At Lutheran Family Service, our counselors bring unique experiences and gifts to the people they serve. This month, we’re introducing Ieva Russell, a Deaconess at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who is completing her counseling internship with LFS. Her passion for Christ-centered care, combined with her heart for those who have experienced trauma, shines through in everything she does.

We recently sat down with Ieva to learn more about her journey into counseling, the people she hopes to serve, and the hope that continues to guide her.

What inspired you to become a counselor?

I’ve felt drawn toward counseling for a long time. Early on, I knew I wanted to serve in the Church, which is what led me to become a deaconess. During my deaconess training, I learned about spiritual care and counseling, and I loved walking alongside people in their faith.

But during my internship, I realized many of the people I was meeting had experienced deep trauma and difficult life circumstances. I wanted to help them, but I also recognized I needed more training in mental health counseling to truly care for them well.

What excites me most is being able to bring those two worlds together. Counseling addresses mental and emotional health, while faith reminds us of the hope we have in Christ. To me, both are important, and I want to be able to care for the whole person.

Is there a particular group of people you hope to serve?

In many ways, my own story has shaped that answer.

I’m adopted, and I was welcomed into a Christian family when I was seven years old. Looking back, I’ve seen how much healing came from being able to process my experiences while also knowing that God was with me, even during the times I felt alone.

Because of that, I have a special heart for children in foster care, adopted children, and their families. I would love to partner with churches and organizations to provide counseling and education for foster and adoptive families. There are so many challenges that people can’t fully understand until they experience them firsthand, and I want families to know they don’t have to walk through those challenges alone.

I’m also interested in supporting people experiencing infertility and postpartum depression. Right now, I’m excited to continue learning and discovering where God is leading me.

What drew you to Lutheran Family Service?

Looking back, it’s amazing to see how God was already putting the pieces together before I even realized it.

Around the time my husband and I were preparing to receive our first ministry call, Lutheran Family Service had already begun conversations with our church about the possibility of partnering with a deaconess who was pursuing counseling.

When everything came together, it felt like God was confirming the path He had been preparing all along. It has been encouraging to see how He continues to open doors in ways I never expected.

What are you most looking forward to during your counseling journey?

Right now, I’m looking forward to discovering where God can best use the gifts He’s given me.

I care about so many different people and causes that sometimes I want to help everyone. Part of this season is learning where God is specifically calling me and where I can make the greatest impact.

As I meet clients and gain experience, I’m excited to see how God continues to shape that calling and show me the people He has prepared for me to serve.

Is there a Bible passage that has been especially meaningful to you?

Romans 8:28 has been my favorite verse since my confirmation:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”

That verse has carried me through many seasons of life.

When I reflect on my childhood and my time before being adopted, I can honestly say those experiences were difficult. But I can also see how God has redeemed them. Today, I have the opportunity to walk alongside others who have experienced similar hurts and remind them that God has never left them.

That gives me hope.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working or studying?

I love baking, even though I don’t actually have much of a sweet tooth! My husband usually ends up enjoying whatever I make.

I also enjoy painting because it pushes me outside of my comfort zone. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so painting reminds me that things don’t always have to be perfect to be beautiful.

Most of all, I love spending time outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, sitting in the backyard with our dog, or simply listening to the birds, being in God’s creation helps me slow down, recharge, and appreciate His gifts.

We are grateful to welcome Ieva to the Lutheran Family Service team as she begins this next chapter of ministry. Her desire to care for the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — reflects the compassionate, Christ-centered care we strive to provide every day.

We look forward to seeing how God continues to work through her as she serves individuals and families with hope, grace, and the love of Christ.