Denise Blomquist
Youth Ministry Director
I grew up in Dallas, TX and received my Bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and later my Master’s degree from Lamar University. I taught in public education for 26 years before the Lord called me to full-time youth ministry. I have been married to my amazing husband, Mark, for over 26 years and we have two beautiful grown daughters, Ashlynn and Alicia. When not working, I enjoy spending time on the lake with family and friends.
My passion comes from working with the youth and their families at Palm Valley and the community beyond our walls. The youth inspire me to help them to grow in their faith journey and walk with the Lord each and every day.
Alan Dunn
Executive Administrator
Mickie and I have three children and four grandchildren. We also have our best friend, Andy, a cocker spaniel, that is a joy to care for and love.
I have served ministries since 1981 beginning in the Air Force through 2002. I served a wonderful church in Memphis TN for ten years before arriving at Palm Valley. Prior to becoming part of the Air Force I was a Master Plumber in my Dad’s plumbing company.
Serving as a ministry support person I have the great opportunity to see people passionately serving Christ in their ministries. Supporting members is a wonderfully rewarding experience.
We love discovering the heart of Texas by visiting small towns and locally owned businesses.
Marvin Goad
Director of Choir and Traditional Music
Pastor Dave Koppel
Senior Pastor
Married to Andrea for 35 years, we have three terrific daughters who live all over from Colorado to College Station to Atlanta. They keep me sane and light up my life!
I’ve pastored throughout the United States and have degrees from the University of Connecticut, The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Hartford Seminary and Asbury Seminary.
I truly believe that I have the best job in the world. I get to share the love of Jesus with people. And we have an amazing congregation of gifted and talented people who live out their faith and make a huge difference in our community. I thank God every day for our congregation and staff.
My favorite thing to do in the Round Rock/Austin area is to enjoy Round Rock Express games with friends.
Tish McGillicuddy
Receptionist
I am the youngest of 5 brothers and sisters who moved often since my father was a cost engineer for a construction company. We went where the job took us. I married my high school sweetheart, Kevin, and we have two boys, now married – Sean (Darcy) & Ryan (Jamie) and 4 grandchildren ranging from ages 1 year to 11 years. After teaching 30 years of English, Reading, Health and Physical Education, I retired. I love working at Palm Valley because of the people I work with and the people I meet. I love to travel but when at home, Kevin and I keep busy with the Mueller Subdivision activities and grandkids.
Leah Murphy
Council Member
My Family
I've been married to Dennis for 21 years and we have two boys, Andrew and John.
Favorite thing about my leadership and serving role...
God has given us an amazing church family that includes ALL Christian believers! I love to get to know my brothers and sisters in Christ and to develop a deeper understanding of my church family's hopes and dreams for God's church.
Favorite thing to do in the Round Rock/Austin area...
Back when things were "normal" my family and I loved to go to baseball games (both the Round Rock Express and our sons' games). During the pandemic, we've become homebodies and we enjoy playing with our backyard farm animals and becoming experts in growing vegetables.
Ministry areas
Preschool, children's ministry, youth ministry, drama team, anywhere I'm needed!
Tammy Oetken
Council President
My Family
Garlon and I have been married for thirty five years! He is not only my husband, but he is my very best friend! Together we have two daughters, Shelley and Lauren. Shelley and her husband, Eligio have four children, Illyana (24), Elias (20), Ethan (12) and Emma (10). Lauren and her husband Colby have two children, Caleb (11) and Callen (deceased). We also have two fur babies – Lady and Happy.
What I enjoy most about my church family.
We have a HUGE extended family when we start talking about our church family! The people at Palm Valley are what make our church so great! I look forward to going to church on Sundays, no only because we’re going to hear an awesome sermon, but because that’s where my friends are! It has become a social time! We have been members since the late 1980’s. Both of our girls were brought up in this church and Shelley’s family are members as well. Our children’s and youth groups are the absolute best! There is something for everyone here!
The ministry areas in which I serve:
Church Council, Executive Council, Stephen Ministry, Fall Fair, 150th Anniversary Team, Ministry Team, Children’s Ministry, Worship Assistant, ALPHA, Sundaes on Mondays, Germanfest Team, “God’s Work. Our Hands.”
Andria Parker
Council Member
My Family
My husband, Doug, daughter, Allison, and son, Zach.
What I enjoy most about my church family.
Everyone looks out for each other and is willing to always give a helping hand.
The ministry areas in which I serve.
I enjoy being a worship assistant and an usher as well as a lecture reader.
Linda Reed
Council Member
Laurie Strawbridge
Children's Ministry Director
I grew up in Atmore, AL where I lived for 18 years before going to school at the University of Alabama. But now when I go "home" for Christmas it is to Santa Rosa Beach, FL where my Mom and Dad, sister, brother-in-law, and two nieces live. My brother still lives in Atmore along with many Strawbridge aunts, uncles, and cousins. the McGougan side of my family is spread all over. I moved to Austin, Texas ten years ago and became the guardian for two teenagers, Zack and Arian, for five years and consider them part of my forever family.
After studying Human Development in college I worked briefly in a nursing home before hearing the call to ministry in 1995. After serving my home church as a program director I got my masters in Christian Education at Asbury Seminary in Kentucky and served as a youth director in Methodist churches in Pensacola, Panama City, and Austin. God has given me a love for writing curriculum for children and I feel so blessed to be at Palm Valley Lutheran. My favorite part of my job at Palm Valley is Sunday mornings and Wednesdayevenings when I get to spend time with the children. I love watching them discover how much God loves them. When I'm not at work I'm usually at home with my dog, Bama, watching tv or reading a book. If we're lucky we get to watch an Alabama Football game and cheer from the sofa.
Andrew Thompson
Intern Pastor
Family
I grew up in Columbus, Ohio with my mom, dad, and two brothers, one older and one younger. I am a proud alum and member of Capital University’s #CapFam, and consider many of my friends from Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University to be like family as well. I also have a young dog named Maggie who loves to meet new people and explore Texas with me!
Favorite Thing about Palm Valley Leadership/Service Role
I love hearing people’s stories and being a part of this season of their life along the way. It is an absolute joy and honor to be able to walk alongside you all on this journey, and I am blessed to be able to learn and serve with you all for the 2021-2023 Internship Season!
Favorite Things To Do in the Area
I really enjoy all the kayaking and hiking opportunities in the Austin area. I look forward to continuing to explore God’s beautiful creation found throughout Texas!
Hobbies
I enjoy following Marvel Comics' content, including their comic books, TV shows, or movies. I also love to play the guitar and sing, whether it be in worship contexts or beyond. Lastly, I enjoy watching sitcoms and playing video games with friends.
Vicki Wall
Publications
My husband, Perry, and I are native Texans having grown up here in the Austin/Round Rock area and proud to still call this home.
I was baptized at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Taylor, TX, so my Lutheran roots are well grounded.
We are active members of Grace Lutheran Church in Round Rock, which has been our church home for over 30 years.
My background includes Marketing, Sales Support, Office Management, Human Resources, Facility Management, Accounts Payable/Receivable, and Customer Service.
If asked what my passion is, my response would be "to serve."
For me, one of the highlights of being on staff here at Palm Valley has been reconnecting with members of the community that I have known for many years, and connecting with and making new friends that share my passion of serving.
I am thankful for the opportunity to support the ministries of Palm Valley by being a member of such a great staff.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my 6-year old Goddaughter, travelling, painting, writing, going for walks, gardening and serving through the many ministries at church.
Nancy Wojnarski
Council Member
Family
My husband, Jordan, and I have been married since 2007 and moved to Texas from Minnesota in 2011. We have two daughters, Kendall and Emsley, who are 11 and 3. Emmy was baptized here at Palm Valley!
Favorite thing about my leadership and serving role or the church family at Palm Valley
After moving to Texas in 2011, we attended many ELCA churches in the Austin area trying to find the perfect church for us. After visiting Palm Valley’s Rejoice! contemporary service, we knew this was the place for us. Everyone here is so kind and welcoming. We’ve also found a great church home for our children as the Children’s Ministry here has so much to offer the kids.
Favorite thing to do in the Round Rock/Austin area.
Since the beginning of COVID, we’ve stuck very close to home. But, typically, we love going out to eat and sharing a good meal together as a family. My husband and I enjoy listening to live music and can hardly wait to attend our first concert post-COVID and when it’s safe to do so. We also love to spend time outside with our daughters and finding new and different parks in the area to play and walk in.
Brenda Zingg
Financial Assistant
I was born and raised in Central Texas and have lived here most of my life, except for a few months when I lived in Idaho as a child. My dad, who was a Baptist preacher, passed away in 1991 and my mother just celebrated her 81st birthday this year. I have four sisters and one brother and we have always been close to each other.
I married the love of my life, Russ Zingg, 30 years ago and also gained two sons. A couple of years after our marriage, we were blessed with our son, Michael, and our family continues to grow. We have three grandchildren who live in another state so we do not get to see them often. Our son Michael
I previously worked at as the administrator of a church here in Round Rock and before that managed a medical office. I feel very blessed to work with such a great group of people here at Palm Valley.