LEADERSHIP & STAFF

MINISTRY LEADERS

Our Ministry Leaders live out their faith and use their unique gifts to empower us all in faith, hope, and love! Meet our staff below. And when you meet them in person, you will be grateful for the JOY they bring to our life together!

OUR PASTORS

Pr. Lauren Dow Wegner

SENIOR PASTOR

Pr. Lauren Dow Wegner

BIO

Pastor Lauren loves Jesus and loves people, so for her, there's nothing better than being a pastor! She loves to hear people's stories and experiences of God in their lives. A native Texan, Pastor Lauren has also served wonderful congregations in North Carolina and Chicago. She's thrilled to be settled in Austin with her family--husband Dave, and children, Owen and Caroline. In her free time, PL writes about faith, life, and motherhood, and you might find her with her guitar writing a new song to share with the community.

Favorite part of the job? Equipping God's people to practice and share faith in our daily lives!

Email: lauren@shephills.org

Pr. Ryan Dockery

ASSOCIATE PASTOR

Pr. Ryan Dockery

BIO

Pastor Ryan is passionate about authentic connections and meeting people where they are in their faith. With a BBA from Sam Houston State and an MDiv from Luther Seminary, he’s served in roles across Texas and Washington. Married to Breann since 2017, he’s a proud dad to Emmett and Nolan. He enjoys reading, sports, live music, and breweries.

Favorite part of the job? Helping individuals recognize and cultivate the unique gifts they may not see in themselves.

Email: ryan@shephills.org

MINISTRY STAFF

Bill Dawson

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Bill Dawson

BIO

Bill manages the “business” functions of ShepHills and supports ministries in their operations, strategic planning and visioning. Bill enjoys witnessing Christ’s presence through all the various ministries, and the impact ShepHills makes on both local and global communities.

Favorite part of the job? Finding opportunities to expand ShepHill’s reach through enhanced technology.

Email: bill@shephills.org

Kevin McClure

DIRECTOR OF WORSHIP & ARTS

Kevin McClure

BIO

Kevin leads the music making at Shepherd of the Hills, by playing, singing, directing and planning. His most important role, however, is finding the wonderful talent here and giving it a place to shine.

Favorite part of the job? Finding the wonderful talent here and giving it a place to shine.

Email: kevin@shephills.org

Amanda Forsberg

ADMIN & COMMUNITY LIFE COORDINATOR

Amanda Forsberg

BIO

Amanda enjoys being the face of the front office for Shepherd of the Hills and feels very blessed to get to interact with each and every one of you. When she is not in the front office, Amanda loves to travel with her husband, Pete and cheer on the Longhorns.

Favorite part of her job? Seeing it all come together on Sunday morning!

Email: amanda@shephills.org

Philip Perry

CAMPUS SUPERINTENDENT

Philip Perry

BIO

Dave Wegner

DIGITAL MEDIA & IT

Dave Wegner

BIO

Dave joined the staff to support and develop engagement with individuals, families, and the community through online streaming, in-house media production, and social media platforms. He is married to Pastor Lauren and, along with their two children, loves laughing, music, biking, and the beach.

Favorite part of the job: Working behind the scenes to ensure our online presence is warm, inviting, and faithful to our mission of spreading the Good News.

Email: dave@shephills.org

Megan Getman

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY COORDINATOR

Megan Getman

BIO

Megan loves nurturing the curiosity and wonder at God's never-ending love in our youngest disciples. She supports the creative endeavors of our Sunday'sCool team of teachers and encourages parents and kids alike to find the holy in ordinary everyday life. When not at ShepHills, Megan coaches rowing on Lady Bird Lake and loves playing with her dog.

Favorite part of the job? Fielding the creative questions and wild wonder that the kids bring to their encounters with God!

Email: megan@shephills.org

Hilary Russell

FINANCE OFFICER

Hilary Russell

BIO

Hilary was born and raised in Austin, and graduated from St. Edward’s University. She loves hiking, swimming, yoga, and the outdoors. Hilary lived in Mérida, Mexico, for almost three years to learn Spanish. She is the eldest of five siblings, with a twin brother as her best friend, and has one son.

Favorite part of the job?

Andrei Zimbalist

INSTRUMENTALIST

Andrei Zimbalist

BIO

Andrei Zimbalist, a virtuoso pianist, earned his Master’s degree from the famous Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory in 2013. Trained under Professor Zinaida Ignatieva, herself a laureate of the International Frédéric Chopin Piano Competition, Andrei boasts an impressive musical resume with multiple wins at international piano competitions across Russia, France, Germany, and Italy. He regularly performs solo recitals, conducts master classes globally, and collaborates with orchestras, showcasing his dedication to music education and performance.

Favorite part of the job? Adding Lutheran hymns to his repertoire!

Dabney Gomes

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Dabney Gomes

BIO

Dabney’s life passion is design, and she counts herself lucky that she spends her work-life creating and communicating for her faith community at ShepHills.

Favorite part of the job? The challenge of communicating in a world of information overload!

Email: dabney@shephills.org

Joel Timmons

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES

Joel Timmons

BIO

Joel recently graduated from Austin Seminary, so walking alongside youth and wrestling with questions about faith in their lives is incredibly gratifying work. Outside of his work and studies, you can find Joel out paddle boarding on Town Lake, biking the hills of Austin, or playing cards with his friends.

Favorite part of the job? Building relationships with youth, whether it's during a Youth Group Bible study or sitting around a campfire on a retreat!

Email: joel@shephills.org

OUTREACH

Weldon Allison

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR OF LOCAL MISSIONS

Weldon Allison

BIO

Weldon and his wife Mary are long-time members of Shepherd of the Hills. Weldon is active in all aspects of our community, and serves on the Developing Missions Team.

Favorite part of the job? Weighing the food gathered each week for Bread for All, and being amazed at the steadfast generosity of our congregation.

Jeanne Grevlos

BUTTERFLY PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

Jeanne Grevlos

BIO

Having earned degrees in both Education and Psychology, the early childhood world of the developing brain is her passion! Jeanne has served the learning realm for over forty years as an elementary school teacher, adult education coordinator, and a trained spiritual director.

Favorite part of the job? Watching children flourish in the freedom of just being a child…learning, growing, discovering, and delighting in everything God’s world has to offer.

Email: director@shephills.org