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Beth Bardolph

Little Lambs Assistant Director

(630) 600-5100

Beth is the Associate Director of Little Lambs Preschool Ministry at Elmhurst CRC.

Beth began volunteering with Little Lambs 21 years ago as a Bible teacher and has served in various roles, including Session Coordinator and Assistant Director. Before joining ECRC, she volunteered in children's ministries at her former church, including roles in the nursery, children’s worship, and story hour.

Beth holds a BA in Elementary Education from Trinity Christian College and has taught elementary school and provided in-home childcare for 30 years. Infants and preschoolers are her favorite group to work with.

Beth lives with her husband and their dog, while their five children and four grandchildren live nearby. She enjoys coffee with friends, traveling, and exploring post offices and state capitol buildings along the way.

Joe Beles

Facilities Coordinator

(630) 600-5075

Joe is the Facilities Coordinator at Elmhurst CRC.

Joe has been part of the ECRC family for nearly 9 years with his wife, Jenni, and their adult daughter, Rachael. He loves his work and the community he’s found here.

After graduating from Zion Bible Institute (now Northpoint Bible College), he spent over 30 years in church facility management and operations. He furthered his skills in trades, earning an electrician license and studying HVAC. He now focuses on maintaining the church’s systems and overseeing custodial duties and community activities, all while living by the motto, "Serve Christ by serving others."

Joe and his wife, Jenni, have a son, Matthew, who lives in southern Illinois, and daughter Rachael, a Wheaton College graduate, who serves in worship at Elmhurst CRC. As empty nesters, they are adjusting to a new phase of life. Jenni is active in volunteering at ECRC and in the community.

Outside of work, he enjoys walks, movies with Jenni, working out, and spending time at the Beles Lake House in Laporte, Indiana, where he enjoys boating and tubing with family.

Lynda Clousing

Little Lambs Director

(630) 600-5049

Lynda is the Director of Little Lambs Preschool Ministry, a role she took on in 2010 after serving in various positions within the program. She taught at Timothy Christian School for five years before staying home with her children, using her education degree in volunteer roles at church and school.

A member of ECRC since 1987, Lynda and her husband, Russ, have four married children across four states. Their children attended Little Lambs, and Lynda was actively involved in the MOPS ministry.

Lynda loves continuing the traditions of Little Lambs while adapting it to meet the needs of local families. When she's not with preschoolers, she enjoys time with her grandkids, caring for aging parents, reading, puzzles, and traveling with Russ, especially near water.

As grandparents, Lynda and Russ hope their local granddaughters will attend Little Lambs and that their out-of-state grandchildren can enjoy the online lessons, believing that the biblical foundation learned in preschool is key to a child’s faith journey.

Kelly Day

Coffee Break Coordinator

(630) 600-5062

Kelly is the Coffee Break Bible Study Director at Elmhurst CRC.

With 20 years of experience leading Bible studies and small groups, Kelly has a deep passion for studying God’s Word and encouraging others in their faith.

Married to Matt Day, they have four children: Jackson, Carter, Kamryn, and Ledger. A lifelong CRC church member, Kelly joined her first Bible study in college and fell in love with God’s Word and the people He’s placed in her life. She believes humor is one of God’s best medicines and enjoys sharing joy with others.

Kelly has a heart for knowing the Bible so we can live as Christ’s servants in the world. Each week is a joy to gather, pray, and encourage one another along the way!

Michelle DeJong

Hospitality/Special Needs/Facilities Coordinator

(630) 600-5032

Bert DeJong

Congregational Care Associate

(630) 530-2924

Bert is the Congregational Care Associate at Elmhurst CRC. Contact Bert if you need Crisis Care and Support.

With 41 years of pastoral ministry and 13 years in caring ministry, Bert has spent the last 40 years serving at Elmhurst CRC. He holds a Master of Divinity from Calvin Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Northern Baptist Seminary.

Bert is the fourth of eight children in an immigrant family and has been married for 58 years. Together, he and his wife spouse have four sons, four daughters-in-law, and 12 grandchildren. Outside of ministry, he enjoys part-time ministry and spending summers in Michigan.

Still learning to golf and cook, Bert also loves reading, walking, and exercising with his wife. Always on the lookout for new adventures!

Gregg DeMey

Lead Pastor

(630) 600-5030

Coming soon!

Kara Hackert

Director of Children & Family Ministries

(630) 600-5037

Kara is the Director of Children & Family Ministries at Elmhurst CRC

Kara began teaching children's worship in high school and served as a camp counselor at Camp Geneva during college. She loves leading children's worship, planning family services, organizing 5th Sunday serve projects, and connecting with the Outreach York Center community.

Kara holds a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Social Studies and a middle school endorsement. She taught for 6 years at Timothy Christian Schools (TCS) before joining Elmhurst CRC, where she has served for 17 years. Her passion for teaching began in first grade and has only grown over the years.

Kara met her husband, Kevin, while working at TCS. Together, they have three daughters and two dogs. She treasures family time, especially Saturday morning breakfasts and walks with her family and dogs through forests and around lakes. Favorite adventures include exploring Chicago, especially Lincoln Park Zoo, the river walk, water taxi rides, dragon boat races, and trying new food.

Kara loves children's books and enjoys picking out new titles for the church libraries. She is grateful for the amazing team of volunteers, with high school students among the standout contributors. One of the highlights of the year is hosting SpringHill Day Camp!

Billy Heschl

Digital Ministries Coordinator

(630) 600-5100

Billy Heschel is the Digital Marketing Coordinator at Elmhurst CRC

Billy joined the Elmhurst CRC family in 2015 as a tech intern while pursuing his Music Business degree at Elmhurst University.

After graduation, he continued working part-time at the church while starting a full-time sales role in the music products industry. It was in this setting that Billy gained valuable experience, learning to work with diverse teams, become self-sufficient, and organize large-scale projects with a small team.

In 2022, Billy transitioned to a full-time position as Digital Ministries Coordinator, specializing in A/V pre- and post-production—a passion that began in college and continues to date. Beyond his A/V work, Billy serves the church with a variety of tech needs, events, and ministries. You can often find him playing guitar in worship on Sunday mornings or working with the ECRC Youth Group. He’s also known to make coffee at the Java Stop!

Outside of ministry, Billy enjoys spending time with his wife, Rachel, and their son, Theodore. In his free time, he makes music with his band and records and mixes local bands in his home studio, The Coal Room.

Jeff Klein

Pastor of Outreach

(630) 600-5026

Jeff is the Pastor of Outreach at Elmhurst CRC.

He has a diverse background in ministry, having served as Youth Pastor at Beechwood Reformed Church (Holland, MI), Student Life Director and Bible Teacher at Timothy Christian High School (Elmhurst, IL), and Teaching Pastor at Faith Church (Dyer, IN). He has also been the Lead Pastor at Jericho Road Church (Wheaton, IL), a radio host for Walk the Way, and Church Partnership Director at QPlace.

A graduate of Wheaton College and Western Theological Seminary, Jeff is passionate about helping Christians actively engage in God's mission wherever they live, work, and play.

Married to Pam for 38 years, they have four children—Ben (married to Haley), Lenna (married to Luke), Morghin (married to Mike), and Joseph (engaged to Chloe)—and one grandson, Zeke. The family is active, loud, and full of fun. Jeff loves sports (he still plays hockey!), reading, and hearing a good joke.

Rachel Klooster

Administrative Assistant

(630) 600-5043

Rachel is the Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper/Office Manager/Secretary.

Rachel has experience working as an Assistant to the Children's Ministry Director and Administrative Assistant/Secretary at several churches. She has also volunteered in various roles, including GEMS counselor, co-head counselor, nursery volunteer, Bible study leader, and prayer group coordinator.

Rachel graduated with a degree in Psychology from Calvin University but found a passion for administrative work, particularly in non-profit and church settings.

Married to Mark, the sound technician for church and The Broken Halos, they have two adult children, Brady and Julia. They moved to the area from West Michigan in 2008 and quickly found a home at ECRC. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys music, spending time with her cats, and working on jigsaw puzzles.

Justin Lawrence

Executive Director of Operations

(630-600-5100

Justin is the Executive Director of Operations at Elmhurst CRC.

Justin ensures that all church ministries run smoothly. He joined Elmhurst CRC in 2024 after a 20-year career in Christian publishing, most recently serving as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at InterVarsity Press in Downers Grove.

Justin holds an MBA from Grand Valley State University in Michigan and a Master of Christian Studies from Regent College in Vancouver, Canada.

In his free time, Justin enjoys American soccer, sailing on the Great Lakes, and permaculture gardening. He has visited 49 states and nine provinces. Justin is married to Joy, a pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church, and they live in Willowbrook with their two children.

Nicole Moxon

Facilities Team

Nicole Moxon is a Facilities Team Member & Youth & Children’s Teacher at Elmhurst CRC.

Nicole has been with ECRC since 2021, serving in several roles. She brings extensive experience in youth and children’s ministry, having worked as a Youth Ministry Coordinator in Shoreline, WA, and as a Godly-Play Storyteller in Seattle. Her background also includes teaching English Bible at the Korean DREAM Church and working as a custodian at Shoreline CRC.

Nicole holds a B.A. from Seattle Pacific University, having completed degrees in Educational Ministries, Theological Studies, Youth Ministries, and Christian Scriptures.

Outside of ministry, Nicole comes from a family with a rich history in church facilities work. Both grandfathers and her father have held similar roles. Her first facilities job was mowing lawns with her grandfather in high school. Nicole has a passion for volunteering and has been involved in service projects, including Fifth Sunday Serve, since college.

Nicole is a self-proclaimed Renaissance Soul, coffee snob, hiker, avid reader, and artist. She is married with children and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.

Luke Norris

Youth Coordinator

(630) 600-5100

Luke is the Youth Pastor/Student Ministries Coordinator at Elmhurst CRC.

Luke has experience running camp ministry for Fellowship of Christian Athletes for two years and has led multiple high school and young adult Bible studies. He has been involved in various college ministries and church internships.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Leadership, with double minors in Church Planting and Global Studies, from Liberty University.

Recently married to his lovely wife, Alana, Luke grew up on a farm in Maryland

Kyle Olson

Technical Director

(630) 600-5044

As the Technical Director, I:

Train and learn from the staff and volunteers who plan, organize and run these important elements of our church ministry: audio, video, graphics, lighting, IT, voice, data—and espresso!
Oversee nearly all technical facets of our weekly worship, ongoing ministries, and busy facility
Share the grace of Christ in my life by using technology as a means to clarify his message to all who come through our doors

Erin Pacheco

Director of Worship

(630) 600-5028

Erin is the Director of Worship at Elmhurst CRC.

Originally from Canada, Erin moved to Illinois to attend Trinity Christian College and later earned a Master of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. With a background in worship leadership, campus ministry, teaching, and preaching, she brings a wealth of experience to the role of Director of Worship.

Erin is married to Moises (Moe), a pastor and church planter, and together they have three school-age children, with two more on the way. Their family is rounded out by Neville, a big, friendly dog. Outside of ministry, she enjoys morning lattes, afternoon naps, and collecting books that often remain unfinished.

Nina Schroeder

Interim Choir Director

630.600.5100

Katie Snyder

Outreach & Youth Administrative Assistant

630.600.5100

Katie is the Outreach & Youth Administrative Assistant at Elmhurst CRC

Katie has been a part of the ECRC family since 2014, after moving from California. She has a strong history of volunteer work, having grown up in children’s worship and the nursery. In recent years, she has served as a small group leader and planned the youth group’s summer camp. For the past four years, she was ECRC’s Nursery Coordinator before transitioning into her current role as Outreach & Youth Administrative Assistant.

Katie holds a B.S. in Business Economics with a minor in Marketing, along with several associate degrees. She has a background in lending and banking, which complements her administrative skills.

Outside of work, Katie is married to Ben, and they have three wonderful children. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, cheering on her kids at their sporting events, exploring new places to eat, and indulging in baking and crafting.

Valerie Todd

Nursery Coordinator

(630) 600-5100

Valerie is the Nursery Coordinator at Elmhurst CRC.

Valerie has served as a volunteer in both the nursery and Little Lambs for the past three years. With degrees in customer service and childcare, she brings a heart for young children to the ministry.

Married to her husband Chris for 11 years, they have two children, Declan and Isla, along with a one-year-old puppy, Murray. The family loves sports, the outdoors, and animals, and their favorite place to be is on the beach.

Sheri Van Spronsen Leppink

Communications Director

(630) 600-5029

Tracy Williams

SHE Coordinator

(630) 600-5070

Tracy is the SHE - Single Mothers Ministry Coordinator at Elmhurst CRC.

Raised by a single mother after her father passed away when she was 16, Tracy has a deep understanding of the challenges single mothers face. She attended Canisius University in Buffalo, NY, and moved to Chicago in 1992 to pursue a career as a Flight Attendant.

Married to Bernard, Tracy is part of a blended family with four children. Olivia and Jonathan attended Timothy. Outside of ministry, she loves to travel, especially on road trips!