Synod Staff
Rev. Felix Malpica
Bishop
The Rev. Dr. Felix J. Malpica serves as Bishop of the La Crosse Area Synod, dedicated to the vision: "Cultivate Life-Giving Relationships Rooted in God’s Love." A graduate of Luther College and Luther Seminary (M.Div., 2013), Bishop Malpica was ordained in 2014. As a writer, musician, and theologian, he is a national leader in worship and music, sharing the Gospel's influence on life for over 15 years. He brings diverse experience from parish and youth ministry, having served congregations in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas. He currently serves on the Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Board, 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. He is supported by his wife, Jessica, and their two sons, Javier and Ruben.
Rev. Dione Stepanek
Director for Evangelical Mission and Assistant to the Bishop
Pastor Dione Stepanek is a Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM), assisting congregations and rostered leaders with pastoral transitions, strategic planning, stewardship, and mission. Through all her work, she emphasizes the question: "How does what we do help us to share the love of Jesus?" She serves as half-time ELCA churchwide staff, intentionally connecting the broader church. Passionate about the global church, Pastor Dione helps congregations navigate challenges to achieve their purpose. She holds a Master of Divinity from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and has served in pastoral roles in Wisconsin and Colorado, including an international internship in Bangkok.
Brianna Iverson
Executive Administrative Assistant & Office Manager
Brianna serves as the Administrative Assistant to the Bishop and the key point of contact for the synod office. Her duties encompass coordinating Synod Communications and providing administrative support across all congregations, synod committees, and initiatives. This also includes candidacy support and maintaining rostered leader files. Brianna joined the staff in 2020. She is a Luther College alumna with 16 years of experience serving in ministry administrative roles throughout MI, ND, MN, and WI.
Bel Bauer
Part-time Office Assistant & Property Manager
Bel oversees synod property operations and provides office administrative and financial support. She serves on the Synod’s Creation Care Team. Bel is an alumna of Viterbo University and 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 Wieser & Caleb Kvale
We are here to help equip ministry leaders to creatively engage children in prayer and worshipful experiences through:
Movement
Curiosity
The Arts
Story