Meet our Church Staff

First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Redlands, CA

Pastor Kim Krogstad 
Senior Pastor

Pastor Kim is a native Californian, originally from Long Beach. Raised as a Catholic, she was invited to a Lutheran church while in high school during a difficult time in her life and there found a caring community and home. After attending Cal State Long Beach, she did her seminary work at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. She has served as an ordained minister for 35 years with churches in Newport Beach, San Carlos in Northern California, the City of Orange and San Clemente.

Kim Amin
​Organist

Kim has taught piano at the University of California, Riverside since 1996. She performs regularly as a pianist and organist with individuals and ensembles throughout Southern California. She holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano Performance from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, and a Master of Music Degree in Keyboard Collaborative Arts from the University of Southern California where she studied with Dr. Jean Barr and Gwendolyn Koldofsky.

Melanie Hendrickson 
​Administrative Assistant

Melanie is a native of Redlands and First Lutheran Church. She graduated from Redlands High School and went on earn her bachelors degree in Sociology at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She has worked as a bookkeeper and tax preparer for 16 years. Her two teenage daughters and their activities keep her busy. She is the wonder woman of the Church office.

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Dr. Tamara Craver 
Choir Director

Tamara offers a wealth of experience and education as choir director for First Lutheran. She has served on the vocal/choral faculties of Cal State San Bernardino, Victor Valley College, Indiana University, Syracuse University, Smith College and Concordia College. She has directed a number of church musical groups including children’s and adult choirs, praise team and handbell choirs. As a vocal soloist she has performed with collegiate and regional orchestras and presented song recitals.

Melissa Burgess
FLCC Preschool Director

Melissa brings 15 years of experience in early childhood education to the Children’s Center. She is a graduate of Yucaipa High School who earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts at Cal State San Bernardino and her credential in early childhood education and a master’s degree at Azusa Pacific University. She and her husband, Ryan, have two children.

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