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
Rev. Lerato Pitso
Student Assistant Minister
Rev. Lerato (she/her) is an ordained minister in the AME Church tradition with a heart for God’s people and a deep love for community. Hailing from South Africa and currently pursuing her PhD at Drew University, her ministry is rooted in the belief that every individual carries dignity, beauty, and purpose as a child of God. She blends her understanding of African Ubuntu, storytelling, and the gospel of Jesus to inspire hope, healing, and justice. Whether preaching, teaching, or listening, Lerato creates spaces where people feel seen, valued, and uplifted, walking alongside others on the journey of faith, love, and wholeness.
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.
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.
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.
Sexton
Marlice & Boris Borecki
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.