Meet Our Staff and Board of Directors
Staff
Pastor Todd Hylden
Matthew House Director
A father of two, Pastor Todd was born and raised on a dairy farm in North Dakota. One of seven children, Todd went on to earn his Undergraduate degrees in Social Services, Secondary Education, Biblical Studies and went on to receive a Masters Degree in Divinity. Since then, Todd has been an Ordained Pastor for 27 years and counting,
In addition to his work with the men of Matthew House, Todd serves as pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in rural Dalton, and Spirit of Hope Lutheran Church in rural Underwood.
Board of Directors
Lowell Hoekstra - Board President
Lowell and Karla, his wife, have three married boys. They live on South Turtle Lake near Underwood. Lowell really enjoys the lake life and what Otter Tail County has to offer.
He has enjoyed being a mentor at Matthew House as well as a mentor at his home. "Matthew House has helped increase my own faith through the group Bible studies, and I enjoy offering my support to the men who are dealing with addiction issues in their lives."
Pastor James Gronbeck
I was born and raised in Henning, MN just twenty miles from Zion. I graduated from Henning High School , Fergus Falls Community College with an Associate of Arts degree, Moorhead State University with a Bachelors of Arts in Speech Communications/Mass Communications, and from Luther Seminary in St. Paul with a Master of Divinity Degree.
I have been married to Julie (Baumgartner) Gronbeck and we have three children: Matt (Meghan) Gronbeck, Andrea (Dan) Krenz, and Kristen (Kyle) Akervik. We are the proud grandparents of three: Addyson and Mason Gronbeck, and Savannah Krenz.
Growing up I spent many summers with my cousins on Otter Tail Lake so living in this beautiful part of Otter Tail County is familiar yet still a blessing I treasure. I enjoy every minute I can spend with my grandchildren and children. Previous to Zion I served churches in Cromwell and Wright, MN.
Joey Geiszler
A member of the Fergus Falls Police Department, Joey works directly with the West Central Drug and Violent Crime Task Force—a benefit that helps him see the need for places like Matthew House.
A born again Christian, Joey joined the board of Matthew House in 2021. “It is another way to be involved in helping out the community and help transition individuals back into the feeling of belonging in the community.”
In addition to these sentiments, Joey also enjoys helping at Matthew House because it gives him a way to have access to those who have struggles or have been dealt a tough hand, and he is privileged to play a role in helping them put their lives back on track.
“The Matthew House is another place for me to share the Spirit of Christ and to introduced Jesus to some that may have never had that relationship before.”
Tammy Anderson
Tammy has worked in the nonprofit world for over 30 years, wearing many hats along the way. She loves the treasure trove of nonprofits in the community, with the Matthew House being one of them. Tammy owns Acorns-Oak Consulting which helps nonprofits find grants, and increase donor support, so they can further their missions.
“I learned about the Matthew House when one of the board members asked me to get involved. I don’t have a lot of experience with the struggles of addiction so I didn’t know what I could bring to the table. I quickly fell in love with the mission of the Matthew House: ‘to provide a secure home for those who need it; to give support, encouragement, and structure to those looking for something more in their lives.’ “
When not working or being a mentor, you will find Tammy and her husband camping and exploring the outdoors, gardening, coloring (Crayola Crayons are the BEST!) and spending time with their family.
Marsha Williams
Marsha has owned the accounting business, “Business Service of Fergus Falls”, since 2004. Currently serving as Vice President on the ND Society of Accountants, she is also a member of NATP (Nat’l Assoc of Tax Preparers).
“I believe in the mission of the Matthew House and how it helps each individual. Each person has their own story to tell and through Bible Study how they let God into their lives.”
It is Marsha’s belief that we cannot judge anyone as we don’t know what they are going or have been through.