By Cyrus Guccione
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Fountain Hills resident Sonja Almlie has joined Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church as its new director of missional outreach.

In this role, Almlie helps strengthen connections both within the church and the community, supporting small groups, outreach initiatives and mission opportunities that invite people to grow in faith and serve with purpose.

Originally from southwestern Minnesota, Almlie is a graduate of St. Olaf College with degrees in history, Russian studies and Russian. She brings more than 20 years of leadership and project management experience to her new role and is both a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a PROSCI-certified change practitioner.

For the past 15 years, she has taught professional development courses in project management, business analysis and agile methodology — a business framework that divides work into phases and emphasizes continuous improvement.

“I found that teaching was a real passion for me, giving people the tools to make change,” said Almlie, who has developed and led courses at the University of St. Thomas and RMC Learning Solutions.

At Shepherd of the Hills, Almlie will also play a key role in the church’s foreign missions, including planning and outreach to countries like Nicaragua where religious persecution remains common. The church is currently planning a 2026 mission trip to support local congregations through English language instruction and Bible study.

Almlie also serves as the church’s administrative assistant, reporting directly to Pastor Jeff Teeples and Church Administrator Debbie Vinopal. She says the most rewarding part of her job is connecting with parishioners on a deeper level.

After living part-time in Fountain Hills for 16 years, Almlie made the move permanent last year, relocating from the Minneapolis area. She attends Shepherd of the Hills with her 92-year-old mother, Lucy, a Stephen Minister who provides emotional and spiritual care to individuals going through difficult times.

With one of the church’s core values being “Life is better connected,” Shepherd of the Hills Senior Pastor Jeff Teeples said this new position of director of missional outreach/administrative assistant will help facilitate connections between people as they live, learn, grow and serve together.

“Sonja has such a heart for people and knows first hand the strength of having strong relationships with people and God,” he said. “It is a joy to have her enthusiastic spirit helping us all be missional — which is living out our faith in our everyday lives.”

As the church continues to evolve its strategic plan, Almlie is helping guide mission efforts both abroad and locally, from global outreach to support those in need across Arizona and here in Fountain Hills.

“My passion for giving people the tools to make a change is deeply fulfilling,” she said. “I want people to feel empowered to experience the grace of God and to make a difference in their own world.”

Shepherd of the Hills meets every Sunday at 9:30 a.m., both in person and online. The church is located at 16150 E. El Lago Blvd. For more information, call 480-837-9532 or visit sothaz.com.

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