Laurinda and her husband Robert have been married more than 30 years and have 4 children—Justin (Boerne), Sam (San Antonio), Lee (San Marcos), and Anna and her husband Alex (London). They both deeply love this little crew called family and greatly enjoy spending time with their adult children. The family loves being with their four-legged friends Maibe (pitbull), Huckleberry (boxer), Gordon (who knows), and Isabella (little black cat). Laurinda loves music of nearly every genre, being with people, God’s great outdoors, and most especially any large body of water. She is an avid reader and loves singing and playing the piano when nobody can hear. Daily gratitude to God for what he has done in her life through his son Jesus is something that Laurinda prioritizes and deeply desires to share with others. Her life was changed by his grace, and she hopes to spend the rest of her life sharing that truth and helping others know and experience this grace in their own lives.
Laurinda Kwiatkowski
Michael is the Executive Administrator of Gruene UMC. Michael and his wife Christie have been married for 17 years, together they have two children, Andrew and Abby. The have been a part of Gruene UMC since it started. Michael brings over 30 years of management experience to the church. He enjoys handling the administrative part of the church and allowing our Senior Pastor to lead, preach, vision and ministry to people.
Michael Lawson
Amy is excited to serve as the Director of Family Ministries at Gruene, where her mission is to empower the church to expand its reach and relevance so that the next generation will develop a faith of their own that lasts a lifetime and beyond. She has spent more than 20 years discerning her call and developing ministry strategy. Amy, her husband Phil, and their two daughters have called New Braunfels home since 2017. In her free time, you can find Amy enjoying life with her family, spending time outside, or in deep conversation with a friend.
Amy Howell
Aiden has been working in the Media & Technology field since 2010. Over that time, he has worked for newspapers, nonprofits, other churches and as a freelance videographer and photographer. Aiden is newly married to Kimberlee and they have 2 cats and a dog. He is also a forth year Seminarian at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and is on the management team for HEB Curbside in Austin. He enjoys podcasting, the great outdoors, and live music.
Aiden Diaz
Julie Bartle
Madison is so excited to join the team as the Children’s Ministry Director. Madison has grown up in the Methodist Church and was an elementary teacher prior to joining the team. Madison is married to her husband Matthew, and they have a little boy (Marshall) and 2 dogs. They are new to the area from Savannah, Georgia. Madison loves running, spending time with her family, and going on new adventures.
Madison Mecum
Rebecca has been working for Gruene Tree Learning Center since 2010. In 2014 she became Director and the rest is history. She has been happily married to her husband Danny for 17 years and between the two of them have 5 kids, 3 dogs, 4 cats, 1 bird, and 1 bunny! Rebecca is passionate about serving with a happy heart to not only children, but to all those who cross her path. She enjoys exercising, cooking, gardening, and laughing!
Rebecca Goossens
Karmin began working for Gruene Tree Learning Center in 2012 while her daughter was a student. She became the assistant director in August 2014 and then was appointed as the director in June 2021. Karmin was born and raised in Missouri. Her husband’s work brought them to New Braunfels in 2010 and they never looked back. She and her husband Blake have been married for 21 years and they have one daughter, Lyla. Karmin puts her whole heart into the children and families of Gruene Tree. She loves each of the children as her own, has a passion for management and organization, and is proud to be part of such an amazing preschool.
Karmin Box
Sam Kwiatkowski
Brandi Carnes joined the staff as Nursery Director in July of 2013, after attending and volunteering for the 2 previous years. She has been married to her husband Casey since 2009, and they have 2 children, Briana and Tyler. She is passionate about taking care of and showing Gods love to children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Brandi Carnes
Mona Schroeder
You can email Jackson below for more information about our Worship Team!
Jackson Parten
