Laurinda and her husband Robert have been married for over 30 years and have 4 children: Justin, Sam, Lee and Anna & her husband, Alex. She 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.
Laurinda Kwiatkowski
I am very excited to serve as a Pastor here at Gruene! I have been a nurse for the last 18 years, and I am elated to follow this new path that God has laid before me. My husband Michael and I have five children, four boys (Blake, Cole, John, Dixon) and one girl (Hazel). We have called New Braunfels home for the last four years. In my free time, I love to challenge myself with new adventures and deep sea fishing.
Julie Bartle
Michael is the Executive Administrator of Gruene UMC. He served on the launch team from First UMC New Braunfels, helping to start Gruene UMC. 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 worked for various newspapers, nonprofits, churches and as a freelance creative since 2010. He is newly married to Kimberlee and they have 2 cats and a dog. Aiden also recently graduated from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with his Master of Divinity with honors. After three years of working at Gruene, he moved to working for the church remotely while also serving as an interim pastor in the Midwest. He enjoys jiu-jitsu, the great outdoors and live music in his free time.
Aiden Diaz
Mariah is thrilled to be serving as Director of Children’s Ministry, where she plans to help mold the next generation through a foundation in Christ. After working in education in Comal, Hillsboro, and Austin, she is excited to use her teaching background to grow the faith in our kids in her new hometown of Gruene.
Mariah Henke
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
Karmin and her husband Blake have been married for 21 years, and they have one daughter, Lyla. She began working for Gruene Tree Learning Center in 2012 while her daughter was a student. Then she was appointed as the director in June 2021. 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
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
Mona Schroeder
