Leadership
Reverend Andrea Kraushaar
Senior Pastor
Pronouns – She/Her
My name is Rev. Andrea Kraushaar (pronounced On-drea… Kraus-are). I am blessed to be married to my husband, Joshua Kraushaar. We have 2 children: Wesley and Grace. Our family loves being outside. Some of our hobbies are riding our bikes, kayaking, camping, and taking our dogs, Henry and Gus for walks.
I received my call to ministry when I was in high school. It was through the faith teachings of my grandmother and her persistent reminder that God had spoken to her and told her to prepare me for ministry, that I accepted my call to ministry before my senior year in high school. I attended Morningside College and received my bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies and Sociology. Josh and I then moved to Kansas City where I would earn my Masters of Divinity in 2004. It was here in Kansas City that I passion for those who are homeless and on the poverty line. I was invited by two other seminary students to create a homeless ministry that offered food, clothing, and crisis counseling.
515-279-0826 x 2300
Reverend Jordan Derhammer Capek
Associate Pastor
Pronouns – She/Her
My name is Jordan Derhammer Capek. I grew up in Cedar Falls, IA. I pursued my undergraduate studies in Religion and Ethics at the University of Northern Iowa, graduating in 2016. My passion for ministry and social justice led me to Iliff School of Theology, where I earned my Master’s of Divinity in 2019. One of my passions is working with children and youth, focusing on creating a welcoming environment for all, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or culture. I believe that the church is a place of inclusivity and love.
My wife (Megan) and I share a home with four beloved cats: Rudy, Gertrude, O’Malley, and Graham. I consider myself to be a crafty person, with skills in crocheting, knitting, t-shirt making, etc… I also love to listen to audiobooks and podcasts.
Devan Jeffries
Director of Administration/ Business Manager
Pronouns – She/Her
My name is Devan Jeffries! I was born and raised on the east side of Des Moines, but recently my family and I have moved to Bondurant. I am an East High School alumni and graduated from Grand View University majoring in Human Services and minoring in Psychology in 2014. I recently worked at a local youth-serving non-profit organization for the past ten years where I supported the growth of the after-school programming.
My position as the Director of Administration & Business oversees many of the day-to-day operations of the church in areas of administration, communications, finance, and church facilities. When I am not supporting WDM UMC, you will find me and my husband, Vincent, chasing around our three young children, Vinny, Brynnlee, and Easton. A few of my hobbies include supporting my favorite sporting teams (Bears/Cubs/Hawkeyes), bowling, and dirt track racing.
515-279-0826 x 2100
Kyle Lechtenberg
Chancel Choir Director
Pronouns – He/His
515-279-0826 x 2130
Jennifer Hawkins
Director of Bell Ministry
Pronouns – She/Her
I’m Jennifer! I’m a proud local, having grown up right here in West Des Moines, and I’m also a Valley High School alum. My journey in music and a desire to help others took me to Simpson College, where I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Music Education and a minor in Psychology. I first learned to ring handbells within the walls of this very church and I’ve carried that love for bringing people together through music to worship our Savior, Jesus, ever since.
515-202-2672
Carol Litscher
Administrative Communications and Media Coordinator
Pronouns – She/Her
I am originally from Hedrick, a small town in southeast Iowa. I am married to Bryan. We have two adult children, Kate and Michael.
Prior to starting my position at the church, I have worked as a computer programmer, a systems analyst, and most recently as a project manager.
WDM UMC has been my church home for over 35 years. I have served on a number of committees during that time. Bryan and I have taught Sunday School for a variety of ages. I have taken part in a number of Bible Study groups. Most recently, I have enjoyed the “Just Read” Bible Study group.
515-279-0826 x 2120
Amy Borness
Director of Preschool
Pronouns – She/Her
My name is Amy Borness and I became the director of the West Des Moines United Methodist Early Learning Preschool in July of 2023. I grew up in West Des Moines and graduated from Valley High School before attending the University of Northern Iowa and receiving my teaching degree in 2002. I taught K-2 physical education in Norwalk for 7 years before staying home with my husband (Keith) and I’s children for 10 years. I most recently worked as the lead Young 2’s teacher at our preschool for the last five years. My husband, Keith, has taught and coached football, wrestling, and girl’s track in the West Des Moines school district for 25+ years and we are proud to say that our children, Anna and Ben, will be 4th generation Valley High School graduates.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family going to movies, and attending sporting events. We also enjoy playing with our Golden Retriever, Macaroni. I look forward to meeting the wonderful community of West Des Moines United Methodist Church!
515-279-8897
Paul Gesell
Custodian
515-279-0826 x 2250