Pastor Brad HighumThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Pastor Brad Highum was ordained to the ministry in 2007 following a career of more than twenty years in operations and marketing management.
Prior to joining Abiding Love, Brad served his internship and then as mission development pastor at New Life Lutheran Church in Dripping Springs. He served for five years as Minister of Adult Education and Development at Riverbend Church in Austin while studying at the Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest, receiving his Master of Divinity degree from Wartburg Theological Seminary. He brings great gifts of spiritual leadership, preaching, teaching and pastoral care to our community. Originally from Minnesota, Brad met and married his Texas sweetheart Nance in Colorado, where their daughters Jesse and Carly were born. Carly and Jesse both make their home in Austin.
I believe spirituality is kinetic, that faith is an intentional lived experience, that what we believe and proclaim must be manifest in our lives. We’re devoted at Abiding Love to helping people discover and live out the faith God is calling them to. Pastor Brad
Denise Alaimo moved to Austin to go to UT and has never left for more than a couple of months. After teaching high school science (chemistry, physics, biology), she earned an MBA from UT. She worked for the Texas Securities Board for 16 years registering securities offerings, broker/dealers and investment advisors. She has also owned a specialty tax-consulting company. A long-time member of AbidingLove, she is enjoying being a part of this vibrant community. In her spare time, Denise enjoys being with her daughter and son-in-law, two young grandchildren and friends, as well as listening to music, reading, and occasionally hiking.
Terry Carnline, Children's Center Assistant Director
Terry has been in the early childhood field for over 35 years and has spent the last 18 and a half years here at Abiding Love where she enjoys sharing God’s love to our youngest, reach out to their families when they are in need, and be there as support for the teachers. On the weekends, she loves spending time with her children and grandchildren, playing in her flowerbed and reading.
Tyler Parks, Director of Children's and Youth Ministry
Tyler Parks began serving as Abiding Love’s Director of Children’s & Youth Ministry in October of 2022. A native Texan, Tyler returns to his roots after spending thirteen years in the Midwest, where he served in Youth & Family Ministry at two different congregations. Tyler received his undergraduate degree at Concordia University Wisconsin in 2013, majoring in Lay Ministry & Theology with specializations in Youth Ministry & Missions and gained a Master of Arts degree in Children, Youth, and Family Ministry from Luther Seminary in 2021.
Tyler is passionate about meeting children, youth, and families where they are at in their faith journeys, as well as eager to get to know the entire congregation, so schedule a time to meet with him today!
Tyler resides with his spouse (Kelly) and their two children (Camilla & Madelyn) in Kyle, Texas.
Rory Roberts, Office and Communications Administrator
Rory is a recovering theatre educator, director, and producer thrilled to be taking up a life of service and spirit with the staff and community of Abiding Love in what feels like a full-circle moment, since her first 'real' job was covering vacation time for her home congregation's office manager as a high school student.
If given the chance, she'll wax poetic about her loved ones (especially her two nieces and a bevy of crazy aunties), regale you with stories of her adventures/foibles, try to recommend the perfect book or movie for whatever ails you, or ask seemingly random questions that might not make sense right away.
She's a lifelong learner, aspiring artist, self-taught sewist, and constant work in progress dedicated to building a more equitable and loving world through faith.
Gus Sterneman, Director of Worship and Arts
“Dr. Gus” as he is affectionately known, is equally at home on the podium, behind a mixing board, or on the stage. He has degrees in music theory, music history, and instrumental conducting, and a doctorate in opera/musical theatre conducting.
In addition to his work at Abiding Love, Gus also serves as Music Director for the Heart of Texas Chorus in San Marcos, an a capella barbershop chorus. He also works with the Austin Civic Orchestra and Once Ounce Opera. He has taught classes music theory, music history, and music technology, and has been working with the Barbershop Harmony Society developing a series of classes on Liturgical Barbershop.
A life-long pacifist, Gus is a fierce advocate for social justice, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. He enjoys a good pun, but loves a really bad one. He's a multi-instrumentalist with a passion for stagecraft, A/V work, board games, and Lutherie. And coffee. Lots of coffee.
Ana Winston, Children's Center Director
Ana has worked in early childhood education for 18 years. She is passionate about working with children and their families. She loves being a support to her staff and strives to make sure all children in her care feel loved and safe.
Ana is originally from Mexico City and moved to Austin 20 years ago. She loves reading, cooking, working out and spending time with her two daughters and husband.