2023
Nikki Mallinckrodt
I am so very excited to join Grace UMC staff. My passion has always been working with kids. I graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor’s in Education. My masters is in Education, from Baker University. I was a 4th grade teacher for 7 years. After having my first child, I decided to stay at home. I have been subbing in prek-5th grade for the last 8 years while also being at home with my 2 kids. This is such an incredible opportunity as I get to continue teaching, but I have the privilege of teaching about God’s love!
2023
Rev. Mitch Todd
Rev. Mitch Todd has been a United Methodist Pastor for over 20 years. He has served in Lawrence, Manhattan, Topeka, Mulvane, and Wamego churches, along with Kstate Campus Ministry. He lives in Lenexa with his wife, Jan, who is a retired United Methodist clergy and an assistant professor at Emporia State University. Mitch and Jan have a long history of sharing their original music, and Mitch has written a popular weekly devotion for 20 years. If you’d like to receive his devotion, just email him at [email protected] and tell him to “sign me up!” Mitch is passionate about preaching and teaching, and young people and families. Reach out to him anytime.
2023
Charlene Parkinson
Charlene and her husband, Mike, moved back to the Kansas City area in June 2020, after job opportunities took them to St. Louis, Ohio, and Tennessee. Throughout her life, Charlene has had a strong calling to serve in the church and has been blessed to work as a director of music and administrative assistant in several United Methodist churches, including service as the founding Director of Music Ministries at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. Charlene has a Bachelor of Arts in vocal performance with a minor in recording arts and a concentration in broadcasting from Minot State University, and a Master of Music in choral conducting from the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Charlene and Mike have three grown children and enjoy music, reading, movies, walking, and attending auto shows. She is thrilled to be a part of the Grace UMC community.
2023
Grace Schoffstall
Grace graduated with a Masters of Divinity from St. Paul School of Theology. Her ministry passion brings together children’s ministry, one-on-one discipleship, Bible study mentorship, small group formation, and equipping parents to lead faith at home. As a musician, Grace also teaches violin and piano students in her home.
2023
Jeff Milton
Jeff entered the ministry because he desires to help individuals close the gap between their life as it is, and their life as they desire it to be, specifically in their experience and relationship with God. He wants to help individuals know God more fully, to be more authentically themselves, and to make an impact in the world.
Jeff has his master’s degree in Christian Spiritual Formation and Leadership through Friends University, with degrees in sociology and psychology from Baker University. Jeff has been involved in Christian ministry for the past decade, serving in youth ministry positions at large and small Methodist churches, with his focus centered on mentoring youth and engaging them in both local and international missions.
Jeff enjoys reading, coaching group fitness classes, photography, traveling, and soaking in the beauty of nature. Everyday he is beyond thrilled and humbled to be married to his wife of two years, Caroline.
2023
Jennifer Mills
Jennifer has been working with young children and families for over 20 years. She has been a Preschool teacher as well as a Program Director prior to working at Grace. She and her husband, Chris, have two teenagers, Cooper and Lexi. Their favorite family event is watching college basketball during March Madness!
2023
Stacy Guerrero
Stacy started her career in ministry after working 15 years in Federal Law Enforcement. She has a clear calling from God to guide children and youth into a relationship with Christ. She is married and has one son. If you are with Stacy around meal times—don’t be surprised when you see her munching on peppers of all kinds, not sweet – but the hotter the better! Her favorite “mouth on fire” remedy is to place a pinch of salt underneath the tongue.
2023
Chandler Meierarend
Chandler was raised in a small Missouri town, where he was home schooled with his three brothers. He has been attending Methodist churches since an early age, and after showing a musical interest, he pursued his passion by obtaining a degree in Audio Engineering from Kansas City Kansas Community College. Chandler has been serving Methodist churches in the A/V department since 2014. In his free time, he likes to skateboard, play music, and spend time with his wife, Kristina.
2023
Brian Steele
Brian Steele performed with the Kansas City Lyric Opera for 26 seasons, featured in 50 roles in 75 productions. He performed as soloist with the KC Symphony, KC Chamber Orchestra, productions through Kansas City, and in opera companies across the U.S. and Europe. Retired from professional opera performance, he remains active vocally on the worship team at Grace. Brian and his wife, Dian, have 3 children and have been members of Grace for over 40 years.
2023
Pam Williamson
Pam has been on the music staff at Grace since 2003. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music Education from the UMKC Conservatory of Music. Pam is the Choral Music Director at Olathe NW High School and has worked as a music educator in Kansas since 1991. Pam sings with the Grammy-winning Kansas City Chorale, and is a featured soloist on several of their CDs. Pam enjoys spending time with husband, Brett, and their sons, Jack, Avery and Cole.