Staff Contacts

Reverend Nicholas J. Zook has served as our pastor since 1981. He brings a commitment to the ministry of the church that emphasizes the importance of worship in our lives and also engages us in service to the community around us. Believing firmly in the words of the eucharistic dismissal, "Go in peace, serve the Lord," Pastor Zook emphasizes the dynamic of finding spiritual peace and nurturing in the worship while being challenged to practice one's faith through service and ministry in the community. Email Pastor Zook at nzook@concordia-chgo.org

Brenda Swartz is executive director of Concordia Avondale Campus. Brenda is very dedicated and committed to the mission of Concordia Avondale Campus. Coming to us from the business consulting field, she brings extensive experience in managing projects, operating large organizations and developing public and private sector relationships. In her new role, Brenda manages project development and she assumes administration of all our community programs, including our preschool and school-age programs located at Concordia Church. Email Ms. Swartz at bswartz@concordia-chgo.org.

Kathleen Haslwanter is the administrative assistant for the church. In this newly expanded role, Kathy will assume responsibility for the preparation of materials for Sunday worship and membership communications. She will also work with the pastor and church volunteers to develop Sunday School and Confirmation materials, an outreach program, volunteer activities and membership support. Kathy joins us from Aon Corporation and is a member of Concordia. Kathy received her Master's degree from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. Email Ms. Haslwanter at khaslwanter@concordia-chgo.org.

Kiki Collias, presently the Business Manager, began as the director of Concordia Child Care Center in 1984. It was at that point that Kiki took the Child Care Center through it’s first expansion; from an after-school program for school age children to include a preschool program for younger children. She has seen growing responsibilities with the program expansion managing the licensing and finances for the Concordia Child Care Center to the entire Concordia Avondale Campus organization. Kiki has been successful in creating a Center that is accredited to its highest level, financially stable, and has highly qualified staff with minimal turnover. As Business Manager, Kiki handles the administrative duties for the Concordia Child Care Center, and manages financials, maintains business and vendor relationships, monitors grant awards, and develops human resource policies for the entire Concordia Avondale Campus umbrella. Email Ms. Collias at  kcollias@concordia-chgo.org

Linda Wiskow DeGuzman, our Minister of Music, has degrees in organ and church music. In addition to providing the music for services, Linda directs the adult and children's choirs. She is a rostered lay professional of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod.

Nanet Crespo-Ramirez became Program Director of the Child Care Center in 2005. Nanet has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Illinois and has over 20 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood. Email Ms. Crespo-Ramirez at nramirez@concordia-chgo.org.

Maureen A. Swanson, RN, joined Concordia Lutheran Church and Concordia Avondale Campus in June 2007 as Parish Nurse through the Advocate Health parish nurse program. She is a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Villa Park and serves on its Wellness Committee. Her nursing experience has included Public Health in DuPage County, Maternal Child Nursing at Central DuPage and Illinois Masonic Hospitals, Surgical Nursing at Elmhurst Hospital and Parish Nursing at St Paul Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado. As parish nurse for both the church and campus, Maureen will be serving the health care needs of our Church and community. She can be reached by phone at 773-463-1600, ext. 413