Lead Pastor
Tom Ricks, Lead Pastor
314.909.9197 x 115
Do you have a nickname?
Several.
Any you would allow in print?
When I was in 6th grade and playing Hockey, they called me "Peewee", and when I was at Covenant College, I was called "Ranger", after Ranger Ricks on the TV show, "Flipper."
How old were you when you realized you were destined to be a Pastor?
I never really wanted to be a Pastor. I knew in High School that I wanted to be head of the FBI. However, I got a job as a Youth Director when I was 22 and engaged; so, I felt it was a good job to have. By the time I was 28, I realized that God meant for me to be a Pastor.
What are your favorite movies?
Lonesome Dove, Young Frankenstein, Road to Perdition and anything John Wayne.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I have 2 hole-in-ones in golf with a 12 handicap.Gennie Schneiderhahn, Executive Assistant : Lead Pastor, Operations, Executive Administrator
314.909.9197 x 115
If you had more time to do something, what would it be?
I wish I had more time to quilt and be with my grandchildren.
What is your passion and what breaks your heart and God's heart?
If we could convince the young adults of today that the elderly have as much value or worth as they do, it would change the world.
If you could take any trip, what would it be?
I would take a trip on the Delta Queen, traveling up and down the Mississippi River. The problem is that, as of 2009, it will no longer be used for these types of excursions.
Congregational Care
Anton Hoffmann, Assistant Pastor of Care
314.909.9197 x 117
What is the strangest job you have ever held?
During Seminary I worked as a Security Guard part time. I would pick up and deliver payroll. We would stand in line and be assigned a .38 revolver and bullets. I would put the gun in one pocket and the bullets in the other. Because I wasn't a permanent worker, I had to ride in the back with a huge cash box. I held my knees up so the cash box wouldn't bash into me as it slid around with each and every turn.
What is the one thing you know no one would guess about you?
I am very outdoorsy and love to backpack in the wilderness. At least once a year I go into the wild of South Africa and do a 5 day backpack where you have to survive on what you take in on your back. I like to go to a place and see the highest point and say, "I am going to climb it."
Favorites:
Book: I love well-written history like "Mississippi Rising" which I have just finished. One of my all time favorites is "City of Joy" by Dominique Lapierre.
Movies: Jean de Florette and Manan of the Spring
Sport: Rugby!
Vacation: Maui
Craig Walseth, Part-Time Supervising Counseling Coordinator
314.909.9197 x 151
Who did you want to be when you grew up?
Jim McMahon: quarterback of the Chicago Bears in the 1980s
What is one thing that has challenged you lately?
Since having a baby, I am learning how to love my wife all over again. Having a baby creates changes in your relationship. I try to do the small things for her consistently.
What are a few of your favorites?
Favorite TV show: The Office
Favorite restaurant: Chili's
Favorite food: Chicken Fingers
Pet peeve: Avoiding eye contact
Hobbies: Xbox 360; doing things outside
MaryAnn Griffith, Counselor Part-Time
What is your favorite movie?
Actually I have two favorite movies; The Shawshank Redemption and
A Walk to Remember
What is you Bachelor's degree in?
I started in Accounting which isn't my personality at all, and decided to go into counseling, so I changed to Communications. I recently received my Masters in Counseling from Covenant.
How many kids do you have?
Katie, 12 and Jack 7.
Karen Lovell, Stephen Ministry Leader
314.909.9197
What is something about you that not everyone would know?
I am an avid genealogist, part Native American, and I was in a hot air balloon in France the day Princess Dianna died.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love to scrapbook and for 30 years I was part of a singing and dancing group called, "Pitch Piper."
Doug Herrman, Prayer Ministry Leader
Spiritual Formation
Jeremy Bedenbaugh, Assistant Pastor of Spiritual Formation
314.909.9197 x 109
With what person, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner and a conversation?
Pontius Pilate, because although he ultimately condemned Jesus to death, he asked insightful questions about Jesus' kingdom, His authority, and the nature of truth. I would like to continue those conversations, ask if he watched the crucifixion, and get his post-resurrection take on Jesus.
The GTCC staff likes to tease you about being hyperactive. As a child, were you hyperactive?
If you're asking was I ADD, the answer is yes. I can remember always being in trouble with the teachers for talking, moving around, and acting up. Whenever the teacher would call me down for talking, I would always complain that everyone else was talking too. "But, I can hear your voice over everyone else's," would be the reply. Teachers moved me all over the room, but it didn't matter because I talked to anybody they put me beside. One teacher, in exasperation, finally faced my desk toward the back wall with no one else around me!
Did it affect your academics? It does for some ADD kids but receiving multiple stimuli at the same time is not only ok for me but preferable; so I had no problem talking to my neighbor while also taking in the class content.
What was your favorite subject in school?
History, especially military history, WW II and the Civil War.
What are your top 5 T.V. shows?
Wonder Years
Seinfeld
King of Queens
Ugly Betty
Gray's Anatomy
Beth Werkheiser, Associate Director of Spiritual Formation
314.909.9197 x 111
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a small town north of Pittsburgh called Oil City. It is where most of my family is from. We later moved to Pittsburgh and have been there ever since.
Where did you go to school?
For high school I went to North Allegheny and for college I went to John Carroll University.
What is the craziest thing you've ever done?
Got engaged 3 months after meeting my husband, who does that?
20 years from now what do want to have accomplished?
In 20 years my hope is to raise a family and love my husband in a way that is honoring to God. Perhaps, I would love to write a book some day ...
Jim Roach, Seminary Intern
How would you describe the perfect day?
The perfect day would begin by waking up rested. 
The weather would be about 75 degrees and sunny, yet not too humid. I would begin early, spend most of the day out on a trail in the woods hiking, watching my surroundings, and breathing the fresh air. Then, I would cap off the day with a nice dinner of marinated steak and catch a baseball game. If I had more time in the day, doing some water skiing would be a high priority as well. And, finally, sleeping in a hammock that night.
What's a quirky habit/addiction you may have?
I love Bottle Caps ... the candy. I can't get enough!
What's your best childhood memory?
My best childhood memory is going to my grandparent's lake house in the Ozarks with my family each summer. It was an older house with a ton of personality. We spent a lot of time in the water and on the dock, just relaxing. That was awesome.
Diana Simonpietri, Administrative Assistant to Spiritual Formation & Care
314.909.9197 x 119 
That's a long last name....does it have a meaning?
My husband's Grandparents were born in Corsica (an island off of Italy - if you didn't know). So the last name is French but has Italian influence as well.
How did you meet Ray, your husband, and was it love at first sight?
We met at a mutual friend's wedding, Ann and Gary Garner. All four of us were flight attendants for TWA. Ann and I were roommates in NYC and Ray and Gary were roommates in Kansas City. And, no ... it wasn't really love at first sight. We were both dating someone else. The Garner's kept trying to set us up. A couple of months later, Ray had a 30th birthday party and he invited me to come; and the rest is history! We have been married for 24 years.
If you could pick a color that describes your personality, what would it be?
RED! Red has a lot of energy!
If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?
I would go back to Switzerland which is where we went on our honeymoon.
Student Ministry
Shawn Lapides, Interim Associate Director of Student Ministry
314.909.9197 x 113
Many people call you "Slaps"... how did you get that nickname?
When I was in 6th grade many of our friends called my older sister J-Laps (Julie Lapides), so, naturally, I was then called S-Laps. We dropped the hyphen and "Slaps" it was and still is.
Who do you admire most?
My dad, Bob Lapides, for his loyalty to his friends and family ... and because he drives a truck.
What is an interesting fact about you?
I play the bagpipes. When I was in the 7th grade I played percussion, as did a friend of mine. Because we were a little bored with that, we decided to have a contest to see who could play the most interesting instrument a year from that point. A year later, I played the bagpipes and he played a drum set.
Lara Bopp, Student Ministry Intern
314.909.9197
What are your favorites?
Movies: Enchanted, Boondock Saints, and the Chronicles of Narnia
Sports Team: Missouri football
Vacation Spot: on a boat sailing in Destin
TV show: The Office
Author: C.S. Lewis
Book: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
Artist: DeGas
What is an interesting fact about you?
I have chronic hiccups ... an average of 65 a day.
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I would want the Word of Christ to be taken to countries where it is currently impossible to evangelize.
Darvin Wallis, Student Ministry Intern
314.909.9197
Where did you grow up?
Overland Park, Kansas and then I went to college at University of Kansas.
What is your favorite food?
All Food! Especially my mom's homemade mac and cheese.
What do you do when you are not working with the Greentree Youth?
I have a full- time job at a juvenile detention hall.
Children’s Ministry
Ellen Stream, Director of Children's Ministry
314.909.9197 x 105
What are your top five movies of all time? 
Ben Hur
It Could Happen to You
Rear Window (Hitchcock)
It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World
True Grit (John Wayne)
What is one thing that you would want your family to say about you?
I would want them to say, "She loves the Lord and she loves us, and she works hard to have a happy home."
What is one thing you would say to parents at GTCC if you could only tell them one thing?
Never stop praying for your children...never.
Have you ever won any type of contest or competition?
No, not really. I did come in second place for best dressed in high school, though. Nobody knew it, but I sewed all my own clothes!
Beth Bohlmann, Ministry Assistant, Children's Ministry
314.909.9197 x 126 
What your favorite thing about each of your sons?
Mason - his tender heart
William - his zeal for life
What's your one guilty pleasure that people may not know about you?
If tennis is on TV, I'll sit for hours and watch a match. I love it!
What's one appliance you cannot live without?
My Kitchen-Aid Mix Master!
What family traditions do you maintain?
I like to write my husband and my two sons hand-written letters and cards often.
Administrative & Communications
Lisa Haase, Executive Administrator
314.909.9197 x 103 
If there were no constraints on you, how would you choose to spend your time?
I would travel internationally and care for people. It is my passion
to sit with people and count on the Spirit to direct us in each of
our journeys.
What surprises people most when they see you
in your role?
As I fill this administrative role, there is a perception that isn't entirely accurate.
The administrative side is one side of me; but the other side is a creative, artistic
bent I get from my Grannie.
What brings you the greatest joy?
Experiencing my own creativity and the creativity of others. I also enjoy seeing
the potential in people being released.
What's an interesting fact about you?
I am the youngest of 5 and was an aunt at 6 months!
Mindy Owens, Director of Operations/Communications
314.909.9197 x 102
Who is in your family? 
I have been married to my best friend, Bruce, for 23 years; we have 2 delightful daughters: Samantha (who is a student at Mizzou - Go Mizzou!), and Jessie (who rocks our house with her singing and dancing). Let's not forget our pets: Maggie, Oliver and Gabbie!
What lesson in parenting have
you learned?
Two things: Don't get hung up so much on the behavior, it's a journey. Have a sense of humor when raising kids. Second, apologize. Ask for forgiveness. We make many mistakes in parenting; do not let pride get in the way of your relationship.
If a movie were made about you, who would play you and what would the title be?
Hmmm .... Sandra Oh (from Grey's Anatomy) and the title would be, "Tell It Like It Is"
Favorites:
TV- I don't watch much TV; but I do catch football, golf and March Madness, and my friends on the Weather Channel!
Food- Pizza and salad
Memory with my kids- My girls & I went to Chicago for the weekend. We had a tea party with our dolls at the American Girl store, ordered in room service, and had dinner and watched the crazy dancers at Ed Debevics. Just a fun girls' time!
Dru Knotts, Director of Creative Arts
314.909.9197 x 129
What is your full name?
Drusilla, but my 6th grade teacher, Miss Harris, shortened it when
some kids called me Godzilla!
What are your favorite places you have visited?
The Grand Canyon & a driving tour of Great Britain.
What is your favorite movie?
Shawshank Redemption
What non-biblical person, living or dead, would you most want to
spend an afternoon with?
Abraham Lincoln
Cia Whittaker, Receptionist / Administrative Assistant
314.909.9197 x 112
What are your favorite movies?
Father of the Bride
Wizard of Oz
Sound of Music
The Italian Job
Field of Dreams
What is the dumbest thing you have ever done?
Perhaps the dumbest thing I've done was hitchhike in Israel. In 1979, while studying abroad in Athens, Greece, I visited Israel. I was with a part of the group that got separated from the main group and we had to hitchhike from the outskirts of Jericho into Jerusalem.
What TV character do you most identify with?
Lucy Ricardo because she has a real zest for life and laughter.
Music & Arts
Jennifer Sage, Part-time Director of Technical Arts
314.909.9197 x 118
When your mind is free, what do you think about?
Oh wow! Such times seem so rare. I am a mother with twins and two jobs. Mostly, I try to have a conversation with God.
Who do you admire? Why?
Amy Grant. I connect with the Spirit through music. She maintained her integrity through a difficult time. She did not drag her first husband through the mud. After a decade, her critics are now starting to appreciate her.
What is your favorite ...
Food? Dark chocolate.
Book? 100 Years of Solitude by Gabrielle Marquez
Color? Red. It was a nick-name of mine in high school.
Mike Sage, Director of Worship Arts
314.909.9197
I was born in Libertyville, IL 
Moved to the Chicago area in 1991
Moved to St. Louis in 2007
When did you get your first guitar?
I purchased my first guitar when I was a junior in High School. I worked at McDonald's until I earned enough money to buy an Alvarez acoustic guitar. Soon after purchasing the guitar, I resigned from McDonald's.
Who do you admire most?
Do I get extra points if I say Tom Ricks?
What is an interesting fact about you?
My voice is famous in that it was the voice of the third scallion in the animated cartoon, Veggie Tales. I also played drums in band until 8th grade. I was kicked out of that band because I never practiced.
Extensions/Missions Ministry
Sherri Brock, Chairperson, Extensions / Missions Team
314.909.9197 x 127
What kind of things you most enjoy?
I love to walk and I have a new hobby of playing tennis. 
I enjoy reading biographies.
I love other people's children.
Do you play any musical instruments?
I played trombone in the band.
What is the most adventurous thing you have attempted?
I parachuted from an airplane while I was in college. They trained us before we went up in the airplane. I was so terrified that I was the last one to board the airplane. So guess what!!! That meant that I was the first one that had to jump. It was a great experience. I was higher than the birds.Kelli Wilmot, Director of Extensions Ministry (part-time)
314.909.9197 x 107
How many years have you attended Greentree?
9 years
Hobbies:
Taking pictures
Blogging
Walks on the beach
HGTV
Waking up Toby (my son)
Going to Joe's softball games
How has your life changed since meeting your husband Joe?
Toby was brought into the world. I have been converted into a Boston Red Sox fan. I spend time watching Joe watch poker on TV...along with WWE wrestling and UFC fighting.
What fact about you would normally never come up in everyday conversation?
Probably the fact that I was a Pommie at Kirkwood High School.Community Connections
Erin Wilkins, Director of Community Connections
314.909.9197 x 106
Where are some of the places you have traveled to?
Canada, Mexico, Honduras, Namibia, Poland, England, Czech Republic, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Jamaica! I love traveling the world and meeting the people of different cultures.
How did you meet your husband?
I was in Namibia and my visa expired. I had to leave the country for four weeks while my new visa was being processed. I was sent to South Africa and met Mark while I was there. God has a sense of humor. I love when He turns not-so-good situations around. Our first date happened to be a trip to Victoria Falls, in Zambia. He sure did set the bar high for future dates!
What is something that you fear?
Birds! I have a fear that they are going to come peck my eyes out.