Hello! My name is Beth Connolly, and I am excited to be a part of the Kids by the Common team as the Center Director.  I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Education and Organizational Leadership.  My passion has always been working with early care and education, as I truly believe that the first five years of life are so important for children to be able to make connections that they will carry throughout their lives.

 When I am not working, I can be found helping my wife tend to many household tasks, including caring for our 3 chickens, 2 ducks, and 7 dogs.  I also enjoy reading, doing craft projects, camping, and collecting Moose items.

 I am looking forward to getting to know all the children, families, and staff of KBC and seeing all the great things we can do together.

Julia Shultis is the Assistant Director of KBC and knows the power of early childhood education. She began her journey in education with an early start in working with children.  She has been working with children of all ages for over five years. Julia is a Bachelor's degree candidate in 2025 at Prescott College majoring in early childhood education. Julia also has a concentration in nature-based education and will be bringing elements of nature throughout KBC. She is passionate about providing quality and powerful education for all children.  Julia loves the community-building that KBC has provided. Julia lives in Londonderry and in her free time, she likes to cook, travel, and spend time outside.

Pastor Kristine Shultis is the Executive Director of  KBC. She is a minister who has the unique ability to bridge the gap between the church community and the secular world, creating opportunities for spiritual growth in both. Pastor Kris was born in Wisconsin and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. She studied music at the Eastman School of Music, the University of Colorado, and the University of Iowa. Pastor Kris has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music. After moving to a farm in Iowa, she experienced a call to ministry and studied interfaith theology at All Path’s Divinity School earning a Master’s of Divinity degree, and Dubuque Theological Seminary earning a Certificate in Congregational Leadership. Pastor Kris is a Commissioned Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She has served congregations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Blairstown, Iowa.

 Pastor Kris enjoys spending time with her two daughters and two dogs. She loves music of all kinds and arts and crafts. Pastor Kris loves kayaking and spending time in nature where she feels the greatest connection to the All Holy. She is a vowed member of the Ecumenical Order of Charity. Pastor Kris welcomes all to KBC and LPC!