Dr. Micah Parker, aka "The Trust Guy"

Dr. Micah Parker is headmaster at Lutheran South Academy in Houston, Texas. A former college basketball coach of 17 years, he is a published author on peer leadership in athletics. He is also a nationally known speaker and founder of Trustguy Ministries. He has been the keynote speaker at national, district, and state youth gatherings, faith-based businesses and countless Christian schools. To learn more about Micah, the topics he presents, and the mission of his ministry, go to trustguyministries.com.

---

Brad Alles teaches religion at Milwaukee Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  He graduated from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska with a Bachelor’s degree in education, majoring in art and theology, and received his Master’s degree in Christian education from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois.  After teaching for 3 years at Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas, he has spent the last 18 years at his alma mater, Milwaukee Lutheran.  Known for his ability to break down Scripture so it is easily understood and applied, he is a frequent Bible study teacher at Milwaukee area churches, and also travels to state and national youth events.  His passion for God’s Word comes through clearly in his teaching style.  He, his wife Kelly, and their daughters Makiah and Kaleah live in Germantown, Wisconsin.

 

Paul M. Bahr was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the oldest of seven children born to Rev. Albert (Loide) Bahr.  He is a 1973 graduate of Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois (BA) and was awarded a Masters of Science in Educational Administration from Canisius College in Buffalo.  He has served as a teacher, youth worker and principal at schools and parishes in New York, Ohio and Wisconsin.  He was principal at Martin Luther Christian School in Buffalo (1979-1986), Lutheran High School East in Cleveland (1986-1990) and is currently principal at Milwaukee Lutheran High School, where he has served since 1990. He also presently serves as an adjunct professor for Concordia University – Wisconsin, teaching graduate level leadership courses in the Educational Administration program.  He has been a presenter and devotional leader at Lutheran Church Missouri Synod district administrator, teacher and youth conferences, in addition to being a motivational speaker and consultant.  He has served on the Administrative Team for the Association of Lutheran Secondary Schools and the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Independent School Athletic Association.  He was the founder and director of Sports Camp at Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center for over ten years, and has served Pioneer over the years as a worship leader.  He has led a worship team at his home congregation, loves making music, story telling, getting people excited about praising the Lord, and creating memories that last a lifetime!  He and his wife Linnea have six children, three boys and three girls, ranging from ages 16 through 31, 5 of whom graduated from Milwaukee Lutheran High School, and reside in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. 

 

Scott Bell, a  graduate of Concordia College, River Forest, Illinois with a Master's Degree in Administration from Marian College, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin has served 24 years in Lutheran Schools in Florida, Texas, Michigan and Wisconsin.  He is currently partner/owner of Icthus Technologies serving schools, congregations, ministries and small to medium size businesses with hosting, consulting and support services across the United States.  Scott lives in Mequon, Wisconsin with his wife, Jill (a teacher at St. Martini, Milwaukee) and son Seth. 

 

Cindy (Dummer) Bossaller received her BA in education from Concordia, River Forest.  She taught for twelve years at Lutheran schools in Mt. Pulaski, Illinois; Bethalto, Illinois and Washington, Missouri before becoming a stay-at-home mom.  It was her son’s diagnosis of Down syndrome which motivated her to research brain development and sensory dysfunction.  Her daughter’s battle with hyperactivity, caused by food additives, has broadened her area of focus.  Over the past few years, Cindy has given presentations concerning brain development and/or special-needs issues to doctors and parents of children with special needs, as well as to Lutheran and public school teachers at local and state conferences.  Cindy currently lives in Missouri, where she enjoys writing and spending time with her husband and their three children.

 

Dr. Bernard Bull is Assistant Professor of Education, Director of the M.S. in Education-Educational Technology, and Director of the Instructional Design Center at Concordia University Wisconsin.  He has served as a Lutheran middle school teacher, high school theology teacher, youth director, director of outreach, instructional designer for corporate and higher education clients, and a technology consultant for nonprofit organizations.  Bernard has a B.A. in education, M.A. in curriculum and instruction, a M.A. in humanities, and an Ed. D. in instructional technology.  He and his wife, Joyanna, live in Thiensville, Wisconsin with their children, Bethany and Nathaniel.

Beth Campbell is a media specialist at Mark Twain Elementary School in Bettendorf, Iowa.  She served as a first grade teacher and Media Specialist at Trinity Lutheran School, Davenport, Iowa, for sixteen years.  A graduate of Concordia, Seward, she received her Master’s degree in Library and Informational Science from the University of Iowa.  In addition, she has taught Children’s Literature as an adjunct faculty member for St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa.  An accomplished storyteller, her most recent endeavor includes an original story entitled “Mrs. Cichoaz’ Closet.”  She and her husband, Scott, live in Eldridge, Iowa.

Sue Cusick has 25 years of experience as a classroom teacher. She is licensed in special ed for grades 9-12. She taught a study skills course for Waukesha County Technical College and the "Nature of the Exceptional Child" at Concordia University, Wisconsin. Sue currently serves as the teacher consultant for students in grades 4-12 for Lutheran Special Schools and Educational Services.

 

Dr. David Eggebrecht has been a member of the Concordia University faculty since 1965.  He served twenty years as Vice President of Academics and is currently full-time in the classroom teaching English and Theatre.  He has been Chair of the Theatre Department at Concordia since 1968 and also directs for The Acacia Theatre Company and The Cedarburg Players.  For ten years he was Resident Director for The Village Playhouse of Wauwatosa.  He also served as an adjudicator for the Milwaukee County High School Theatre Festival is currently a Respondent for the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF).

 

Hannah Froehlich is currently in her fifth year of ministry. She is a graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin with a degree in Secondary Education – English. Hannah taught high school English in Elgin, Illinois and Racine, Wisconsin before joining the full-time staff at Camp LuWiSoMo in Wild Rose, Wisconsin. Hannah currently serves as the Program Director at LuWiSoMo and resides on camp with her husband and puppy.

 

Dienna Goscha has led children’s ministries for 25 years and is co-founder and principle writer of River’s Edge Curriculum.  She serves as Pastor of Families and Children at Real Life Community Church in Minnesota.  Her background as a math and science teacher provides a springboard for connecting children to spiritual truth using science. Dienna currently resides in Elk River, Minnesota where she enjoys writing, scrapbooking, reading and keeping up with her husband and three teen boys.

Pastor Matthew Hein is a 2006 graduate (M.Div.) of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He currently serves as Associate Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau, Wisconsin where he works with family life, adult education and confirmation ministry. Prior to pastoral ministry he worked in the field of Geology (BS, MA in Geology) as an instructor in the Department of Geology at Central Michigan University. He completed his vicarage at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL where he specialized in college campus ministry. Matthew and his wife Jennifer have been married 7 years and have two children, Gideon (3) and Miriam (1).

 

Dr. Mary Hilgendorf serves as the Director of the Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) and Professor of Education at Concordia University Wisconsin.  Mary gives presentations to Lutheran groups throughout the country to encourage and equip leaders for Christian service.  Her presentations are lively, personal, and thought-provoking with a sound Biblical message and foundation.

 

Pam Hinrichs is part of the Early Childhood Committee of the South Wisconsin District in collaboration with the Faith Development of the Young Child Class of Concordia University Wisconsin.  This committee assists congregations and nurtures, supports, and empowers early childhood educators in mutual Christ-centered ministries to young children and families.

 

Nancy Hoffman is currently in her 27^th year teaching.  She is a 1977 graduate of Concordia St. Paul and currently teaching at Trinity Lutheran School in Wausau.  Nancy has been involved in many aspects of ministry. One of her focuses has been to implement an Alumni ministry for her school, which just recently celebrated 100 years. Nancy and her husband live in Wausau and she enjoys gardening, reading, photography and many other forms of art. Her greatest joy is the time she and her husband spend with her grown children.

 

Nancy Koopman is currently in her ninth year as social studies teacher and school counselor at Lake Country Lutheran High School in Hartland, WI.  She is a graduate of Valparaiso University, and received her colloquy and Master's in School Counseling from Concordia Univ. WI.  Nancy also serves as the Student Activities Adviser.

Kevin Kuske has been involved in ministry as both an educator (for 26 years) and as an administrator (for 12 years).  Currently, Kevin serves at Redeemer Lutheran in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He has experiences in Standards Based and Ongoing Improvement Accreditation as consultant, captain, or team member and has been the District Commissioner for National Lutheran School Accreditation.

Kevin’s wife, Janice, is a kindergarten teacher.  They have two sons at Concordia University, Seward a daughter at N.E.W. Lutheran High School in Green Bay.

 

Matt Kussow is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools (WCRIS), a non-profit, government relations association representing the needs of over 800 private schools across Wisconsin.  He is a registered lobbyist for WCRIS and provides representation for private school issues in Madison and Washington D.C.  Prior to accepting this position in August, 2007, Matt worked for the Wisconsin State Assembly for 14 years, acting as the Chief of Staff for the Joint Finance Committee for ten years.  During his tenure in the legislature he specialized in the areas of school choice, health care and welfare reform and was widely regarded as an expert in state finances.  Matt is also a veteran of Wisconsin politics and has served as campaign manager in seven State Assembly races, a U.S. Senate seat, and a coordinator for gubernatorial and presidential elections.  Matt and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 14 years and have two children, Ben and Sam, attending St. Josephs School in Waterloo, Wisconsin.

 

Kelly Lamkin currently teaches students English and Composition at Lake Country Lutheran High School in Hartland, Wisconsin.  Before teaching at LCL, she taught for nine years at Northeastern Wisconsin Lutheran High School (NEW LHS) in Green Bay.  She started developing service-learning literacy projects for her students in 2002 as a way to reach out to the neighborhood community around NEW LHS and it has since expanded to a flexible curriculum-wide plan.  Kelly holds a BA in English, an MS in Education, and is currently finishing an MA in English/Writing.  She lives in Menomonee Falls with her husband, Tim, who is the pastor of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church.  Her family includes three sons, their wives, and families along with three special dogs.

 

Darlene Larson is the Reading Intervention Coordinator at Trinity Lutheran School in Wausau, Wisconsin.  At Trinity part time, she works closely with the kindergarten and first grade reading programs, tutors several students in older grades in reading and spelling skills, and acts as mentor/coach for teachers in the subject areas of reading, phonics, and spelling.  Darlene holds a Master’s degree in education and is also a Certified Dyslexia Testing Specialist.  She is the owner of an after school tutoring business and enjoys presenting workshops to teachers about dyslexia, teaching reading, phonics, spelling, handwriting, and how to meet the needs of all students in the regular classroom.

 

Nicole Leeland has been serving as Guidance counselor for 11 years at Martin Luther High School. She is a graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin with a bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Education Counseling. Nicole also teaches in the classroom and online for the Graduate program at Concordia. When she is not busy with these two jobs she is taking care of and spending time with her two children and trying to squeeze in some vacations as she loves to travel.

 

Mike Loveless has taught in the social studies department at MartinLutherHigh School for the last seventeen years.  He currently teaches US history, AP US history, and geography.  Over the years, he has also taught government, world history, and Old Testament at ML.  Mike is a graduate of Elm Grove Lutheran (1979), Milwaukee Lutheran (1983), and Concordia Nebraska (1989).  His first call was to Baltimore Lutheran, where he taught theology for three years before receiving his call to Martin Luther.  In 1997, Mike earned an M. Ed. from Cardinal Stritch, and is currently working toward his Master’s in history from UWM.

 

Tracey Markut's experience with our South Wisconsin Lutheran Church & Schools began with her upbringing as the daughter of a pastor (Rev. Howard R. Klenz) and her mother (Darlene Klenz), a teacher/staff member of the LutheranSpecialSchool.  She attended Mt. Olive Lutheran Grade School, Milwaukee Lutheran High School and received her bachelors degree from Concordia University, Mequon.  Following graduation, she was employed with one of the nations premier marketing firms (DCI Marketing, Glendale, Wisconsin), where she obtained experience in point of sale marketing, telemarketing, premium & gift incentive programs and direct mail marketing with clients such as Cadillac & Ford Motor Car Companies, Kmart stores, General Motors, Waste Management, etc.  She left the marketing field to raise her own children at home in Waukesha, Wisconsin and returned to work at Divine Redeemer Lutheran School, Hartland, where she has been a preschool teacher for the past seven years and was sent to the California-Nevada-Hawaii district of the LCMS for training as the school’s Admissions Counselor in October, 2008.  She has attended the first annual Admissions Counselor’s conference this past February in California and participated last June at one of the National Funding Academy seminars that took place for the North and South Wisconsin districts of our Lutheran Church.

Marlene Markworth has more than 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher, a consultant, and as the director of the early childhood program for the handicapped for the Lake County Schools in Florida. Marlene has teaching licenses for grades PK-12 and is a licensed school psychologist. She currently serves as the early childhood consultant for LSSES. Sue Cusick has 25 years of experience as a classroom teacher. She is licensed in special ed for grades 9-12. She taught a study skills course for Waukesha County Technical College and the "Nature of the Exceptional Child" at Concordia University, Wisconsin.

James McClellan is currently in his fifteenth year of teaching.  He is a graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin.  James has taught all fifteen years at Northeastern Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  He has taught World Geography, World History, United States History as well as a number of upper level religion classes.  He has also coached basketball on both the junior-varsity and varsity levels.  James currently resides in Green Bay, Wisconsin with his wife Laura and two children Rebekah and Jedidiah, where he enjoys gardening, collecting baseball cards and Ebay.

 

Rose Meier has been a Lutheran School elementary teacher for over 26 years.  She received her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Concordia Seward and her Master’s of Reading and Learning Disabilities from Cardinal Stritch University.  She taught as a homeroom and departmentalized teacher before developing the Learning Center at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Grafton.  Rose currently services over twenty pre-school through 7^th grade remedial and enrichment students 2-3 times per week.

 

Phil Meinzen, a 32 year veteran in education and gift development, is the Director-Training, Consulting and Mentoring for The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Foundation. As the principle author and developer of the national Christian Development Executive comprehensive training program offered by the LCMS Foundation, Meinzen equips and encourages in monetary wisdom from God’s Word for financial leadership. His work connects the spiritual gifts of generosity and encouragement through gift development, planning and funding for individual and organizational stewards. Philip is a graduate of the College for Financial Planning’s Certified Financial Planning (CFP) Professional Education Program (1997). He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Concordia University Nebraska in 1977 and a Masters Degree in Counseling from the University of Wisconsin in 1984. He is a Certified Fund Raising Professional (CFRE), a Christian Development Executive (CDE) and a Christian Gift Planner (CGP), and was honored as the Fund Raising Professional of the year by the Wisconsin Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in 1993. Born to missionary parents in India, Philip now lives with his wife of 29 years, Melede, in West Bend, Wisconsin. They have four children-all graduates of the LCMS school system.

 

Virginia Oberdeck has 20 years of classroom teaching experience, most of which has been in resource rooms in Lutheran schools in St. Louis and Milwaukee.  She has teaching licenses in regular and special education for grades K-8. She is currently the resource room teacher at Our Redeemer Lutheran in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

 

Michael Oldenburg has taught in schools in Kansas and Wisconsin and has also served as an admissions counselor at Concordia College when it was still located in downtown Milwaukee. The majority of his teaching experience took place at Elm Grove Lutheran School where he taught every grade from fourth through eighth, and also served as Assistant Principal. For the last twelve years, Mike has served as principal of Divine Redeemer Lutheran School in Hartland. He also serves the church as Executive Director. Mike earned his undergraduate degree in 1976 from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois. He completed his Masters Degree in Education/Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia River Forest and his Masters Degree in Education/Administration from Concordia University Wisconsin.

 

Dr. Micah Parker is the Headmaster at Lutheran South Academy in Houston, Texas.  A former college basketball coach of 17 years, he is a published author on peer leadership in athletics.  He is also a nationally known speaker and founder of Trustguy Ministries.  He has been the keynote speaker at national, district, and state youth gatherings, faith based businesses and countless Christian schools. 

Carole Peterson grew up in a house with a preschool attached!  She graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in musical theater, acting in shows in Chicago and New York City (even a stint on All My Children!) before going afloat as a cruise director in the Caribbean.  Back on land again, she hosted the nightly TV show “PM MAGAZINE” before settling down to “mommy.”  She created music classes to meet the needs of her two children, who are now in college.  As MACARONI SOUP, she has been providing musical entertainment and education for children 1-10 years old since 1989.  Carole’s CDs have won the Parents’ Choice, NAPPA, I-Parenting Media and Children’s Music Web Awards.

 

Paula Pierce has been the preschool/daycare director of St. John’s Lutheran Church in North Prairie, Wisconsin for 7 years and also leads the church’s senior high youth group. She formerly directed the church’s Vacation Bible School program for 5 years.  In 2008, Paula was honored with the SWD-LCMS Early Childhood Educator of the Year award. She received the Wisconsin Professional Credential for Child Care Administrators from UW-Milwaukee, and an Associate’s Degree in arts and science from UW-Waukesha. Paula served her country in the U.S. Army, and prior to working at St. John’s she was employed as a finance manager.  She currently resides in Mukwonago with her husband and two children.

 

Linda Pils received her Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University and her Master’s of Science in reading/language arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  She retired after teaching children for 33 years at the kindergarten, first, second, and third grades, as well as multi-age and Junior Primary levels.  Linda was the co-director of the Wisconsin Writing Project at UW-Madison for two years and the Editor of the Elementary Science magazine for the Wisconsin Academy of Science.  She has written numerous articles for The Reading Teacher, Educational Leadership and Instructor magazines, as well as co-authoring two books for primary teachers focusing on the use of children’s literature in the classroom. Linda lives in Madison, Wisconsin, where she enjoys reading, gardening, photography, writing, biking, movies and spending time with friends and family, especially her two granddaughters from whom she has learned so much.

 

Mide “Mutt” Rieck is the Director of Guest Services at Camp Luther near Three Lakes, Wisconsin.  Mike has been studying, planning, or leading outdoor education and outdoor ministry activities since college in the late 1980s.  Prior to joining Camp Luther’s staff 6 years ago, Mike served in full-time parish youth ministry for several years and also spent tie in business management positions.  Creation is the evidence of God—learning about and caring for our environment can show us much about our Creator and how He cares for us.

 

Rhiannon Robinson is a retired classroom teacher who specializes in dyslexia identification and treatment.  She is a literacy expert and the owner of Dyslexia Solutions of Illinois, a small private practice in Chatham, Illinois.   Presently, she holds Orton-Gillingham certifications at the initial, advanced, and trainer level and is also certified through ALTA.  Rhiannon is currently a graduate student at the University of Illinois Masters of Social Work program and is completing work on Lionheart Literacy, an Orton-Gillingham based curriculum.   Most importantly, her mom, dad, sister, grandmother, and cousin all have dyslexia, and she has dyscalculia. 

 

Terry Schmidt is the Associate Director of Schools for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  In that role he assists schools and congregations to: start new schools (Genesis), improve schools (NLSA and SSAC), and recruit and train new school leaders (SLED).  Terry believes that the future success of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod is directly linked to the health and viability of Lutheran schools.  Lutheran schools are located on the front line of the North American mission field and strategically positioned for teaching and reaching.  Terry has served in Lutheran schools in Illinois and Wisconsin and began his teaching career in Papua, New Guinea.  He has received the Christus Magister Award of the Lutheran Education Association and recently received that organization’s Outreach Leader Award.  He also received the Ablaze Partner Award from the LCMS World Missions in 2009.

Maureen Schneider began serving Concordia Plan Services in September 2007.  She has more than 35 years of experience in employee benefits including health plans, retirement, disability, savings and life insurance.  Maureen has served in all facets of this industry—corporate administration, sales support, health care administration and providers as well as a brokerage firm.  Her experience ranges from very large complex organizations to small companies, including a start-up company.  Maureen started her career as a health claims processor for Aetna Life and Casualry, worked in Human Resources for The Seven-Up Company/Phillip Morris, and then served 10 years with Anheuser-Busch as Manager of Group Insurance, then Manager of HR Communications.  Prior to joining CPS, she worked for The Todd Organization as a Senior Consultant in the executive benefits arena in addition to supporting marketing, negotiation and implementation of health, life and disability insurance.  Maureen graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri with a B.S. in Mathematics.  She and her husband, Tom, have two adult sons and a growing number of grandchildren.  Maureen and Tom reside in Webster Grove, Missouri.

 

Debi Schumacher is currently in her twenty sixth year of teaching.  She is a graduate of Valparaiso University and received her colloquy from Concordia River Forest and her Master’s Degree in Reading and Language Arts from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.  Debi has previously taught in Munster, Indiana; Seoul, South Korea; and West Allis, Wisconsin.  She currently serves as a teacher for Lutheran Special School and Education Services working with special needs students in the resource program at Martin Luther High School in Greendale, Wisconsin.  Debi currently resides in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, where she enjoys cooking wild game, gardening, walking, and being close to her family.

 

Pastor Wayne Schroeder was born March 7, 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri to the Rev. Theodore W. Schroeder and Verna Eckhart Schroeder.  He was baptized later that month at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Brentwood, MO.  He was confirmed at Mt. Calvary in 1957, graduating that same year from Mt. Calvary Lutheran School. He graduated from Lutheran High School, St. Louis, in 1961, attended junior college at St. Paul’s College, Concordia, Missouri, and graduated from Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.  He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, with a Master of Divinity Degree in 1969.  Pastor Schroeder has served parishes at Platte Center and Humphrey, Nebraska; Kearney, Nebraska; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  He served the South Wisconsin District as Executive for Congregational Services * Stewardship, Evangelism and Student Aid and Recruitment from October 2000 until November 2006.  In May, 2007, he was installed at Assoc. Pastor/School Chaplain at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.  Pastor Schroeder is married to Beverly A. Fischer of Stover, Missouri.  Their marriage has been blessed with four children and seven grandchildren.

 

DJ Schult has been serving in Lutheran schools for 13 years. He is a graduate of the very first online colloquy class through CUEnet, holds a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Concordia Mequon, is a SLED graduate, is currently a Fellow in the Van Lunen program for Christian Executives, and occasionally teaches a cohort class for Concordia. DJ currently serves as principal at Trinity Lutheran School in Wausau, Wisconsin. When not dreaming about accreditation, DJ coaches his son and two daughters in whatever team they play on.

 

Pastor Anthony Schultz married Nancy Carol Lauber in December 1977.  On November 18, 2004, Nancy underwent a liver and kidney transplant.  By grace alone, she continues to do very well.  She teaches Algebra at Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, Wisconsin.  We have four children and five grandchildren.  Nancy and I first served Peace Ev. Lutheran Church in Loves Park, Illinois, then Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Dundee, Wisconsin and presently serve St. Luke Ev. Lutheran Church in Watertown, Wisconsin.

Paul Steinhaus has recently completed his 12th year at Northeastern Wisconsin Lutheran High School (NEWLHS) as a science teacher and volleyball coach.  Paul also serves as a co-administrator at the high school.  He is passionate about Christian education.  He has a strong interest in the topic of origins as it relates to science and faith.  Paul has been the varsity volleyball coach at NEWLHS the past 11 years leading the Blazers to five conference championships, seven WIAA regional championships and six sectional final appearances.   2006 and 2007 saw the Blazers the state's Final Four.   2007 also marked a mile stone as Coach Steinhaus reached 200+ wins for his tenure as head coach of the Blazers. 

Paul attempts to teach "Biblical Functionalism" through the languages of science and volleyball.  Paul has been happily married for 12 years, and he is the father of three girls: a 4th grader, a 2nd grader, and a kindergartener. 

Dr. Cary Stelmachowicz is in his 32nd year of serving in Christian education.  A graduate of Concordia University Chicago, he has served as a high school English teacher for 10 years at Lutheran North in Macomb, Michigan and three as an assistant principal at Lutheran East in Detroit, Michigan.  From 1991-2001 he was an associate professor of education at Concordia University Wisconsin.  He was involved in teaching in the undergraduate and graduate programs, coordinated distance learning classes for local high schools through the Badgernet system, and was director of secondary education.  He has been involved in coaching on every level from collegiate to elementary.  He has a Master's degree in English Literature from Oakland University and his Doctorate is in educational leadership from Western Michigan.  Since 2001 Dr. Stelmachowicz has been serving as executive director of Living Word Lutheran High School in Jackson, Wisconsin.  He has four children and resides in Fredonia, Wisconsin.

Dr. Michael Uden is passionate about Lutheran education and its ministry to children and families.  He enjoys working with schools on curriculum reform designed to meet the challenges of twenty-first century teaching and learning.  As the Dean of the School of Education at Concordia University Wisconsin, he works to prepare exceptional educators with a heart for service.  Dr. Uden is also the Assistant Executive Director of the Ministry Technology Mentor (MTM) Project.

 

Jim Van Dellen graduated from Concordia University in Ann Arbor with a BA in education in 1991, and from Capella University with a MS in Education in 2008. He spent four years teaching Junior High Science, History, and Physical Education at St. Paul Lutheran School in Westlake, Ohio before returning to Ann Arbor in 1995. In nine years in Ann Arbor, Jim served as a middle school teacher in the areas of History, Geography, Religion, and Physical Education at St. Paul Lutheran School. In addition, Jim served as the Athletic Director at St. Paul and also served as varsity soccer coach at Concordia University for two years.  At Our Redeemer, Jim teaches American History and Geography at the Junior High level. Jim also serves as assistant principal, and coaches varsity girls’ and boys' soccer at Milwaukee Lutheran High School. Jim "loves to see young men and women build their relationship with their Savior as they build their relationships with each other." Jim was honored to receive recognition as the Lutheran Education Association's "Distinguished Lutheran Elementary Teacher" in 2008.  Jim and his wife, Penny, have three children – Austin, who is a freshman at Milwaukee Lutheran; Christian, who is in sixth grade; and Katherine - a fourth grader. As a family, the Van Dellen family enjoys camping, rock climbing, and bike riding. Jim, of course, enjoys sports of all kinds (especially soccer,) is a NASCAR fanatic (Mark Martin rules!) and loves to spend time in his woodshop building furniture.

 

Cindy Wachs grew up in an environment that nurtured a love of music.  Cindy has a broad appreciation and love of music and seeks to integrate this into the classroom through a variety of music and movement activities.  She has taught levels ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade and more recently added college students.  Her husband and daughters have learned to accept (without laughing too hard) the excitement she feels when discovering a new musical resource.

 

Sandy Wehmeier is the Science Director at the Milwaukee Academy of Science (MAS is a K4 to 12 independent charter school run by The Milwaukee Science Education Consortium).  Sandy has, in the past, taught at Milwaukee Lutheran High School, St. Paul Lutheran School (Grafton, WI) and served as adjunct professor of Health Methods at Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin.  In her current administrative position, Sandy oversees science instruction in thirty-eight K4 to 8 classrooms.  She is also responsible for science extra-curricular activities and serves as science liaison between MAS and its eight consortium universities.  Philosophically, Sandy believes that hands-on science, inquiry and development of experiential background create understanding in science and foster interest in STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) careers.  Above all, however, she believes that science must be FUN!

Sandy graduated from Valparaiso University and has both a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and has received a colloquy from Concordia University Mequon, Wisconsin.

Sandy has three grown children and lives with her husband, John, in a condo on Little Muskego Lake.

 

Brian Wilhorn has had his feet in the classroom, his nose in a book, and his finger on the pulse of children’s literature for fourteen years.  His love of reading transfers directly into his classroom where students beg for more reading time.  Brian is convinced that motivating students to read becomes infinitely easier when they are given books worth reading, books they want to read, and has recently started HelpReadersLoveReading.com to share those books with other educators.  Brian currently teaches fourth grade at Immanuel in Wisconsin Rapids and lives in Vesper, Wisconsin with his wife, Jennifer, his children, Meg and Ethan, and too many piles of books.

 

Sherry Ann Wolfer has a degree in Child Development and has worked in an accredited preschool for 8 years as a preschool teacher working with 3, 4 and 5 year old children. After having three children of her own, Sherry Ann started doing workshops for teachers of early childhood education. She has been an early childhood consultant for more than 10 years and has presented at numerous state and local workshops including State AEYC conferences in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. She is the published author of "Princess Starlet's Crown" and has also written five resource booklets.

 

Dr. Micah Parker, aka "The Trust Guy"

Dr. Micah Parker is headmaster at Lutheran South Academy in Houston, Texas. A former college basketball coach of 17 years, he is a published author on peer leadership in athletics. He is also a nationally known speaker and founder of Trustguy Ministries. He has been the keynote speaker at national, district, and state youth gatherings, faith-based businesses and countless Christian schools. To learn more about Micah, the topics he presents, and the mission of his ministry, go to trustguyministries.com.

---

Brad Alles teaches religion at Milwaukee Lutheran High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  He graduated from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska with a Bachelor’s degree in education, majoring in art and theology, and received his Master’s degree in Christian education from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois.  After teaching for 3 years at Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas, he has spent the last 18 years at his alma mater, Milwaukee Lutheran.  Known for his ability to break down Scripture so it is easily understood and applied, he is a frequent Bible study teacher at Milwaukee area churches, and also travels to state and national youth events.  His passion for God’s Word comes through clearly in his teaching style.  He, his wife Kelly, and their daughters Makiah and Kaleah live in Germantown, Wisconsin.

 

Paul M. Bahr was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the oldest of seven children born to Rev. Albert (Loide) Bahr.  He is a 1973 graduate of Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois (BA) and was awarded a Masters of Science in Educational Administration from Canisius College in Buffalo.  He has served as a teacher, youth worker and principal at schools and parishes in New York, Ohio and Wisconsin.  He was principal at Martin Luther Christian School in Buffalo (1979-1986), Lutheran High School East in Cleveland (1986-1990) and is currently principal at Milwaukee Lutheran High School, where he has served since 1990. He also presently serves as an adjunct professor for Concordia University – Wisconsin, teaching graduate level leadership courses in the Educational Administration program.  He has been a presenter and devotional leader at Lutheran Church Missouri Synod district administrator, teacher and youth conferences, in addition to being a motivational speaker and consultant.  He has served on the Administrative Team for the Association of Lutheran Secondary Schools and the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Independent School Athletic Association.  He was the founder and director of Sports Camp at Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center for over ten years, and has served Pioneer over the years as a worship leader.  He has led a worship team at his home congregation, loves making music, story telling, getting people excited about praising the Lord, and creating memories that last a lifetime!  He and his wife Linnea have six children, three boys and three girls, ranging from ages 16 through 31, 5 of whom graduated from Milwaukee Lutheran High School, and reside in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. 

 

Scott Bell, a  graduate of Concordia College, River Forest, Illinois with a Master's Degree in Administration from Marian College, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin has served 24 years in Lutheran Schools in Florida, Texas, Michigan and Wisconsin.  He is currently partner/owner of Icthus Technologies serving schools, congregations, ministries and small to medium size businesses with hosting, consulting and support services across the United States.  Scott lives in Mequon, Wisconsin with his wife, Jill (a teacher at St. Martini, Milwaukee) and son Seth. 

 

Cindy (Dummer) Bossaller received her BA in education from Concordia, River Forest.  She taught for twelve years at Lutheran schools in Mt. Pulaski, Illinois; Bethalto, Illinois and Washington, Missouri before becoming a stay-at-home mom.  It was her son’s diagnosis of Down syndrome which motivated her to research brain development and sensory dysfunction.  Her daughter’s battle with hyperactivity, caused by food additives, has broadened her area of focus.  Over the past few years, Cindy has given presentations concerning brain development and/or special-needs issues to doctors and parents of children with special needs, as well as to Lutheran and public school teachers at local and state conferences.  Cindy currently lives in Missouri, where she enjoys writing and spending time with her husband and their three children.

 

Dr. Bernard Bull is Assistant Professor of Education, Director of the M.S. in Education-Educational Technology, and Director of the Instructional Design Center at Concordia University Wisconsin.  He has served as a Lutheran middle school teacher, high school theology teacher, youth director, director of outreach, instructional designer for corporate and higher education clients, and a technology consultant for nonprofit organizations.  Bernard has a B.A. in education, M.A. in curriculum and instruction, a M.A. in humanities, and an Ed. D. in instructional technology.  He and his wife, Joyanna, live in Thiensville, Wisconsin with their children, Bethany and Nathaniel.

Beth Campbell is a media specialist at Mark Twain Elementary School in Bettendorf, Iowa.  She served as a first grade teacher and Media Specialist at Trinity Lutheran School, Davenport, Iowa, for sixteen years.  A graduate of Concordia, Seward, she received her Master’s degree in Library and Informational Science from the University of Iowa.  In addition, she has taught Children’s Literature as an adjunct faculty member for St. Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa.  An accomplished storyteller, her most recent endeavor includes an original story entitled “Mrs. Cichoaz’ Closet.”  She and her husband, Scott, live in Eldridge, Iowa.

Sue Cusick has 25 years of experience as a classroom teacher. She is licensed in special ed for grades 9-12. She taught a study skills course for Waukesha County Technical College and the "Nature of the Exceptional Child" at Concordia University, Wisconsin. Sue currently serves as the teacher consultant for students in grades 4-12 for Lutheran Special Schools and Educational Services.

 

Dr. David Eggebrecht has been a member of the Concordia University faculty since 1965.  He served twenty years as Vice President of Academics and is currently full-time in the classroom teaching English and Theatre.  He has been Chair of the Theatre Department at Concordia since 1968 and also directs for The Acacia Theatre Company and The Cedarburg Players.  For ten years he was Resident Director for The Village Playhouse of Wauwatosa.  He also served as an adjudicator for the Milwaukee County High School Theatre Festival is currently a Respondent for the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF).

 

Hannah Froehlich is currently in her fifth year of ministry. She is a graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin with a degree in Secondary Education – English. Hannah taught high school English in Elgin, Illinois and Racine, Wisconsin before joining the full-time staff at Camp LuWiSoMo in Wild Rose, Wisconsin. Hannah currently serves as the Program Director at LuWiSoMo and resides on camp with her husband and puppy.

 

Dienna Goscha has led children’s ministries for 25 years and is co-founder and principle writer of River’s Edge Curriculum.  She serves as Pastor of Families and Children at Real Life Community Church in Minnesota.  Her background as a math and science teacher provides a springboard for connecting children to spiritual truth using science. Dienna currently resides in Elk River, Minnesota where she enjoys writing, scrapbooking, reading and keeping up with her husband and three teen boys.

Pastor Matthew Hein is a 2006 graduate (M.Div.) of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He currently serves as Associate Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Wausau, Wisconsin where he works with family life, adult education and confirmation ministry. Prior to pastoral ministry he worked in the field of Geology (BS, MA in Geology) as an instructor in the Department of Geology at Central Michigan University. He completed his vicarage at First Lutheran Church in Gainesville, FL where he specialized in college campus ministry. Matthew and his wife Jennifer have been married 7 years and have two children, Gideon (3) and Miriam (1).

 

Dr. Mary Hilgendorf serves as the Director of the Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) and Professor of Education at Concordia University Wisconsin.  Mary gives presentations to Lutheran groups throughout the country to encourage and equip leaders for Christian service.  Her presentations are lively, personal, and thought-provoking with a sound Biblical message and foundation.

 

Pam Hinrichs is part of the Early Childhood Committee of the South Wisconsin District in collaboration with the Faith Development of the Young Child Class of Concordia University Wisconsin.  This committee assists congregations and nurtures, supports, and empowers early childhood educators in mutual Christ-centered ministries to young children and families.

 

Nancy Hoffman is currently in her 27^th year teaching.  She is a 1977 graduate of Concordia St. Paul and currently teaching at Trinity Lutheran School in Wausau.  Nancy has been involved in many aspects of ministry. One of her focuses has been to implement an Alumni ministry for her school, which just recently celebrated 100 years. Nancy and her husband live in Wausau and she enjoys gardening, reading, photography and many other forms of art. Her greatest joy is the time she and her husband spend with her grown children.

 

Nancy Koopman is currently in her ninth year as social studies teacher and school counselor at Lake Country Lutheran High School in Hartland, WI.  She is a graduate of Valparaiso University, and received her colloquy and Master's in School Counseling from Concordia Univ. WI.  Nancy also serves as the Student Activities Adviser.

Kevin Kuske has been involved in ministry as both an educator (for 26 years) and as an administrator (for 12 years).  Currently, Kevin serves at Redeemer Lutheran in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He has experiences in Standards Based and Ongoing Improvement Accreditation as consultant, captain, or team member and has been the District Commissioner for National Lutheran School Accreditation.

Kevin’s wife, Janice, is a kindergarten teacher.  They have two sons at Concordia University, Seward a daughter at N.E.W. Lutheran High School in Green Bay.

 

Matt Kussow is the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools (WCRIS), a non-profit, government relations association representing the needs of over 800 private schools across Wisconsin.  He is a registered lobbyist for WCRIS and provides representation for private school issues in Madison and Washington D.C.  Prior to accepting this position in August, 2007, Matt worked for the Wisconsin State Assembly for 14 years, acting as the Chief of Staff for the Joint Finance Committee for ten years.  During his tenure in the legislature he specialized in the areas of school choice, health care and welfare reform and was widely regarded as an expert in state finances.  Matt is also a veteran of Wisconsin politics and has served as campaign manager in seven State Assembly races, a U.S. Senate seat, and a coordinator for gubernatorial and presidential elections.  Matt and his wife, Michelle, have been married for 14 years and have two children, Ben and Sam, attending St. Josephs School in Waterloo, Wisconsin.

 

Kelly Lamkin currently teaches students English and Composition at Lake Country Lutheran High School in Hartland, Wisconsin.  Before teaching at LCL, she taught for nine years at Northeastern Wisconsin Lutheran High School (NEW LHS) in Green Bay.  She started developing service-learning literacy projects for her students in 2002 as a way to reach out to the neighborhood community around NEW LHS and it has since expanded to a flexible curriculum-wide plan.  Kelly holds a BA in English, an MS in Education, and is currently finishing an MA in English/Writing.  She lives in Menomonee Falls with her husband, Tim, who is the pastor of Zion Ev. Lutheran Church.  Her family includes three sons, their wives, and families along with three special dogs.

 

Darlene Larson is the Reading Intervention Coordinator at Trinity Lutheran School in Wausau, Wisconsin.  At Trinity part time, she works closely with the kindergarten and first grade reading programs, tutors several students in older grades in reading and spelling skills, and acts as mentor/coach for teachers in the subject areas of reading, phonics, and spelling.  Darlene holds a Master’s degree in education and is also a Certified Dyslexia Testing Specialist.  She is the owner of an after school tutoring business and enjoys presenting workshops to teachers about dyslexia, teaching reading, phonics, spelling, handwriting, and how to meet the needs of all students in the regular classroom.

 

Nicole Leeland has been serving as Guidance counselor for 11 years at Martin Luther High School. She is a graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin with a bachelors in Psychology and a Masters in Education Counseling. Nicole also teaches in the classroom and online for the Graduate program at Concordia. When she is not busy with these two jobs she is taking care of and spending time with her two children and trying to squeeze in some vacations as she loves to travel.

 

Mike Loveless has taught in the social studies department at MartinLutherHigh School for the last seventeen years.  He currently teaches US history, AP US history, and geography.  Over the years, he has also taught government, world history, and Old Testament at ML.  Mike is a graduate of Elm Grove Lutheran (1979), Milwaukee Lutheran (1983), and Concordia Nebraska (1989).  His first call was to Baltimore Lutheran, where he taught theology for three years before receiving his call to Martin Luther.  In 1997, Mike earned an M. Ed. from Cardinal Stritch, and is currently working toward his Master’s in history from UWM.

 

Tracey Markut's experience with our South Wisconsin Lutheran Church & Schools began with her upbringing as the daughter of a pastor (Rev. Howard R. Klenz) and her mother (Darlene Klenz), a teacher/staff member of the LutheranSpecialSchool.  She attended Mt. Olive Lutheran Grade School, Milwaukee Lutheran High School and received her bachelors degree from Concordia University, Mequon.  Following graduation, she was employed with one of the nations premier marketing firms (DCI Marketing, Glendale, Wisconsin), where she obtained experience in point of sale marketing, telemarketing, premium & gift incentive programs and direct mail marketing with clients such as Cadillac & Ford Motor Car Companies, Kmart stores, General Motors, Waste Management, etc.  She left the marketing field to raise her own children at home in Waukesha, Wisconsin and returned to work at Divine Redeemer Lutheran School, Hartland, where she has been a preschool teacher for the past seven years and was sent to the California-Nevada-Hawaii district of the LCMS for training as the school’s Admissions Counselor in October, 2008.  She has attended the first annual Admissions Counselor’s conference this past February in California and participated last June at one of the National Funding Academy seminars that took place for the North and South Wisconsin districts of our Lutheran Church.

Marlene Markworth has more than 30 years of experience as a classroom teacher, a consultant, and as the director of the early childhood program for the handicapped for the Lake County Schools in Florida. Marlene has teaching licenses for grades PK-12 and is a licensed school psychologist. She currently serves as the early childhood consultant for LSSES. Sue Cusick has 25 years of experience as a classroom teacher. She is licensed in special ed for grades 9-12. She taught a study skills course for Waukesha County Technical College and the "Nature of the Exceptional Child" at Concordia University, Wisconsin.

James McClellan is currently in his fifteenth year of teaching.  He is a graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin.  James has taught all fifteen years at Northeastern Wisconsin Lutheran High School in Green Bay, Wisconsin.  He has taught World Geography, World History, United States History as well as a number of upper level religion classes.  He has also coached basketball on both the junior-varsity and varsity levels.  James currently resides in Green Bay, Wisconsin with his wife Laura and two children Rebekah and Jedidiah, where he enjoys gardening, collecting baseball cards and Ebay.

 

Rose Meier has been a Lutheran School elementary teacher for over 26 years.  She received her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Concordia Seward and her Master’s of Reading and Learning Disabilities from Cardinal Stritch University.  She taught as a homeroom and departmentalized teacher before developing the Learning Center at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Grafton.  Rose currently services over twenty pre-school through 7^th grade remedial and enrichment students 2-3 times per week.

 

Phil Meinzen, a 32 year veteran in education and gift development, is the Director-Training, Consulting and Mentoring for The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod Foundation. As the principle author and developer of the national Christian Development Executive comprehensive training program offered by the LCMS Foundation, Meinzen equips and encourages in monetary wisdom from God’s Word for financial leadership. His work connects the spiritual gifts of generosity and encouragement through gift development, planning and funding for individual and organizational stewards. Philip is a graduate of the College for Financial Planning’s Certified Financial Planning (CFP) Professional Education Program (1997). He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Concordia University Nebraska in 1977 and a Masters Degree in Counseling from the University of Wisconsin in 1984. He is a Certified Fund Raising Professional (CFRE), a Christian Development Executive (CDE) and a Christian Gift Planner (CGP), and was honored as the Fund Raising Professional of the year by the Wisconsin Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) in 1993. Born to missionary parents in India, Philip now lives with his wife of 29 years, Melede, in West Bend, Wisconsin. They have four children-all graduates of the LCMS school system.

 

Virginia Oberdeck has 20 years of classroom teaching experience, most of which has been in resource rooms in Lutheran schools in St. Louis and Milwaukee.  She has teaching licenses in regular and special education for grades K-8. She is currently the resource room teacher at Our Redeemer Lutheran in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

 

Michael Oldenburg has taught in schools in Kansas and Wisconsin and has also served as an admissions counselor at Concordia College when it was still located in downtown Milwaukee. The majority of his teaching experience took place at Elm Grove Lutheran School where he taught every grade from fourth through eighth, and also served as Assistant Principal. For the last twelve years, Mike has served as principal of Divine Redeemer Lutheran School in Hartland. He also serves the church as Executive Director. Mike earned his undergraduate degree in 1976 from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois. He completed his Masters Degree in Education/Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia River Forest and his Masters Degree in Education/Administration from Concordia University Wisconsin.

 

Dr. Micah Parker is the Headmaster at Lutheran South Academy in Houston, Texas.  A former college basketball coach of 17 years, he is a published author on peer leadership in athletics.  He is also a nationally known speaker and founder of Trustguy Ministries.  He has been the keynote speaker at national, district, and state youth gatherings, faith based businesses and countless Christian schools. 

Carole Peterson grew up in a house with a preschool attached!  She graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in musical theater, acting in shows in Chicago and New York City (even a stint on All My Children!) before going afloat as a cruise director in the Caribbean.  Back on land again, she hosted the nightly TV show “PM MAGAZINE” before settling down to “mommy.”  She created music classes to meet the needs of her two children, who are now in college.  As MACARONI SOUP, she has been providing musical entertainment and education for children 1-10 years old since 1989.  Carole’s CDs have won the Parents’ Choice, NAPPA, I-Parenting Media and Children’s Music Web Awards.

 

Paula Pierce has been the preschool/daycare director of St. John’s Lutheran Church in North Prairie, Wisconsin for 7 years and also leads the church’s senior high youth group. She formerly directed the church’s Vacation Bible School program for 5 years.  In 2008, Paula was honored with the SWD-LCMS Early Childhood Educator of the Year award. She received the Wisconsin Professional Credential for Child Care Administrators from UW-Milwaukee, and an Associate’s Degree in arts and science from UW-Waukesha. Paula served her country in the U.S. Army, and prior to working at St. John’s she was employed as a finance manager.  She currently resides in Mukwonago with her husband and two children.

 

Linda Pils received her Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University and her Master’s of Science in reading/language arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  She retired after teaching children for 33 years at the kindergarten, first, second, and third grades, as well as multi-age and Junior Primary levels.  Linda was the co-director of the Wisconsin Writing Project at UW-Madison for two years and the Editor of the Elementary Science magazine for the Wisconsin Academy of Science.  She has written numerous articles for The Reading Teacher, Educational Leadership and Instructor magazines, as well as co-authoring two books for primary teachers focusing on the use of children’s literature in the classroom. Linda lives in Madison, Wisconsin, where she enjoys reading, gardening, photography, writing, biking, movies and spending time with friends and family, especially her two granddaughters from whom she has learned so much.

 

Mide “Mutt” Rieck is the Director of Guest Services at Camp Luther near Three Lakes, Wisconsin.  Mike has been studying, planning, or leading outdoor education and outdoor ministry activities since college in the late 1980s.  Prior to joining Camp Luther’s staff 6 years ago, Mike served in full-time parish youth ministry for several years and also spent tie in business management positions.  Creation is the evidence of God—learning about and caring for our environment can show us much about our Creator and how He cares for us.

 

Rhiannon Robinson is a retired classroom teacher who specializes in dyslexia identification and treatment.  She is a literacy expert and the owner of Dyslexia Solutions of Illinois, a small private practice in Chatham, Illinois.   Presently, she holds Orton-Gillingham certifications at the initial, advanced, and trainer level and is also certified through ALTA.  Rhiannon is currently a graduate student at the University of Illinois Masters of Social Work program and is completing work on Lionheart Literacy, an Orton-Gillingham based curriculum.   Most importantly, her mom, dad, sister, grandmother, and cousin all have dyslexia, and she has dyscalculia. 

 

Terry Schmidt is the Associate Director of Schools for the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  In that role he assists schools and congregations to: start new schools (Genesis), improve schools (NLSA and SSAC), and recruit and train new school leaders (SLED).  Terry believes that the future success of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod is directly linked to the health and viability of Lutheran schools.  Lutheran schools are located on the front line of the North American mission field and strategically positioned for teaching and reaching.  Terry has served in Lutheran schools in Illinois and Wisconsin and began his teaching career in Papua, New Guinea.  He has received the Christus Magister Award of the Lutheran Education Association and recently received that organization’s Outreach Leader Award.  He also received the Ablaze Partner Award from the LCMS World Missions in 2009.

Maureen Schneider began serving Concordia Plan Services in September 2007.  She has more than 35 years of experience in employee benefits including health plans, retirement, disability, savings and life insurance.  Maureen has served in all facets of this industry—corporate administration, sales support, health care administration and providers as well as a brokerage firm.  Her experience ranges from very large complex organizations to small companies, including a start-up company.  Maureen started her career as a health claims processor for Aetna Life and Casualry, worked in Human Resources for The Seven-Up Company/Phillip Morris, and then served 10 years with Anheuser-Busch as Manager of Group Insurance, then Manager of HR Communications.  Prior to joining CPS, she worked for The Todd Organization as a Senior Consultant in the executive benefits arena in addition to supporting marketing, negotiation and implementation of health, life and disability insurance.  Maureen graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri with a B.S. in Mathematics.  She and her husband, Tom, have two adult sons and a growing number of grandchildren.  Maureen and Tom reside in Webster Grove, Missouri.

 

Debi Schumacher is currently in her twenty sixth year of teaching.  She is a graduate of Valparaiso University and received her colloquy from Concordia River Forest and her Master’s Degree in Reading and Language Arts from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.  Debi has previously taught in Munster, Indiana; Seoul, South Korea; and West Allis, Wisconsin.  She currently serves as a teacher for Lutheran Special School and Education Services working with special needs students in the resource program at Martin Luther High School in Greendale, Wisconsin.  Debi currently resides in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, where she enjoys cooking wild game, gardening, walking, and being close to her family.

 

Pastor Wayne Schroeder was born March 7, 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri to the Rev. Theodore W. Schroeder and Verna Eckhart Schroeder.  He was baptized later that month at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Brentwood, MO.  He was confirmed at Mt. Calvary in 1957, graduating that same year from Mt. Calvary Lutheran School. He graduated from Lutheran High School, St. Louis, in 1961, attended junior college at St. Paul’s College, Concordia, Missouri, and graduated from Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.  He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, with a Master of Divinity Degree in 1969.  Pastor Schroeder has served parishes at Platte Center and Humphrey, Nebraska; Kearney, Nebraska; Lincoln, Nebraska; and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  He served the South Wisconsin District as Executive for Congregational Services * Stewardship, Evangelism and Student Aid and Recruitment from October 2000 until November 2006.  In May, 2007, he was installed at Assoc. Pastor/School Chaplain at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.  Pastor Schroeder is married to Beverly A. Fischer of Stover, Missouri.  Their marriage has been blessed with four children and seven grandchildren.

 

DJ Schult has been serving in Lutheran schools for 13 years. He is a graduate of the very first online colloquy class through CUEnet, holds a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Concordia Mequon, is a SLED graduate, is currently a Fellow in the Van Lunen program for Christian Executives, and occasionally teaches a cohort class for Concordia. DJ currently serves as principal at Trinity Lutheran School in Wausau, Wisconsin. When not dreaming about accreditation, DJ coaches his son and two daughters in whatever team they play on.

 

Pastor Anthony Schultz married Nancy Carol Lauber in December 1977.  On November 18, 2004, Nancy underwent a liver and kidney transplant.  By grace alone, she continues to do very well.  She teaches Algebra at Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, Wisconsin.  We have four children and five grandchildren.  Nancy and I first served Peace Ev. Lutheran Church in Loves Park, Illinois, then Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Dundee, Wisconsin and presently serve St. Luke Ev. Lutheran Church in Watertown, Wisconsin.

Paul Steinhaus has recently completed his 12th year at Northeastern Wisconsin Lutheran High School (NEWLHS) as a science teacher and volleyball coach.  Paul also serves as a co-administrator at the high school.  He is passionate about Christian education.  He has a strong interest in the topic of origins as it relates to science and faith.  Paul has been the varsity volleyball coach at NEWLHS the past 11 years leading the Blazers to five conference championships, seven WIAA regional championships and six sectional final appearances.   2006 and 2007 saw the Blazers the state's Final Four.   2007 also marked a mile stone as Coach Steinhaus reached 200+ wins for his tenure as head coach of the Blazers. 

Paul attempts to teach "Biblical Functionalism" through the languages of science and volleyball.  Paul has been happily married for 12 years, and he is the father of three girls: a 4th grader, a 2nd grader, and a kindergartener. 

Dr. Cary Stelmachowicz is in his 32nd year of serving in Christian education.  A graduate of Concordia University Chicago, he has served as a high school English teacher for 10 years at Lutheran North in Macomb, Michigan and three as an assistant principal at Lutheran East in Detroit, Michigan.  From 1991-2001 he was an associate professor of education at Concordia University Wisconsin.  He was involved in teaching in the undergraduate and graduate programs, coordinated distance learning classes for local high schools through the Badgernet system, and was director of secondary education.  He has been involved in coaching on every level from collegiate to elementary.  He has a Master's degree in English Literature from Oakland University and his Doctorate is in educational leadership from Western Michigan.  Since 2001 Dr. Stelmachowicz has been serving as executive director of Living Word Lutheran High School in Jackson, Wisconsin.  He has four children and resides in Fredonia, Wisconsin.

Dr. Michael Uden is passionate about Lutheran education and its ministry to children and families.  He enjoys working with schools on curriculum reform designed to meet the challenges of twenty-first century teaching and learning.  As the Dean of the School of Education at Concordia University Wisconsin, he works to prepare exceptional educators with a heart for service.  Dr. Uden is also the Assistant Executive Director of the Ministry Technology Mentor (MTM) Project.

 

Jim Van Dellen graduated from Concordia University in Ann Arbor with a BA in education in 1991, and from Capella University with a MS in Education in 2008. He spent four years teaching Junior High Science, History, and Physical Education at St. Paul Lutheran School in Westlake, Ohio before returning to Ann Arbor in 1995. In nine years in Ann Arbor, Jim served as a middle school teacher in the areas of History, Geography, Religion, and Physical Education at St. Paul Lutheran School. In addition, Jim served as the Athletic Director at St. Paul and also served as varsity soccer coach at Concordia University for two years.  At Our Redeemer, Jim teaches American History and Geography at the Junior High level. Jim also serves as assistant principal, and coaches varsity girls’ and boys' soccer at Milwaukee Lutheran High School. Jim "loves to see young men and women build their relationship with their Savior as they build their relationships with each other." Jim was honored to receive recognition as the Lutheran Education Association's "Distinguished Lutheran Elementary Teacher" in 2008.  Jim and his wife, Penny, have three children – Austin, who is a freshman at Milwaukee Lutheran; Christian, who is in sixth grade; and Katherine - a fourth grader. As a family, the Van Dellen family enjoys camping, rock climbing, and bike riding. Jim, of course, enjoys sports of all kinds (especially soccer,) is a NASCAR fanatic (Mark Martin rules!) and loves to spend time in his woodshop building furniture.

 

Cindy Wachs grew up in an environment that nurtured a love of music.  Cindy has a broad appreciation and love of music and seeks to integrate this into the classroom through a variety of music and movement activities.  She has taught levels ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade and more recently added college students.  Her husband and daughters have learned to accept (without laughing too hard) the excitement she feels when discovering a new musical resource.

 

Sandy Wehmeier is the Science Director at the Milwaukee Academy of Science (MAS is a K4 to 12 independent charter school run by The Milwaukee Science Education Consortium).  Sandy has, in the past, taught at Milwaukee Lutheran High School, St. Paul Lutheran School (Grafton, WI) and served as adjunct professor of Health Methods at Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin.  In her current administrative position, Sandy oversees science instruction in thirty-eight K4 to 8 classrooms.  She is also responsible for science extra-curricular activities and serves as science liaison between MAS and its eight consortium universities.  Philosophically, Sandy believes that hands-on science, inquiry and development of experiential background create understanding in science and foster interest in STEM-related (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) careers.  Above all, however, she believes that science must be FUN!

Sandy graduated from Valparaiso University and has both a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and has received a colloquy from Concordia University Mequon, Wisconsin.

Sandy has three grown children and lives with her husband, John, in a condo on Little Muskego Lake.

 

Brian Wilhorn has had his feet in the classroom, his nose in a book, and his finger on the pulse of children’s literature for fourteen years.  His love of reading transfers directly into his classroom where students beg for more reading time.  Brian is convinced that motivating students to read becomes infinitely easier when they are given books worth reading, books they want to read, and has recently started HelpReadersLoveReading.com to share those books with other educators.  Brian currently teaches fourth grade at Immanuel in Wisconsin Rapids and lives in Vesper, Wisconsin with his wife, Jennifer, his children, Meg and Ethan, and too many piles of books.

 

Sherry Ann Wolfer has a degree in Child Development and has worked in an accredited preschool for 8 years as a preschool teacher working with 3, 4 and 5 year old children. After having three children of her own, Sherry Ann started doing workshops for teachers of early childhood education. She has been an early childhood consultant for more than 10 years and has presented at numerous state and local workshops including State AEYC conferences in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. She is the published author of "Princess Starlet's Crown" and has also written five resource booklets.