Kristal Melbye serves as the Director of Family Ministries, where she oversees the childcare program, preschool, and children’s ministries while working with the youth herself. She works closely with families, building relationships and creating spaces where children of all ages feel known, valued, supported as they grow into the people God created them to be.

Kristal’s background is in Elementary Education and Special Education, and she spent seven years teaching in Milwaukee Public Schools. She is also a certified parent coach and parent and teacher trainer. For over a decade, she has worked with parents, teachers, and families, offering classes and coaching to provide adults with tools to help guide children with both compassion and clear boundaries. She is passionate about equipping adults to support children in ways that are respectful, developmentally appropriate, and rooted in strong relationships. 

Kristal is also a mother of four high school/college aged kids, and her parenting experience shapes her ministry. She understands firsthand the joys and challenges of raising children of faith in today’s busy world, and she values partnering with families in meaningful and supportive ways.

Her path into this role was shaped by prayer, discernment, and a deep sense of calling. Over the years, through teaching, parenting, coaching, and ministry, Kristal has come to see how each part of her journey has prepared her to serve in this role supporting children, strengthening families, and helping build a community rooted in love, respect, and faith.

Kari Nau is the Director of Light the Way Childcare and Tree Life Preschool. She has taught for over 10 years and is passionate about the growth and development of the young child.  Kari lives in Whitefish Bay with her husband Tim, and three children Patrick, Bridget and Jack, and their lab, Sully. She loves being a part of this community and is grateful to be among great people here at the United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay