Staff
PASTOR RICK REITEN, Senior Pastor - pastorrick@trinitylutheranfc.org
Pastor Rick has ministered alongside the Trinity community since October 2017, after previously serving in Moorhead, MN (Trinity Lutheran) and Sun Prairie, WI (Bristol Lutheran). He and his family moved to Colorado when his wife Lindsay started teaching at the University of Northern Colorado, with an emphasis in Teacher Preparation-Mathematics. They have been married since 2005 and have been raising Anya since 2010. Anya currently attends school at Winograd K-8 in Greeley. Pastor Rick Reiten grew up in Rice Lake, WI and attended the University of WI- La Crosse, with studies focused on interpersonal communication and philosophy. During college, he worked three summers at Luther Park Bible Camp, where he met Lindsay, learned guitar, and was called into pastoral ministry. He studied in South Carolina at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.
Outside of church Pastor Rick enjoys watching and playing most sports. Their family stays active by running, hiking, and skiing. They love to travel, read together Saturday mornings, attend musical theater, and explore wine or beer tasting.
Pastor Rick would like to get to know you over a cup of coffee!
Pastor Rick has ministered alongside the Trinity community since October 2017, after previously serving in Moorhead, MN (Trinity Lutheran) and Sun Prairie, WI (Bristol Lutheran). He and his family moved to Colorado when his wife Lindsay started teaching at the University of Northern Colorado, with an emphasis in Teacher Preparation-Mathematics. They have been married since 2005 and have been raising Anya since 2010. Anya currently attends school at Winograd K-8 in Greeley. Pastor Rick Reiten grew up in Rice Lake, WI and attended the University of WI- La Crosse, with studies focused on interpersonal communication and philosophy. During college, he worked three summers at Luther Park Bible Camp, where he met Lindsay, learned guitar, and was called into pastoral ministry. He studied in South Carolina at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.
Outside of church Pastor Rick enjoys watching and playing most sports. Their family stays active by running, hiking, and skiing. They love to travel, read together Saturday mornings, attend musical theater, and explore wine or beer tasting.
Pastor Rick would like to get to know you over a cup of coffee!
DEACON KATIE KLINE, Education & Family Ministries - katie@trinitylutheranfc.org
Katie grew up in Minnesota and her husband, Curtis, grew up in Colorado, since they met they have called many places around the world home. Most recently they served with ELCA-Global Mission in Colombia, Katie’s role was to accompany the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia in leadership development and training as well as strengthening pedagogical skills in Christian education; she is fluent in Spanish. Before moving to Colombia, Curtis and Katie were in Evergreen, Colorado where Katie was the Children, Youth, and Family Minister at Evergreen Lutheran Church. Katie has an MA from Luther Seminary in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry and focused her research on the systemic support for healthy and flourishing leaders in the church. In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with Curtis, hiking, running, crafting, exploring, and just being in nature. They are excited to move to Fort Collins where Curtis will start a PhD in Political Science and Katie is looking forward to being a part of Trinity and all the wonderful ministries that are happening at Trinity. They both look forward to meeting you and being part of this great community!
Katie grew up in Minnesota and her husband, Curtis, grew up in Colorado, since they met they have called many places around the world home. Most recently they served with ELCA-Global Mission in Colombia, Katie’s role was to accompany the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia in leadership development and training as well as strengthening pedagogical skills in Christian education; she is fluent in Spanish. Before moving to Colombia, Curtis and Katie were in Evergreen, Colorado where Katie was the Children, Youth, and Family Minister at Evergreen Lutheran Church. Katie has an MA from Luther Seminary in Leadership and Innovation for Ministry and focused her research on the systemic support for healthy and flourishing leaders in the church. In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with Curtis, hiking, running, crafting, exploring, and just being in nature. They are excited to move to Fort Collins where Curtis will start a PhD in Political Science and Katie is looking forward to being a part of Trinity and all the wonderful ministries that are happening at Trinity. They both look forward to meeting you and being part of this great community!
DEANA ANDRIST, Office Administrator - office@trinitylutheranfc.org
Deana was married at Trinity in 1994 and became a member in 1998. Her husband, Ryan, is a lifelong member of Trinity, and have two boys. Deana is a Colorado native, having come to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State University, and received her degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice. Deana spent time as a stay-at-home mom before joining the staff at Trinity and feels very blessed that God has led her to the perfect job for both her and her family.
Deana was married at Trinity in 1994 and became a member in 1998. Her husband, Ryan, is a lifelong member of Trinity, and have two boys. Deana is a Colorado native, having come to Fort Collins to attend Colorado State University, and received her degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice. Deana spent time as a stay-at-home mom before joining the staff at Trinity and feels very blessed that God has led her to the perfect job for both her and her family.
AMANDA BACKSEN, Director of Communications & Volunteer Coordinator - amanda@trinitylutheranfc.org
Originally from Fargo, ND *cue Scandinavian accent*, Amanda received two B.S. degrees, one in Criminal Justice and the other in Political Science with a minor in History, from North Dakota State University, Go BiZon (not biSon)! Amanda has worked for Trinity since March of 2017. In her free time, Amanda loves to work out, bake, tend to her vegetable garden, and hang out with her four girls, yellow lab, and of course her husband.
Originally from Fargo, ND *cue Scandinavian accent*, Amanda received two B.S. degrees, one in Criminal Justice and the other in Political Science with a minor in History, from North Dakota State University, Go BiZon (not biSon)! Amanda has worked for Trinity since March of 2017. In her free time, Amanda loves to work out, bake, tend to her vegetable garden, and hang out with her four girls, yellow lab, and of course her husband.
BRENDA MOORE, Financial Manager - bmoore@trinitylutheranfc.org
Brenda comes to us from California but has lived in Colorado for many years. She holds a bachelor's in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting from Biola University. She has spent the past 20 years in nonprofits. She brings her enthusiasm and expertise to Trinity Lutheran Church. Brenda lives in Loveland with her husband Randy. They have three grown children and enjoy paddle boarding, camping, and being with friends and family.
Brenda comes to us from California but has lived in Colorado for many years. She holds a bachelor's in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting from Biola University. She has spent the past 20 years in nonprofits. She brings her enthusiasm and expertise to Trinity Lutheran Church. Brenda lives in Loveland with her husband Randy. They have three grown children and enjoy paddle boarding, camping, and being with friends and family.
CLAIRE PICKEREL, AV Technician, She/They - claire@trinitylutheranfc.org
Claire Pickerel was born in Fort Collins and has lived here much of her life - hold for a short stint in Southern Minnesota. She is an acclaimed science student and is passionate about getting students involved in STEAM. They are now attending Colorado State University, studying geology, and working in a lab studying ancient climates. She began attending and working at Trinity in late 2021 (and has loved every minute of it). In their free time, Claire loves to read, talk with loved ones, and avoid studying at all costs.
Claire Pickerel was born in Fort Collins and has lived here much of her life - hold for a short stint in Southern Minnesota. She is an acclaimed science student and is passionate about getting students involved in STEAM. They are now attending Colorado State University, studying geology, and working in a lab studying ancient climates. She began attending and working at Trinity in late 2021 (and has loved every minute of it). In their free time, Claire loves to read, talk with loved ones, and avoid studying at all costs.
CARRIE HANSEN, Church Musician & Organist - carrie@trinitylutheranfc.org
Carrie Hansen was hired as the organist and accompanist for Sunday morning in 2020. She also serves as the music coordinator. She received her bachelor's degree in Keyboard Pedagogy (both Piano and Organ) from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. She later finished her master's degree in Music Therapy from Colorado State University in 1999. In addition to her work at Trinity, Carrie maintains a full piano studio, accompanies the choirs at Webber Middle School, and teaches preschool music at the Fort Collins Preschool. She is a member of the Association of Lutheran Musicians, the Fort Collins Music Teachers Association, and the Colorado State Music Teachers Association. Her husband Bruce, and children Helen and Walter have been living near the center of Fort Collins for 22 years now. She enjoys reading and gardening and enriching people’s lives through music.
Carrie Hansen was hired as the organist and accompanist for Sunday morning in 2020. She also serves as the music coordinator. She received her bachelor's degree in Keyboard Pedagogy (both Piano and Organ) from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. She later finished her master's degree in Music Therapy from Colorado State University in 1999. In addition to her work at Trinity, Carrie maintains a full piano studio, accompanies the choirs at Webber Middle School, and teaches preschool music at the Fort Collins Preschool. She is a member of the Association of Lutheran Musicians, the Fort Collins Music Teachers Association, and the Colorado State Music Teachers Association. Her husband Bruce, and children Helen and Walter have been living near the center of Fort Collins for 22 years now. She enjoys reading and gardening and enriching people’s lives through music.
NICK NEWMAN, Director of Choirs - ntnewman52@gmail.com
Nick Newman is a second-year Doctoral student in Conducting at the University of Northern Colorado. At UNC, Nick teaches advanced conducting and rehearsal techniques in the music education department as well as serving as director of the University Singers. Nick also serves as Artistic Director of The One World Singers, a community choir based in Denver. He recently received his Masters of Music in Choral Conducting at San Diego State University. He sang in SDSU's Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, and University Chorus while serving as assistant director of all three choirs during his master's program. Nick also served as director of choirs at Challenger School in Palo Alto prior to embarking on graduate school. Nick received his B.M. in Music Education at Willamette University, studying under Dr. Wallace Long. While singing with Willamette Singer's, Willamette's vocal jazz ensemble, he served as tenor section leader for the group's 2016 album Green Garden, which was named Best Undergraduate Vocal Jazz Ensemble by DownBeat Magazine. Nick looks forward to presenting at the Colorado Music Educator Association conference in Colorado Springs and the Arts in Society Conference in Krakow, Poland in 2023!
Nick Newman is a second-year Doctoral student in Conducting at the University of Northern Colorado. At UNC, Nick teaches advanced conducting and rehearsal techniques in the music education department as well as serving as director of the University Singers. Nick also serves as Artistic Director of The One World Singers, a community choir based in Denver. He recently received his Masters of Music in Choral Conducting at San Diego State University. He sang in SDSU's Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, and University Chorus while serving as assistant director of all three choirs during his master's program. Nick also served as director of choirs at Challenger School in Palo Alto prior to embarking on graduate school. Nick received his B.M. in Music Education at Willamette University, studying under Dr. Wallace Long. While singing with Willamette Singer's, Willamette's vocal jazz ensemble, he served as tenor section leader for the group's 2016 album Green Garden, which was named Best Undergraduate Vocal Jazz Ensemble by DownBeat Magazine. Nick looks forward to presenting at the Colorado Music Educator Association conference in Colorado Springs and the Arts in Society Conference in Krakow, Poland in 2023!
CLINTON ELLERBE, Saturday Worship Leader
Clinton has lived in Fort Collins since 2001. He has his degree in Church Music from Toccoa Falls College in northeast Georgia. He has previously worked with the Fort Collins Children's Theatre, Carousel Dinner Theatre and Up in Lights Productions in Loveland. Music is his passion. He is excited to be a part of the ministry at Trinity.
Clinton has lived in Fort Collins since 2001. He has his degree in Church Music from Toccoa Falls College in northeast Georgia. He has previously worked with the Fort Collins Children's Theatre, Carousel Dinner Theatre and Up in Lights Productions in Loveland. Music is his passion. He is excited to be a part of the ministry at Trinity.
JENNIFER PARSONS, Saturday Praise Musician
JAKE LYONS, Saturday Praise Musician
JENNIFER REEVE, Shared Children's Minister for TLC & SPE - childrensminister@stpauls-fc.org
Jennifer has been an educator for over 20 years. She attended college at Metropolitan State University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development; a minor in Early Childhood Education; and her teaching license. Currently she teaches kindergarten at a charter school and going on her seventh year there. Over the years she has had the good fortune to have taught in different roles – ranging from Literacy to PE. But her happiest place to be is in the classroom!
Jennifer has been an educator for over 20 years. She attended college at Metropolitan State University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development; a minor in Early Childhood Education; and her teaching license. Currently she teaches kindergarten at a charter school and going on her seventh year there. Over the years she has had the good fortune to have taught in different roles – ranging from Literacy to PE. But her happiest place to be is in the classroom!
TIFFANY KLIJEWSKI, Nursery Coordinator & Preschool Assistant - tiffany@trinitylutheranfc.org
Tiffany is a Colorado native who currently lives in Loveland. She began attending Trinity in 2007 after the birth of her youngest brother and has been working in the nursery since the summer of 2012. In the fall of 2021 she also began working in the preschool with Brenda. Tiffany enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and tending to her many house plants.
Tiffany is a Colorado native who currently lives in Loveland. She began attending Trinity in 2007 after the birth of her youngest brother and has been working in the nursery since the summer of 2012. In the fall of 2021 she also began working in the preschool with Brenda. Tiffany enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and tending to her many house plants.
BRENDA HARJU, TLC Preschool Director & Lead Teacher - bharju@comcast.net
Our Director, Brenda Harju, has been at TLC Preschool since 2005 and has been an Early Childhood Director for over 25 years. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from CSU as well as a minor in Early Childhood Education. Brenda lives in Loveland, is married and has a grown son who attended TLC Preschool in 2005. Whether it includes new skills and activities, or tried-and-true classics, Brenda strives to provide an early education environment that supports the heart of a child as well as their physical and cognitive growth and development. Most importantly, learning should be FUN!
Our Director, Brenda Harju, has been at TLC Preschool since 2005 and has been an Early Childhood Director for over 25 years. She earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from CSU as well as a minor in Early Childhood Education. Brenda lives in Loveland, is married and has a grown son who attended TLC Preschool in 2005. Whether it includes new skills and activities, or tried-and-true classics, Brenda strives to provide an early education environment that supports the heart of a child as well as their physical and cognitive growth and development. Most importantly, learning should be FUN!