Full Time Staff

Kathi Dyer
Preschool Teacher and Accountant

Kathi has lived or worked on the Pine Ridge Reservation for almost 23 years.  She has 5 children of her own and many “other” children who call or think of her as mom.  She is the ministry’s Accountant and Preschool Director.  She loves children and has a passion to serve them on the reservation in Oglala.

Kathi began teaching by homeschooling several children along with her children. In 2009, she began a Christian school in Oglala. In 2023, the school broke off and became its own entity, Oyate Hope Academy. Kathi still teaches the preschool.

Kia Steele
Program Director

Kia has been a part of Oyate Concern ministry since she was 9 years old. As a kid at Blow Out, she put her faith in Christ and she has followed and grown in Him ever since.

Kia began working full time at Oyate Concern in 2012, with a heart to serve the community where she grew up. She has served in many roles, including teen and youth ministry, preschool, Oyate Advance, adult discipleship, and more. In 2026 Kia completed Oyate Concern's six-month Indigenous Leadership Training.

Kia is the current director and teacher of the youth and children's ministry, is developing a community garden, and assists with many other essential operations.

Ayren Dykstra
Wówaš'ake Stable Director

Ayren Dykstra moved with her family to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 2001 at the age of twelve. At this age she volunteered for Oyate Concern, helping to develop the Blow Out and Teen Night programs along with Oyate Grace Church. As a teenager, Ayren also used horses to disciple kids from her home.

Ayren graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2011 with a B.A. in Urban Ministries. Upon graduation she returned with her husband Tyler to work full time at Oyate Concern.  She served on the reservation from 2011-2018 in various roles: children's and youth, adult discipleship, and school teacher. Ayren returned with Tyler and their three kids in 2025 to lead Wówaš'ake Stable.

Tyler Dykstra
Field Director

Tyler Dykstra graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 2010 with a B.A. in Youth Ministry, and completed a Masters in Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in 2025. He first joined Oyate Concern in 2011 with Ayren. During that time he served in various roles on the reservation: Youth Pastor, Pastor, and Bible teacher.

In 2025, Tyler returned with Ayren and his kids to serve as the Field Director for Oyate Concern. Tyler also leads ministry development and construction, and serves as the instructor for the Indigenous Leader Training Program.