TLC Staff
Elise Pokel
Lead Pastor
I grew up in Fargo, ND and attended Concordia College, majoring in Religion and History. I worked in a pastry shop after college and delighted in it! After a dear friend of mine died by suicide, I realized that I needed to learn more about caring for my friends and family. I attended seminary at Luther and was ordained in 2017. I served Trinity Lutheran and First Presbyterian in Crookston, MN for two years and then Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Minneapolis from 2019-2023.
I am married to the most hilarious and faithful man, Andy Pokel. He serves as worship & music director at Woodlake Lutheran. We have our son, Fred (3), who is the joy of our lives. We all enjoy music, singing, dancing, reading, and going to museums. We are expecting our second son in a few months.
As a pastor, I enjoy community-building, preaching, teaching, caring for families in milestone moments, and renewing or building good governance structures and policies.
Email: pastorelise@tlcmn.com
Michelle Reber
Church Administrator
I was warmly welcomed into this beautiful faith family in October 2016. Growing up in Eagan, I relished our trips across the river to the GEM store in Bloomington. I graduated from The College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN, my father’s home town, with a degree in Business Administration, focusing on Management, and a minor in Art. From years of homeownership, I have learned many skills in the trades, which have come in handy for the facilities management side of my responsibilities here at TLC. When not at TLC, I enjoy walking, learning to tap dance, the daily Sudoku & crossword puzzles, dining out with friends, and spending time with my family.
Email: mreber@tlcmn.com
Brian Simonson
Church Communications
I grew up in Red Wing, MN and moved to the metro area in 2010. I attended St. Cloud State and The University of Phoenix graduating with a business degree. I currently am co-owner (with my wife, Suzy) of our two businesses - Stroke2Success (Sales Coaching) and Blue Skies Legacy (Custom Handmade Stuffed Hearts made from Up-Cycled material). Seeing people give their Heart2hearts a squeezer hug is the best knowing it was made from their loved one's clothing.
I am married to the most passionate and giving woman, Suzy. We tied the knot at one of our favorite places - Mexico. Knox, our son, is the best thing that has happened to us. He is truly a blessing as our Rainbow baby! We love camping, traveling and cookies!
I am SO excited to bring my skills and knowledge to TLC and help make it the best it can be!
Molly Schuh
Finance Team
I have been a part of the TLC community my entire life - my family has been part of TLC since the beginning in the gym at Westwood! My favorite thing about Transfiguration is how welcoming the members/congregation are.
I grew up in Savage, MN and went to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where I received my Bachelors in Accounting. I currently work full-time for Dorsey & Whitney, and part-time on the financial team at TLC. I’ve been part of the TLC financial team as counting supervisor since 2015. I also volunteer with Confirmation & Youth Group on Wednesday nights, and occasionally as a communion assistant on Sundays.
When I’m not at church, I enjoy (in no particular order): spending time with family and friends, running, visiting breweries, playing PickleBall, knitting & cross-stitching, relaxing with my cat Fitzgerald, and watching tv/movies.
Email: mschuh105@gmail.com
Susan Wold Rohde
Interim Music & Worship Director
After living in Sioux Falls for nearly 30 years, we moved to the Twin Cities primarily to be closer to family. Since then we’re delighted that two daughters and their families now call Minneapolis home! After worshiping at TLC only one time, I was asked to interview for an interim position on the Worship/Music Team. That was in January 2022 and I am still here. I work closely with the pastors, worship team and the choir.
The lake and farm country of Otter Tail County, Underwood, MN is my childhood home. I attended Concordia College, majoring in Elementary Education and Music. My master’s degree is in Guidance and Counseling from SDSU. While I have held leadership roles in the church all of my adult life, I was officially ordained a deacon in 2013. Most recently I served as a worship leader in lake Preston, SD, Sioux Falls, SD and New Ulm, MN.
When I’m not at church, I enjoy walking, hiking (especially in the mountains), cross-country skiing, cooking, being with family and caring for grandchildren, going to plays and concerts, entertaining and traveling.
Email: swoldrohde@tlcmn.com
