Our Staff

Rev. Meredith Garmon, Interim Minister

Rev. Dr. LoraKim Joyner, D.V.M. – Community Minister 

Rev.  LoraKim Joyner is both a wildlife veterinarian and Unitarian Universalist minister, having served in parish ministry for 10 years and community ministry for 14 years. Currently she serves as a community minister affiliated with this congregation. She draws on her training as a Certified Trainer in Nonviolent Communication and over 35 years as a conservationist and wildlife veterinarian to co-lead One Earth Conservation.  With her team, they support others through their international Nurture Nature Program that seeks to empower the people saving the planet. She directs projects in Latin America to stand in solidarity and witness to the plight of the parrots of people there, and do what she can.  One Earth’s projects extend to Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Guyana, and Suriname. She has written three books, “Conservation in Time of War,” and “Nurturing Discussions and Practices,” and “Prionm” with Birding for Life to be published later this year.

Tracy Aukes, 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 database, oversees communications, and processes invoices.  

Beyond her professional endeavors, Tracy resides in Adel with her husband, John, alongside their cherished fur-baby companions – two dogs (Tiko and Charley) and one cat (Mozart). Together, they have two adult children, Nathaniel and Chris. Tracy’s dedication and diverse contributions make a significant impact on our community, reflecting the values of service and leadership within our congregation.  

Faithyna Leonard, Faith Formation & Congregational Life Coordinator

Faithyna Leonard (she/her/hers) joined us on February 24, 2023, working in the childcare room, and officially joined our Office Staff as of August 21, 2023, as our Communications & Rental Coordinator. Faith now will be serving 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 Notch, Office Manager & Childcare Coordinator

Hannah Notch (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, Theo. 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 Seitz, Communications Coordinator

Jamie Seitz (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 Boeckholt, Bookkeeper

Sally Boeckholt (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 Luke and Liza, who live in the Charlotte, NC, area. She served as our bookkeeper in the early 2000s and is excited to rejoin the staff.

Karen Kraemer, Choir Director

Bruce Martin, Pianist

Barb Martin, Special Music Coordinator

Caylie Robinson

Hi! My name is Caylie Robinson, a few little things about me I am married, I live with my husband and our 2 cats and dog, we are getting ready to move again in our 2nd home. A few other things I love are French fries, the Hyper Energy Bar, stuffed animals, and every color of the rainbow.

Emilie Stewart

Hello! My name is Emilie Stewart and I’m a senior who is active in competitive cheerleading, girls wrestling, tennis, and band. A bit about me is that I love writing, poetry, music, and working with kids! I am very excited to be a part of this great community as a member of the childcare team!

Destiny Ruvalcaba-Reveles

Hello, my name is Destiny. I was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and I have been working in childcare for almost five years. I am currently a student at Grand View University majoring in Social Work with minors in Psychology and Spanish. Post-graduation, my goal is to continue working with children in a school setting. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and going to concerts.