Abby Karsten, Women’s Ministry Director

Abby is passionate about connecting women with God’s Word and each other. Coming out of a time of distance, friendships, and virtual learning, she is honored to help women deepen their love for God and knowledge of his character, while also facilitating the growth of a robust community within our church. In her free time, Abby enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, taking hikes with the kids or a long bike ride with her husband, Dave, reading, and finding new and creative ways to bake with her homemade sourdough starter!

Contact Abby
314-392-4741
abby.karsten@thekirk.org

Women’s Council

  • Emily Barnes

    My husband Jeff and I have been members of the Kirk since the fall of 2022. We have two girls, Bee (4), in preschool at KDS, and Annie (2) in Toddler Time.

    I enjoy walks with my girls, reading, and decorating. I continue to feel blessed by the women’s ministry and the sweet friendships I’ve made through the Kirk community.

  • Maureen Burt

    My husband Larry and I happily celebrated 40 years of marriage last December (high school sweethearts) and are blessed with 3 children, 2 daughters and 1 son (all married), and have blessed us with 9 young grandchildren and 2 on the way! We travel to see them as often as we are able. \

    Larry and I are enjoying restoring our 1934 home here in STL, bicycling & golf. My greatest joy is found in growing in the Lord and in his Word, striving to honor him in marriage, family and friend relationships and to make him known.

  • Erica Dunahue

    I am married to Drew Dunahue and have two children who attend KDS, Connor (8) and Sutton (5).

    I enjoy biking, reading, Bible studies, and child development.

  • Tracy Gonsior

    My husband John and I have been attending the Kirk since we moved to St. Louis in 2011. We have two children, Will and Carly, both of whom are active in Kirk Student Ministry. In my free time I enjoy traveling and reading

  • Cathy Hickel

    My husband and I came to the Kirk many years ago and enjoyed raising our children here. I also had the privilege of teaching at Kirk Day School for several years. I am very thankful that my family lives close so I am able to spend time with all of them.

    I am looking forward to serving on the Women's Council and participating in the many activities offered throughout the year.

  • Jane Li

    My husband and I have been coming to the Kirk regularly since 2005 under the loving and persistent guidance of Matthew and Cheng Yu. We were baptized at the Kirk in October 2006 and was married in December 2006 at the Kirk. We moved away from 2010 to 2016, but as soon as we moved back to St. Louis, we rejoined the Kirk family.

    I divide my time in three major components—discipleship, family, and family business. I enjoy filling the gap with befriending my neighbors, gardening, and (occasionally) going to the gym.

  • Patty Roe

    I joined the Kirk for the first time in 1976 and, after moving and living out of town for a while, I came back to St. Louis and joined again in 2006. I worked for 37 years as an elementary school librarian/teacher and have been enjoying retirement for the past 9 years. I love to read (of course), to babysit with my great nephews and niece, and am now looking forward to serving on the Women's Council.

  • Becky VanValkenburg

    I met my husband Phil while we were both serving on the staff of Cru, and we have been married for 48 years. Our two children and four grandchildren all live here in St. Louis. We have been at the Kirk since 1993 (except for a 6-year break when Phil took a job out of town). I enjoy knitting, reading, walking my dog, spending time with friends, and hanging out with my family.

Women’s Shepherding Team

  • Katy Clement

    I am married to Taylor, Head of School at KDS. We have 2 children. Anderson (8) and Betsy (5).

    I love hanging with children and am about to teach 3 year olds in Toddler Time. I enjoy anything artsy—graphic design, cross stitch, creating notecards. I also love hanging with my friends in the Kirk community.

  • Susan Fasick

    I am married to John and have attended the Kirk since 1980.

    We have 4 sons, 6 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

    I enjoy Bible studies, book club, having dinner parties, doing puzzles and “doing lunch”. I am also a big Cardinals fan.

  • Sabrina Hickel

    Sabrina and her husband Doug (both long time members of the Kirk) have three children, a garage full of bikes, a backyard trampoline, one crazy dog, a minivan they swore they’d never own, and a shared passion for supporting Christian education at all learning levels. Sabrina Hickel (LPC, NCC) has been a licensed professional counselor since 2012 and sees clients at CrossRoads Counseling Centers.

  • Karen Schumacher

    I am married to Don, and have 2 daughters, one here and one in NC, and 4 grandchildren.

    I love reading, studying, planning, and working in my gardens, being with women at the Kirk, and good food.

  • Carrie Spencer

    Bio coming soon!

  • Lacy Stegmann

    I have been married to my husband, Ben, for 15 years. We have 3 kids, Kate (10), Will (8), and Sara (4).

    I enjoy going for walks, cooking, and reading.

  • Betsy Zieseniss

    Betsy Zieseniss and her husband Bill, married 55 years ago this coming October, have attended the Kirk for approximately 14 years. We are grateful that our daughter, her husband and two children live in Webster Groves. Our son, who recently retired from the US Army, lives in Alexandria, Virginia, and has one son. Our whole family recently returned from a National Geographic wilderness cruise/expedition to Southeast Alaska, a once-in-a-lifetime trip. We saw amazing wildlife, sea life and experienced the magical scenery of this beautiful area. Betsy is involved in the Women’s Tuesday morning Bible Study, Prayer Warriors and Community Group on Sunday evenings.