Meet City Gate's staff
Dr. Lynn Bergfalk, Executive Director
Lynn Bergfalk, President and Executive Director of City Gate, pastored churches in Iowa and Nebraska before serving as Senior Minister of Calvary Baptist Church in downtown Washington, DC, from 1987-2000. With the sponsorship of Calvary, he founded City Gate in 2000, and also is currently pastor of Wisconsin Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, a City Gate partner. He has been active in varied community and religious organizations for many years, including service on the General Board of the American Baptist Churches USA, and as President of the DC Baptist Convention. He is a graduate of Bethel College in St. Paul, MN, Yale Divinity School, and has his Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary in D.C.
Mrs. Kristin Wiener, Associate Director
Kristin has a diverse background of double degrees in both biochemistry and accounting from Iowa State University. She moved with her husband to the Washington DC area in 2000, and worked for The Washington Opera Costume Studio for three years. Continuing in seamstressing and tailoring, she spent the next three years at Harriet Kassman, Inc., specializing in couture evening gowns. For the last five years, Kristin has tutored and mentored at-risk youth from southeast DC through Community and Family Life Services. Kristin is thrilled to join the staff at City Gate and be able to devote herself full-time to developing programming for and working directly with the kids.
Mrs. Theodra Washington, Program Manager
Theodra Washington worked at Sidwell Friends School for over 20 years in the capacity of a Physical Education Teacher, Parent Advocate, Diversity Coordinator and presently as Admissions Associate Adviser for both the Lower and Middle schools. She has coached varsity volleyball teams to state divisions and received various coaching awards. She has done extensive work as a substitute teacher in Montgomery County Foundation schools and volunteer work at local girl's camps, Health Fairs and presently serves on the PTSA of both her son and daughter schools as Executive Advisor and the Nominating Committee. Theodra's interest in fitness for kids and adults has led her to teach mother and daughter fitness classes and offer personal training to individuals. She has been married for 21 years and is the proud mother of a 16 year old daughter and 13 year old son.
Ms. Michelle Newby, Site Manager
Michelle will be taking over the duties done previously by Ms. Brenda Tyree. However, she will also be working with the youngest children, ages 5-7, during the after-school program. Born and raised in North Carolina, Michelle moved to Washington, D.C. in 1988. She has a diverse background, with experience in both the government and retail sectors. Previously, she worked as a teacher's aide at the Early Childhood Learning Center. Michelle is also a licensed minister of the gospel at Gateway Cathedral of Praise. She says her "great passion is to see our children prosper, living not dying but declaring the goodness of Jesus."
Mr. Barry Tillman, Office Manager
Barry comes from a rich and varied professional background. Most recently was that of Office Manager of Metropolitan/Delta Adult Literacy Council. He was responsible for managing a small, non-profit program whose sole intent was to provide basic adult literacy education to those in Washington, D.C., specifically, the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Having been affiliated with many church organizations and non-profit programs benefiting the community, Barry is excited about joining City Gate, an organization that is passionate about urban ministry, and empowering and serving the community. Barry is a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. He enjoys singing with the Senior Choir and serves on the Board of Directors of the church's credit union.