Meet the Team
Meet the team that God placed the calling of Called on the hearts of in 2024.
Melinda McDermott
Melinda is deeply committed to serving her community, especially women and families in need. She enjoys spending time with her family, whether it’s fishing with her husband, attending her son’s baseball games, or enjoying cabin life with her kids in Wisconsin. After earning her Business Management degree and MBA from Bethel University, Melinda realized her passion was working with families and children, particularly in the fight to end homelessness. She has dedicated the past several years to supporting families in Anoka County. Her mission is to guide the moms she works with toward self-sufficiency through Christ, living out the love of God through action. Melinda’s leadership is shaped by her belief in the power of serving others, reflecting the teachings of 1 John 3:16-18.
Shanna Stewart
Shanna’s coming back to Jesus moment was Mother’s Day 2009 where she felt the Father’s LOVE and couldn’t resist. From that time on Shanna earned her Christian Ministry Diploma in 2017 and new doors of opportunity have opened. Shanna values faith & balanced life in her Real Estate career and at home and as a speaker she is currently out to challenge audiences to leverage their focus and pay attention to what matters most in life. She has an appetite for helping others maximize their potential of loving life.
Shannon Hepner
Shannon has earnestly been a follower of Christ for 20 years now and it has been the best 20 years of her life. She was a believer before that but was not a serious Christ follower until a health crisis shook her little family to its core exactly 20 years ago this June. She heard God clearly tell her everything would be ok and would actually be better on the other side of this crisis. He was right and she has put her trust in Him imperiously ever since. She has been married for 33 years and has two sons who are married and beginning families of their own. She is a fairly new grandmother to one adorable little girl with another one on the way. She is the Executive Pastor at Northgate Church for the past 4 years and prior to that was in upper management for a big box retailer. She has organized women’s events and retreats for her church for 20 years now and loves to see women connect with each other, but more importantly with God. Being a part of Called just takes the whole journey to the next level and partnering with the Triune God for the women in the Twin Cities and beyond is so exciting to her.
Sarah Englar
Sarah has been fortunate to know the Lord since she was a little girl and have always felt called to be a part of the local church. God has opened up the door for her and her Husband to do that as the Worship Leaders at Riverdale Church. She has 5 kiddos and loves being their Mom! When it comes to following Jesus, she believes that we are to use whatever God has given us to encourage one another in our faith. She serves such a creative God who does not create cookie cutter women. We are all unique and have a unique print of God on our lives. She believes that as we pursue God together at the Called conference, women will find freedom to be exactly who God has created them to be.
Nicole Becks
Nicole has been a Christian since a very young age. She is currently a marketing manager at Pedal Pub Global. A few months ago she was feeling called by God that she should be using her talents to glorify him in some way. Soon after, she got a text from our founder Melinda, and connected with her about her idea for the Called conference. Not only did this conference feel like a calling from God, but also focused on what God would be calling other women to do in this season of their lives. She is excited to see what we can do to change the hearts of women all around the Twin Cities area and beyond!
Tiffany Davis
Bio Coming Soon!
Jeena Gurung Vomhof
Jeena is a mother of two, a dedicated Christian businesswoman, and a servant leader whose life is a testimony to faith and God’s grace. She owns Namaste Brows and Boutique, a business that not only provides beauty services but also supports women artisans in Nepal, reflecting her heart for global outreach. Jeena moved to the U.S. in 2011, following God’s call to serve others, and began her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, providing compassionate care to seniors. She earned a degree in Healthcare and Organizational Leadership from Bethel University in 2015 and has since worked in healthcare and community service. In 2021, Jeena founded Namaste Brows and Boutique, using it as a platform for ministry and community building. Her business success is a reflection of her commitment to glorifying God through service to others. Jeena is also deeply involved in community ministry, serving as a City Commissioner, board member for local nonprofits, and a life skills coach at Hennepin County Jail. Her journey is a testament to her faith and dedication to making a positive impact in the world.
Ann Van Brocklin
Ann is passionate about supporting women’s initiatives and making a tangible impact in the community. She is thrilled to be part of Called, a women’s retreat dedicated to uplifting and empowering women through connection, reflection, and growth. Her involvement in Called stems from a desire to give back and contribute to meaningful causes, especially as the retreat’s proceeds go towards Elevate Hope House, an organization providing essential resources and support for young mothers in need. By being part of Called, she feels honored to play a role in fostering hope and creating opportunities for women to thrive.
Leah Schuerkamp
Leah is a recent graduate of the University of St. Thomas – majored in Entrepreneurship. Leah owns a marketing agency and loves being able to help small businesses. Leah volunteers doing marketing for the Called MN Conference. She is so excited for this inspiring weekend filled with connecting with other faith driven women. In her free time Leah loves to spend time with her family and friends, travel, and do yoga.
Robin Kirk
Robin, who has been educated and worked in industry for 30+ years, now uses those planning, management and presentation skills in volunteering. Retirement is really just a time where she can do what she really wants to do. Serving others through one on one encouragement, leading groups, planning events, prayer and meditation all to the glory of God is her life now. Involvement in areas that serve and support others is important, but she also loves spending time with her husband and grandchildren, biking and walking in nature.
