MEET THE STAFF:

Pastor Mary joined Trinity as Intentional Interim Pastor in August of 2023.  She has successfully guided three other ELCA congregations as their Intentional Interim Pastor, most recently serving Hope Lutheran in Eagle, ID. She earned her Doctor of Ministry/Pastoral Care/Counseling from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN; her Master of Divinity Degree in Theology from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA; and her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Dana College in Blair, NE. 

Samantha joined staff in the summer of 2022 as director of faith formation, primarily working with children, youth, and young adults. Sam oversees and organizes children's KidVenture and children's message, Highschool Youth Group, Family Faith Night, Confirmation, and Gather: Pikes Peak. Sam is on the leadership team for Belong Youth Collective (BeYou), a city-wide ecumenical HS youth gathering that meets monthly for guest speakers, worship, and small groups. Additionally, Sam plays on the worship team often accompanying on guitar, piano, or voice.
Sam loves hiking, playing volleyball, spending time at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp, and training for her green belt at her jiu jitsu academy.

Sam Teres started as Director of Music and Worship at Trinity in October 2023. He has over 15 years experience as a volunteer musician and worship leader at other Christian churches and is delighted to be using his gifts to serve this community now. For his full time job, he has been working as a Team Lead for Language, Culture, and Equity at the Douglas County School District central office since October 2021. Prior to that, he had been a classroom teacher at private and public schools in both California and Colorado for over 20 years.  He holds an MA in Education with an emphasis in Policy, Language, and Cross-Cultural Communication from San Diego State University and a BA in Urban Studies and Planning with an emphasis in Education from the University of California, San Diego. 

Sam resides with his wife and three boys in the beautiful town of Palmer Lake, along with the family dog and cat. He enjoys camping, skiing, and taking road trips with his family, and will never pass on an opportunity to explore the incredible state of Colorado.

 Tamara is a non-stipend director who is passionate about serving everyone at Trinity through the various Engage Groups. She also coordinates Trinity Venue which allows everyone a reasonably priced venue for weddings, celebrations, meetings, etc. 

Tamara has been at Trinity since 1992 where she and her husband, Ron, raised their two children. Tamara enjoys being outside in God’s amazing creation and exploring all that Colorado has to offer.