Leadership

Staff

Dave Sautner

Lead Teaching and Connections Pastor

Dave began serving at Westwood in 1996. Since then, he and his wife, Jean, have raised three kids into their adulthood: Grace, Claire, and Josiah. He leads our Sunday morning teaching team and leads ministries which help seekers and newcomers begin and develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Patrick Schleper

Executive Pastor

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Patrick Schleper has been attending Westwood Church for over 15 years. Patrick served many years as a campus ministry director through CRU. He began serving as our Executive Pastor in 2024. Patrick and his wife Tricia have three sons, Charlie, Brett and Luke.

Stephen Jones

Worship Pastor

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Stephen Jones (another TX native!) joined our team in December 2023 as our Worship Pastor. Stephen has over 15 years of full-time ministry experience and loves seeing families worship The Lord together. He is married to Natalie and they have 3 children: Ellie, Maddox, and Josie. Stephen enjoys spending time with family, being outdoors, and anything related to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Oh, and LOTS of coffee.

Amber Rud

Office Manager

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Amber joined Westwood staff in 2007. As the Office Manager, her role is vital to the day-to-day management and organization of administrative, employment, and IT needs; to the oversight and management of property; and to the financial and data integrity of Westwood Church. Amber and her husband, Ricky, have two daughters (Lydia & Elliana).

Brian Sauter

Youth Pastor

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Brian, a native of Alta, Iowa, joined Westwood in November 2024 with his family: wife Shari, son Liam, and daughter Zayla. He has a rich history in ministry, serving as a youth pastor and in discipleship ministry. In 2022, he transitioned to teaching trades before returning to youth ministry at Westwood. Brian and Shari, a former teacher and homeschooling mom, share a passion for home renovation. They are excited to contribute to Westwood’s youth ministry, fostering growth and guiding students towards a deeper understanding of God’s love.

Barb Filiatrault

Children’s Director

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Barb, a native of Minnesota, has felt the call to children’s ministry since serving as a teen herself. She believes creating a space where kids build safe relationships with friends and adults will result in a strong Westwood Kids Ministry. In her downtime, Barb loves to quilt and travel.

Matt Reeve

Care Pastor

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Matt has been on stafff since 2012. He has a heart for caring for those who are hurting and helping them reach their full potential in Christ. He enjoys being with family and friends, cooking, grilling, strong coffee, pizza, anything outdoors and traveling. He and his wife, Jami, have 2 daughters, Jordan (Nick) and Morgan as well as 3 grandchildren.

Katie Zintek

Teaching Associate

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Katie’s had multiple roles on staff at Westwood since 2011. Her current focus is working in collaboration with the Teaching Team and is on the rotating preaching schedule. She keeps busy with homeschooling her four boys and teaching classes through a Christian homeschool co-op. Katie and her husband, Eric, are celebrating 20 years of marriage this year!

Calvin Gordon

Community Director

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Calvin made his way to Westwood from Dallas, Texas in the summer of 2022. We’re glad none of us knew that following winter would be the snowiest on record! Fortunate for us, Calvin stayed in Minnesota and helps lead and organize us in the area of groups.

Kelly Freeman

Women’s Ministry

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Kelly Freeman has attended Westwood since 2022 and has been involved in Women’s Ministry for much of that time. She currently works as a business analyst and career mentor, is a certified personal and profession success coach and is a soon to be published author! She is an agate hunter and married over 20 years to her husband, Chris.

Teaching Team

Dave Sautner

Calvin Gordon

Katie Zintek

Overseers

Denny Peterson

Denny and his wife, Denise, have been attending Westwood for about 6 years. They have three adult children, Joshua, Jenny and Rachel. Denny is a physician at Centracare Family Medicine. He has served as a small group leader.

Anthony Meemken

Tony works at the VA and is married to his wonderful wife, Sara. They are the proud parents of three boys and have attended Westwood for 8 years. He has served in many roles including in KidCity, as a men’s group leader, as a Sunday morning greeter and more. Tony lives the good news of Christ in his kind outpouring towards others.

Jason Hallonquist

Jason and his wife, Ann, have been attending Westwood since 2002. Jason and Ann have three adult children, and both have been active at Westwood in various roles over the years. Jason serves as an owner and senior advisor at AIS Planning and has served on the boards of Anna Marie’s Alliance, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, and presently serves on the Tri-County Humane Society board.

Al DeCamillis

Al and his wife Marda have been attending Westwood since they moved to St. Cloud in 1996. They are the proud parents of three adult children, grandparents to 8 and just became great-grandparents! Al loves US history, singing, cooking, traveling, board games, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He appreciates Westwood for the many opportunities to learn and grow spiritually.

Pete Mugg

Peter and his wife Kathy have been attending Westwood for 38 years. They have been married for 46 years with 7 grown children, all living in central Minnesota. 14 grandchildren add to the bountiful family count from 22 years old to almost 2! Pete retired in January after 45 years of driving for Metro Bus. Kathy continues as a customer service representative for an insurance company. Pete enjoys wood projects, garage time, sports and visiting with people. He enjoys the friendliness and welcoming atmosphere at Westwood. Furthermore, he appreciates the authenticity of the staff. He has volunteered on the properties committee, janitorial staff, kids ministry, greeter, usher, and overseer.

Tom DeZeller

Tom and his wife, Alyssa, have attended Westwood for 5 years. They have 2 children: Bryson (12) and Claira (3). Tom is the Shipping and Finishing Team Lead at Wilkie Sanderson. He enjoys running, hunting whitetail deer, spending time with family (especially outside), and watching and playing fantasy football. Tom and Alyssa have always felt welcomed at Westwood, even from their first Sunday service. He appreciates how Westwood has remained steadfast in its core values, regardless of changing times. Tom and Alyssa led a small group and participated in several other small groups at Westwood. He served in many ways in youth ministry at his previous church.