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Our Staff

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Pastor Sandy VanZyl

Sandy was born and raised on the East Coast. After nearly 30 years in Montana, she was called to be the pastor of Amazing Grace in the summer of 2018. She, her husband Tim Christensen (also an ELCA Pastor), and their son, John moved here that fall.

Favorite things to do: read, watch San Francisco Giants' baseball, and watch live music
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Amanda Lindquist
Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministry

Amanda was born and raised in Minnesota, just north of the Twin Cities. She came to Amazing Grace in the fall of 2013 with her husband, Scott. Sylvia was born in late 2016 and has made life a lot of fun!

Amanda has an undergraduate degree in Youth Ministry from Augsburg College and her Master's degree in Children, Youth, and Family Ministry through Luther's Seminary's Distance Learning Program. She is also working towards being ordained as a Minister of Word and Service in the ELCA.

Amanda has been working in God's ministry professionally since 2007 but had the desire since high school and college when she was a summer camp counselor. 


Favorite things to do: hike, practice yoga, eat ice cream, and laugh. 
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Kari Bieshelt
Office Manager

Kari spent most of her life on the east coast, Virginia, Maryland/DC area but after meeting her husband she knew one day they would be living in Alaska!

She has been a member of Amazing Grace since 2015 and, starting working here that same year. She loves the teamwork and family aspect of her job, especially seeing the preschoolers grow and learn each year! 

Kari has 2 children, the oldest graduating from college and the youngest just beginning college. 
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