Family Ministry Staff
Director for Children's Ministry
Education Coordinator
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Meleah Berkowitz
Director for Children's Ministry, Westminster Cooperative Preschool and Music Assistant Meleah's position combines three areas to implement greater communication, collaboration, and creativity. The Director for Children’s Ministry will assist the Associate Pastor for Family Ministry with the implementation of effective ministry for children. The Director for Westminster Cooperative Preschool will work closely with the Board, oversee the administrative responsibilities of the preschool, and meet the requirements for NAEYC. The Music Assistant will direct the Children’s Choir and assist the Director of Music and the Arts with the implementation of an effective music ministry for all ages. Click here for learn more information about Children's Education at Westminster. Contact Meleah using the Contact form or by emailing [email protected] Aaron Berkowitz
Education Coordinator Dr. Aaron Berkowitz began his new role as Education Coordinator on August 1. The Education Coordinator will assist the Associate Pastor for Family Ministry with the implementation of effective education for all ages. Contact Aaron using the Contact form or by emailing [email protected] |
Director for Youth
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Mary Ray
Director for Youth Mary Ray serves as Westminster's Director for Youth. We are grateful for Mary’s experience and dedication to Westminster’s youth for over 20 years and her willingness to serve and tend to the details of ministry in support of the youth. Mary is a 50-year member of Westminster. She has served the church in many capacities including Elder, Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and youth leader. Mary graduated from Illinois College with majors in Spanish and Sociology. She has worked at Illinois Secretary of State for over 40 years and is currently Manager of the Court Liaison Section. She has a passion for University of Illinois sports and serving Westminster’s youth. Contact Mary Ray using the Contact form. |
Co-Nursery Coordinators
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The Co-Nursery Coordinator positions are held by Erin Winn and Kara Milward.
Erin Winn joined Westminster in 2018 and has been a dedicated children’s Sunday School teacher and started working in the Nursery in 2023. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a master’s degree in social work and currently works as an administrative secretary with the 4th District Appellate Court. |
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Kara Milward has a B.A. degree in Elementary Education from Western Governors University and served as a professional nanny for seven years. Kara and her son, Kenzo, returned to Springfield in August, 2024 and Kara is teaching kindergarten at Elementary School. Kara was a toddler when her mother Leigh Milward worked in the Nursery.
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Nursery Worker
A Springfield High School student is also a paid nursery worker and active in our youth group. She works under the supervision of Aaron and Meleah Berkowitz and the Nursery Co-Coordinators.
Westminster Cooperative Preschool Teachers
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Keri Tate
Cooperative Preschool Teacher Keri Tate joined our staff as the morning teacher in July 2022. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from UIS. Areas of study included Child and Family Counseling and Teacher Education. She is very involved in the community and enjoys being creative. Contact Keri Tate using the Contact form or by her email: . Becky Nika
Cooperative Preschool Teacher Rebecca (Becky) Nika joined the WCP family in August 2025 as the Four Day Teacher. Becky has worked with children and families in the Lincoln Land Community College for Kids program and looks forward to this opportunity to expand her teaching experience. A graduate of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Becky has a B.S. degree in Journalism with a minor in Anthropology/Archaeology. Becky brings a passion for education, strong interpersonal skills and a detail-oriented outlook that will serve well in working with preschoolers and their families. All her children are alumni of WCP, including her daughter, Jessica, who was in the 3-day morning program this year. Contact Becky Nika using the Contact form. |
Parish Nurse
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Ellen Carpenter
Parish Nurse Ellen was commissioned in April 2015 as Westminster's Parish Nurse. She graduated from Bloomington School of Practical Nursing. While working toward her RN degree at Lincoln Land Community College, Ellen worked as an LPN in the Regional Burn Center at Memorial Medical Center. After receiving her RN degree in 1985, Ellen continued to work in the Burn Center until 1992, when she received her BSN degree at Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois in Springfield). For the next seven years, Ellen split her time between Nutrition Support and AM Admit and then stayed on as AM Admit for another fifteen years. She recently accepted a new leadership position as a Patient Care Facilitator, which involves helping patients and their families plan for discharge. Ellen completed the parish nurse training course in July 2014. Contact Ellen Carpenter using the Contact form |
Pat Hymans
Hospitality Coordinator
Pat Hymans joined the Westminster staff as a part-time Hospitality Coordinator in January of 2020. Pat is a Certified Food Handler and has been sharing her expertise in large and small group catering with the Westminster family for many years. Pat creates an efficient kitchen environment complying with regulations and reflects the hospitality of Westminster to the congregation and community. Pat also serves as a resource for those utilizing the kitchen.
Contact Pat Hymans using the Contact form.
Hospitality Coordinator
Pat Hymans joined the Westminster staff as a part-time Hospitality Coordinator in January of 2020. Pat is a Certified Food Handler and has been sharing her expertise in large and small group catering with the Westminster family for many years. Pat creates an efficient kitchen environment complying with regulations and reflects the hospitality of Westminster to the congregation and community. Pat also serves as a resource for those utilizing the kitchen.
Contact Pat Hymans using the Contact form.