Meet the Staff

Pastor Joy McDonald Coltvet

Pastor Joy is the lead pastor at Christ on Capitol Hill. She was ordained in 2001 and has served in several congregations, a campus ministry and a seminary of the ELCA. She was called to this congregation in 2014 and delights to serve in this diverse community where we encounter Christ, the tree of life. She is a graduate of Luther College (BA), the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (M.Div.), and the Catholic Theological Union (D.Min.). When she’s not at church, she enjoys conversation with her children who are in college, high school and elementary school, sharing time with her life partner Ben, or enjoying music and the arts.

Meredith McGrath

Meredith McGrath is the Interim Building & Events Manager working alongside our Council leaders to manage events and partnerships during this busy season. Welcome Meredith! 

Natalia Peterson

In addition to being the Director of Music at Christ on Capitol Hill, Natalia Peterson has an extensive and diverse career in the creative arts and marketing. She is a singer and songwriter, a stage and commercial actress, playwright, fine arts educator, and author. Ms. Peterson has written two full stage productions in Minnesota, and has done work in the art of children’s storytelling around the United States. Ms. Peterson has also enjoyed work as a musical director and conductor throughout Minnesota for many professional, community and scholastic organizations.

When not working, Natalia is a mental health speaker and advocate. She loves to travel, and enjoys spending time in other countries, attempting to communicate in languages she does not know.

Tahnea Brown

Tahnea does Office and Communications here at Christ. Additionally she is the office manager at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and works Front of House team at Penumbra Theatre Company.

A born and raised Minnesotan, Tahnea is a proud midwestern girl who lives with her daughter and mother, is a bookworm and loves to craft and spend time with her family and friends. She’s also a Girl Scout leader and a (very) small business owner. Tahnea has a heart and passion for equity and social justice and can often be found in the community being of service.