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. Meredith Garmon, Interim Minister
515-244-8603 Ext. 102 • cell: 352-682-8492 • mgarmon@ucdsm.org
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.
Administrative Staff
Birch Spick, Faith Formation & Congregational Life Coordinator
Birch (they/them/theirs) works closely with our Faith Formation and Congregational Life committees and volunteers to deepen and enrich our shared community and the programming that sustains it. They are a graduate of Iowa State University, and currently enrolled in the Masters of Divinity program at Meadville Lombard Theological School. Prior to joining staff at First Unitarian, they worked in refugee services & housing services.
515-244-8603 Ext. 103 • ffoffice@ucdsm.org • cloffice@ucdsm.org
40 hours/week
Office Hours:
Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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.
515-244-8603 Ext. 103 • admin@ucdsm.org
40 hours/week
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hannah Notch, Office Manager & Childcare Coordinator
Hannah Notch (she/her/hers) officially joined us on November 2, 2021 after filling in at the front desk for a month. Growing up through the Unitarian Church has been a significant part in her journey towards enjoying spirituality and leading her life with love and kindness. She has a huge passion for kids and finds purpose in teaching them and helping them feel understood. Hannah is currently pursing a degree in Sociology. In her free time, Hannah enjoys spending time with family most of all, and is glad to have that opportunity more frequently following the COVID-19 vaccination. Her favorite thing about her job is getting to be the first face of the church and meet all of the new people.
515-244-8603 Ext. 107 • hnotch@ucdsm.org
Office Hours: 32 hours/week
Tuesday – Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Faithyna Leonard, Assistant 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 Assistant. 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. She also works for the City of Des Moines.
515-244-8603 Ext. 106 • fleonard@ucdsm.org
Office Hours: 30 hours/week
Tuesday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday: By Appointment Only
Talia Lombardi, Bookkeeper
Talia is a native Iowan and she has spent the last ten years with a small company managing the books, as well as the company and staff. She has a very strong background in administration as well as 14 years in bookkeeping.
When she is not rock hunting with her granddaughter she enjoys reading and kayaking, not necessarily at the same time.
515-244-8603 Ext. 109 • bookkeeper@ucdsm.org
Office Hours: 10 hours/week – flexible
Karen Kraemer, 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.
Contact Karen at choir@ucdsm.org
Bruce Martin, 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.
Barb Martin, Special Music Coordinator
Barb (she/her/hers) plans and coordinates special music for church services. If you would like to offer your musical talents, please contact her at specialmusic@ucdsm.org.
Childcare Providers
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 facts are I love French fries I love the place hyper energy bar, I love every color of the rainbow. I also love stuff animals.
Elisabeth Connell
Hi! I’m Elisabeth and I enjoy painting, singing and writing! I go to Drake university and am studying education to be a high school English teacher.