Michelle Helm

Hello!

My name is Michelle Helm and I am blessed to serve as the Director of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd here at St. Thomas Aquinas. My greatest joy is found walking alongside children on their journey to discover their place in God’s Plan.

I was born on Long Island, New York and raised in southwest Virginia. Before coming to St. Thomas Aquinas, I had a 20+ year career as an Army wife and homeschooling mom. We moved to Iowa in 2010 and fell in love with the people, the landscape, and the culture, so we made it our permanent home. My husband, Marc, is retired from the military, and we have two grown children, Hazel and Violet.

At St. Thomas Aquinas you will find a thriving religious education program that is designed to help each individual child at their own pace and a group of catechists that truly have a passion for their work. I am excited to meet you and see how we can best serve your children on their faith journey!

Trent Priest

Hi everyone,
My name is Trenton Priest. I was born and raised in Knoxville, Iowa. Before joining Saint Thomas Aquinas, I spent over five years working in construction and remodeling. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science at DMACC.

At Saint Thomas Aquinas, I serve as the Coordinator for our ChristLife program and as the Campus Ministry Coordinator. I’m passionate about helping others grow in faith and creating a welcoming community for all.

Brenna Blong

Beth McGinnis

Diane DeWall

Hi! I am Diane DeWall and I lead STAT, St Thomas Aquinas Teens.

My primary vocation is wife to my husband, Matt, and mother to 4 children; Joseph, Andrew, Thomas, and Marie. I graduated from Creighton University as an occupational therapist. I work part-time for 21st Century Rehab at Knoxville Hospital and Clinics.

At St Thomas, I have led Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, individual STAT classes, the Mission Trip, and prepared kids for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation. Since taking on the STAT leader role in 2024, I have worked to carry on the long tradition that STAT has had by providing teens opportunities for service, education, small group discussions, and reception of the Sacraments.

Nicola Brummer

My name is Nicola Brummer, and I’m grateful to serve as the Facility Rental Coordinator for St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. My husband, Zach, and I are raising our three children here in Indianola, where our family has deep roots in the community. We love being part of this parish and the strong sense of faith and fellowship it represents.

I’m a small business owner with extensive experience in building and managing systems that help organizations operate efficiently and grow with purpose. Over the years, I’ve developed a passion for process improvement, team collaboration, and creating sustainable structures that make a meaningful impact.

I’m excited to bring that same mindset to St. Thomas Aquinas as I work to strengthen and expand our facility rental program, helping it become a fruitful avenue that brings people together, supports our parish, and serves our wider community.

Andrea Ooms

Hello my name is Andrea Ooms and it is is a pleasure to serve at St Thomas as the Janitor!

I grew up here in Indianola and currently live in Des Moines with my husband and four children who attend Catholic school and homeschool.

My other current passions include Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and being outside as much as possible!

God bless!

Emma Lynch