Meet Our Team
Connie Karstens, MS
Founder & President
For 30 years, Connie and her husband, Doug, have worked on their 180-acre sustainable livestock farm where sheep and other livestock are grazed. In 1996,
they opened a specialty on-farm USDA processing facility and retail store called the Lamb Shoppe. Connie offers private wellness consultations incorporating whole foods nutrition, herbs, stress management techniques, and other natural remedies to support and build overall health and re-balance the body.
Doug Rathke
Shepherd & Sheep Shearer
Doug is the shepherd and sheep shearer of the livestock at the Lamb Shoppe Farm. Doug has been shearing sheep for 35 years and shears with both machine and hand blades. Although he mostly shears farm flocks in the Midwestern United States, he also has had a variety of shearing experience throughout the US and abroad.
Clara Rathke,CHES, CHNC
Managing Director
Clara Rathke became interested in holistic health at a young age due to her own personal health struggles. Clara is a Certified Health Education Specialist since 2017. She is also certified in Holistic Nutrition Consulting from American College
of Healthcare Sciences and is currently working on her master's in Herbal Medicine. In 2017, she joined the family business full-time. As a health educator, Clara coordinates educational classes & events for the public. Clara strives to expand the Lamb Shoppe & Wellness Center to help empower health and wellness in the community.
Cindy Anderson
Shoppe Assistant
Cindy joined the Lamb Shoppe Team in September 2019. She has a business degree and has worked in a variety of areas including mortgage banking, marketing/event planning, retail, and education. She is a wife and a mom to three adult boys. Cindy enjoys spending time with her family and friends whether it be entertaining at home, at the lake, or traveling to fun destinations. Other hobbies are cooking, baking, trying new recipes, golfing, scuba diving, and decorating her home for all the seasons/holidays.
Marty Ochs
Shoppe Assistant
Marty joined the Lamb Shoppe Team in June 2021. Marty spent her earlier adult years working with horses, and periodically throughout her married life as well. She has also spent much of her life in the art world as a muralist, sign painter and fine artist. When her husband became sick with Lyme disease, she learned the importance of whole foods and healthy cooking. With their two sons now grown, she is thrilled to join the Lamb Shoppe team and promote holistic health!
Jennifer Trettin
Shoppe Assistant
Jennifer joined the Lamb Shoppe Team in June 2021. Her and her husband, Larry, have 3 wonderful children, 1 son-in-law, 1 granddaughter, and 1 grandson on the way. They operate a 1100-acre crop farm nearby Stewart. In the summer, she loves to visit their place up north with friends and family. Jennifer enjoys reading, crocheting and long walks with her best friend.
Patty Thorwardson
Gardener & Grounds Keeper
Patty joined the Lamb Shoppe team in May 2020. She helps keep up our beautiful Herbal Garden and greenhouse tidy, so we can offer fresh produce in the Shoppe grown right here on our farm.