Staff
PASTOR RICK REITEN, Senior Pastor - pastorrick@trinitylutheranfc.org
Pastor Rick Reiten grew up in Rice Lake, WI - learning to love God, Family, and the Green Bay Packers. (borrowing that quote from Vince Lombardi). He 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 picked up the guitar, a call to pastoral ministry, and where he and Lindsay met. They have been married since 2005. Lindsay is currently a professor at the University of Northern Colorado, with an emphasis on Teacher Education - Mathematics.
Pastor Rick & Lindsay spent their first five years of marriage living in South Carolina, where he attended Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. His first call was to Trinity Lutheran in Moorhead, MN, where he served for two years as Pastor to Small Groups. Their daughter Anya was born in Fargo, ND in 2010, 4 months after starting the call. She attends Winograd K-8 School in Greeley. Most recently, Pastor Rick served as a solo pastor in Sun Prairie, WI (outside of Madison) as Lindsay earned her PhD. They were at Bristol Lutheran for 5 years, before moving to Colorado in 2017 to support Lindsay in her call to the university. Church, worship, and service is important to their family lives, and they have been at Trinity since October of 2017.
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. They appreciate quiet nights with movies and popcorn. Pastor Rick has recently been dabbling in photography trying to learn more about the art.
Pastor Rick would like to get to know you over a cup of coffee!
Pastor Rick Reiten grew up in Rice Lake, WI - learning to love God, Family, and the Green Bay Packers. (borrowing that quote from Vince Lombardi). He 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 picked up the guitar, a call to pastoral ministry, and where he and Lindsay met. They have been married since 2005. Lindsay is currently a professor at the University of Northern Colorado, with an emphasis on Teacher Education - Mathematics.
Pastor Rick & Lindsay spent their first five years of marriage living in South Carolina, where he attended Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. His first call was to Trinity Lutheran in Moorhead, MN, where he served for two years as Pastor to Small Groups. Their daughter Anya was born in Fargo, ND in 2010, 4 months after starting the call. She attends Winograd K-8 School in Greeley. Most recently, Pastor Rick served as a solo pastor in Sun Prairie, WI (outside of Madison) as Lindsay earned her PhD. They were at Bristol Lutheran for 5 years, before moving to Colorado in 2017 to support Lindsay in her call to the university. Church, worship, and service is important to their family lives, and they have been at Trinity since October of 2017.
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. They appreciate quiet nights with movies and popcorn. Pastor Rick has recently been dabbling in photography trying to learn more about the art.
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!
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!
DEANA ANDRIST, Office Administrator - office@trinitylutheranfc.org
Deana was married at Trinity in 1994 and became a member in 1998. Her husband, Ryan Andrist, 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 Andrist, 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.
DEBBIE SCHWARTZ, Financial Manager - dschwartz@trinitylutheranfc.org
Debbie joined Trinity’s staff in 1996. She feels blessed with the opportunity to meet and work with people who are passionate about carrying on Jesus’ work. In addition, it is a pleasure to support and watch our members share their gifts to help others at Trinity and beyond. Favorite pastimes are spending time with friends (which includes her husband), hiking, biking, skiing, playing racquetball, and attending Bible study.
Debbie joined Trinity’s staff in 1996. She feels blessed with the opportunity to meet and work with people who are passionate about carrying on Jesus’ work. In addition, it is a pleasure to support and watch our members share their gifts to help others at Trinity and beyond. Favorite pastimes are spending time with friends (which includes her husband), hiking, biking, skiing, playing racquetball, and attending Bible study.
AMANDA BACKSEN, Director of Communications - 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 (because why not??) with a Minor in History, from North Dakota State University, Go BiZon (not biSon)! In her free time, Amanda loves to workout and go for runs with her yellow lab, Macie, read Janet Evanovich & Sue Grafton novels and hang out with her four girls Zoe (15 yrs), Eve (6 yrs), Ivy (3 yrs), Joy (baby) and her husband Eric.
Originally from Fargo, ND *cue Scandinavian accent*, Amanda received two B.S. degrees, one in Criminal Justice and the other in Political Science (because why not??) with a Minor in History, from North Dakota State University, Go BiZon (not biSon)! In her free time, Amanda loves to workout and go for runs with her yellow lab, Macie, read Janet Evanovich & Sue Grafton novels and hang out with her four girls Zoe (15 yrs), Eve (6 yrs), Ivy (3 yrs), Joy (baby) and her husband Eric.
Clinton Ellerbe, Interim Director of Choirs & Saturday Worship Leader -
CARRIE HANSEN, Church Musician & Organist - carrie@trinitylutheranfc.org
I am thrilled to join the ministry team at Trinity. I received my bachelor's degree in Keyboard Pedagogy from Capital University in Columbus Ohio and then moved out to Colorado and received my master's degree in Music Therapy from Colorado State University. I was music director at Plymouth Congregational Church for many years, and have subbed at various churches. For over twenty years I have maintained a private studio of 20 to 30 beginning, intermediate, and advanced piano students, and occasional clarinet students. I also teach pre-school music classes at the Fort Collins Preschool and Genesis Health Club. I live with my husband Bruce, our two children Helen and Walter, and our dog Tucker. I also enjoy reading and gardening. I find great joy and satisfaction in bringing music into people’s lives.
I am thrilled to join the ministry team at Trinity. I received my bachelor's degree in Keyboard Pedagogy from Capital University in Columbus Ohio and then moved out to Colorado and received my master's degree in Music Therapy from Colorado State University. I was music director at Plymouth Congregational Church for many years, and have subbed at various churches. For over twenty years I have maintained a private studio of 20 to 30 beginning, intermediate, and advanced piano students, and occasional clarinet students. I also teach pre-school music classes at the Fort Collins Preschool and Genesis Health Club. I live with my husband Bruce, our two children Helen and Walter, and our dog Tucker. I also enjoy reading and gardening. I find great joy and satisfaction in bringing music into people’s lives.
BRENDA HARJU, TLC Preschool Director & Lead Teacher - bharju@comcast.net
Our Director, Brenda, has been at TLC Preschool for 15 years and has been an Early Childhood Director for over 25 years. She has a BSW from CSU as well as a minor in Early Childhood Education. Brenda is married and has one grown son, who attended TLC Preschool. 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.
Our Director, Brenda, has been at TLC Preschool for 15 years and has been an Early Childhood Director for over 25 years. She has a BSW from CSU as well as a minor in Early Childhood Education. Brenda is married and has one grown son, who attended TLC Preschool. 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.