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.

  • Katie Harbison

    My husband Alex and I joined the Kirk in autumn of 2023- shortly after moving to St Louis. We have two children, Maggie (6) and Ellie (2) who both cherish our church home just as much as my husband and I do. In my free time I enjoy running, cooking, reading, and being with my family.

  • Donna Herter

    I am a St. Louis native and my family lives in the St. Louis area: a brother and sister-in-law, three adult nephews and a niece, and four great-nephews. After being away for 30 years, I moved back to STL in Spring of 2022 and became a member later that year. I enjoy reading (along with my book club), playing cards, and volunteering for the Fisher House at Jefferson Barracks VA Medical Center. You'll also find me at family soccer and baseball games, spending time with great nephews as much as possible. 

  • 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.

  • Sally Norman

    I am married to Paul with three children: Andrew (6), Emmitt (2), and Imogen (almost 1). We have been members at the Kirk since Fall 2022. I love Forest Park, all things flowers, travel, and adventures with my children. And I'm always up for pizza!

  • 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.

  • Althea West

    Wife to Denny, and blessed to have 3 children (one daughter already in heaven), 8 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. We joined the Kirk in 2021. I'm currently involved in the development of a caregivers support group in addition to the Women's Council. Since retiring, I have enjoyed volunteering on the Senior Advisory Commission for the City of St. Charles and driving for ITNGateway (for adults who cannot drive anymore). I also love reading, bike riding, and pickleball. 

Women’s Leadership Team

  • Lyndsay Borage

    My family and I have been attending the Kirk since 2022: husband Jeremy and three kids, Chase, Ellie, and Tucker, who all attend Westminster Christian Academy. I love creating intentional spaces for women to encounter the love of Jesus. Frequently, this is through my ministry of Spiritual Formation which includes writing and teaching workshop style Bible studies, hosting local day retreats, and meeting one on one with women to pay attention to how God is at work in their lives.

  • 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.