Tamara J Kumbalek

Hello! I became ordained after a close friend and their partner asked me to officiate their wedding. It was such an honor to prepare for and share such an important union of two people who love each other. I believe that love is love and that people should be able to share their love regardless of who their partner is or what their religious affiliation is.

A bit about me: I was born and raised in Wisconsin. I left Wisconsin in 1998 to serve in the Peace Corps, collaborating with doctors and nurses to train women as health educators in their communities. For me, that service created a strong sense of empowering people in their own communities - an additive model versus a dependent model of program development. I, then, became an educator, teaching English as a Second Language to middle and high school students in New York and New Mexico. I have been an educator for 22 years. This career path has allowed me to be an advocate for the well-being and success of all children.

I was raised and confirmed as an Evangelical Lutheran; however, I no longer actively practice Christianity. There were belief structures in my childhood church that did not align with my own beliefs about loving all humans as they are.

Feel free to ask me questions about any of my experiences if you have concerns about how your personal beliefs, values, and ethics may align with mine, so you may make the best decision for your needs from an officiate on your special day.

Please, note that requests for services less than 3 months in advance will result in an increased fee for service; additionally, requests to serve you during holiday times will result in an increased fee for service. Thank you.