Our Staff

Anne Alesch - Senior Pastor

Anne joined the Salem family in 2025 and has been engaged in full-time ministry in Des Moines for almost 15 years after graduating with her Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt University. She is currently a chaplain with UnityPoint Hospice, and also teaches theology classes intermittently for Simpson College. It is because of the flexibility of these careers (and her enthusiasm!) that she's also able to serve as one of Salem’s pastors.

In her free time, she adores traveling with her family and exploring the history, landscape, and culture of new places. She also has several hobbies; she loves doing handstands, playing tennis, gardening, reading, paddleboarding, and trying (almost) any new adventure. 

Anne is deeply passionate about creating community, and she's always looking forward to discerning how we can cultivate ongoing opportunities for connection at Salem. Additionally, she loves reflecting on difficult questions and pondering how God might be present for us during various life challenges.

Scott Valentine - Associate Pastor

Scott has served as a pastor at Salem UCC since 2018! Prior to serving at Salem, Scott was a youth leader – and then youth pastor – for Heartland Presbyterian Church in Clive, Iowa from 2002-2015. He completed a three-year pastoral studies program from the United Church of Christ, and he was ordained as a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 2008.

In addition to his multiple years of ministerial experience, Scott has enjoyed a robust career in several other fields. He served his country as a United States Marine and received his honorable discharge in 1992. Additionally, he is accustomed to starting new ventures as he was the founding director of a nonprofit focused on prison ministry, and he also owned and operated a jewelry design, wholesale, and repair business. Most recently, he has “semi” retired from his career of building houses.

Scott is a founding member of the 501c3 named El Salvador North America Village Network – or “ESNA” for short. This nonprofit has been actively involved in mission work in El Salvador since 2001 and is focused on empowering the people of El Salvador, as well as educating people in the US. To accomplish these goals, Scott has led many delegations and service-learning groups to El Salvador.

Bailey Zeleski - Children & Youth Coordinator

Bailey is grateful to serve as Salem’s new Children & Youth Coordinator. Originally from Nebraska, she and her husband, Drew, have two children, Paisley and Parker. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and has spent the past several years as a stay-at-home mom, raising and caring for her children. Bailey has also taught Sunday school and served on a Sunday School Board of Education, experiences that have deepened her love for helping children learn about God and grow in their faith. 

Although her family is new to Salem UCC, it already feels like home, and she is thankful God led them here. Bailey grew up in a small UCC church with a strong sense of family and community, so finding that same feeling at Salem is especially meaningful to her. Her faith has always been an important part of her life, and she looks forward to getting to know the Salem community and being part of this wonderful church family.

Holly Paulsen - Office Manager

Holly stepped into the Office Manager role beginning in October 2025. She can be reached at office@salem-ucc.com and her office hours are Mondays and Wednesdays 8:30am-12:30pm.  She's excited to be working with everyone at Salem and looks forward to assisting everyone!