Family Ministry Staff
Director for Children's Ministry
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Karen H. Sherrick
Director for Children's Ministry Karen H. Sherrick joined the Westminster staff as Director for Children's Ministry in February, 2018. This part-time position is charged with the oversight of activities and programs related to children (birth through Grade 5). Karen works closely with the Associate Pastor for Family Ministry. Karen is a certified tutor at Children’s Dyslexia Centers, former elementary teacher (10 years in the classroom) and reading specialist. She earned a B.S. in education at the Texas A & M University and a M.Ed. in reading from Stephen F. Austin University. She and her husband, Dr. Andrew Sherrick, have two grown children, Jack and Annie. Click here for more information about Children's Ministry at Westminster. Contact Karen Sherrick using the Contact form or by emailing KSherrick@wpcspi.org |
Interim Director for Youth
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Mary Ray
Interim Director for Youth Mary Ray is currently serving as Westminster's Interim Director for Youth during the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee search. 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. |
Nursery Coordinator
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Leigh Milward
Nursery Coordinator Westminster introduced our new Nursery Coordinator, Leigh Milward on September 5, 2021. Leigh and her husband, Kevin, joined Westminster in 2005 with their daughters, Kara and Jenna. They became acquainted with Westminster while Kara attended the Westminster Coop Preschool. From 1999-2005 Leigh served on our staff working in the Nursery before returning to full-time work at Molina Health Care where she serves as a Social Work Case Manager. Leigh has a B.S. degree from Illinois State University in Child Development and Family Relations and has served as a ministry partner teaching preschool Sunday School since 2005. Leigh creates, implements, and leads the Frolic preschool curriculum for our toddlers in collaboration with Karen Sherrick, Westminster’s Director for Children’s Ministry. She serves as supervisor to Caroline Haynor and the ministry partners who join her as part of the Nursery Guild. Contact Leigh Milward using the Contact form. |
Nursery Worker
Caroline Haynor has worked in our nursery since 2021. Caroline is a senior at Springfield High School and active in our youth group. She will work under the supervision of Nursery Coordinator Leigh Milward.
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 emily@westminster-preschool.org |
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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 |