Collette is a mom, stepmom, pastor, writer, and a lover of people and justice . She was divorced in 2012 from her first husband of ten years. She remarried in 2014, then was suddenly widowed in June of 2019.

Collette is now doing her best to care for her two children, three step-children, an adorable dachshund amd his archenemy Basil, the pet mouse, as well as the people she pastors at Faith Lutheran Church in Janesville, Wisconsin.

In addition to pastoring and non-profit leadership, Collette is passionate about grief work. Through her individual and small group resource, The Grief Lectionary, Collette offers her experience leading others through grieving, as well as leading while grieving herself. She is available for individual coaching, grief groups, retreats and speaking engagements.