Collette is a mom, stepmom, pastor, writer, and a lover of people and justice . She was divorced in 2009 from her first husband of ten years. The same week her divorce was final, she met Marrett, a wildlife research scientist whose name rhymes with hers. They married in 2014, joining households and adding another kid to the mix in 2017. Marrett was in the process of becoming an ELCA pastor like her, when he died suddenly in June of 2019.

Collette continues to maintain two split custody arrangements, doing her best to mother two adult daughters, two tween boys, and the littlest Broady Grund. She also has two dogs, Marley and Schnitzel who are opposites in every way except the expansiveness of their love.

Collette lives in Mankato, Minnesota where she co-directs Connections Ministry, an ecumenical community for and with those experiencing homelessness. She is also one of the pastors and mission developers for Shelter Church, founded Easter 2021. You can read more about her work at http://www.parkinglotpastors.com