Our People
Our Staff
Deacon Paul Treinen, Director
deaconpaul@abbeyofthehills.org
605.398.9200 x145
Deacon Paul Treinen and his wife, Julie, are parents to six children and two “perfect” granddaughters. Deacon Paul grew up in South Dakota, but was educated in Minnesota (St. John’s University/The University of Minnesota). Deacon Paul has lived in Ortonville, MN the past 29 years with the last six years being ordained a permanent deacon of the New Ulm Catholic Diocese. He has worked in health care as a physical therapist and helped start and grow a rehabilitation company before he felt the call to become the Director of The Abbey of the Hills in 2014.
What does Deacon Paul love about working at The Abbey?
“Keeping the Abbey alive…and growing as a place of peace and holiness is both a privilege and exciting challenge, one that involves meeting so many wonderful, holy people that come from such different faith walks…all seeking God’s peace.”
_edited.jpg)
Jill Adelman, Chief Development Officer
jilladelman@abbeyofthehills.org
605.398.9200 x 113
Jill, and her husband, Stan, live on a farm in rural Bellingham, MN. They are parents of four children: Philip & daughter-in-law Jacqueline, Carolyn, Isaac & daughter in-law Breanna, & Grace. Jill grew up near Clarkfield, MN and received a bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from South Dakota State University. She and her family are members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rosen, MN where she is actively involved in music. Jill is the choir director and plays organ.
What does Jill love about working at The Abbey?
Jill loves visiting with the many people who have had wonderful experiences/memories of this beautiful landmark of faith. The stories of how our guests have “rediscovered peace” are truly inspirational. Jill is often overwhelmed with joy from those who truly commit to stewardship in some way of time, talent or treasure. Whether large or small—all gifts of stewardship are so appreciated. Working in a faith-filled environment is a blessing that Jill is thankful for every day.
_JPG.jpg)
Cindi Tramonte, Office Manager
abbey@abbeyofthehills.org
605.398.9200 x100
Cindi lives in Milbank and moved here from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with her furry companion Scooter. She has 2 sons: Michael and wife Kat, and Mark; 3 grandchildren, Cosby, Milo and Vinny. She enjoys camping, concerts, and arts and crafts with her grandchildren and huge fan of the LSU Tiger Football and Baseball teams. She helps The Abbey with administrative needs.
What does Cindi love about working at The Abbey?
"I visited The Abbey in September of 2020 and loved the peace and atmosphere of the grounds. It's so beautiful here and everyone is so helpful and welcoming. I am blessed to be a part of this great team!"
Renee Marzahn, Event Coordinator
events@abbeyofthehills.org
605.398.9200
Renee and her husband, Wade, live in Groton, SD. They are blessed with four children; Breanna (Son-In-Law Jacob), Landon, Nicole and Andrew. Renee grew up near Rosen, Minnesota and graduated from South Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. Renee and Wade are members of Groton’s St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, where Renee is their Director of Religious Education. Renee has enjoyed bringing her youth group to the Abbey for a day of volunteering and fun. She is very excited to be a member of the Abbey staff. She loves organizing events and helping people experience the beautiful and peaceful gift of the Abbey of the Hills.
What does Renee love about working at The Abbey?
"I am very excited to be a member of the Abbey staff. I love organizing events and helping people experience the beautiful and peaceful gift of the Abbey of the Hills."
Bryan Anderson, Maintenance
Bryan and his wife, Brenda, have three children: Sarah (25), Devin (23), and Jake (20). They farm on the family farm in the rural Bellingham area. Bryan brings 30 years of appliance repair and general maintenance experience to The Abbey. Bryan attends St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Rosen, MN with his family. He enjoys hunting with his boys and camping and fishing with his family.
What does Bryan love about working at The Abbey?
“I enjoy the peacefulness that The Abbey offers along with a great group of co-workers that make each day fun and entertaining.”
Savannah Moe, Housekeeping Supervisor
Housekeeping@abbeyofthehills.org
605.398.9200 x 107
Savannah was born and raised in Summit, SD and is a member of Hope Lutheran Church. Savannah is engaged to Travis Benthin and has 2 small girls, Airianna and Allison. She has always enjoyed visiting the Abbey with her church youth group, and now is happy to be part of the staff at Abbey of the Hills.
Eugene Edwards, Kitchen Supervisor
Eugene is from Massachusetts and lives in Summit with his family. He is the proud father of twins and is an excellent cook and a great asset to the Abbey staff.
Deacon Rick & Gwen Christiansen, Caretakers
rgchristiansen@abbeyofthehills.org
Deacon Rick and Gwen herald from New Ulm MN and both recently retired from careers; Deacon Rick as a CPA and Gwen as a bus driver. They raised two daughters and have one beautiful, smart granddaughter. Deacon Rick was ordained in 2012 at the same time as Deacon Paul for the Diocese of New Ulm. For many years they have been coming out to the Abbey on retreats and now feel very blessed to live and work at the Abbey helping new retreatants and visitors.
What does Deacon Rick & Gwen love about working at The Abbey?
"The beauty of the place, the people and the peace are what draw us here. We place this caretaker ministry in God’s hands that he will use us to help others rediscover that same peace and hear God’s still, small voice."
Rick Nyberg, Caretaker
ricknyberg@abbeyofthehills.com
Born in Buffalo, MN Rick was raised in Sherman Texas. "My twin sister and I are the youngest of six kids, my mother is a Methodist pastor. Served 4 years in the Active Duty Army before being honorably discharged and am now pursuing a degree in Christian Ministry from Liberty University while also serving as one of the caretakers here at the Abbey of the Hills".
Kim Remily, Bookkeeping/HR
Kim grew up on the family farm in rural Doland, SD with 6 brothers along with all the cows, sheep, chicken, dogs and cats etc. "Life on the farm was never dull when you have 6 brothers and hundreds of acres to roam. With 7 boys on the farm Dad always had plenty of work for us to do and if not, he would hire us out to the neighbors to pick rocks, stack bales, or clean their barns etc."
What does Kim love about working at The Abbey?
"I think the history of the Abbey is amazing. I have only been here a couple of months and still trying to find all the nooks and crannies of this building. When you walk the halls and see the pictures of when the Abbey was built etc. God has called me to be part of this plan.
"I think people need to come and see The Abbey of the Hills for themselves. We can talk about it, we can tell you about it but until you come and see this place, walk the trails, and leave all your troubles behind, you will never know."