Cheryl serves as Atonement’s Children’s Ministries Director, bringing more than 20 years of experience as a public school teacher as well as previous experience as a Youth Director. Throughout her career, she has had a passion for working with children and families, helping young people grow in their faith and discover how deeply God loves them.

Cheryl earned her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a master’s degree in Leadership from Roosevelt University. At Atonement, she walks alongside children and their families, creating opportunities to learn, grow in faith, and love and serve with Jesus.

Andrea Fountas serves as Atonement’s Administrative Assistant. A member of Atonement since 2007, Andrea has been actively involved in several ministries, including Altar Care, Ushering, and serving as an Assisting Minister. She has also served as parliamentarian at Atonement’s Annual Meetings.

Andrea earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Iowa and her Juris Doctor from the University of Kansas. She has practiced law since 1991, bringing extensive professional experience and organizational skills to her role.

Andrea has a passion for hospitality and enjoys supporting staff, volunteers, members, and guests to love and serve with Jesus.

Dr. Robert Kania serves as Atonement’s Director of Traditional Worship, bringing extensive experience as a pianist, organist, conductor, and music educator. He is Professor of Music and Chair of the Music Department at Judson University, where he teaches and directs the Judson Civic Orchestra.

Robert holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree and has many years of experience in church music, higher education, and community music-making. At Atonement, he works with our pastors, musicians, choir, and congregation to help create meaningful worship that supports our mission to love and serve with Jesus.

Pam Loden serves as Atonement’s Director of Church Operations, overseeing the administrative and operational functions that support the church’s ministries. Her responsibilities include campus and facility scheduling, finance and administration, human resources, safety and security, risk management, and church records. She also leads Atonement’s support staff and works closely with staff and volunteers throughout the congregation.

Pam played a leading role in developing Atonement’s Youth and Volunteer Protection Policy and continues to provide training that helps ensure a safe and welcoming environment for children, volunteers, members, and guests. Through thoughtful leadership and care for the people and resources of Atonement, Pam helps equip our congregation to love and serve with Jesus.

Dan Patten serves as Atonement’s Director of Communications & Technical Arts and Director of Contemporary Worship, bringing more than 30 years of experience in music, live production, technology, and church ministry. A keyboardist and vocalist, Dan has extensive experience performing professionally as well as leading and working with volunteer musicians and production teams.

Dan holds an engineering degree and an MBA and brings a combination of creative, technical, and leadership experience to his work at Atonement. Through worship, communications, and technology, he helps create meaningful ways for people to connect, participate, and love and serve with Jesus.

Dawn Patten serves as Atonement’s Financial Services Director, overseeing the day-to-day financial administration of the church. Her responsibilities include contributions and deposits, vendor payments, payroll processing, financial reporting, and assisting members with questions about their giving records.

Working closely with Atonement’s financial team, treasurer, and Director of Church Operations, Dawn helps ensure that the church’s financial resources are managed accurately and responsibly. Through faithful stewardship and service, her work supports Atonement’s ministries and our mission to love and serve with Jesus.

Tony serves as Atonement’s Facilities Manager and has been a full-time member of the staff since 2012, with involvement in projects at Atonement dating back to the late 1990s. He oversees the care, maintenance, and day-to-day operation of our building and grounds and helps coordinate the many projects and activities that take place throughout our facilities.

With extensive experience in project management and a strong commitment to serving others, Tony works closely with staff, ministry leaders, and members of the congregation to help keep Atonement welcoming, functional, and ready for ministry. His work behind the scenes helps create a place where our congregation and community can gather to love and serve with Jesus.