I was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, living on the East Side until I was age 10, at which time my family moved to West Acres. I graduated High School from West Central in Hartford, South Dakota. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in the field of paralegal from Winona State University in Minnesota. After graduation, I worked as a counselor with at-risk youth going through the court system spending time working with out-door-education and counseling programs at St. Croix Camps in northern Minnesota, McCrossan Boys Ranch in South Dakota, and Spring Creek Community in western Montana. I believe the Lord brought me back to Sioux Falls during each of these positions. Upon my return from Montana, I met my husband, Curt.
Curt grew up on a farm between Rock Valley, Iowa, and Inwood, Iowa. He graduated high school from Rock Valley and pursued his education in Sioux City, graduating from Western Iowa Tech with a degree in auto body repair. He moved to Sioux Falls afterwards.
When Curt and I discussed marriage we agreed to become members of First Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls. As a member there, I participated in various aspects of ministry including: JETS Youth Advisor, Sunday School Teacher, Confirmation Teacher, Programming Nursery for Vacation Bible School and completed a two year course with Bethel Bible Study.
After a year and a half of getting to know each other, Curt and I decided to marry and celebrated our tenth anniversary this past April. We are raising two daughters, Kyla (8) and Kathy (6) and we have three cats -- Cinderella, Gypsy, and Frosty. Kyla and Kathy enjoy participating in soccer, swimming, fast-pitch softball, and all the things young girls enjoy doing. Curt enjoys participating on his slow-pitch softball team, flag football team, paintball team, as well as hunting, fishing, and golfing. He currently is employed by Jarding Construction and is self-employed as a Health and Life Insurance Agent.
After our first daughter was born, I had a strong desire to raise our children. I became a registered home daycare operator, during which time I continued to hear God's call to ordained ministry. While operating my daycare, I began my Seminary education at North American Baptist Seminary. During this time, I also became the Student Pastor for East Side Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls. I have been the solo student pastor there on a part-time basis for two and a half years, and I recently finished my course work and have earned my Master of Divinity Degree from NABS. I was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament through the Presbytery of South Dakota at the June meeting.
While student pastoring at East Side Presbyterian I have been blessed with the opportunity to learn and grow in my pastoral role to this bi-cultural downtown congregation. Here I have been responsible for pastoral care, home and hospital visits, preaching and leading worship (having done both contemporary and traditional style worship), teaching an adult Bible Study, teaching a one classroom Sunday School, writing and coordinating the Christmas Pageant, funerals, newsletter articles, participating in leading the Session and working with the deacons. I have led and encouraged the growth of this congregation as a bi-cultural congregation. I have had the opportunity to develop in my leadership, worship, preaching and teaching abilities. I look forward to continuing my growth and improving my skills as I minister alongside you, with you and to you, at Wild Flower.
Some of my favorite activities include music (I play piano, organ, trombone, guitar, harmonica, sing) downhill skiing, backpacking, canoeing, hiking, camping, rock climbing, biking, crafts, and reading.