Rev. Ellie Leech
Pastor
Ellie (she/her) started her ministry with NWCC in the spring of 2021. She grew up in beautiful Charlottesville, Virginia as the eldest of five and a massive fan of the Hoos (the University of Virginia’s basketball teams- joy does come in the morning). Her interest in the ancient and medieval worlds combined with a desire to learn how to effectively serve her community brought 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 of Christ.
Ellie’s ministries have included directing programming for teen girls and low-income families in Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia, and serving as a women’s jail chaplain in Chicago. Before coming to Seattle, Ellie served as the children’s minister of 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.
Please note: Ellie will be on maternity leave from December 1, 2024-March 23, 2025. Please contact the church office if you have a question!
Please note: Ellie will be on maternity leave from December 1, 2024-March 23, 2025. Please contact the church office if you have a question!
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 three young sons and live in Kirkland.
Eveny Martinez
Sunday School Teacher
Eveny Martinez is from the Tri-Cities, and moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington. She graduated with a degree in Education, Communities, and Organizations.
After college, she joined Teach for America and taught first grade for two years in South Phoenix. Eveny is currently pursuing her Master’s in Education through Arizona State University. She loves working with kids and is so excited for the opportunity to create a fun and engaging learning environment at Northwest. In her classroom, the kids will grow in their faith, be rooted in the Bible’s teachings, and build community!
Aurora Hawkins
Church Administrator
Aurora 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.
Aurora was born in Seattle, Washington, and have lived here most of her life. She attended high school at The Center School and is currently studying engineering at North Seattle College. Next year, she plans to transfer to University of Washington to study Industrial Engineering. Outside of work and school, Aurora loves crafts like crocheting, sewing, creating miniatures, and many others. She also always make time to see her family on the weekends.
Please feel free to reach out to her by phone or at office@nwchristianchurch.org if you need anything! She is in the office from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Sofi Sanchez Lopez
Child Care Extraordinaire
Sofi is our beloved child care attendant during Sunday Worship and other church events. She has a heart of gold, and brings sunshine into the building every week!
Sofi assists with the Sunday School class and takes care of infants in the nursery depending on the week. She is also the referee for post-worship capture the flag, a giver of the best pep talks, and a dear friend to all.