SOTH Staff
Rev. Dr. Yolanda Denson-Byers (she/her)
Senior Pastor
Pastor Yolanda began her call at Shepherd of the Hills in July 2023. She hails from Saint Louis, Missouri. She has degrees from Wesleyan University (B.A.), Harvard University (M.Div.), and Luther Seminary (D.Min.). Pastor Yolanda has been ordained over twenty-five years and has served as a campus pastor, solo pastor, hospice chaplain, and now our senior pastor. She is a gifted orator and writer who nonetheless affirms, “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words only when necessary [Assisi].” Her favorite part about being a pastor is the privilege of being in relationship with - and hearing stories from - church and community members.
Pastor Yolanda is married to her phenomenal wife, Tasha. They currently have five children ranging from a toddler to a young adult. They have a dog named Pax. In her “free time,” she enjoys writing, reading, hiking, hanging out by salt water oceans, and visiting with friends.
Aym McGrew (they/them)
Interim CYF Director
Aym McGrew (they/them), is our Interim CYF Director and a Lead Associate with InterServe Ministries. InterServe Ministries provides interim CYF ministers when a congregation is in transition focusing on maintaining the continuity of children’s and youth programming, while at the same time working with a Discovery Team to envision a new future for the church’s ministry to our youngest disciples. Aym has been with InterServe since 2016.
Aym will be with Shepherd for the 2024-25 programmatic year. With over 25 years of experience in ministry, and a M.A. in Youth Ministry, they have had the privilege of serving in a variety of denominations, small to mega-size churches, and specializes in work with children, youth, parents and volunteers.
When Aym is not engaged in interim CYF ministry in congregations, they are the program director for Youth Ministry Consultants, a retail Pharmacy Technician & Training Coach, and a trained spiritual director. She is passionate about personal and congregational equity and intercultural competence.
Shawn Wacholz
Church Administrator
Shawn joined the staff at Shepherd of the Hills in 1999. As administrative assistant, she enjoys the variety of tasks involved in the position, including publishing the monthly newsletter and weekly bulletins, maintaining the membership records for the church (baptisms, confirmation, weddings, new member records, funerals, etc.), recording pledges and donations, and bookkeeping. Her favorite part of the job is sharing hospitality with people who call the church home or visit the office. If you have questions or need further information about something, Shawn is happy to assist you.
Shawn grew up in Alexandria, Minnesota, and graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, with a degree in business education. After graduation, she worked at Carlson Companies (now Carlson), and later at United Healthcare. She and her husband, Wade, live in Eden Prairie and have three adult daughters, Maren, Anna, and Abby. They joined Shepherd in 1985 and have been happy to call it their church home ever since.
Vince Therrien (he/him)
Co-Director of Music
Vince has provided music as a pianist, vocalist, and director in local churches for much of his lifetime. This included St. Pascal Church in St. Paul, St. Bonaventure Church in Bloomington, andChurch of the Risen Savior in Burnsville, among others. He has substitute directed here at
Shepherd of the Hills as needed since about 2010. He is the proud father of Emily Koski, who directed music at SOTH for many years.
In addition to working in churches, Vince has produced several recordings of his musical family, and written and arranged many songs. He recently retired from his full-time career as a leadership and organizational development consultant.
Vince has a BA in Music from the University of St. Thomas and an MA in Human Development from St. Mary’s University.
He is happy and blessed to be serving the beautiful people of Shepherd of the Hills in his role as Co-Director of Music.
Joshua Berwald (he/him)
Building Manager
Hello! My name is Joshua,
It’s actually fairly difficult to find a picture of just me, so you get to meet the whole crew! This is a picture of me and my family dressed in our family costume.
As you can see, I’m a father of 4 lovely kiddos: Kelilah, Xenia, Eleos, and Korban. We are a busy bunch, usually off to some activity or adventure of one kind or another.
If we meet, you’ll probably hear me talk about my kids within the first 30 seconds of our conversation You’ll see me in the church moving tables, vacuuming floors, and making sure the pews and clean and fresh for Sunday. Come say hi, I’m a friendly guy! You’ll probably notice I have a cup of coffee either in my hand or nearby- this is because my spirit is willing but my flesh requires caffeine.
I’m exited to work here and keep the church running at its full potential!
Church Council
President: Chris Polston
Vice President: Steven Hanneman
Treasurer: Jean Wicks
Financial Secretary: Dave Wiemer
Recording Secretary: Kim Kelly
Building & Facilities: Peter Barott
Care: Brittany Roeser
Communications: Danny Buteyn
Evaluation: Open
Lay Ministry Call Committee: Open
Learn: Lyn Kopperud
Serve: Nancy Shaeffer
Worship & Music: Karen Hofstad