Staff & Leadership
Rev. Ellie Leech
Senior Pastor
Called in the spring of 2021, Ellie (she/her) officially started as Senior Pastor on June 1, 2021. Ellie grew up in Charlottesville, Virginia as the eldest of five. She stuck around her hometown for college, studying Religious and Medieval Studies at the University of Virginia (Go Hoos!!). Her academic interest in history and biblical studies combined with a desire to learn how to effectively serve her community led her to the University of Chicago Divinity School. While in Chicago, she lived in the Disciples Divinity House and felt a calling to leave her Methodist roots and join the Disciples.
Throughout Ellie’s journey, she has been involved in many different types of ministries. She has worked in programming for low-income families in Charlottesville, primarily with teen girls, as well as in a summer day camp setting in Richmond, Virginia. She also served as a jail chaplain in Chicago, primarily with women and pregnant/postpartum detainees. Before coming to Seattle, Ellie served as a children’s minister at Chicago Christian Church, a Korean DOC congregation, and as a Chaplain Resident at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
You can reach her at pastorellie@nwchristianchurch.org. She’d love to meet you.
Jennifer Iovanne-Mackend
Music Director
Jennifer joined our staff in 2008, shortly after completing her B.A. from the University of Washington. Aside from her work with NWCC, Jennifer runs Iovanne Music Academy, a multi-teacher studio offering private piano and voice lessons. She also performs at weddings and private events across the region. Jen delights in all musical styles, and especially loves arranging popular songs - check out some music here if you'd like!
Jennifer's husband, Michael, is a software engineer at Microsoft. Together they have two young sons and live in Kirkland.
Katie Monsaas
Church Administrator
Katie is the wonderful new NWCC Administrator! She is am very excited to join the community, and looks forward to supporting the daily functions of the church. Katie was born and raised in Seattle, and grew up on Phinney Ridge. She is a graduate of both Ballard High School and the University of Washington. Katie and her spouse just celebrated their 20 year anniversary. She’s enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom for the past 16 years to their three daughters aged 16, 14 and 9. Her family has two dogs, and Katie loves working in her yard, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
Please feel free to reach out to her at office@nwchristianchurch.org if you need anything!