The people who support our congregation’s work and worship carry out our Seven UU Principles every day as they serve our members and support the programs we value. Get to know them!
Our Minister
Rev. Steve Sieck
Rev. Steve Sieck (he/him) is a Unitarian Universalist minister dedicated to building communities of compassion, justice, and mutual thriving. He is honored and excited to serve as Minister for First Unitarian Church of Des Moines. Steve was a choral director for 25 years, serving most recently as a professor at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Wisconsin from 2010-2024. His later research focused on how to help music educators practice inclusive teaching for all learners.
Steve studied ministry at Meadville-Lombard Theological School and completed his ministerial internship at the First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee. In his Clinical Pastoral Experience, he supported residents in homeless shelters. Steve and his wife are licensed foster parents who have cared for eleven children.
Steve is an avid runner and reader who loves the storytelling of stand-up comedy and podcasts. His spiritual practices include sitting meditation, journaling, and hiking. Steve shares the journey with his wife, Anne, a special education birth-3 specialist, and their five children.
Schedule a meeting with Rev. Steve here: https://calendly.com/uurevsteve
Administrative Staff
Tracy, Church Administrator
Tracy (she/her/hers) serves as our Church Administrator, bringing a wealth of expertise and dedication to our congregation. Tracy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University and furthered her academic journey by earning a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Stephen F. Austin University. Having roots in Texas, Tracy has also cultivated experiences in Ohio, North Carolina, and currently, Iowa.
With a background in church administration and human resource management, Tracy plays a pivotal role in providing essential support to our Minister, Board of Trustees, and volunteers. Her responsibilities encompass supervising custodial services, collaborating with the grounds and building committee, and negotiating contracts with vendors. Furthermore, Tracy manages the church’s finances, oversees communications, and works with members on any issues that may arise.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Tracy resides in the area with her husband, alongside their cherished fur-baby companions – two dogs. Together, they have two adult children. Tracy’s dedication and diverse contributions make a significant impact on our community, reflecting the values of service and leadership within our congregation.
Faithyna, Faith Formation & Congregational Life Coordinator
Faithyna (she/her/hers) has been with our church since 2023, working in various part-time positions. Faith now serves full-time as the Faith Formation & Congregational Life Coordinator. Faithyna obtained her BA in Human Services from Simpson College. In her free time, Faithyna enjoys being expressive through art and writing. Her favorite thing about her job is getting to meet all of the new people.
Faithyna has experience in childcare, management, administration, event coordination, marketing, and much more.
Hannah, Office Manager
Hannah (she/her/hers) grew up in the Unitarian Church, where her spiritual journey and values were deeply influenced by the church’s teachings. Passionate about the values instilled in her during childhood, she began working for the church in 2019 as a childcare employee, later becoming the coordinator and joining the office staff in 2021. Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Hannah has valued the connections she’s made through the church’s shared principles. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her cat. What she enjoys most about her job is working for an organization that aligns with her values and having the opportunity to serve on an ongoing basis.
Jamie, Communications Coordinator
Jamie (she/her/hers) is a middle-grade and young adult fiction author. Her funny backyard garden adventures also become stories that pop up in the monthly humor column, In the Weeds, in Garden Gate Magazine. She also uses her writing skills as a freelance communication virtual assistant.
Besides writing, her talents include being an expert maker of guacamole and the perfect Spotify playlist for any road trip, knitting extremely long scarves, and having a knack for finding the funny in everyday life. She lives in Des Moines with her husband, four kids, two dogs, three cats, and a partridge in a pear tree.
Sally, Bookkeeper
Sally (she/her/hers) is a Des Moines native and has been a member of First Unitarian Church since the late ’90s. She has served on various committees and the Board, as well as with AMOS and Coming of Age. Her children grew up in our church, and she is the happy grandmother of two, who live out of state. She served as our bookkeeper in the early 2000s and is excited to rejoin the staff.
Vicky, Faith Formation Teacher
Vicky (she/her/hers) was born and raised in a small town in Northern Wisconsin and moved to Duluth, MN in 2004 where she earned my BA in Psychology and Organizational Behavior at The College of St. Scholastica. Vicky has always felt a passion for supporting, helping and serving others no matter who they are. She has worked in the health and human services field all of her life and currently is the Area Director at an organization supporting people with intellectual disabilities. While not at work, Vicky loves spending time outdoors with her two boys. She moved to the Des Moines area roughly four years ago and she is excited to learn and grow in this faith community.
Karen, Choir Director
Karen (she/her/hers) is the director of our UU Singers and the founding director of the Bell Ave Ringers. Having spent her youth and adult life singing in church and community choirs, Karen returned to college as a “life-long learner” and received a BA degree in music. In addition, Karen is a part-time audiologist, tennis enthusiast, and avid music composer.
Bruce, Pianist
Bruce (he/him/his) serves as our accompanist for services and our adult choir. His musical versatility surprises and delights all, whether he is accompanying congregational singing, joining in concert with frequent guest musical performers on stage, or in his virtuoso solo performances.
Barbara, Special Music Coordinator
Barbara (she/her/hers) plans and coordinates special music for church services. If you would like to offer your musical talents, please contact her.
Childcare Providers
Destiny
Destiny is from Des Moines and has been working in childcare for almost five years. She is currently majoring in Social Work with minors in Psychology and Spanish. Post-graduation, Destiny’s goal is to continue working with children in a school setting. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and going to concerts.
Naoma
Naoma is from Des Moines and has grown up at First Unitarian. She is a soccer player, big sister and has a good amount of experience with children. She is so excited to begin working with the congregation childcare team.