We, the 2015-2016 TWF Ministry Team, are so excited to be serving the Trinity wives! Our hope is that the Lord is glorified in all we do this year, and that this special community can be both an encouragement and support to the wives of Trinity.
TWF President
Michelle Pallansch is serving as this year's TWF President. Michelle and her husband Jeff have been married for five years and at Trinity for three years. Jeff is pursuing a Masters of Divinity at TEDS. Michelle works as an ESL teacher in the Chicago area. As this year's President Michelle looks forward to how the ministry team will work together and encourage and support each other as well as other women and families of Trinity. Her encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is to, "JUMP IN! It is a wonderful, supportive community of women who will be able to understand your current season of life better than most and will be able to encourage you and offer support when you need it."
TWF Vice President
Alyssa VandenHeuvel is serving as this year's TWF Vice Prasident. Alyssa and her husband John have been married for two years and at Trinity for almost the same amount of time. John is in the Maters of Divinity program with an emphasis in Military Chaplaincy. Alyssa works as a Contracts Analyst at a pharmaceutical company. As Vice President Alyssa looks forward to growing in her relationships with God and others, and also being able to see more of the wonderful things God is doing in so many peoples' lives. Alyssa's encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is, "What one wife once shared with me was that this time isn't just about your husband. God may have placed you and your family at Trinity because of the purpose or path He has for you, too! So treat this time as a time for both of you to grow in your faith."
TWF Faculty Wife Adviser
Suzanne Kilner will continue another year serving as a TWF Faculty Wife Adviser, which she has been serving on since Spring of 2000. Suzanne and her husband John have been married for 39 years. Within those 39 years they have lived in Boston; Kenya; Lexington, KY; and Wilmette, IL. Suzanne and John have two children, Beth (married to Marvin) and Paul, as well as a grandson Nathaniel. John has been teaching Bioethics at Trinity since 1994. After her undergraduate and gradate studies, Suzanne has worked as an environmental planning consultant for women owned business. She has overseen elderly care for her in-laws and her special needs son who has a unique program with six different volunteer jobs each week. As a Faculty Wife Adviser Suzanne looks forward to watching God work through this year's team. Her encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is, "Bloom where you are planted. Choose to be content and focus on the things you are thankful for. Be open to what God wants to grow/change in you in preparation for ministry."
TWF Faculty Wife Adviser
Ruth Scharf will continue another year serving as a TWF Faculty Wife Adviser, which she has been serving on since 2000. Ruth and her husband Greg have been married for 39 years. They have three children, who are all married, as well as five grandchildren. Life before TEDS took Ruth to many places, Fargo, ND; Toronto, Canada; London, England, and Nairobi, Kenya. Ruth and Greg have been at Trinity for sixteen years. Greg works in the Pastoral Theology Department at Trinity. Ruth retired this summer from her teaching assistant job in the Special Education District of Lake County school for the deaf and hard of hearing. The Scharfs enjoy traveling to see children and grandchildren, as well as ministry related travels. One of Ruth's favorite verses from the time she went to boarding school in Kenya is I Peter 5:7 "...casting all your care on Him for He cares for you." As a Faculty Wife Adviser Ruth looks forward to studying the Psalms this year and growing in her knowledge of God and prays that this will grow her love for God. Currently she is enjoying reading the Psalms of Ascents as this reminds her of the greatness of God and his covenant love and faithfulness. Ruth's encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is, "Don't think we are perfect or have it all together. We are all learning and growing. 'One beggar to another, pointing each other to Christ.' Come and find a place where you can continue to grow in your faith, have opportunities to serve and try new things, meet new people from all over the world, and taste the joy of supporting others and being supported in prayer and friendship."
TWF Welcoming Coordinator
Amanda Kirkman is serving as this year's Welcoming Coordinator. Amanda and her husband Darin have been married a little over a year. Darin is pursuing a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in the Military Chaplaincy at TEDS, and is currently in the Army Reserve. Amanda is an Art Educator at a middle school in Racine, Wisconsin. As Welcoming Coordinator Amanda is really looking forward to connecting with new wives this year, especially welcoming new families to Trinity. The welcoming committee was a huge blessing to her when Darin and Amanda moved to Trinity, and she is so excited to return the favor. Amanda's encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is, "Trust in the Lord's plans. It was a tough transition for me at first when we came to Trinity, and I learned so much about God's sovereignty and plans for me as I trust Him and watch all of our needs be met, and all our worries and fears be erased. The fellowship and accountability from the life-long friends formed at Trinity are priceless, and have helped me so much!"
TWF Small Group Coordinator
Ruth Voetmann is serving as this year's Small Group Coordinator. Ruth and her husband Cody have been married for two years. Cody has been at TEDS since 2011, he started out in the Master of Divinity program, but this past year he switched to a Graphic Design major with minors in Biblical Studies and Christian Ministry. Ruth joined Cody at Trinity after they were married in the summer of 2013. Ruth is an Administrative Assistant at Knuth Machine Tools in Licolnshire. In the past she was a secretary at KRH Nutritional Practice and Administrative Assistant at Faith Evangelical Free Church, both in Fall Cree, WI. As Small Group Coordinator Ruth looks forward to seeing the Holy Spirit move in the hearts and lives of our small group leaders and our small groups! Ruth's encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is, " Live each day gratefully and enjoy it in and of itself. This is a time when it is so easy to get caught up in the mentality that 'we just have to get through these 4+ years at TEDS and then we can get on with the real ministry God has for us', but remember that this time too is part of the ministry; so look around, take time to 'smell the roses', and enjoy the journey."
TWF Large Group Coordinator
Krista Berg is serving as this year's Large Group Coordinator. Krista and her husband Timothy have been married for two years. Timothy has been at TEDS for three years pursuing a Masters of Divinity. Krista works as a Philanthropy Coordinator at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. As Large Group Coordinator Krista looks forward to cherishing the opportunity to encourage and grow with the women around her in their spiritual walks, personal lives, within our families, and in our circles of influence. Krista's encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is, "Don't be afraid to invest. Sometimes it is difficult to invest yourself into relationships or activities when you know that you will only be somewhere for a short season. We are blessed with a wonderful opportunity to learn, grow, and invest in others while being here at Trinity. You never know how your own life or another's will be impacted. Let's live this year with intention."
Krista Berg is serving as this year's Large Group Coordinator. Krista and her husband Timothy have been married for two years. Timothy has been at TEDS for three years pursuing a Masters of Divinity. Krista works as a Philanthropy Coordinator at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. As Large Group Coordinator Krista looks forward to cherishing the opportunity to encourage and grow with the women around her in their spiritual walks, personal lives, within our families, and in our circles of influence. Krista's encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is, "Don't be afraid to invest. Sometimes it is difficult to invest yourself into relationships or activities when you know that you will only be somewhere for a short season. We are blessed with a wonderful opportunity to learn, grow, and invest in others while being here at Trinity. You never know how your own life or another's will be impacted. Let's live this year with intention."
TWF Mom's Ministry Coordinator
Elizabeth Kotulski is this year's Mom's Ministry Coordinator. Elizabeth and her husband Joseph have been married for eleven years, and have two girls, Alathia who is 6 and Evangeline who is 3. This fall Joseph will be starting his fourth year pursuing a Masters of Divinity at TEDS. Elizabeth has a background in elementary education. Currently she stays at home with her girls as well as doing some babysitting throughout the week. As being this year's Mom's ministry Coordinator Elizabeth is really looking forward to helping moms connect with each other and find support during the crazy seminary life. When husbands are busy with classes and you may be far from family and friends, there is an amazing group of women here going through the same thing. We can encourage one another more than we might even realize. Her encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is, "Don't just view the time that your husband is in seminary as a time to get through. Three or four (or five!) years is a long time to spend just waiting for what comes next. God is preparing you as much as He is preparing your husband. Ask God what He wants to teach you during this time and then act."
TWF Treasurer
Catherine Denney is serving as this year's Treasurer. Catherine and her husband Justin are newly married as of this past June. Justin is pursuing a Masters of Divinity at TEDS, and Catherine has been attending TWF since September of 2014. Catherine works on the Medical Staff at Vista Medical Center in Waukegan, As Treasurer Catherine looks forward to learning to fully serve Christ in every task and helping every women in TWF do the same. Her encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is, "Open your heart to whatever friendship or lessons God might be giving you through TWF. They might be unexpected, but truly will serve as an encouragement and anchor through this season."
TWF Crowns Editor and Photographer
Tarah Shrader is serving as this year's Crowns Editor and Photographer. Tarah and her husband Matthew have been married for ten years and have two boys, Gabriel who is four and Isaiah who is one and a half. Matthew is starting his second year pursuing a PhD in Church History at TEDS. Tarah is at home with their boys most of the week, but a couple days out of the week she helps with house cleaning and other projects for a fellow Christian family in the area, as well as being a licensed cosmetologist and doing haircuts for others. One of Tarah's favorite hobbies is quilting, which for now she is only able to do during spare time. Tarah and Matthew are originally from Colorado, and are big Denver Broncos fans. As Crowns Editor and Photographer Tarah looks forward to not only serving with other Trinity wives, but also learning from them and lifting each other up to the Lord during this season. Tarah's encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is, "Trinity Wives is an incredible ministry. It gives wives the chance to build lasting relationships with fellow sisters in Christ who are from all around the world, as well as growing in God and His Word. Please join Trinity wives, it is absolutely worth it!"
TWF Highwood Small Group Leader
TWF Vernon Hills Small Group Leader
Heather Moser is serving as this year's Vernon Hills Small Group Leader. Heather and her husband David have been married for one year. David is in his fourth year at TEDS pursuing a Masters of Divinity and Heather is currently a nurse at Condell Medical Center in Libertyville. Heather grew up in the great state of Alabama, where football is a HUGE deal, so she is a big Alabama (Crimson Tide) fan. Whether it is hiking or running, Heather loves being outdoors. As this year's Vernon Hills Small Group Leader Heather is looking forward to building Christ-like friendships with other women involved in TWF. Heather's encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is, "This is such a neat time in our lives to learn and grow together as our husbands pursue their calling in ministry."
TWF Small Group Leader
Emily Cole is serving as a Small Group Leader on campus. Emily and her husband Dan have been married for thirteen years and have three kids, they have been at Trinity for 2 years while Dan pursues a PhD in New Testament at TEDS. Emily stays at home with her kids, but in the past was a Physical Therapist. Emily is enjoying living in Chicago and truly values the opportunities here, but if she could move back to Sydney, Australia (which is where she is from), she would grab her and her family's passports and go. It is hard being away from their families. But, however wonderful her family is, Emily reminds herself that her real family includes all her brothers and sisters in Christ, which in God's kindness and mercy includes her biological family, and that heaven won't compare to Sydney. As an On-Campus Small Group Leader Emily is looking forward to growing together with other Trinity wives as they study God's Word, pray and share their lives together in small groups. Emily's encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is, "Take time to get to know other Trinity wives. I have been blessed by these women in the two years we have been here."
TWF Small Group Leader
Eun Jung Kim (Enna) is serving as a Small Group Leader on campus, she will be co-leading with Laura Allen, Enna and her husband Jo Hwa Lee have been married for four years. They both arrived at Trinity the summer of 2014. Jo is in the ICS PhD program at TEDS. In the past Enna was a teacher and a children's pastor at her former church, now she is a children's pastor at Hebron Church (Korean Church). Enna loves inviting people over to eat, as well as going for walks with her husband. As a Small Group Leader Enna looks forward to being filled with Jesus' love in her heart through TWF friendships. Enna's encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is,"Welcome to this great community! Here is your new family which God has brought to you to love, care and grow together with."
TWF Small Group Leader
Laura Allen is serving as a Small Group Leader on campus and will be co-leading with Enna. Laura and her husband Daniel have been married for three years. Daniel just finished his first semester this past spring in the Master of Divinity program at TEDS. Laura is currently working as the enrollment counselor for Trinity undergrad, in the past she worked at a high school as a math teacher. As a Small Group Leader Laura looks forward to building relationships with other wives on campus. Laura's encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is,"Trinity is a great place to be! I can see that God is at work in and through this community."
TWF Small Group Leader
Alice Pilkington is serving as a Small Group Leader on campus, she will be co-leading with Sarah Price. Alice and her husband Matthew have been married for four years, their little boy John is one year old. Alice and her family have been at Trinity for one year as Matthew pursues a Master of Divinity at TEDS. Alice is a stay at home mom and wife. As a small group leader Alice looks forward to getting to know new women, hearing of their journeys, learning from them, and being encouraged and equipped in our walk with God together. Alice's encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is,"When we see each other around we should pray for one another, even if briefly, as often as those prayers and words of encouragement are very timely."
TWF Small Group Leader
Sarah Price is serving as a Small Group Leader on campus, she will be co-leading with Alice Pilkington. Sarah and her husband Eric have been married for one year. Eric began the AP Master of Divinity at TEDS in the Fall of 2013, Sarah joined him at Trinity soon after they were married. Sarah is working as an Enrollment Coordinator for CVS Caremark Specialty Pharmacy in Mount Prospect. As a past time, Sarah enjoys crocheting. She learned from her grandma when she was in fourth or fifth grade and has made a few blankets and scarves, as well as a variety of kids toys from a tractor to an elephant, and most recently some Veggie Tales characters. As a Small Group Leader Sarah looks forward to getting to know her small group ladies better and forming friendships that will help throughout this time at Trinity and as we move on to future ministries. Sarah's encouragement to fellow Trinity wives is,"Seek out people who are different from you, and make friends with the. God will use your differences to encourage and challenge one another."
