Meet Our Staff

Karen LindbloomPart-time Music Coordinator

Karen and Dr. B.O. Lindbloom (deceased) have 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.

Michael HernandezDirector of Facilities

Michael joined our staff in 2019. He moved to Pierre to be close to family when daughter Emma Rosa was born. Michael worked for First United Methodist Church for four and a half years. He is a father of four with three daughters - Emma, Sophia, and Natalie - and a son, Trenton. Michael is a loving husband to his wife Amanda. He also enjoys animals. 

Angela SchwartzDaycare Director

Angela recently became our new Daycare Director. She has many years of experience and is doing a great job. Bio to come soon.

Hope LaForestPreschool Director/Teacher

Hope was born and raised in Louisiana and relocated to Pierre, SD in June 2018. She attended Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisiana where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Birth to Five Early Intervention Education and an Associate’s Degree in Preschool Management. For 3 years she taught Kindergarten and 1st grade in Louisiana. Hope and her husband Matt have two young boys, Hudson and Harvey. Both boys attend Daycare at Faith Lutheran. She is beyond excited to continue her career at Faith Lutheran Preschool.

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.

Dawn KochTeacher Assistant

Dawn Koch was able to join our staff in 2017. She and her husband John live in Pierre. She is a wonderful addition to our staff.

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.