TLC Staff

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! But something was missing. I attended seminary at Luther and was ordained in 2017. I served Trinity Lutheran and First Presbyterian in Crookston, MN for my first call and then Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Minneapolis from 2019-2023.

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I am married to the most hilarious and faithful man, Andy Pokel. He serves as worship & music director at Spirit Garage. We have two sons that are the loves of our lives. We all enjoy music, singing, dancing, reading, and going to museums. 

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As a pastor, I enjoy community-building, preaching, teaching, caring for families in milestone moments, and renewing or building good governance structures and policies. 

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Email: pastorelise@tlcmn.com

Pastor Paul enjoys the intersection of God’s renewing promises in life and all the circumstances in which we live. He seeks to strengthen those connections in the Bible studies he teaches, his monthly sermons and by delivering “church” to people who cannot come. He began service at TLC in March, 2022

Pastor Paul is a native of Webster, South Dakota, a graduate of South Dakota State University, Luther Seminary/St. Paul, and Wesley Seminary/Washington, DC.  He has served parishes in New Ulm, MN, Lake Preston, SD and Sioux Falls, SD.  From 2001-2020, he was campus pastor at Augustana University in Sioux Falls.

He and his wife, Susan, are parents of 3 grown daughters and grandparents to 6 brilliant and beautiful grandchildren.  They enjoy travel, camping, concerts, plays, hiking, biking, backgammon and cribbage.

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Email: pastorpaul@tlcmn.com

Prior to joining Transfiguration as an Interim Pastor in June 2025, Pastor Joe served as the Associate Pastor at Peace Lutheran in Bloomington from 2019-2025. He received degrees from Luther Seminary and the University of Wisconsin – Madison. During his time in seminary, he also served congregations across the Twin Cities, including Peace, Coon Rapids; Faith-Lilac Way, Robbinsdale; and St. Andrew, Eden Prairie.

Pastor Joe loves his vocations as a husband to his wife, Reilly, and father to his two sons. Together, they live in Chaska with their two golden retrievers. Outside of ministry, Pastor Joe enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, watching movies, disc golfing, cheering on the Vikings and Badgers, and enjoying the outdoors. He is passionate about empowering young people, building relationships, creating community in authentic and meaningful ways, and walking alongside others throughout all of life’s joys and challenges.

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Email: pastorjoe@tlcmn.com

I grew up in Glyndon, MN and attended St. Olaf College, majoring in Psychology, Family Studies, and Women’s Studies. I completed Tentmakers Youth Ministry Leadership Training fresh out of college; and in 2009 I received my Master’s Degree in Congregational Ministries and Leadership from Luther Seminary, with an emphasis in ministry in daily life. I began my joy-filled journey at TLC in September of 2022. I love the families and children at TLC, am energized by our youth, feel uplifted by our beautiful worship services and strong preaching, and am thrilled to lead chapel for our Early Learning Center children on a regular basis. In 2025 my role shifted to include an emphasis on intergenerational ministry and faith formation, and I’m excited to plan more intergenerational events, expand our outreach to young adults, and create a robust Milestone Ministry program!

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Email: elarson@tlcmn.com

The Twin Cities has been our home since the fall of 2021. Shortly after moving to Bloomington from Sioux Falls, my husband, Paul, and I worshipped at Transfiguration Lutheran. Just a few weeks later they asked me to assume an interim position on the Worship/Music Team. This has evolved into leading the Worship/Music Team, accompanying worship once or twice a month, and directing the adult choir. I work closely with pastors and musicians to create and implement meaningful worship. I feel deep joy in serving God and neighbor by making music.  There is even greater joy when others catch the Spirit.

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.   I served as a worship leader in Lake Preston, SD, Sioux Falls, SD and New Ulm, MN. I also have devoted decades to educating children through music, movement and drama. 

When I’m not at church, I enjoy being active outdoors: walking, hiking (especially in the mountains), cross-country skiing, and biking. Being with family and caring for grandchildren, going to plays and concerts, cooking, entertaining and traveling bring me great joy.

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Email: swoldrohde@tlcmn.com

Phetsamone has been playing piano at Transfiguration since 1997 when she started accompanying the Imago Dei youth choir.  She started playing piano as a young child and her piano teacher was Aunt Patricia who generously gave of her time and resources to provide free piano and organ lessons.  Phetsamone played for the Kennedy High School JB Singers, performed at the Grand Stand talent contest at the Minnesota State Fair and is now our Praise and Worship pianist.  

Outside of church, Phetsamone is a Real Estate Broker and has been helping  customers buy, sell and build homes for 25 years and is currently a New Home Consultant for one of the largest private Builders in Minnesota.  She is married to Dan and has 3 children, Kayla, Noah and Micah, who have all been confirmed here at TLC.  Phetsamone and her family live in Lakeville and their home church is here at Transfiguration.​

Born and raised in Northern Wisconsin, Christine Walberg had limited early exposure to music but found lasting inspiration through the public radio program Pipedreams, which fostered a deep appreciation for organ music. In 2010, she moved to Minneapolis and began formal organ studies with Dr. David Cherwien. This passion led to undergraduate work at Luther College under the guidance of Dr. Gregory Peterson.

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While at Luther, Christine served as Organist at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco, Iowa, gaining valuable experience in church music leadership. Upon graduation, she returned to Minneapolis and spent several years serving as an interim organist across the Twin Cities metro area, exploring a wide range of worship styles and traditions.

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Since 2022 she has served as the Organist at Saint Peter’s Lutheran Church in Saint Paul. With a particular passion for improvisation and a lifelong love of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, Christine brings creativity and depth to every performance.

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Outside of music, Christine works full time for Allina Health and enjoys life with her husband (Chris) and two young children, Liam and Luke.

I grew up in Minnetonka, attending All Saints Lutheran Church. I attended Augustana College earning degrees in Deaf Education and Secondary Social

Studies. After graduation in 1975 I married my wonderful husband, Dave. 

We then moved to Dallas and attended Christ for the Nations.

We lived on the Iron Range for 13 years. I worked in the schools, had 3 kids, was

in charge of the preschool area of our church and drove to Duluth for all my classes for my Masters in Communicative Disorders and Early Childhood education (long before on-line classes). I later transitioned from teaching in the public schools to directing and teaching in the daycare that our church owned.

In 1989 my family moved to this area as I took the position of Director of TLC

Early Learning Center. Over the years here I have been blessed by a strong and caring staff, wonderful families and a supportive church body in the membership

of Transfiguration Lutheran Church.

My hobbies include reading, history, visiting museums and photography. God holds my first and foremost affection and I feel truly blessed to be able to combine my passions in my years at Transfiguration.

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Email: bwigstadt@tlcmn.com

I grew up in McIntosh, MN, attending Our Saviors Lutheran Church .  I went to college at Northland Community College in Thief River Falls and transferred to St. Cloud State where I earned a degree in Elementary Education with a Kindergarten Endorsement.  I started working for TLC Early Learning Center in 1991 as the school age/Kindergarten teacher and then in 1996 I added on the role of Assistant Director.  I have loved my years at TLC with the kids, families and staff.  So many long-lasting relationships have been built because of the center and church.

My husband, Jason, and I have made our home in Minneapolis where we raised our two children - Preston and Makien.  Both of my children attended TLC Early Learning Center and are members of the church where they went through Sunday School and Confirmation. 

I was warmly welcomed into this beautiful faith family in October 2016, after working in Human Resources at a local University. I graduated from The College of St. Benedict with a degree in Business Administration, focusing on Management, with 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.  For the times I am not at TLC, I enjoy being with family and friends, reading, the crosswords & Sudoku, walking, and exploring what’s new in the Twin Cities.

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Email: mreber@tlcmn.com

My husband Larry and I have lived in our home in West Bloomington for over 40 years.  I am a retired CPA and have worked in public accounting for most of my career.  I have been a member of TLC for more than 50 years.  I was confirmed and married at TLC.  I have been a Sunday School Teacher, the Sunday School Supervisor and served on the Church Council at TLC.     I have two daughters who were baptized and confirmed at the church and two beautiful little granddaughters.  I enjoy being outdoors whenever I get the chance, and I love a good mystery novel.​

I have been a member of Transfiguration my whole life. I was baptized and confirmed here. I went to the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, where I received my Bachelors in Accounting. I work full-time for Dorsey & Whitney as a tax accountant. I’ve been working
part-time on the financial team at TLC as counting supervisor since 2015. 

When I’m not at church, I enjoy spending time with my boyfriend Ryan, playing Pickleball, spending time with family & friends, playing Pickleball :P, reading, doing crafts, and watching tv/movies. During the school year you’ll find me volunteering on Wednesday nights with the confirmation/youth programs.​

I have been a member of transfiguration my whole life. I was baptized confirmed, and married here.
My husband Steve and I have been married 43 years. We live in Savage. We have two adult children, Dan (Susan) and Molly. We have two grandchildren Natalie and Carson.

I recently retired after 26 years in a dental office. In my free time I love to spend time with family, do crafts, read and seasonally decorate my home.

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Email: office@tlcmn.com

I grew up in Red Wing, MN, and moved to the Twin Cities metro in 2010. I earned my business degree through St. Cloud State University and the University of Phoenix. Currently, my wife Suzy and I co-own StroketoSuccess, a business focused on photography and sales coaching.

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Suzy is the most passionate and generous person I know, and we were married in one of our favorite places—Mexico. We’re incredibly grateful for our son, Knox, our Rainbow baby and greatest blessing. As a family, we love camping, traveling, and sharing a good cookie. I’m thrilled to bring my experience and passion to TLC and help support its mission and community!

Email: bsimonson@tlcmn.com

Mark and I are excited to return to TLC to worship, enjoy fellowship and serve once again with our beloved congregation. As Director of Volunteer Ministry, I will reintroduce the Life at TLC bulletin insert and help coordinate and support the many faithful volunteer ministries that bless this congregation. While we are away, our daughter, Kristen, has grown up and works as a hospital-based Nurse Practitioner. She and her husband, Steve, live in Bloomington and have blessed us with two lively grand boys, Peter (10) and Alex (8). Alex has visited TLC with us and fervently exclaims, "TLC is my church home!"

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Email: dseaquist.tlcvolunteers@gmail.com

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