2025/2026 COUNCIL

Donna Tarpinian - Treasurer

My husband, Gary, and I joined Covenant in 2012 and I took on the Treasurer role in July 2021. I serve on the Worship & Music Committee and the Soial Action Team and I help out with A/V projects. I also sing in the Senior Choir and play as a substitute ringer in the Bell Choir. Gary and I have two adult children: Matthew, who lives in Stockholm, Sweden; and Kelsey, who lives in Madison. During the day, I work as an Office Manager for a humanitarian training firm in Madison called InterWorks.

Christy Unzicker - Council Member

Christy was born in Gibson City, IL. She happened upon Covenant by mistake, intending to be at a different church. She liked it so much she has been a member ever since! For the past six years Christy has been an active part of Covenant. Involved in Sunday School, Host-a-Tree, Fellowship, Communion set up, Altar Guild and previously served on Church Council. Her hidden talents and hobbies include knitting, crocheting and being quite the angler; Enjoying both fresh and salt water fishing! Christy looks forward to learning more about how the church works, so she may put her efforts to best use in helping Covenant today and into the future!

Sue Richards - COUNCIL MEMBER

Thank you for considering the opportunity to serve on council. I have been a member of Covenant for over 25 years…give or take. I was born in Saginaw, Michigan and have lived in Wisconsin ever since college graduation. I earned my BS in nursing at the University of Michigan. I have served in many capacities as a care provider…from inpatient to school nursing. I served as Covenant’s Parish nurse for many years. A position which was both an honor and pleasure. I was drawn to Covenant years ago for the amazing educational programs and Sunday school. All three of boys (Sam 31, Tom 30 & Fred 26 years) were confirmed through our wonderful program. I have served in teaching roles, the confirmation program and traveled as an adult mentor and chaperone on several mission trips. I also was deeply committed to Care Team Ministry in my capacity as parish nurse…something that I feel could benefit our church family now more than ever… I have served on several boards throughout the years including council and most recently the nominating committee. I think the piece that I enjoy most about being active in the church is the greater sense of community and belonging…something that I have missed these past couple of years… I look forward to deepening my faith and sharing my spiritual gifts with the Covenant family… wherever that may lead us…

Blessed to be a blessing,
~Sue

Kaia Maag - COUNCIL MEMBER

I was born and raised here in Stoughton, Wisconsin. I have been a member of Covenant since birth–I was baptized and confirmed here. That makes it almost 21 years of membership. Throughout my life, I have been involved in various things at Covenant. As a kid, I went to Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and pretty much everything in between. I spent three years getting confirmed in my adolescence, and since then have been attending service when I can. I have struggled with various mental health issues throughout my life and have found comfort in spirituality and God’s presence. I feel like a lot of people wouldn’t guess that looking at me now, but it has given me a passion for serving those in need, and for pursuing a career in the field of Psychology. I don’t consider myself a woman of many outlandish talents, but my gifts are largely academic. I love learning new things and applying that knowledge to the world, in order to make it a better place. I feel like a lot of people don’t know I actually speak a bit of German! I am nowhere near fluent but the culture and language fascinates me and I am working toward that goal of fluency. I look forward to connecting with the Covenant community I grew up in and making the church a better place.

Patrick Thelen - Council Member

My name is Patrick Thelen, and I am deeply committed to serving our church and community. My family and I have always believed in the importance of finding a congregation that aligns with our values and provides a nurturing environment for our spiritual growth. This belief led us to Covent Church, where we felt an immediate sense of belonging and comfort. Before having our children baptized, we sought a church that not only welcomed us but also shared our core values. Coventant Church has been that place for us, offering a supportive and faith-filled community. We are grateful for the warmth and acceptance we have received here. I am eager to contribute more actively to the church and to be a bigger part of our community. I believe that by working together, we can strengthen our bonds and support each other in our spiritual journeys. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to grow in my understanding of our faith and to help others do the same.

Jessica Wagner - COUNCIL VICE PRESIDENT

I was born in Iowa, and have lived in Ohio and later moved to Wisconsin. My husband and I have been married 18 years and have three children. We have been members of Covenant prior to COVID and rejoined again in 2024. We enjoy the church family and community at Covenant. I have been involved in VBS, Women’s Retreat, and communion preparation volunteering. I enjoy running, working out, and reading and studying the Bible.

Susan Foley Herbst - COUNCIL SECRETARY

My name is Susan Foley Herbst and I am originally from Janesville, WI. I started attending Covenant with my husband Mark in 2016 and became a member in 2022 after Pastor Wendy married us in June. I work in the financial advising field at First Citizens State Bank in Whitewater. I have a knack for numbers and balancing budgets, checkbooks, etc. I like to organize things and really enjoy my work helping people with investments. An interesting fact about me is that even though I am not from Stoughton, I am 100% Norwegian! I have a son and daughter who live in the Madison area and three step-sons. I help out at the Clothing Center on Fridays, and this is my first term on council. I look forward to getting to know more Covenant members and being involved in making decisions for the church.

THOR ANDERSON - COUNCIL PRESIDENT

I was born in Black River Falls, WI. My wife Beth and our family joined Covenant in late 1997 or 1998. At the time we were drawn by the Saturday night service and Pastor Mark Winkler and the music that was played. I have been involved as a Sunday School teacher for approximately 10 years; I’m currently an usher, part of the Covid Team and have been a part of several call teams. Beth and I lived in Iowa, California and North Carolina before deciding to move back to Wisconsin to raise or family. My kids tell me my hidden talent is my whistling and humming. Something most people don’t know about me is that I worked for the Minnesota Vikings one summer. If elected, I look forward to hopefully bringing some new ideas and thoughts to our council, congregation and church family that contributes to Covenant being a fun, vibrant environment, that gets people excited and will make it easy for others to want to join Covenant and be involved to help us grow and flourish.