,Hello! I was born and raised in West Bend, WI and graduated from Carthage College in 2013. There I received my B.A. degree in Religion (with minors in Music and Psychology). Before coming to St. Luke's I served in several churches with their youth ministry programs. Youth ministry has always been a passion of mine. Each year I look forward to mission trips, events, and conversations with our students and families. There is something about helping youth grow in their knowledge and understanding of their faith that keeps me going. I currently reside in Menomonee Falls with my boyfriend, Lyle, his son, Matthew, and dog, Remi Ann. Outside of churchwork I enjoy playing the guitar, singing, camping, deer hunting, and racing. Any questions? Feel free to ask! 

Favorite Bible Verse:   Psalm 135:3 - -  "Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing to his name, for he is gracious."  

Carol is an advocate of music as an expression of praise, thanksgiving and prayer in the worship life of a congregation. She has been involved as a church musician since high school. Her degrees in music are from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN, and the University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, with additional studies at the U of MN, and U of Nebraska. She has taught music in the schools and served as a music director, organist and choir director in several churches in Wisconsin, Nebraska and North Dakota. In addition to her duties at St. Luke's she is an active accompanist for schools and organizations and sings with the Milwaukee Symphony Chorus and Lutheran A Cappella choir and is involved in the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. She believes that being involved in music in the church is an act of service and an opportunity to share gifts and talents to enrich and inspire the congregation and help them in their faith journey. Married to Mark, between them they are blessed with 5 children and a large number of grandchildren. Carol is delighted to be serving at St. Luke's and looks forward to all the musical experiences that are forthcoming. "Next to the Word of God, I consider music to be the world's greatest treasure and a noble gift from God." Marin Luther.

Favorite Bible Verse:  Romans 15:13 - -  "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit"

I'm Cari, office manager at St. Luke's Lutheran Church and local Greendalian. My husband Mike and I are parents to Jack (who lives in Lawrence, Kansas), Annie (who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota) and Luke (who is a college student at the University of Oklahoma in Norman). Our nest isn't quite empty yet, as we have a big ol' mutt named Ringo.

Professionally I have worked as both a classroom and substitute elementary school teacher. I left teaching to become the owner and instructor of Simple Joy Yoga. During the pandemic I pivoted into the role of contact tracer and office administrator at the Hales Corners Health Department. I am happy to now be putting my organizational and communication skills to work at St. Luke's.

In my free time I can be found writing, reading, cooking and hanging out with family and friends. With kids all over the country, I travel quite a bit. I love to be out in the great outdoors. As often as possible, I head to the north woods to hike, snowshoe, paddle board, kayak and soothe my soul with the wonder and beauty of nature. 

Stop by and say "hi". I look forward to meeting you.

Favorite Bible Verse:   Psalm 46:10 - - "Be still and know that I am God."