Staff
Pastor Sonja Gerstenberger (She/Her)
Pastor
pastorsonja@standrewsames.org
515-292-2131 or 515-554-4348
Pastor Sonja Gerstenberger joined the St. Andrew’s ministry team in March 2021. She is passionate about making the love of God in Jesus known to the world through ministry, service, and relationship. Pastor Sonja has her B.A. from Wartburg College in English education and is a 2020 graduate of Luther Seminary’s MDiv Distributed Learning program. Pastor Sonja’s ministry is informed by careers in education, human resources, communication, and finally lay ministry. She served for seven years as faith formation director in an ELCA congregation, where she heard and answered the call to ministry. Pastor Sonja and her husband, Scott, have three children (Lucas – 2006, Nikki – 2008, and Analise – 2010) and most anything that can be considered a hobby involves caring for or spending time with them.
Jazmine Vega (She/Her)
Office Administrator and Communications Manager | office@standrewsames.org | 515-292-2131
Hello, my name is Jazmine Vega and this is my 1st time in Ames, IA. The peace and tranquility this city has brought me is indescribable. My Texas pride shrinks a little day by day. Originally from Houston, TX, I find the Midwest worthy of exploring. My off days consist of cooking new recipes or traveling to surrounding cities and states. I am honored to join the St. Andrew’s team and cannot wait to help our community.
Dave Krumm
Business Manager
businessmanager@standrewsames.org
Dave has been around St. Andrew’s a long time and has been a part of a lot of things that have happened here over the years. He has served on a variety of committees and Council, and been both Treasurer and President of this congregation. Dave works extensively with the People of Pine Ridge on housing and workforce development issues, and heads three non-profit/ philanthropic entities. When not engaged in those and working at St. Andrew’s, Dave enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, music, and fishing.
Steve Hoifeldt
Director of Choral Ministries
shoifeldt@standrewsames.org
515-509-7093
Steve Hoifeldt directs the adult choir at St. Andrew’s and is well-known in central Iowa for his excellent choral directing. He grew up in Iowa and has lived here most of his life. He received a BA in Vocal Performance from Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS and a MA in Vocal Performance from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He has been teaching in Ames as a private voice instructor and choral conductor for over 30 years. He teaches Applied Voice, Music Appreciation and World Music and directs several choirs in the area.
Connie Sweeney
Accompanist
cmsweeney.mus@gmail.com
Connie serves St. Andrew’s as the choir accompanist and instrumental ensemble director. Her music background includes 25 years of teaching vocal and general music at schools in Illinois and Iowa. Besides music, Connie enjoys gardening, traveling, sewing, and reading. Connie has two grown children—Joe in Pennsylvania and Megan in Colorado.
Isaiah Walsh
Pianist
isaiahrwalsh@gmail.com
My name is Isaiah Walsh, and I am currently an undergraduate student at Iowa State University studying Interior Design with a minor in Sustainability. Before joining the music team at St. Andrew's, I served as a Service Pianist for my ELCA congregation back home in Maquoketa, Iowa for 6 years and have around 10 years of piano practice and performance under my belt. When I am not preparing for a service or leading the congregation, I enjoy working as an Interior Design Intern at Iowa State and spending time with the men of my fraternity. I am tremendously excited for the opportunity to take part in the rich musical tradition of St. Andrew's in the coming years!