Kalee Mielke is enthusiastic to be the new pastor at First Congregational United Church of Christ of Niagara Falls. Kalee has spent the last four years as a chaplain in the nursing home and hospital setting and continues serving as a Hospice spiritual care counselor/chaplain. Embodying faithful pastoral care and journeying with others through times of suffering and joy is essential to her. 

Kalee’s “why” in ministry has everything to do with loving/knowing God and others more wholeheartedly. Kalee looks for the image of God in others as a daily practice. She believes we can know God better by building relationships built on God’s radical, inclusive love. Kalee is married to AnnMarie Destino and lives in Youngstown, New York. AnnMarie is also a teacher and works at the Culinary Institute in Niagara Falls. Together, they love to spend time in nature and spoil their 2 Goldendoodles, Bruley and Enzo. 

Kalee graduated with her Master of Divinity from Northeastern Seminary in May 2024. Kalee is a member in discernment for the United Church of Christ and her ordination goal is May of 2025. She also has a Master’s in teaching Special Education and a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. Kalee has been a teacher and consultant for 10-plus years. Furthermore, Kalee has been a student minister at Zion United Church of Christ in Tonawanda for nearly four years. She has learned alongside her mentor, Rev. Elizabeth Duffy. Kalee has been leading pastoral care, retreats, and many worship services. 

Kalee has a vision to first “listen” to the needs of Niagara Falls. Loving the people of First Congregational UCC of Niagara Falls, the church’s history, and the community’s vision is what led her to Niagara Falls. Prayerfully, she plans to follow God’s guidance and wisdom as the church grows together.