OUR STAFF

  • PATRICK FISH

    PASTOR


    I grew up in Oswego, Illinois, and graduated from Augustana College and Luther Seminary. My first call was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before coming to St. Mark's in 2018. I love running, being out in nature, listening to music, watching sports, and spending time with my family. I am married to my beautiful wife, Kate, and we have two adorable young girls, Ellie and Maddie. I am passionate about helping people develop strong relationships with each other, the community and with God. I have a heart for advocacy and seeking justice. I believe all people are created in the image of God and all people have spiritual gifts. I am honored to serve as associate pastor at St. Mark's and continue to stand in awe at God's activity and interconnectedness in people's stories.

    Click here to email Pastor Patrick. Phone: 630-897-6891, ext 102

  • KRISTIN YOUNG

    DIRECTOR OF WORSHIP & THE ARTS

    Called to St. Mark’s in 1996 to lead this church’s song, it is pure joy to share Christ’s abundant love through the gift of music. The song here takes many forms and is expressed in many ways: from the classics, traditional choirs, and sacred cantatas to Dixieland, jazz, and contemporary praise teams and worship bands. It is always fun and inspiring! Working with students, singers, and musicians, teaching musical concepts, and preparing and presenting great music that draws people to God and deepens their faith are my passion. I graduated from DePaul University with a degree in piano performance and a minor in voice and conducting. I also enjoy traveling, the out-of-doors, hiking, riding bikes, fishing, gardening, and cooking. My husband, Bruce, and I enjoy living in the Midwest, where we have raised our four children.

    Click here to email Kristin. Phone: 630-897-6891, ext 103

  • KARI REISECK

    DIRECTOR OF YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRIES

    A native Auroran, I now live nearby with my husband, Greg, and my three children, Brady, Josie, and Keagan. I graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a degree in business marketing and worked for several years at advertising agencies and web design firms. In 2014, I began serving at St. Mark's as the Director of Youth and Family Ministries. I love my job and love working with kids of all ages, helping them discover and connect with their faith. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and close friends, love to travel and spend time outdoors! Spreading God's message of love and kindness to everyone is very important to me, and I am committed to developing our children and youth programs with this purpose in mind.

    Click here to email Kari. Phone: 630-897-6891, ext 104

  • JONI ACKLEY

    OFFICE MANAGER

    I grew up in north-central Kansas in the town of Beloit. I attended Fort Hays State University and moved to Chicago in the late nineties. My mom, brother, and his family still reside in Kansas. After working in Chicago and Naperville, I moved to Aurora in 2002, where I met my fiance, Warren Thomason. We were together almost 19 years until he passed unexpectedly in January 2021. I enjoy gardening, billiards, almost any kind of music, and spending time with family and friends. My Rottweiler named Reaper, who thinks he is a 90-pound lap dog, and a cat named Brat keep me busy as well. As the new St. Mark’s Office Manager, I am very much looking forward to getting to know everyone better.

    Click here to email Joni.  Phone: 630-897-6891, ext 100

  • julia MORROW

    director of internal communications

    I was born and raised in Southern California and am currently completing my BA in Philosophy and Biblical and Theological Studies, with a minor in English, from Wheaton College. After graduating, I plan to pursue an MDiv and PhD in theology, with the intention of becoming ordained. I am involved in work at the intersection of Christianity and social justice, and my professional affiliations include the Trevor Project, the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, and the Women's Ordination Conference. In my free time, I enjoy taking long walks and reading feminist theology. At St. Mark's, I am responsible for designing the weekly emails, social media, announcement slides, and periodic newsletters. I am excited to be a part of the team at St. Mark's and look forward to becoming a part of this vibrant, loving community.

    Click here to email Julia.

  • AL LETTOW

    FACILITY MANAGER

    I was born and raised in this area (Chicago and Elgin) and went to the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where I was a member of the Badger football team and met my wife, Vicki. We married in 1969 and have three adult children and seven grandchildren. I've migrated through two careers, from owning a ServiceMaster franchise for 15 years, to working for AT&T for 25 years. Now, my "third career" is helping keep the St. Mark's building running and working well. Vicki and I have been members of St. Mark's since 1974, and have been involved in multiple projects over the years. During my free time, I keep active hiking, biking, weight training, competitive stair climbing, and traveling in the Caribbean, Europe, and the USA.

    Click here to email Al. Phone: 630-897-6891, ext 106

  • JOHN THEMANSON

    FINANCE ADMINISTRATOR

    I was born in Monmouth, Illinois, and raised in Kewanee. I served in the Air Force from 1963 through 1967, and then graduated from Illinois State with a degree in applied computer science. When my wife, Sandy, and I came to Aurora in 1986, we found St. Mark’s. It’s amazing to see how this church has grown since we joined and gratifying to know that my family and I have been a part of that growth. I’m a widower with two adult daughters, Anna and Lauren, father-in-law to Michael, and grandpa to Bridget. In addition to being on staff at St. Mark’s, I am a member of The Lion’s Voice Choir. I enjoy time with my family, classical music, all sorts of puzzles, and travel.

    Click here to email John. Phone: 630-897-6891, ext 105