Staff & Leadership

I have been serving God alongside the people of Hope Lutheran Church since Easter of 2017. I appreciate being able to walk with people on their faith journey and catch glimpses of God’s grace at work.  Wisconsin has been home for most my life. I was born and raised in Cedarburg, WI. I graduated from Ripon College, and I earned my MDiv. from Wartburg Theological Seminary. I currently live in Madison with my husband, our three kids, and our dog. Of course, I love Jesus, but I also love a good walk in the woods, a good cup of green tea, and good, quality time with the people I love. 

Evan Mitchell is an active performer and music teacher throughout the United States and Canada. He is a PhD candidate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, currently completing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Performance. Evan holds a Master of Music from McGill University and completed his Bachelor of Arts at Luther College.
As a baptized and confirmed Lutheran, Evan has been involved in music ministry since the age of 16, when he first started playing for worship bands and substituting for the organist. He was the Senior Choir Director at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Lanesboro, Minnesota for three years before becoming Assistant Director at Montreal West Presbyterian Church. His most recent positions have been with the Northwood Christian Church in Eugene, Oregon, English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, and First United Methodist Church in downtown Madison. Some of his most rewarding experiences have been leading ecumenical community services during Holy Week and Easter or leading combined services celebrating the contributions of the African American Methodist Episcopal Church, and believes music is an extension of worship, regardless of style or size of the group.
Evan’s favorite hymns are too numerous to mention, but it is always a great way to introduce yourself to him! Evan and his wife Brittney have two dogs, Chester and Herbie, and live on the east side of Madison. He hopes to live the spirit of Psalm 100:1- “make a joyful noise, all you lands” and is ready to lead Hope Lutheran Church’s ministry through music and the arts!

I have been Hope's office administrator since 2007. I wear many hats here; from creating media for worship services and designing weekly updates, to performing day to day financial duties and maintaining the website. I earned my BA in Communications from UW-Whitewater and have made Cottage Grove my home since 1998. I am married with 3 sons and a stepdaughter.

I have been Hope’s  organist/keyboardist for many years playing for both traditional and contemporary services.  My time here has also given me the opportunity to fill in as director for both the Voices of Hope and handbell choir as needed.   I live in Lodi, Wi with my husband Jack and our cat Gracie.  I also have two grown sons living in Waunakee and Tomahawk.

I am thrilled to be working with the children of Hope!  I enjoy running the children’s choir, writing original musicals for the kids, and the many other musical adventures that happen at Hope.  I am a lifelong musician who plays trombone and sings in several bands, including my family group, Mood Family Band.  After studying trombone at UW-Madison, I started my own music arranging business.  My husband and I homeschool our four boys on a small farmette in Cottage Grove.

Troy Freemyer, Council President
Matt Kuehl, Council Vice President
James Timm, Council Treasurer
Donna Niesen-Campbell, Council Secretary
Dan Harvey, Adult Ministry Chair
Jane Rudie, Endowment Chair
Diana Tonn, Linda Marks & Denise Snorek, Faith-in-Action Co-Chairs
Mary Ackerman, HLCW President
Gregg Burmeister, Property Ministry Chair
Carol Duffy, Stewardship Chair
Brooke Ecker, Sunday School Superintendant
Shane Reich, Worship Ministry Chair
Shannon Morrison, Youth Ministry Chair