Meet the Staff
Elisa Berndt McMullen
Pastor
Born and raised in Baltic, SD, Pastor Elisa earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion at Augustana University in 2015 and a Master of Divinity at Luther Seminary in 2019. She completed her year-long pastoral internship at WestSide Lutheran in Sioux Falls in August of 2019 and was called to Trinity in Arlington a month later. As Trinity’s solo pastor, Pastor Elisa worked extensively to develop children and youth faith education, congregational stewardship and strategic planning. Her passions for ministry include worship leadership, preaching, and building relationships (preferably over a good cup of tea and something sweet). In their free time, Pastor Elisa and her husband Sam delight in chasing their son Everett, who is just under two years old.
Contact Pastor Elisa at elisa@westsidelutheran.com.
Kevin Stillson
Director of Music & Communications
Kevin graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls in 2005. He worked at Outlaw Ranch for three summers, and worked for the South Dakota Synod Office before coming to WestSide. The music at WestSide connects tradition with a modern feel. Styles sung include gospel, folk, bluegrass, and traditional hymns all led by acoustic guitar. Kevin lives in Sioux Falls with his wife, Mara, and daughter, Maisy.
Contact Kevin at kevin@westsidelutheran.com.
Ashley Christianson
Volunteer Coordinator
Born and raised in Omaha, NE and the oldest of four children, I adventured out of NE to embark on earning my BA from Augustana College 2008 and MA from USD in 2014. I worked at different positions within the CORP world. I met Devin in 2010, and after becoming a mama of 2 boys (Easton & Mason), my true passion was to be home with them. We love being in the country and enjoy being outside in our free time, constantly going (boys & hunting pups have LOTS of energy). I have enjoyed making memories with them and as they both headed to school this year, I am excited to get back to interacting with adults!
Contact Ashley at coordinator@westsidelutheran.com.