A native of Lincoln, Troy has been on staff at New Cov since 2003 after 6 years as a high school science teacher. Troy and his wife Suz met while doing ministry with Young Life and continue to love ministering together. They have three kids, Chloe, Landon and Rylan. As a family, the Heller’s enjoy sports and being active outdoors. Troy is a huge fan of iced coffee, bike rides and rooting for the underdog as evidenced by his fan association to the Detroit Lions and Wyoming Cowboys. Troy is our Pastor of Family Ministries which includes ministry to children, youth and parents.

Contact Troy:
office | 402.484.5033

Dr. Bret Welstead is a native Nebraskan who moved to Lincoln to attend the University of Nebraska in 1996. He began attending New Cov in 2000 with his girlfriend Tracie. Tracie and Bret were baptized at New Cov in 2000, married here in 2001, and today their family includes three kids: Cole, Jack and Lucy. Bret enjoys just about anything to do with music, from listening to writing/arranging to performing with others. When the pandemic hit, Bret and his sons formed a band to entertain neighbors from their driveway. His favorite food is spicy, his favorite recent movie is Dune, and his favorite book is whatever he just finished. As the Pastor of Worship & Creative Arts at New Cov since 2006, Bret encourages and equips musicians and other artists, plans and facilitates worship services, and teaches from the platform and in the classroom. In 2016 he earned his Doctor of Worship Studies degree.

Contact Bret:
office | 402.484.5033

Brent has been on staff at New Cov since 2010 after doing college student ministry for 16 years with Cru and teaching seminary classes for three years. Brent serves as our Pastor of Adult Discipleship which includes overseeing small groups, men’s ministry, and our local and global missions efforts. His desire is to see people develop the character of Jesus and live lives of meaningful impact. Brent and his wife, Jenni, have two children, Chloe and Phoebe. In their free time, the Watson’s enjoy board games, music, and anything involving a swimming pool. A graduate of the Uninversity of Kansas, Brent is a fan of Jayhawk basketball. He is also enjoys guitars, 80s hard rock, sci-fi, and technology.

Contact Brent:
office | 402.484.5033

Suz Heller is a native Nebraskan who moved to Lincoln in 1997 to attend Nebraska Wesleyan University. While there, she majored in Religion and Sociology with the intent of doing student ministry. She began attending New Cov in 1998 as a college student. She met Troy Heller, her future husband, while leading Young Life together and they were married in 2000. They have 3 kids, Chloe, Landon, and Rylan. Suz loves kids, soccer, riding bikes, and games! She also loves traveling with her family and spending time with friends. Prior to becoming the Children’s Ministry Director in 2021, Suz was on staff helping to lead the Middle and High School Youth Group. 

Contact Suz:
office | 402.484.5033

Amber Hudson was born in Merriam, Kansas, and moved to Lincoln, NE, in high school. She was greatly involved with Campus Life throughout high school and became a leader after she graduated. She met her best friend, through Campus Life, who happened to be the sister of her future husband, Greg. They have been married for 24 years and have 3 kids, Noah, Caitlin, and Alexa. She has led youth at New Cov since 2017 and joined the staff team in August of 2024 coordinating youth events and with our youth leaders. Outside of New Cov, she teaches group fitness classes at the YMCA.

Katie Smith is a native Nebraskan who has grown up in Lincoln and has attended New Cov since she was born. After working for a local non-profit for a few years out of college, she joined staff in September of 2021. Katie and her husband, Andrew, met while attending the University of Nebraska and the rest is history. They were recently married in the summer of 2021. They enjoy doing a wide variety of activities: (including but not limited to) playing tennis, watching all different kinds of sports, going for ice cream runs, dancing, traveling, and having very competitive and intense Wii Sports tournaments. Katie loves her family, is a sucker for a sweet treat, could spend hours in Menards, and endlessly cheers on Husker Football and North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball. Her favorite place to eat is Shen Cafe, her favorite ice cream place is Topper Popper, and her go to hang out spot is The Mill. Katie serves as the Student Ministry Director which includes overseeing both the Middle and High School Youth programs.

Anitra and her husband Chad are long-time New Cov members and Nebraska natives. They live vicariously through their three grown children, Cara, Ben, and Elli, and enjoy traveling together as a family. In her free time, you will find Anitra helping on the tech team, baking, taking a walk, or reading a good book with coffee in hand.

A lifelong word nerd (Anitra's words, not ours!), photographer, and generally creative person, Anitra began with a journalism background and recently completed her undergraduate degree in graphic design. During that time she discovered an interest in videography and video editing and enjoys telling stories through pictures, both still and moving. She has a passion for creative and clear communication and is excited to use these skills at New Covenant.