In September 2021 Dan joined the Westend staff as the Pastor of Teaching and Preaching. Dan grew up in West Michigan and attended Calvin College. Responding to God’s call to ministry, he pursued an M.Div. at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. He then continued his education receiving a Ph.D. in Hebrew Studies from the University of Wisconsin.

Dan is married to Nancy, who teaches at Calvin Christian Middle School. They have four children – two married sons, Nathan and Holly, Michael and Laura; a son, Ben and daughter, Hanna. They also  have two granddaughters and two grandsons.

Alisha is our Children's Ministry Director. She has a heart for kids and a passion to see them succeed and know the love of Christ. Aside from working at church, Alisha also works part time as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher. When not working, she loves spending time with her three girls (Adalyn, Reese, & Cora) and husband Brian. She also enjoys reading a good book, camping, and refinishing old furniture for her home!

Jill is an assistant to the Children’s Worship Director. She loves kids and the energy and fun they bring into the church. It is an honor for her to help our kids grow in their love for the Lord. Besides working for the church, she works part time for We Are For Children as a pediatric dietitian in area pediatric offices. Outside of work she has four awesome kids and an amazing husband. She enjoys running, camping, playing games and trying anything adventurous.

Sue Mellema is our Kids Hope USA Director.  She has a heart for kids and a passion to see them succeed and know the love of Christ.  Sue is involved with the youth of our church as well, working with our youth group.  She helps plan the Backpack Festival we have each August where kids from Shawmut and the neighborhood can come and get supplies they need for school.   She works with Campus Life ministry at Union High School as well.  Sue and her husband Roger have three grown children: Philip and Sarah both live and work in Chicago, and Bryan who lives in the Grand Rapids area and also attends Westend Church.  In her spare time she loves trying to grow perennials, reading, traveling and kayaking the many Michigan Rivers.

In September 2021, Kristen and Rachael stepped into the role as Worship Directors.  Kristen served as one of the worship leaders here at Westend for nearly 8 years before stepping down for the last 2 years...she just can't seem to stay too far away!  Kristen and Rachael will collaborate with Pastors Dan and Brian to create worship services that draw people into a closer relationship with the Lord.

Kristen and her husband Jameson have been attending Westend since 2007. They have 3 kids- Laicey (7), Zoe (3), and Elias (9 months).  In her spare time, Kristen also runs a photography/graphic design business, Tsakani Studios, and is homeschooling her kids. As a family, they enjoy traveling, camping, eating ethnic food, crafting, and reading.

In September 2021, Kristen and Rachael stepped into the role as Worship Directors.  Rachael has been a member of Westend church for the past 8 years and has been a part of praise team for the past 4 years. Rachael also works as the Life Enrichment Director at SKLD nursing home in Zeeland and loves being able to bring joy to her residents every day. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and lovable kitty; as well as crafting, riding bikes, and enjoying time outside.

Worship is such a wonderful way to connect with God and get your whole body ready to take in Gods word! The lord has also blessed Rachael with the ability to sing and it is such a love and passion of hers that she wants to be able to use that blessing and bring it to Westend to help everyone make a joyful noise to the Lord!

In fall 2021 Julie started as the Church Administrator for Westend.  Julie's previous roles as an office manager, systems analyst and software engineer will be beneficial in helping her fulfill the Church Administrator role.

Julie has been married for 13 years and they are blessed with two children, Evan (8) and Camryn (5). They started attending Westend CRC in late 2019.  Their family loves spending time together outdoors, especially near Lake Michigan. Julie is an avid Detroit Tiger fan and also an animal lover. Someday soon their family hopes to have a small hobby farm.

Len is our weekend custodian. He manages the building on Sundays and makes sure the facilities are ready for services. Len will tell you that he would be perfectly happy spending all day on the river fly fishing.