Our website feature where you can "Get To Know" members of our Parish Community!! Lisa Marie Karwatka My name is Lisa Marie Karwatka.  I was born on March 16, 1968, to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Zerial.  I grew up on the southeast side of Chicago with my younger sister, Barbara.  I attended George Washington Elementary School and St. Francis De Sales High School.  I left college to pursue a 12 year long management career with Jewel Foods.  Since 2000, I have been counseling new mothers on the benefits of breastfeeding and in 2002 became a CLE (Certified Lactation Educator).  I presently volunteer for Physician for Women in Valparaiso as a breastfeeding counselor/CLE and facilitate monthly teas for their patients.  My hobbies are spending time with my family and friends, engaging in anything creative and just enjoying the little things in life. While growing up on the "East Side", I met my best friend, Robert S. Karwatka, Jr., whom I married on Sept. 4, 1993.  We started our life as husband and wife in Hammond and after two years, we moved to Kouts.  We even spent some time in Monticello!  Then, in January of 2000, we were blessed with the most precious gift from God, the birth of our beautiful baby girl, Kelly.  After several long years of country living, in 2002 we decided to move back to the city.  We chose to move to Portage. That is when we joined Nativity Parish.  I remember what a shock it was after attending such a small church like St. Mary's in Kouts!  My ministries here at Nativity include working the food booth at the festival and I have recently joined the Social Club.  I also enjoy being involved in Nativity School, which our daughter now attends.  I have been volunteering for most anything from bingo to the concession stand.  I enjoy helping people in any capacity that I am able.  Along the way, I have met some incredible people, had some incredible laughs and am proud to be not only a member of the Nativity Parish, but also the Nativity family! If you see Lisa Marie around, be sure to say Hi !  We hope you "Got To Know" her !!