Pastor - Leanne Darlington (she/her)
We welcomed Pastor Leanne as our lead pastor in January 2025. Leanne received a Master’s of divinity from Martin Luther University College and previously served at Zion Philipsburg and as visitation pastor at Trinity New Hamburg.
If you are in need of pastoral care, please contact the office. Pastor Leanne will be in touch.
Visitation Pastor - Hans Borch (he/him)
Pastor Hans joined the Trillium team in spring 2025 as a part-time visitation pastor. Hans retired from full-time ministry in 2021, after serving at St. James, Elmira for 19 years. He has since served as interim pastor at several congregation, including Trillium. We are grateful to have Pastor Hans back with us in the capacity of visitation pastor.
If you would like to schedule a visit with Pastor Hans, please contact the church office.
Office Administrator - Monica Scheifele (she/her)
Monica Scheifele joined the Trillium Lutheran Church staff in October of 2020 when she returned to Waterloo to be closer to family including aging parents and a teenage niece. Prior to working for Trillium, Monica shared her administrative gifts with the Mennonite Central Committee Peace and Justice Office in Ottawa for 23 years where she served as a program assistant. She loves making sure things run smoothly and helping people in any way she can. All are welcome to visit the church office, even Big Red the St. John’s Nursery School fish.
Director of Music - Lilla Hall (she/her)
Lilla Hall joined the music ministry team at Trillium Lutheran Church in the fall of 2018. After twenty-one years as music director at St. Mark’s Lutheran church Kitchener she brought with her an extensive understanding of the Lutheran music tradition. As times are changing for all churches, openness to new growth and ideas is paramount for the job. Coming from a farming background she realizes the importance of sowing seeds and, with patience, nurturing new growth as each season changes. Lilla works with many volunteer musicians in the various musical ensembles: hand bell choir, vocal choir (with choral scholars) and worship band she values the community and shared experience of music making. Lilla places high value on family life, married to fellow organist David, with three grown children and one grandchild.
In the community she is a ferocious paddler on the Breast Cancer Dragon boat team, plays clarinet with the Waterloo Concert Band, enjoys traditional quilting and is member of the Waterloo County Quilters Guild.
Youth & Family Ministry - Nathan Mantey (he/him)
Nathan is easy to spot in a crowd. Flag him down if you are new to Trillium programs or if you are curious about getting involved. Nathan brings his experience from outdoor ministry and youth work with these churches and organizations:
Trinity Lutheran Church, New Hamburg (ELCIC)
Edgewood Camp and Conference Centre (ELCIC)
Parish of Central Saanich, BC (Anglican)
Diocese of British Columbia (Anglican)
Camp Lutherwood Ministries, Oregon (ELCA)
Outside of his work at Trillium, Nathan is a teacher and outdoor educator.
Renewal Program Coordinator - Lisa Kiernander (she/her)
Lisa joined the Trillium team in spring 2025 to support Trillium’s Renewal in Action Team. She is a stay-at-home mom of 2 with many years of childcare and child education under her belt, including running a home daycare and working with kids with special needs and learning disabilities. In her spare time, Lisa loves to read and be creative. She also runs a small business from home sewing one-of-a-kind handmade modern cloth dolls. Check her out on instagram @lisa.larkcreations
Young Adult Program Coordinator - Hanne Kuhnert (she/her)
Hanne is completing a master’s degree in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy at Martin Luther University College. In addition to coordinating young adult events for Trillium, Hanne facilitates young adult programming at her home church, Mount Zion. Hanne is also the current chair of the Eastern Synod’s Circle for Reconciliation and Justice and Canadian Lutheran World Relief’s Regional Ambassador for Waterloo.
Footpaths & Youth Leader - Morgan Ellig (she/her)
Morgan is studying social work at Conestoga College. In her spare time, Morgan enjoys spending time with firends and listening to music. Morgan’s favourite things about Footpaths are meeting new people and forming long-lasting relationships.
Footpaths & Youth Leader - Laura Saunderson (she/her)
Laura is studying biochemistry at the University of Guelph. In her spare time, Laura enjoys playing and reffing ringette. Laura’s favourite part of Footpaths is creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Footpaths Band Coordinator - Leo Schellenberger (he/him)
Leo is a student at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate. He loves music, playing and singing. His favourite thing about Footpaths is Chef David’s mac-and-cheese.