Meet the Staff
Gene A Talley
Gene is Atonement’s new senior pastor, having started on September 12, 2022. In addition to the usual pastoral duties his particular areas of responsibility include working with the Congregation Council to provide leadership and vision for the congregation; oversight of the administrative, communications, and worship staff; and stewardship.
Gene is also an executive coach, and holds an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential through the International Coaching Federation. In his coaching capacity he serves the larger church as an ELCA Coach Trainer and as a Mentor Coach, and has served congregations and individuals within the ELCA as a Stewardship Coach and Vitality Coach.
As a native of the western Chicago suburbs, Gene feels right at home with us in Muskego and in New Berlin where he lives with wife Sarah and daughters, Rebekah and Isabel, as well as his son John when he’s not at St. Olaf College, which is both Gene’s and Sarah’s alma mater (Um Ya Ya!).
If he doesn’t sleep in too long on his day off (Friday), you might run into Gene and Sarah on one of the local hiking trails or checking out a new restaurant. Gene mostly plays guitar for his own enjoyment/amusement, but you might hear him play around Atonement from time to time. He aspires some day to be a decent wood carver. And maybe once all the kids are out of the house he will go backpacking again.
“I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10
Steve Joyal
Steve Joyal is Atonement’s Coordinator for Traditional Music, Organist and Choirs Director. Steve is married to Lis (flutist extraordinaire) and they have 4 adult children. He earned a bachelor of Music Education-Voice and Piano from the University of WI-Eau Claire and a Masters of Music-Choral Conducting from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music. Steve has served congregations as Director of Music and Organist for over 40 years.
He currently is the Music Director and Conductor of Milwaukee Liederkranz and Conductor of the Racine Dairy Statesmen. Steve has taught for almost 35 years in public and private schools including West Allis, Wauwatosa and Milwaukee.
Sarah Talley
Sarah Talley is Atonement's Contemporary Worship Leader. She is married to Gene, one of Atonement's pastors, and has the same kids he does. She loves creating music with others and finding new ways for worship music to help people connect with God in a new way.
When she's not being musical, Sarah likes to be crafty, cook, and read - a lot. Outside is her favorite place to be.
If you want a verse, my favorite is: Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? Mark 4:41
Deacon Marian Wasierski
Marian Wasierski is Atonement’s Caregiving Communications Coordinator. Marian was rostered as a Deacon in the Greater Milwaukee Synod on November 9, 2004. In addition to serving as our caregiving communication coordinator, Marian also serves as a Chaplain at Luther Manor in Wauwatosa.
Marian is an active member of Hephatha Lutheran Church in Milwaukee since 2017. She served as an Outreach Minister at a previous call. Marian met Pastor Greg when she worked as a summer program assistant at All Peoples Church.
Marian has been married for 38 years to Pastor Ron Ballew, a Lutheran Pastor. Together, they enjoy a family which includes Emily married to George plus Perez, Joshua, and Micah married to Kate.
Marian enjoys reading, exercising, eating out at small, local places, and going to movies.
“Be still and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46: 10
Isabelle Seifert
Isabelle Seifert is Atonement’s Communication Coordinator. Isabelle graduated from Alverno College in 2019, studying Media Design with a focus in graphic design, communication and business. She enjoys watching movies, caring for her jungle of house plants, and thrifting.
Isabelle also works as a freelance designer and studio artist alongside her position at Atonement.
Anne Farebrother
Anne Farebrother is Atonement’s Coordinator for Children & Family Ministry. Anne works closely with families and volunteers to create dynamic christian learning opportunities for our school age children. She is also the instructor of both Little Steps and Family Steps Together. These classes encourage families to grow together in faith and go deeper in their relationship with God. Together, they enjoy learning about our Heavenly Father with bible stories, songs, games and crafts.
Anne’s husband, Tim and daughters, Emily and Katelyn are frequent helpers in class. She feels blessed to watch these young students grow!
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Romans 8:28
Kara Mendez
Kara Mendez is Atonement’s Office Administrator, and Program Assistant for Children Youth & Family Ministry. Kara and her family have been members of Atonement since 2004 and has been serving in some capacity ever since including Nursery Coordinator, Early Childhood Team and teaching Adult Bible Study. Kara has served as the Program Assistant for Children, Youth and Family Ministries since 2014 and started Office Administration in 2020.
Kara has a heart for children's ministry and enjoys the privilege of serving the Atonement families and working alongside Atonement’s wonderful staff. She has been married to her husband Troy for over 20 years and they have three children Isabella, Alivia and Austin. Their family has lived in Muskego for over 20 years and are very involved with their community and local schools. Kara enjoys reading, walks, spending time with her family camping, doing yard work and swimming in their pool.
Vick Montoya-Silva
Vick Montoya-Silva is Atonement’s part time custodian. When not at work, Vick is going to school for barbering. He has been a part time barber for 11 years and working to turn his passion into his full time career.
In his free time, Vick enjoys spending time with his amazing family. He loves spending time with them whether they are being couch potatoes or riding around on his electric scooters.