Rev. Mark Schol
Lead Pastor
Rev. Mark Schol (he/him) has been a paperboy, chicken carver, bartender, and pastor, experiences that have shaped his grounded, people-first approach to ministry. Educated at Boston University, he’s served congregations in Washington, DC; Chicago, IL; Jersey City; Hoboken; and now in Madison, NJ. Mark believes that church can happen anywhere, questions are always welcome, and food tastes better when it’s shared.
When he’s not pastoring, you’ll find him behind a camera, on a bike, tossing dough for homemade pizza, or hanging out with his favorite people: his wife Meredith and their two spirited daughters, Elise and Nora.
To contact Rev. Mark, you can email him at mark@umcmadison.org
Staff & Leadership
Diane Pivarnik
Interim Music Director
Diane (she/her) has enjoyed a lifelong career in church music. Her first stint as Director of Music at UMC Madison was from 1982-1992. She left to attend United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH, followed by a semester at Drew Theological School, before returning to full time music teaching. She has served churches in almost every denomination during her substitute organist days, which has provided a wide exposure to many different forms of worship, hymnody, liturgy and musical styles.
She sings with Harmonium Choral Society and loves her family, travel, pickleball, yoga and 50 mile walks.
Priscille Malandji
Children and Families Coordinator
Priscille was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo in a Christian family. Her upbringing in a faithful household shaped her walk with Christ. She has had the privilege of serving in a variety of ministries. She was the Director of the Care-Giving Department in the United Methodist Youth Fellowship, DRC. While at Africa University, she served as the Disciplinarian of the Praise the Lord Choir. Later, she was commissioned and served as a Global Mission Fellow. After her mission, she worked as a volunteer Child Development Assistant at Bart Methodist Orphanage.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Communication Studies from Africa University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity in United Methodist Ministry at Drew University, preparing for further service in God’s mission through the church.
Kellie Krondon
Office Administrator
Kellie (she/her) has been a part of the UMC Madison family since 2006, where she has served in various roles including on the A/V Team, Fair Trade Project, Reconciling Team, and Staff-Parish Relations Committee. She grew up as a United Methodist in Southern Maryland and moved to New Jersey to attend Fairleigh Dickinson University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology.
Kellie has an extensive history working with exotic and domestic animal species in various capacities, specializing in pet nutrition and hospice care, with additional background in small business and retail management. She enjoys being a mother, gardening, arts and crafts, photography, music, camping, and hiking.
Yireh Ha
Student Intern
Yireh (he/him) was born and raised in South Korea and studied at Methodist Theological University in Seoul. He is currently in his second year of the Master of Divinity program at Drew Theological School. Yireh grew up in the Korean Methodist Church (KMC) as the son of a KMC pastor. Before coming to the United States, he also served in ministry in Korea, working with the worship team and youth ministry. Yireh has a special passion for ministry with younger generations.
Yireh loves baseball—both watching and playing it. He also enjoys spending his free time singing and playing music on the guitar, piano, and drums, and watching romance movies.
Virginie Ilunga
Student Intern
Virginie (she/her) is an MDiv student at Drew Theological School. She is passionate about teaching, counseling, music, and discipleship, as well as helping other young adults deepen their relationship with God. She loves creating space for people to encounter God’s presence and learn his ways and feel his love. Virginie is very excited to join the United Methodist family in Madison, as well as to serve this community.
Lisa Carballo
Bookkeeper
Lisa (she/her) is a lifelong Methodist and dedicated member of UMC Madison, where she adds a touch of Southern charm. Originally from Mississippi, she holds a BFA in Theater from the University of Southern Mississippi and has had a dynamic career in theater across New Orleans, New York, and on tour. Lisa and her husband Rob have raised their twins at UMC Madison. She enjoys gardening, music, baking, delicious treats, and curling up with a good book.
Marlice Borecki
Sexton
We appreciate all that Marlice and Boris do to maintain our historic church and grounds! They have been with the church since 1989. They have two grown children and are very much part of our church community. We are very blessed to have them.