Meet the Staff
Reverend Brad Doty, Senior Pastor
Pastor Brad was called to serve as Senior Pastor at St. Philip in June 2020. He had previously been the Associate Pastor since August 2012. He graduated from Luther Seminary in May 2012, with a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in Children, Youth and Family Ministry. California Lutheran University is where Pastor Brad went to college; majoring in Religion/Religious Studies and Psychology. Currently Pastor Brad is serving as a convocator for California Lutheran University, connecting the churches with the university.
Pastor Brad is happily married to his wife Roseanna. Together they have a son and a daughter. They enjoy hiking, going to the zoo, exploring Colorado (including its many breweries), and traveling to see family in San Diego and Las Vegas. When Pastor Brad has free time, he enjoys doing home improvement projects, working in the yard, watching Survivor and playing with his dog, Summit.
As chair of the Companion Synod Committee of the Rocky Mountain Synod, Pastor Brad has a heart for our sisters and brothers in Madagascar. He went with the Rocky Mountain Synod to Madagascar in July 2013 and again on a Bishop’s trip in February 2017. Pastor Brad has worked to provide motorcycles for pastors in Madagascar so that they can travel to all of the churches they are the pastor of, as well as helping to repair the solar panels at Seminary in Mahajanga, Bethela Seminary.
Janet Shibly, Director of Music
Janet started as the Director of Music Ministries at St. Philip in January of 2017. She taught music in public schools for 30 years, and is excited to be sharing her love of music and the Lord in this different and exciting way. A proud graduate of Colorado State University, Janet earned her Bachelor of Music in Education degree in 1980. Although originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, she has lived most of her life in Colorado. Janet has been an active member of St. Philip for over 30 years and has sung in the choir for all of them. When her two daughters were younger, she led Sunday School music for nearly 10 years. Her late husband, C. J., often played the trombone and tambourine for worship services and fellowship functions. She adores her family and her dogs, who are all named after musicians. Sometimes the grand-dogs join the party. Working in the yard, reading, and watching the Broncos are three of her favorite activities. She would like to extend an invitation to everyone to become involved in the music ministries at St. Philip and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!Blair Strickland, Director Early Learning Center
Blair became the director of our Early Learning Center in March of 2019. She studied Early Childhood Education at Arapahoe Community College where she obtained her Directors Qualifications. Blair lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband and 4 children, and has lived in Colorado since 2008.Melinda Svenkerud, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries
Melinda joined the St. Philip staff in June 2021. She grew up in Illinois and lived in North Carolina for several years before moving to Colorado in 2003. Melinda has over 30 years of ministry experience and believes in the value of helping families build strong Christian foundations in their children and youth. She has an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education, a bachelor’s degree in Christian Education, and earned hery master’s degree in Children and Family Ministry from Bethel Seminary. Melinda has two adult daughters who both live in Colorado and the most adorable grandson! She enjoys spending her free time with her grandson, gardening, creative painting, playing softball, and hanging out with her four precious rescue dogs!
Kirsten Olshausen, Business Administrator
Kirsten joined the staff at St. Philip Lutheran Church in March 2021. She previously worked in a similar capacity for an ELCA church in Seattle, Washington. Beginning with a part-time position for their family’s home congregation in Issaquah, Washington, Kirsten has gained over 15 years of administrative experience in a number of churches in Washington and Iowa. Her understanding of church work as a ministry, as good stewardship of resources and an important service provided to a community of faith has led her to put her gift for numbers and details to use in church finances. But the most rewarding part of any church job, she has found, are the relationships formed with members and staff.
A native of Munich, Germany, Kirsten came to the US as a young bride, earning a business degree from Santa Clara University. Her husband Bernard, an electronic engineer, and she made their first home in California, but have also lived in Washington, Ohio, and Iowa. They raised their three children mostly in the Seattle area. Bernard’s career brought them to the Denver area about two years ago, and they found themselves lucky to live near their daughter, son-in-law and only grandson. There is no better title than being “Oma” to that adorable little boy! In her free time Kirsten likes to garden, read and sew. She and her husband enjoy exploring the amazing outdoor possibilities of Colorado. They are members of Well of Hope Lutheran Church in Castle Rock.
Angela Seep, Secretary/Editorial Assistant
Angela joined the staff of St. Philip in January 2017 as the parish secretary/editorial assistant. Before coming to St. Philip, she had mainly been a full-time mom, and part-time editor and proofreader. She has been married to her husband Ben for over 20 years, and they have two children.
Angela is also a member of St. Philip, and is involved in the Bell Choir as well as Children’s Ministries and Worship Planning. She also enjoys cross-stitch, going to the opera and the movies, hiking, and camping.
Bryan Chuan, Organist/Pianist
Bryan joined the staff of St. Philip in September 2018. He did his undergraduate work at Harvard, and earned his Master of Music degree in Piano Performance at the University of Nevada-Reno. Bryan is currently pursuing his doctorate in Piano Performance at CU Boulder. He has played for Methodist and Presbyterian congregations in Reno, and we are very fortunate to have him play for our Lutheran church! He also enjoys cooking and hiking. Bryan is married, and his lovely wife Jackie plays violin in select services.