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. Pastor Elisa first served Trinity Lutheran Church in Arlington, SD before being called to WestSide in June of 2023. Her passions for ministry include worship leadership, preaching, and building relationships, preferably over a good cup of tea. Pastor Elisa enjoys trying new recipes (and taking pictures of them), starting new books (don't ask if they are ever finished!) and corralling her two young children (along with her husband Sam). (That is, Sam helps the corralling!) She's also quite fond of parentheses, because they give her the space to add just one more thought, even when it's completely unnecessary.

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, Ashley adventured out of NE to embark on earning a BA from Augustana College 2008 and MA from USD in 2014. She worked at different positions within the CORP world. She met Devin in 2010, and after becoming a mama of 2 boys (Easton & Mason), Ashley's true passion was to be home with them. Her family loves being in the country and enjoys being outside in our free time, constantly going (boys & hunting pups have LOTS of energy). Ashley has enjoyed making memories with her sons who are now school-age and is excited to get back to interacting with adults!

Contact Ashley at coordinator@westsidelutheran.com.

DeAnna Dreesman

Summer Care Director

DeAnna has worked with children for over 20 years. For the past 12 years, she has served as the Director—and one of the teachers—at Peace Lutheran Preschool & Pre-K, located inside Peace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. She attended SDSU (Go Jacks!) and earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education and Human Development and Family Studies. She also holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) accreditation and continues to take professional development classes to stay current in all areas of child development and education.

She is married to her husband, Brian, who works in parts and sales for a Freightliner company in Sioux Falls. They have a 10-year-old son, Isaac, who is currently in 4th grade and is obsessed with anything and everything basketball and football. Their weekends are usually filled with his sporting events. They also have two dogs, Axel and Ruby Sue, and with them around, there is never a dull moment in their household.

Aside from spending time with her family, she enjoys singing—she has even been known to perform a few singing telegrams around Sioux Falls—and shopping.

Contact DeAnna at summercare@westsidelutheran.com.

WestSide Leadership

Church Council

WestSide's Church Council is responsible for overseeing staffing, building needs, finances, and other church operations as they relate to WestSide's mission and values.

Action Team

WestSide's Action Team is responsible for carrying out WestSide's mission through areas of ministry such as faith formation, service, hospitality, and community events.

  • Lisa Wylie

  • Brooke Rykhus

  • Todd Van Conant

  • Melisa Farke

  • Marla Hawes