for two years before transitioning to our Director of Women's Ministries.
» Email Linda Green -
Ruth Guillaume
Director of Communications
Ruth and her husband, Stan, have been members of The Orchard for more than 30 years. They raised their family here and have been involved in many areas of ministry. Ruth has joined the staff to facilitate the development of creative means for communicating our message and our mission to the congregation and to the immediate and far-reaching community.
» Email Ruth Guillaume -
Barbara Hassan
Director of UTB Ministries
Barbara Hassan has attended The Orchard since 2001. After receiving her MBA from the University of Chicago, she pursued a career in retail management. In 2006, her desire to further God’s kingdom brought her to The Orchard as an administrative assistant to children, seniors, and two years ago, to Unlocking the Bible. In 2009, she became Director of UTB Ministries. Barbara lives in Arlington Heights with her husband, Safwat.
» Email Barbara Hassan -
Linda Hrivnak
Director of Children's Ministries
Linda and her husband, Gary, have attended The Orchard since 1976. She has two adult daughters, Leslie, the oldest, and Jenni, who is in full-time ministry. She also has two grandsons. Linda left her teaching career 10 years ago to become first the Children's Pastor and then the Director of Children's Ministries here at The Orchard.
» Email Linda Hrivnak -
Laura Kleinschmidt
Director of Women's Ministries - Barrington & Worship Assistant
Members of The Orchard since 2003, Laura and her husband, Dave, have three school-age children - Megan, Adam, and Aaron. Laura joined The Orchard’s worship staff as Worship Assistant in 2008 and in June 2010 added the position with women’s ministry. Laura is thrilled to be using her volunteer training and experience in music and ministry to women to serve the Lord in both these areas.
» Email Laura Kleinschmidt -
Russ McCune
Business Administrator
Russ grew up in Galesburg, Illinois, and attended Illinois State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts. Prior to coming on staff at The Orchard as Business Administrator, Russ worked in operations and account management in the healthcare industry. Russ and his wife, Julie, a special needs teacher in Arlington Heights School District, have three children and enjoy camping, drum corp and sporting events.
» Email Russ McCune -
Frank Pollina
Facility Manager
Frank, his wife, Diane, and their three kids, Anthony, Kaitlin, and Kyle, have been living in Arlington Heights and attending The Orchard for 17 years. They have served in Sunday school, Awana, and Middle School ministries. Frank studied architecture at IIT in Chicago before he owned and operated a North Shore landscaping company for more than 20 years. He joined The Orchard staff in January 2006.
» Email Frank Pollina -
Kathy Ruda
Director of Placement
Kathy grew up on the far NW side of Chicago. She attended Wheaton College, and graduated from Loyola University with a BBA in Personnel Management. She and her husband, Mark, met in high school, were married in 1982, and have three children: Erik, 23 (wife Kathryn), Kevin, 21, and Jennifer, 13. They started attending The Orchard in 2002. Prior to joining the staff in 2007, Kathy worked in Human Resources Management. Kathy and Mark serve as Starbursts teachers, are Powerhouse hosts, and are in a couples' LIFE Group. Kathy has also been involved with Life in Christ Discipleship since 2002.
» Email Kathy Ruda -
Rob Soukup
Director of Media Services
Rob blends technology with ministry as our Director of Media Services. He comes with a decade of experience as a Youth Pastor before lauching into media ministry where he coordinates seventy volunteers over four venues. Rob holds a seminary degree from Columbia International University with a Youth Ministry undergraduate degree from Liberty University. He and his wife, Heather, are raising twin daughters, Alexis and Rachel.
» Email Rob Soukup -
Wendi Serna
Director of Children's Ministries & Special Needs - Barrington
Wendi has attended The Orchard since 1993 with her husband, John - her high school sweetheart - and their children, Zach and Alexis. After receiving her degree in regular education and special education, Wendi taught in the Schaumburg Schools and at Immanuel Lutheran Palatine, but stayed home between these positions to raise her children. She began volunteering as our Special Needs Coordinator in 1998. In June 2009, Wendi joined the staff at The Orchard as Director of Children's Ministry and Special Needs at the Barrington Campus. She is extremely passionate about giving all children of all ages and cognitive abilities the opportunity to learn and grow in the truth's of God's Word.
» Email Wendi Serna -
Dave Smith
Worship Leader
Dave has been attending The Orchard since 1996 and was involved in music through his high school years. He graduated from Taylor University in May 2009 with a BA in Economics and now works for BMO Capital Markets in Chicago. Dave leads worship in the gym on Sunday mornings. Dave and his wife, Katie, were married in January 2010 and live in Palatine.
» Email Dave Smith -
Georgette Steiger
Student Ministries Assistant
Georgette has been attending The Orchard since 1996, serving with middle school students in a variety of roles. In 2007, Georgette joined the staff to oversee middle school ministry during the transition period between middle school pastors. She continues to assist with the planning and coordination of student ministries. Georgette graduated from Bethel College in Mishawaka, IN, majoring in Business Management, and worked 13 years for Allstate Insurance in Office Systems. She has been married to Joe for 29 years and has two children, Andrew, 23, and Ally, 20.
» Email Georgette Steiger -
Liz Sutherland
Children's Ministry Assistant
After graduating from Trinity College with a degree in Human Resources, Liz began attending The Orchard in 1985. She met her husband, Steve, through the Singles Ministry and they were married here in 1989. They have two children in high school, Andrew and Hannah. Liz was blessed to join The Orchard staff part-time in 2002 and now focuses on Children's Ministry recruitment.
» Email Liz Sutherland -
Shohei Suzuki
Director of Multi-Cultural Ministries
Shohei was born in Japan and came to Chicago in 2004 with his family. He came to know Christ when he was in Canada in 2000. Since then, he has been called to reach out to diverse people (Matthew 28:19-20). He graduated from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School with his Master of Divinity degree. He loves the Lord Jesus Christ and has a vision all the diverse people being united in the name of Jesus worshiping Him together. Shohei and his wife, Nami, have two children, Paul and Rayna.
» Email Shohei Suzuki -
Russ Williams
Facility Manager - Barrington
Russ and his wife, Sandy, live in Arlington Heights with their daughters, Rachel and Megan. Russ earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from Taylor University, where he met Sandy. They have attended The Orchard for 28 years. Prior to joining staff in April 2010, he was project manager for a large real estate/property management firm in Chicago. Russ has previously served on the Audio Visual and Properties Councils. Sandy is the Executive Assistant to Pastor Colin.
» Email Russ Williams
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Interns
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Ryan Beardsley
Adults
Ryan was born and raised in Puyallup, WA. He completed his first two years of college in WA while working as a youth pastor at Summit Christian Fellowship in Tacoma, WA. After obtaining an Associates Degree in Arts and Sciences, he took two years off from school and worked – framing houses and working at a coffee roaster in Sumner, WA for a year in the warehouse. During this time, he married his wife, Kelly. After a year of marriage, they moved to Minnesota where he received a B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies at Northwestern College in St. Paul. Ryan is currently working on a Masters of Divinity at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He has served with the Compassion Ministries and is now serving on the Barrington Campus Team, assisting during the transition to a permanent location.
» Email Ryan Beardsley -
Jared Hendricks
High School
Jared grew up in Galena, IL where he met and married his amazing wife, Jordan. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Bible Exposition and Theology from Emmaus Bible College in Dubuque, IA. All four years of college Jared interned at Galena Bible Church where he received valuable hands-on ministry training. He is now working on a Master of Divinity degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and is excited to continue learning to preach and teach God’s Word.
» Email Jared Hendricks -
Josh Newton
Middle School
Josh recently moved to Illinois to work on his Masters of Divinity at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife, Diana, moved here from the south. Josh majored in communications at Appalachian State University, focusing on Non Profit Public Relations and has worked as a Public Relations Intern for Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child for the last three years. His wife Diana is currently working as a research and development chemist, working for Stepan in Northfield, IL. Josh is currently serving with Middle School students and hopes to go into full time, life-long youth ministry after Trinity.
» Email Josh Newton -
Matt Stanghelle
Worship
Matt grew up as a pastor's kid in Lindstrom, MN. He holds a BA in Biblical and Theological Studies at Bethel University (St. Paul, MN). Matt is working on a Master of Divinity at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Matt considers his worship training to be deeply indebted to the mentors that God has brought into his life, namely: Joel Hanson, leader of the Christian rock band, PFR, and Dan Holst, Pastor for North Campus Worship & Vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis. Matt is married to his beautiful wife, Deborah, and has one son, Luke. They currently reside in Deerfield.
» Email Matt Stanghelle -
Brooks Waldron
Barrington Campus
Brooks grew up just west of Minneapolis as the oldest child of three in a Christian family. He received a BA in Biblical and Theological Studies at Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN, and recently completed his Master of Divinity degree at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, where he is continuing on to pursue an MA in Mental Health Counseling. Brooks first felt a call to the ministry of the Word after his senior year of high school, and today he cares deeply about working the good news of Christ deeper into his own life, and into the lives of others. Brooks is serving with the Barrington Campus staff for the summer, and will also be involved in compassion ministry and the college ministry. Brooks hopes to go into full-time ministry after his time at Trinity.
» Email Brooks Waldron
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Administrative
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Laura Eder
Executive Assistant
Laura has attended The Orchard since 1989. She and her husband, Dan, were married at The Orchard in September of 1990. They have three children, Caitlin who is active in Middle School, and twins Maggie and Ryan who love Awana. Laura and Dan have enjoyed serving in LIFE Connections on Sunday mornings and together lead a LIFE Group for couples. Laura came on staff in August 2007 and serves as the Executive Assistant to Executive Pastor, Scott Lothery.
» Email Laura Eder -
Eri Heck
Administrative Assistant - Children and Missions
Eri was born and raised in Japan. At age 14, not knowing much English, she came to United States to attend a Christian boarding school in Oklahoma. There she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. She met her husband, Greg, at college in Kansas. In 1984, they moved to Chicago and, being bilingual, she found great opportunities working for Japanese companies. Greg and Eri moved to Arlington Heights with their children, Myles and Jessica, and started attending The Orchard in 1994. Eri joined the staff in 2006 and now supports Missions and Children’s Ministries. Her favorite verse is 2 Corinthians 9:8.
» Email Eri Heck -
Carla Himpelmann
Receptionist & Facility Scheduling
Carla and her husband, Pete, have attended The Orchard since 1999. She has been serving as the receptionist and facility scheduler at the Arlington Heights Campus since October 2007. Prior to that time, she homeschooled her three children who are now young adults. Carla enjoys participating in LIFE Connections on Sunday mornings.
» Email Carla Himpelmann -
Cindi Johnson
Accounting Assistant
Cindi grew up in Arlington Heights and has attended The Orchard since 1968. She attended Taylor University. She met her husband, Steve, through the Singles Ministry when James MacDonald was the pastor and they were married here in September 1989.They have two boys – Brad, 17, and Tim, 15. Cindy has been working at The Orchard since October 2006.
» Email Cindi Johnson -
Sarah Levon
Administrative Assistant - Youth
Sarah grew up in Arlington Heights and her family has attended The Orchard her whole life. She went to Wheaton College, where she received a bachelor's degree in History and Social Science and a master's degree in Secondary Education. Sarah began serving in youth ministry at summer camps in 2001 and now considers it a privilege to support our middle and high school pastors in church ministry.
» Email Sarah Levon -
Michelle Miramonti
Administrative Assistant - Congregational Life
Michelle grew up in Long Grove. She attended Olivet Nazarene University where she received her bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in management and played volleyball for the ONU Tigers. She joined the staff in December 2008 as the Administrative Assistant to Congregational Life, supporting Greg Norwine, Bob Warren, Ted Olsen, Linda Green and Claire Bechard. She also coaches volleyball for Rolling Thunder Volleyball Club and has her own jewelry business.
» Email Michelle Miramonti -
Kristin Russell
Administrative Assistant - Barrington Campus
Kristin has been attending The Orchard since 2004. She met her husband, Mike, at the Life Stage One Sunday School class and they have been married two and a half years. They live in Lake Zurich and currently attend the Barrington Campus. Kristin is the Administrative Assistant to the Barrington Campus staff, and is also part of the Communications team.
» Email Kristin Russell -
Rita Thompson
Accountant
Rita was raised in Central Florida where she met her husband, Brian. All three of their children, Emily, Ben and Sara, were born there. They moved to the NW suburbs in 1994 and began attending The Orchard in 1999. After serving as the interim accountant here at The Orchard, Rita closed her 12 year old accounting business, knowing she was called to work at The Orchard. Rita and her family attend the Barrington Campus.
» Email Rita Thompson -
Renee Veenendaal
Office Manager
Renée Veenendaal has attended The Orchard since 1994. She is married to Jeff and has two sons, Jason and Brandon. Renée has been on staff since 1999 where she first started as the Screening Coordinator. In 2001, she moved into the position of Administrative Assistant to the Business Administrator. In 2007, she became the Office Manager. Renée feels blessed to be a part of The Orchard staff.
» Email Renee Veenendaal -
Sandy Williams
Executive Assistant
Sandy and her husband, Russ, met at Taylor University and have been attending The Orchard since shortly after their marriage in 1982. They have two daughters; Rachel, who graduated from Trinity International University and Megan, who is a senior at Elmhurst College. After being a stay at home mom for many years, Sandy re-entered the workforce when her oldest went off to college. In 2004 she started working for Pastor Colin’s radio ministry Unlocking the Bible, and in 2006 became his Executive Assistant.
» Email Sandy Williams -
Karen Young
Receptionist & Facility Scheduling
Karen and her husband, Ed, have been members of The Orchard since 1996. They have two grown children: a son, Kendall, and a daughter, Carolyn. They are also grandparents of Amara Grace and Cameron Elena. After careers in high school teaching and business, Karen now serves as the church receptionist and facility scheduler. She also serves in the Sunday morning Walkers Nursery. She and Ed attend the Barrington Campus.
» Email Karen Young -
Mary Zoss
Database Administrator
Mary grew up in South Bend, Indiana. She graduated from Bethel College in Mishawaka, IN with a BA in Music Education. She has 25+ years of IT experience with computer software, data analysis and reporting tools. Mary has been on staff part-time since April of 2008 helping to support the church management software. Mary has one daughter, Lily, adopted in 2000.
» Email Mary Zoss
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