LEADERSHIP
Pastor Leah is an artist/craftswoman and pastor and loves sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in a world that aches for love, reconciliation, justice, and peace. Natives of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Pastor Leah, her husband, and young son have happily made their home here in Central Wisconsin. They enjoy spending time in nature, engaging art, and discovering new foods. Pastor Leah was called to Good Shepherd in July 2017 to serve first as Associate Pastor, and now serves as Lead Pastor since November 2022. She delights in the movement of the Holy Spirit, and has a passion for: the Gospel of Jesus Christ, social justice, racial equity, art & theology, spiritual discernment, and ecumenical partnerships. She affirms and celebrates the unique gifts of LGBTQIA+ persons as beloved children of God. Pastor Leah loves sharing in the many ministries at Good Shepherd and in the community. She feels blessed to love and serve the neighbor near and far in response to the unconditional love that she herself has received from God.
During the Confirmation Year, Deacon Leah is serving as “Confirmation Ministry Lead” to provide primary leadership, development, and instruction for our confirmation ministry, including working directly with youth, their families, small group guides, and our Confirmation Visioning Team.
Deacon Leah is a rostered deacon in the ELCA as well as a public educator. Deacon Leah attended Luther Seminary with a degree in Child, Youth, and Family Ministry. She was commissioned to the Ministry of Word and Service in 2015. She, her husband, and adult daughters live in Amherst, WI. In addition to her work with Good Shepherd’s Confirmation Ministry, she works in the Tomorrow River School District (Amherst) as the Social and Emotional Learning Specialist. Having the opportunity to combine her callings of sharing the love story of God’s covenants, helping individuals discern, out of love for and gratitude to God, their call to be the hands and feet of Christ in our world, and supporting the whole child, parents/guardians, educators, and adult leaders brings her much joy. Deacon Leah feels blessed to serve at Good Shepherd.
Deacon Sandy is serving in a Pastoral Care Support role. She will be working alongside Pastor Leah during our pastoral transition to provide for the spiritual care needs of our community. Together they provide home communion for those who are unable to safely worship with us in person, acute spiritual care and follow up spiritual care for our Good Shepherd households (confidentiality respected).
Deacon Sandra Wendland has served in public ministry of the ELCA for many years. She has served congregations in Oshkosh and Stevens Point. Her area of ministries have included Christian Education, Pastoral Care, Worship and supervision of staff. She is now retired and is a member at Good Shepherd.
Elise joined the Good Shepherd staff in 2017 after retiring from Sentry Insurance. She is married to her husband, John, and has a daughter, Kelly, who lives in Madison with her husband Ryan. Elise is a joyful and welcoming presence on our staff and in our congregation. Elise handles the day to day management of the office and is responsible for preparing bulletins, mailings, and other important documents for our church. She is the friendly voice you hear when you call and will help answer any questions.
Jen has been our Media Content Creator since 2019. She is responsible for the presentations you see both during in person and online services. Additionally, she is responsible for all other church media needs such as postcards and the Flock Talk Connect. Jen is also a kindergarten teacher in Wisconsin Rapids and lives in Plover with her husband and two sons.
DR. DUANE R. KARNA
Duane R. Karna, DMA is the newly-appointed Director of Music Ministry here at GSLC. Over the past 45+ years, Duane has served in that capacity either part-time or full-time in over 20+ churches representing 7 different denominations. Duane has also been a Director of Choral Activities at seven universities in Maryland, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Indiana, and Wisconsin from 1988–2019.He brings a wealth of musical skill and expertise to his ministry of music at GSLC and also very much enjoys the ministerial aspects and responsibilities of his role specifically in the GSLC community. He is the father of two older children, Kathryn (now married) and Jacob, who live in Muncie, Indiana.
JUDY MANSAVAGE
Judy joined our staff at Good Shepherd in 2017 and has been a great support to Good Shepherd’s ministry of hospitality. Her generosity, humor, and baking skills are added gifts to her work of keeping our facility clean, safe, and welcoming. She is always ready to greet our community with a smile.
MICHAEL SMITH
Michael joined our staff at Good Shepherd in 2022, and is a welcome addition. His positivity, kindness, and diligence are added gifts to his work of keeping our facility clean, safe, and welcoming. In addition to custodial services, Michael also supports Good Shepherd’s ministry of hospitality by tending to building and grounds maintenance when needed.
