 | Ellen Kyhl is a re-emergent professional architect looking to make the most of the years ahead by doing meaningful work to “make better places” in her heart, her home, her family, her community, and possibly in her profession. She invests her time: Reading, Running, Baking, Cake Designing, Landscaping, and Treasure Hunting in her Faith. She and her husband Chris are passionate about keeping the gears turning smoothly in the right direction for their family of six, affectionately referred to as Team Kyhl. Their four sons, ages 14-21, have been nurtured through the years at St. Pius X Catholic Church and School along with Dowling Catholic High School, Johnston Community Schools, and the University of Notre Dame. |
 | Geneveve Loraditch is wife to Timothy and homeschool mom of 6. They live in Ankeny and have been members of All Saints Catholic Church for 13 years. There she is involved with the respect life group, marriage ministry, and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She loves to read spiritual books and discuss the spiritual life. Between homeschooling and church life she keeps pretty busy but makes time to play board games with friends and focus on her other love - SPORTS. She is a convert to the Buffalo Bills and really enjoys fantasy football. Recently Geneveve reverted back to an old love, the Chicago Cubs, as did half of America! She is passionate about her faith and is so grateful to have a loving community in which to raise her family and find her rest. |
 | A true, small town Iowa love story, Julie Nelson and her husband Lynn met on a blind date their high school sophomore year. Married 35 years (woot!), they have four children and three babes in Heaven. A self-described ambient introvert and Catholic “passionista,” Julie loves a good glass of wine made extra special in the company of friends. Julie is a former nurse who now co-hosts Catholic Women Now, a weekly radio program on Iowa Catholic Radio. Her happy place is being surrounded with her family especially by a beach or lake. Julie’s nirvana is spending time in her sewing room while binging on Fashion Runway. Julie is a member of St. Francis of Assisi in West Des Moines. |
 | Katie Patrizio is the Director of Faith Formation at St. Cecilia Parish in Ames. She holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a master’s degree in Biblical theology from John Paul the Great Catholic University in San Diego. Katie frequently teaches popular studies of Scripture and also serves as an instructor for the Catechetical Institute of the Diocese of Des Moines. When she’s not working for Jesus she enjoys good beer, bike rides, and daydreaming about her home state of California. |
 | Kara Storey is proud wife to Adam and stay-at-home mama to a charming boy and two sweet girls. She has a bachelor's degree in Catholic studies and print journalism, and minor in philosophy, from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. Kara is a contributing writer for Family Foundations magazine and IBelieveinLove.com, and together with her husband can often be found presenting “God’s Plan for a Joy-filled Marriage” to engaged couples throughout the diocese. A parishioner at the Basilica of St. John, Kara enjoys reading to her kids, hosting dinner parties, watching sports with her family, liturgical living, and meaningful conversations with girlfriends. |