Main Street UMC Staff Directory

Elaine Craig

Office Manager

I am a Peru native and graduate of Peru High School. After graduating from college, I began working as a freelance photographer for many local groups and organizations, and as a staff photographer for the Peru Daily Tribune. I also was a typist at the Tribune and soon became a full-time employee as, first, newsroom clerk, then as a reporter and an editor. After leaving the newspaper business, I became a bookstore manager for Waldenbooks stores located in Logansport, Kokomo, and Fort Wayne, then the General Manager who opened the Books-a-Million in Kokomo. After spending 11 years in retail, I was a secretary at Mount Hope Cemetery and proofreader at Modern Graphics, until I was hired as a full-time customer service representative at Modern Graphics, where I spent the next seven years. I then spent over 11 years at Ivy Tech as a nursing secretary, receptionist at the Logansport location, and then an LRC Technician at the Library/Learning Resource Center at both the Logansport and Kokomo campuses. Over the years I also worked at two local banks and the Logansport Pharos-Tribune.

I am a member of First Presbyterian Church here in Peru, where I have been in choir and served as an elder. As Office Manager here at Main Street UMC I am able to use all the many skills and experience I acquired in my work history, while also working in my beloved hometown.

Mike McMinn

Custodian

Kay Weideman

Pianist / Vocalist

I grew up on a small farm in Central Illinois and was the 6^th of 7 children. I had a great childhood. Life was much simpler then – I arrived at the end of the Depression years but we were very blessed. I started taking piano lessons at the age of 5 and I have always loved music. For our church services now, I am one of the worship leaders, sing in the choir and am a member of our bell choir. I LOVE MUSIC! I cannot imagine life without music. I worked outside the home as a secretary/office manager once my girls were in school. I finally retired effective September 30, 2023. And I found that I love this part of my life.

I am a widow – Jack was my best friend. We were married 50 years, have 3 daughters, 6 granddaughters, 3 great granddaughters & 1 great grandson. By February, 2025 we will be adding 1 great granddaughter and 1 great grandson to our family. I have been so very blessed – God has truly been more than good to me. I was raised in the united Brethren Church (just ¼ mile from our home in the country), later known as the Evangelical United Brethren and then the United Methodist Church. Even though I was active in church all of my life, it was in my later years that I developed a very personal relationship with Jesus. I love my church family and the many relationships that have evolved over the years.

Nancy Huskey

Music Director

God has always helped me through difficult times. He was there for me when my parents and first husband died. My husband Leon and I both believe he helped us find each other when we were each so lonely. Jesus is my example of how I would like to live my life. I cannot be as perfect as Jesus, but I can try.

I have four wonderful children (all adults) and seven terrific grandchildren. My husband Leon has two children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Our family is very precious to us.

Music has always been my passion as well as my profession. I have two music degrees and continue to teach piano lessons and early childhood music classes. Working with the church Chancel Choir, Jubilation Bells, Carillon Quartet, and children has been extremely fulfilling.

I have always been a Methodist. Though my first church was the First United Methodist Church in Glen Ellen, IL, I love now being a part of the church my grandparents were members of and my parents were married in.

Melanie Giek

Youth Director

I started attending Main Street regularly in 2001, although I had been part of the youth group back in the ’80s with a friend. When I was looking for a church to involve my family in, I remembered my positive experiences at Main Street as a teenager. I decided to visit, and from the moment I stepped in, I felt right at home. Over the years, I’ve volunteered for various church and youth events, including youth group and Vacation Bible School. In 2016, I was offered the position of youth director, and I decided to give it a try. I’ve truly enjoyed my time at Main Street UMC and deeply value the friendships I’ve made along the way.

Professionally, I’ve been teaching Head Start at South Peru Early Childhood Learning Center for over 25 years. I’ve been married to my husband, Kevin, for over 30 years, and we have three grown children: Jared, Baylie, and Brandon. Our family also includes two cats, Harmony and Lido, along with six grand dogs and one grandcat.

Cami Walters

Preschool Director

Hello, my name is Cami and I’ve been the director and teacher at Main Street Preschool since July 2012. I have a Bachelors of Psychology and I received my Bachelors of Elementary Education in December 2003. Before coming to Main Street Preschool, I was the Preschool teacher at Noah’s Nursery for 8 years. My husband, Mike, and I have been married for 20 plus years. We moved to Peru in January 2002 and quickly found Main Street UMC and have been members since we moved here. Both of our children were baptized in the church. We have two children, Elsie and Eli. I enjoy working with preschool age children. They are honest, real, emotional, and raw individuals which I can relate to. I feel like I was called to this position instead of an elementary school job because I can focus not only academics but what I believe to be the real needs of children, their emotional and social needs.

Rhonda Butzin

Preschool Teacher

Hello, my name is Rhonda and I am an assistant Preschool teacher and Ladybug Teacher at Main Street Preschool. I have been employed at the preschool since 2014 and I just love it. Before working with children, I spent 26 years in the medical field assisting patients and doctors. My husband, Herman and I have been married for 12 plus years. I am a mother of boys, twins Gabriel and Isaiah and Kyle. I have 3 grandkids; Logan, Seth, and Erik and 1 great granddaughter, Blakely. I believe that some of the most important skills to have when working with little children is patience, flexibility and love. It is very rewarding to see or hear one of your students use the skills you have taught them and see the excitement on their faces. I am very proud of my little friends every day and am very happy to be one of their teachers and be given the opportunity to watch them grow.

Jessica Rasmussen

Preschool Teacher

Hello, my name is Jessica and I am an assistant teacher at Main Street Preschool. My husband, Brent and I have been married for 16 plus years. I am a mom of two children; Mason and Kaylee. We also have two dogs. I love working here at Main Street Preschool. We have the best kids and parents. Before working here, I worked at Noah’s Nursery daycare for nine years, so I have always worked with kids. I love watching them grow and learn.

Ashley Maxwell

Preschool Teacher

Hello, my name is Ashley and I am an assistant teacher at Main Street Preschool. My husband, Kenneth and I have been married for 8 plus years. I am a mom of three girls; Kyndrah, Cynthia, and Alyssah. We also have 1 dog and 2 cats. I started working at Main Street in September 2024. I enjoy playing games with my family and watching my girls play sports.

81 W Main St
Peru, IN 46970
Phone: (765) 472-3323