Family Ministry Staff
Director for Children's Ministry
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Meleah and Aaron Berkowitz
Co-Directors for Children's Ministry Meleah and Aaron Berkowitz were hired to serve as Co-Directors for Children’s Ministry on July 27, 2023. Meleah is a Clinical Informatics Consultant at Springfield Memorial Hospital and earned her B.S.N. at Millikin University. She currently serves on the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee and Chairs the Westminster Cooperative Preschool Board. Aaron is a Professor of History at Lincoln Land Community College. He earned his B.A. in Classics and his Ph.D. in History from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Aaron teaches in our Adult Education Forum and chairs the Adult Education Committee. Meleah and Aaron have three children: Sam, Juniper, and Benjamin and have been active ministry partners in Children’s Ministry for several years. We are honored to have such an intelligent, gifted team to lead our children. Click here for more information about Children's Ministry at Westminster. Contact Meleah and 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
Maria Lafrenz was hired in July, 2023. Maria is a sophomore at Springfield High School 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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Emily Rowley
Cooperative Preschool Director/Teacher Emily Rowley, Director and afternoon teacher, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Cedarville University and joined the staff in July of 2015. She enjoys WCP’s play-based atmosphere and its inspiration to young children. Contact Emily Rowley using the Contact form or email her at [email protected] |
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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. |
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.