Synod Staff
Rev. Felix Malpica
Bishop
Bishop Felix J. Malpica, a Luther College and Luther Seminary graduate, received his M.Div. in 2013 and was ordained in 2014. He serves on the Board of Regents for Luther College, the Board of Directors for Holden Village, and as a council member of the Institute of Liturgical Studies. As a writer, musician, and theologian, he shares the Gospel's influence on life and has been a national leader in worship and music for over 15 years. He values parish and youth ministry, having served congregations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas, and notably supported immigrants in Rock County, WI, during the early Covid-19 pandemic. He is supported by his wife, Jessica, and their two sons, Javier and Ruben, as he aims to “Cultivate Life-Giving Relationships Rooted in God’s Love” in the La Crosse Area Synod and beyond.
Rev. Dione Stepanek
Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop
Pastor Dione works closely with congregations and rostered leaders to assist with pastoral transitions and call processes, strategic planning and visioning, and stewardship and mission. Through all this work, she is always asking “how does what we do help us to share the love of Jesus?” As a Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM) she serves as half-time ELCA churchwide staff connecting the three expressions of the church together.
Pastor Dione Stepanek is an alumna of Luther College and Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, where she earned a Master of Divinity focused on Global Christianity and Mission Studies. She served as an ELCA Horizon International Intern Pastor in Bangkok, working with refugees and asylum seekers. After her ordination, she held various pastoral roles in Wisconsin and Colorado. Passionate about the global church, she helps congregations and individuals understand mission and navigate challenges to achieve their purpose.
Brianna Iverson
Executive Administrative Assistant & Office Manager
Brianna oversees serves as administrative assistant to the bishop, and coordinator of all synod office communications. She is also the administrative support staff for the synod Candidacy Committee, communicating with our seminary students, and administers the synod’s rostered leader files. Brianna is an alumna of Luther College and has served 15 years in ministry administrative and programmatic roles in congregations and outdoor ministries throughout MI, ND, MN and WI. Brianna joined the synod staff in 2020.
Bel Bauer
Part-time Office Assistant & Property Manager
Bel oversees office and synod property operations and offers general office administrative support. Bel also serves on the Synod’s Creation Care Team. Bel is an alumna of Viterbo University. Bel joined the synod staff in 2024.
Alice DaFoe
Bookkeeper
Alice handles all financial transactions, budgets, payroll and bills for the synod office. Alice is currently on medical leave.
Jennifer Schmitt
Virtual Bookkeeper
Jennifer Schmitt joined our team in the fall of 2024 when Alice DeFoe went on medical leave. Jennifer is the CEO of Diligent Hands Bookkeeping, LLC. Contact the synod office if you have any financial questions.
Engaging Children Initiative Staff
Rev. Anna Sorenson, Kendra Wiester & Sarah Kempf
We are here to help equip ministry leaders to creatively engage children in prayer and worshipful experiences through:
Movement
Curiosity
The Arts
Story