Meet Our Staff

Karen LindbloomPart-time Music Coordinator

Karen is married to Dr. B.O. Lindbloom and has two sons Chris and Rodd Bauck. Karen has been directing the Faith choir for over 38 years and has been a member of Faith since 1973. Her education includes a B.S. degree in vocal and instrumental music from Moorhead State University, Minnesota, and a M.M. degree in applied music from the University of South Dakota. She taught elementary music at St Joseph School for six years and was a part of the Capital City Children's Chorus for eight years. Karen has done additional graduate work at the University of Minnesota and St. John's University. She is an accompanist at T.F. Riggs in Pierre.

Helen KiepkeOffice Administrator

Helen grew up in Blunt, SD and attended grade school in Blunt. She attended Blunt High School for one year and then Blunt & Onida consolidated schools to become Sully Buttes. She graduated in 1973 and went on to attend Black Hills State College. In 1978, Helen took a job working for Lucas & Theim department store in Pierre and was there for 10-11 years. She then went to work for Marc Ford at Metro City convenience store and was there four years before going to work for Marc Ford at Marc’s Pump & Pack by the Mall until he sold the business. Helen then managed the Pretzelmaker in the Mall for Marc for several years and was working full-time at Riddle’s Jewelry. After closing Pretzelmaker, she continued to work at Riddle’s Jewelry in the Mall and has been there for 15 years.

Helen has been in the office administrator position since January 2, 2008. She does quite a variety of things in this job and that in itself makes it interesting. Helen has worked with many wonderful people here at Faith. We truly are a “family” who cares for and about each other. That isn’t always the case with other jobs.

Helen joined Faith in 1982 by transferring from Trinity Lutheran at Blunt.

Jay FredrichDirector of Facilities

Jay is married to Cynthia, a mortgage originator at Bank West, and has three daughters: Elizabeth, who is a grade school teacher; Melanie, who is a bank teller; and Emily, who is a massage therapist.  Jay has a two year Associate Degree in Building Construction and a two year Associate Degree in Electrical Construction.  He has held this position for thirteen years and has been a member of Faith Lutheran since 1996.  Jay appreciates his job because he does not have to sit behind a desk.  Every day brings something new and he especially enjoys seeing the children in Daycare and Preschool.

Jen HovelsonDaycare Director

My name is Jen Hovelson, I started as the Daycare Director in October 2016. I have a background in Human Resources/Business Management, have lived in Pierre for 5 years now, I am married with 4 daughters (Delaney-11 yrs, Gracie-9 yrs, Berkley-2 yrs, and Everleigh-6 mos). Although my background is in business, I am a kid at heart! I love planning fun trips and activities for the daycare kids and enjoy getting to spend my days watching them learn and grow!

Carissa NaaszPreschool Director/Teacher

Carissa graduated from BHSU in 2003 with an Elementary Education Degree, Early Childhood minor and a Kindergarten endorsement. From 2003-2006 she taught 1st Grade in Bonesteel-Fairfax SD; from 2006-2009 she taught Kindergarten in Rapid City SD. Her family moved to Pierre in 2010 and she has been working at the Pierre School District since then. Carissa is active in LWML at the district and local levels, and she is also a Sunday School Teacher. She has three lovely girls who went through Faith Lutheran Preschool and she is excited to be teaching here.

Donna GohlTeacher Assistant

Donna has been at the preschool since it started in 1979. She is a wonderfully dedicated teacher assistant and loves children. Her many years of experience are a great asset to the program. Donna is married, has two grown children and two grandchildren.

Anita MarsoTeacher Assistant

In 2007 Anita joined our staff as our third assistant teacher having previously been employed at the Faith Lutheran Daycare as an assistant director. She too has many years of experience and has a wonderful way with children of all ages. Anita is married with two grown children and two grandchildren.

Dusti PalecekTeacher Assistant

We are fortunate to have Dusti Palecek on our staff at Faith Lutheran starting in December 2014.

Dusti has experience with children from raising her own children and operating a daycare in her home. She loves children and has a great way with them. She and her husband, Nick have two sons at home and have lived in Pierre since 2006.

Beth HandTeacher Assistant

Beth Hand was able to join our staff in September of 2015. She is a graduate of Dakota Wesleyan University. She and her husband Brad have lived in Pierre for the past 11 years. They have four children -three boys and one girl. Three of her children have attended Faith Lutheran Preschool. Beth has worked with children in a variety of ways for many years - most recently with the MOPS program in Pierre. She loves the little ones and has a great personality for helping them in a preschool setting. She is a wonderful addition to our staff.