Meet Our Admissions Team
We'd love to help you discover if Western Seminary is the right place for you. Our admissions team is equipped to answer your questions about our training programs, visiting campus, the application process, what it's like to be a student at Western, and more. We hope that we'll be able to come alongside you in the transition to seminary life.
  Andrew HedingerDirector of Admissions Get to Know Andrew Andrew spent his childhood in central Mexico, where his parents served as missionaries. Andrew loves spicy food and good coffee. When he is not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family, hiking in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, reading good books, and drinking good coffee (though not all at once…). |
  Leah KingAdmissions Counselor Get to Know Leah Leah was born and raised in Texas. She has completed her MA in Ministry and Leadership at Western. Leah moved to Portland to work at Western while she continues in the Doctor of Education program. She loves serving in the local church, being silly with her nieces and nephews, singing, working out, making lattes, and hosting game nights at her house. |
  Alexandria SmithpetersAdmissions Counselor Get to Know Alexandria Alexandria was born and raised in Washington but has lived in Oregon sporadically throughout her life. She loves being outdoors distance running, eating and making good food, singing along to music, learning, and spending time with community! As someone who could talk endlessly about psychology and communication, Alexandria is excited to be a student in the M.A. in Counseling program! |
 Mindy De JonghAdmissions Counselor Get to Know Mindy Mindy moved to Oregon in 1981 for her dad to attend Western Seminary and has called Mount Tabor home for much of her life. She has a background in audience strategy, but also loves painting, reading and writing poetry, 90s Christian punk rock, and World Cup soccer. Mindy is excited to be joining the admissions team as an admissions counselor alongside her husband, Jeshua, who is also on staff at Western. |
  Susie BarnesAdmissions Administrative Assistant Get to Know Susie Susie was born in north Georgia and moved to Portland two years ago to serve in full-time college ministry. She first joined Western as a library assistant in 2025 and is excited to now be joining the admissions team as the administrative assistant. Susie also has the important role of selecting the candy at the front desk in Armstrong. She loves trivia, puzzles, trying new coffee shops, historical documentaries, and neighborhood walks. |