Leadership
Rev. Kari Jacott M.A., LPCC
Interim Lead Pastor
kari@newdaycov.org
Kari currently serves as a Therapist at Full Circle Counseling and Wellness in Owatonna. Kari also worked at Beauterre Recovery Institute in Owatonna, working with people seeking addiction recovery and mental health support, and previous to that, Fernbrook Family Center. Kari is also trained in EMDR, and has honed skills in treating persons seeking healing and help for trauma, grief and loss, and autism spectrum disorder, as well as marriage and relationship counseling.
Kari is an Ordained Pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church, and has gained experience as an interim/transition pastor for 4 different churches, helping churches navigate change, identify and utilize strengths, and all that goes with the challenges and opportunities during the interim process. Kari has served Covenant churches in the twin cities beginning in 1998, in the areas of children’s, youth and family ministry, pastoral counseling and Associate Pastor prior to moving to Owatonna with her husband and children in 2019.
Kari earned her Master's degree in Counseling from Bethel University, and Addictions Studies. Kari attended North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, and has a certificate through the Covenant External Orientation Program through North Park.
Kari has a Leadership Certificate from Tentmaker's Youth Ministry, and is a Prepare Enrich Counselor/Trainer. Kari has been a Cross Country and Track Coach for the Anoka Hennepin School District, and has loved coaching students.
Kari currently serves on the COMS board for the Northwest Conference of the Covenant Church, supporting pastors seeking licensing and credentialing, and is a Committee member for Steele County Young Life.
Kari loves to run, have outdoor adventures, golf, garden and spend time with her husband, 4 children and AussieDoodle Daisy.
Melinda Fischer
Children & Youth Director
melinda@newdaycov.org
I have been working with children and youth in the Rochester area since 2008. After receiving a degree in Psychology from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL, I spent nearly a decade working with families who have been impacted by crime. It was during this time that I began participating at NewDay, and am deeply grateful for a community that shares the hope, healing, and purpose that come from only Jesus. In 2018, I joined the NewDay staff as the Children and Youth Director.
I love being outside, reading a good book, and all the adventures we get to take with our students!
