Clergy & Staff

What is clear about Michaela McDonald, a former world languages school teacher, is that she is fluent in the language of kids. She listens to the children who approach her with patience and curiosity. And she can tell a children’s story, even ones that we have heard hundreds of times, in a way that makes us want to lean in to listen about the animal pairs on the ark yet again.

Michaela’s understanding of faith comes from an eclectic background. Her father was Jewish, and her mother was Greek Orthodox. She attended Catholic school but worshiped in an Episcopal church. She grew to understand that there are many paths to God, and that has informed her creativity in her work. She has invented numerous church school programs for children, including cooking in the Loaves and Fishes Cafe, or acting out Bible stories in the drama room. Along with creative programming, Michaela has developed an abundance of ways that helps families feel welcome at Village Church, including arranging for babysitting at the church during special events and creating cozy physical spaces for our youngest children.

Michaela holds a certificate of Ministerial Training with a special interest in missions. She previously served as Director of Children’s Ministries at Old First Church, in Springfield, Massachusetts. Michaela has served at Village Church since 2006, with her husband, Kevin, who is the director of youth music and the choral director at Wellesley High School, and son, Connor, who has been active in youth music.