My name is Karri Whalen and I am currently the Children’s Ministry Director at MUMC.  I was hired in January of 2002 and am blessed to have been working with our children’s department ever since.  I have over 20 years of hands-on experience in Children’s ministry and have loved every minute of it.

I grew up in the La Mirada United Methodist church where I started as a Vacation Bible school teacher in my early twenties. Later, I began directing the VBS program and eventually I served on the Education Committee at La Mirada UMC, as well as heading up the Family Life Committee and serving on SPRC.  My passion for children’s ministry, in particular, has been growing and expanding since.

I recently received my Bachelors degree in Liberal arts from Concordia University here in Temecula Valley, and I am continuing my education to earn my California teaching credential to become an elementary school teacher.

I have been happily married to my awesome husband, John for 20 years. We continue to raise our two daughters, Karlie, 19, and Chloe, 17, who we are very proud of!