My name is Kim, and I love children and families. I will be working with the buddies and buddy coordinators who come alongside Bethany kids with special needs during their Sunday School experiences. I’ve worked in early childhood education for over 20 years as a preschool teacher, program director, and a parent educator.

I’m new to Bethany’s Children & Family Ministries staff, but not to Bethany. I first worshipped here as a junior transfer student in Christian Education at SPU. My husband Kurt and I moved back here permanently four years ago with a desire to downsize our lives, pursue graduate training, and be prepared to launch into new ministry possibilities once our daughter Suzy, then entering high school, was through college and pursuing her own goals.

Our home church from 1987 to 2005 was First Pres Berkeley, where I was on staff for eight years as a director of Early Childhood Ministries. I met Dianne Ross at two children’s ministry conferences we both attended. When we moved, she suggested us for a newcomer’s dinner at the Gustafson’s.

That led to their Monday night home group inviting us to try their weekly meetings. The Gustafsons, Derrs, Bells, & Van Duzers (and now the Strongs) have been our dear friends ever since. They, Dan, Dianne, Scott and the youth team, and other congregation members walked closely with us during Kurt’s illness and death two years ago, and my mom’s illnesses and death last summer.

I know first hand how supportive the people of Bethany can be. I am excited to help call people deeper into relationship and care for each other through support of families and children faced 24/7 with physical and neurological challenges. I hope you will contact me (kbybay@yahoo.com) to explore your interest in becoming a Sunday School buddy or buddy coordinator for a child with special needs.