President - Crystal Sherwood
Crystal began beekeeping in the spring of 2023 with two nucs from different apiaries. One memorable early milestone was her first sting - right up the nostril - which quickly taught her the importance of not unveiling too close to a hive she had just worked. Thankfully, she proved to be a quick learner, and her bees have had far fewer opportunities to educate her since those early days. Even so, she doesn’t expect she’ll ever stop learning from them, or growing in her appreciation for just how remarkable they are, year after year.
Vice President - LaGina Kissentaner
In 2022, I searched for a local beekeeper association to support efforts to save the bees. I began educating myself through hands on experiences and online courses with organizations such as MBA, JCs Honey Bees, Texas A&M, and various Youtube educators. I enjoy mentoring others and continually learning about our vital pollinators.
Secretary - Konstantine Bakintas
Having attended every MBA meeting since November of 2022, I’ve enjoyed meeting and getting to know our members, and truly appreciate the club’s collective knowledge, and everyone’s willingness to offer their insights and support. I consider myself a student beekeeper; I attended MBA’s Beginners Beekeeping Class in 2023, started with two nucs in April of 2024, caught my first swarm in May of 2025, and continue to diligently look after my colonies. Professionally, I enjoyed a 37-year career as a civil engineer; and I’m currently retired, spending my time learning, exploring, and enjoying life.
Treasurer - Crystal Whittlesey
Crystal became interested in beekeeping when she moved to the country and decided to try her hand at growing gardens. The bees proved to be a much greater success than the gardens. She took her first bee class from Metro BeeKeepers in 2021 and is happy to serve on the board. Crystal is currently pursuing her Texas Master BeeKeeper Certification.
Programs - MBA Needs You!
If you are open to helping MBA be successful, please talk with an MBA director for more information. Thanks!
Youth Coordinator - Gary Dilling
I became interested in beekeeping in 2016 after receiving the tax bill on my 10 acres. Joined Metro and signed up for the beginner beekeeping class taught by Stan Gore. I received 2 nucs from Jason Smith and began the adventure. It had grown to 17 colonies by 2019 (only needing 8 for AG exemption) when I realized I was addicted.
Web & Social Media Director - Keith Miller
I started my beekeeping adventure in 2016 while assisting with spring splits for another beekeeper. My plan is to follow in the footsteps of the most famous literary apiarist and retire to beekeeping in a few years. Using my carpentry skills, I have built equipment for my apiaries and to catch swarms. I also use my knowledge of residential construction to assist in doing removals.
Membership - Katrina Semones
Katrina started her apiary with 3 hives on April 24, 2019. She enjoys her new hobby with her husband, Michael. They reside in Burleson.