Hi! I am Molly Elder, the LCARC Operations Manager. I am a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, where I worked at the university recreation center for 4 years and graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing.

After graduation, I entered the Peace Corps and served 2 years as a business development volunteer in Mali, West Africa. After returning to the states, I worked as a loan officer at a bank in Colorado for 7 years.

My husband and I moved to Lake Crystal in June of 2007 and couldn't be happier. We also just had our first child - Emden Charles Elder.  For fun, we like to go camping, go fishing or boating, and just play with our two spoiled dogs, Mac and Maggie.

Hi, I'm Jennifer Yost, the aquatics manager and facilty rental coordinator at the LCARC. I graduated from St. Peter High School in 2002 and attended Gustavus Adolphus College where I played one year of hockey. I graduated from Gustavus in May of 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in Health Fitness and a coaching minor. I previously worked at the St. Peter indoor and outdoor pool for eight years, where I assisted in management and taught a variety of courses. I also coached middle school soccer for two years and dabbled in many athletic activities. I currently reside on a farm between St. Peter and Nicollet. I married Jake Yost from the Nicollet area. We tend to stay active with sports, demolition derbies and family.

Hi, I'm Andy Schmalzriedt.  I began working at the LCARC in June of 2008 as the Program Manager.  I graduated from Wabasha-Kellogg HS and completed college at MSU-Mankato in 1998 and then attended St. Mary's University for my Master's Degree in 2001.  I am also an Assistant Wrestling Coach at MSU-Mankato and have worked with youth sports & coaching since college.  Prior to moving back to Minnesota in 2006, I worked for Special Olympics Illinois (Chicago) as Manager of Sports Training & Education.  I live in Lake Crystal, MN with my wife and two children (Damon - 5th grade & Adrian - 1st grade).

Hi, I'm Stephanie Pipal, the Health and Fitness Manager at the LCARC.  I graduated from Mankato West High School in 2003.  After that I attended Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato where I was a member of the soccer team for 4 years.  I was a team captain and made the All-Conference team for two of those years.  I will be graduating in May 2009 with a degree in Exercise Science and minors in Health Communication and Coaching.  I am a certified personal trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and am also a certified group fitness instructor. 

Now that I am done playing soccer competitively, I stay involved with soccer by coaching a Mankato United club team in the summer.  I enjoy staying active, being outdoors, traveling, and relaxing and having fun with my friends.

Hi, I'm Katie Leonard and I'm the LCARC Fit Kids Coordinator.  I graduated from MSU, Mankato in 2008 with a degree in Secondary Education and Earth Science.  I am also teaching part time at the Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial High School.  There I teach 9th grade science and Biology.  In my free time I love to be outside, fishing, reading, and playing with my cat, Dezzy.

Hi, I'm Galen Nilson, Director of Maintenance, Logistics and Custodial Duties. I also drive the school bus for the LCARC Fit Kids program. I joined the staff in October 2000. Before that, my wife Rhonna and I owned and operated our own restaurant for 23 years. I also have worked in sales and in the grocery business.

We have three grown sons, all of whom reside in the Lake Crystal area.

Hi, I'm Susan Gengler and I am a consultant for LCARC. I was born and raised in Yankton, South Dakota. After graduating from high school, I attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, where I was a member of the swim team. While on the swim team I achieved All-American status and still hold three school records. My undergraduate degree is in psychology and physical education, with a minor in health and athletic coaching. I also have a Master's degree in Developmental/Adapted Physical Education. Although my education is in physical education, a lot of my experience has been associated with aquatics and I have always considered water to be my element.

I am happily married and have two sons, Samuel and Charlie. I enjoy working with youth, scrapbooking, competing in triathlons, and spending time with my family.