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 Pastor
Rev. Lerato (she/her) is an ordained pastor 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.
Priscille Malandji
Student Pastoral Intern
Priscille (she/her) 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.
Jey Sanyangore
Student Pastoral Intern
Jey (she/her) comes from Rusape, Zimbabwe, about 170 kilometers (about 106 miles) from the capital city, Harare. After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology (2020) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at the University of Pretoria (2022), she is now pursuing a Master of Divinity with a focus on United Methodist Ministry at Drew Theological School.
Jey is grateful and excited to serve as an intern at UMC Madison, where she looks forward to growing in her calling, strengthening her faith, and building meaningful relationships in the church community. In her free time, she enjoys trying new recipes, taking walks in nature, and listening to music.
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.
Student Music Assistant
Marcel Okito
Marcel (he/him) hails from Kinshasa, DR Congo, where he was raised in the United Methodist tradition. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management from Africa University in Zimbabwe and is now pursuing a Master of Divinity in United Methodist Ministry at Drew University.
Marcel feels a strong sense of belonging in this church community, cherishing his connections with God, friends, and others. His mission is to share and celebrate the good news of Jesus Christ, believing that God is the heart of all missions and the source of universal hope for everyone.
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.