STAFF AT PARKVIEW

REV. MARK KUETHER
(he/him)

INTERIM PASTOR

Rev. Mark Kuether (pronounced Keeter) has served United Church of Christ congregations in Washington, Iowa, and Minnesota since 1988, bringing nearly four decades of pastoral experience to his ministry.

A Minnesota native, Pastor Mark grew up on a farm in south-central Minnesota and pursued his calling through college in Mankato and Minneapolis, followed by seminary in New Jersey.
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Throughout his ministry, Pastor Mark has provided leadership beyond the local church, serving on the Executive Council of the United Church of Christ and as Moderator of the Minnesota Conference. Most recently, he has been serving as interim minister at Lynnhurst United Church of Christ in South Minneapolis.

Mark and his wife Teresa have been married more than 40 wonderful years. They have been blessed with three children—one in Minneapolis, another in California, and our youngest at home with them.

HEATHER COGSWELL
(she/her)

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Heather served as an organist/choir accompanist since 2004, and in 2012 became the Director of Music and Choir Director.

Heather earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education from Illinois Wesleyan University. She earned a Kodaly Mastery Certificate and a Master of Arts Degree in Music Education at the University of St. Thomas. Heather began piano study at the age of four and organ study at the age of 16. She has sung professionally with The Minnesota Renaissance Choir, The Rose Ensemble, The Gregorian Singers, and The Bach Society.  

 Parkview truly is a special place. The congregation is so supportive and appreciative of all the music! I love the open and affirming environment, the theology, the mission, and the people!”

KEVIN DEWAN
(he/him)

ACCOMPANIST

Kevin has been the Choir Accompanist since 2016. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Viterbo University. Kevin has been a piano instructor and composer of piano, vocal, and ensemble music for 25 years. He has been a piano player at Dignity Twin Cities for four years, and the Music Minister at the Church of St. Rita in Cottage Grove for ten years. When he’s not composing or teaching, Kevin enjoys attending professional and community musical theater performances. ​

“I love the friendly and supportive people.”

KIM WIGHTMAN

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

Kim has been the Office Administrator since 2018 and keeps Parkview operating smoothly by being proactive and organized. She and her husband Dave have been members for over 30 years. 

I love the small church environment and its inclusiveness.

LYNN ELLIS
(she/her)​

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER

Lynn has been the Sunday School teacher since 2022. She has a master's degree in Special Education from Bethel University, and has been teaching middle school Language Arts and Special Education for ten years. Lynn enjoys reading, playing with her three children, and going to the cabin with the family. 

“I love the welcoming community and the way Parkview works to help others.”

QUALISHA JOHNSON
(she/her he/him they/them)​

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER

Qualisha has been a member and a Sunday School teacher at Parkview since 2024. She has an Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science degree, and has worked as in public and college libraries, as well as the Science Museum of Minnesota. She currently works as a substitute teacher for SPPS Early Childhood Family Education. When she's not exploring the community with her two young children, Qualisha enjoys reading and playing video games. 

What more can I say about the people at Parkview—they are the most welcoming and I always feel included and cared for. They are exactly what I wanted and needed in a church!

LEILA ABOUELSOUD 
(she/her)

NURSERY ATTENDANT

​AMBER TICE
(she/her)​

NURSERY ATTENDANT

Leila is a junior at White Bear Lake Area High School and serves as a dining room server at Waverly Gardens, a Presbyterian home. She has been part of the Parkview community her entire life. In her free time, Leila enjoys spending time with loved ones, being outdoors, and relaxing with her favorite shows.

I love the positive community and how welcoming everyone is! I never feel judged or out of place.

Amber has been attending Parkview with her family for 19 years. She is a student at University of Wisconsin-River Falls and is working towards becoming a speech language pathologist. Amber also work as a gymnastics coach.

I love the welcoming community and all the memories I have made growing up at Parkview.