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.

Shelby BergesonDaycare Director

Shelby Bergeson is the mother to 3 wonderful girls and has lived in Pierre for the past 5 ½ years. Her experience ranges from Center- Based Childcare, Family Childcare, Elementary Special Education, Home Visiting for Head Start, and providing Early Childhood Development Trainings for licensed daycare providers in the state. She is a part of the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Young Professionals Advisory Council, as well the Public Policy Chair for South Dakota’s Association for the Education of Young Children. Shelby’s favorite part of being involved at the daycare is seeing the children learn and grow through play and exploration.

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.

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.

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.