I grew up on an acreage near Canton, South Dakota, in a family that taught me hard work and integrity. Following high school, I attended Augustana University where I studied business and pursued my interest in music by playing flute in the Concert Band. After graduating with a degree in Accounting and Business Administration, I worked in the investment industry doing accounting and performance analysis of investment portfolios.  

After we had four daughters and Mark became established at Thrivent, we saw the opportunity for me to use those skills in the office while also managing the busy schedule of a family of six. This arrangement has been a huge blessing for our family. I really enjoy the details and organization of overseeing the managed brokerage accounts. My work is mainly behinds the scenes, but I enjoy meeting the clients when I have the opportunity. 

Attending the girls’ events and spending time with family are my favorite things to do outside of work. At Peace Lutheran Church, I’m involved with the confirmation program, and I also get the opportunity to play my flute occasionally. A weekly Bible study provides fellowship and helps me grow in my faith. I’m an avid reader and especially enjoy historical fiction. I took up running as an adult and enjoy the challenge of training for and running races. I try to run a couple half marathons each year, and I’ve completed two full marathons. I ran the Twin Cities Marathon twice, once in 1999 and then twenty years later in 2019. I hope to run some destination races in the future.