Teacher Biographies

Pat James – Kindergarten

Miss James has been with Central Lutheran School for twenty-three years.  She can often be found mesmerizing students with her puppets and musical talents on the guitar.  Miss James is gifted at finding ways to keep children excited about learning, and she makes each day a fun experience. 

Miss James’ favorite Bible verse is Isaiah: 40:31 “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

“I enjoy watching the children develop emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually during the year.  They still are between believing in fantasy and reality.  I am able to use my creativity in teaching.”  - Miss James

Rebecca VanSpankeren - Kindergarten

Mrs. V. has been teaching at Central Lutheran School for five years.  She attended college at Concordia River Forest.  C.L.S. was her first call, and she was very happy to come back close to home and her family.  She always wanted to be a teacher and wanted to be able to talk about God in the classroom.  She enjoyed her years attending a Lutheran school and wanted to be able to teach in one.  Mrs. V. enjoys reading, scrap booking, and making cards.  Her creativity and joy of reading spill into her classroom as she thrills students with educational games and activities on the SMART board. 

Mrs. V.’s favorite Bible verse is John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

"One thing I enjoy about teaching is everyday is different.  Your job is never boring because you never know how the students are going to react to different activities.”  –Mrs. V.

 Danielle White – First Grade

Mrs. White is a New Haven native that attended Central Lutheran School.  She appreciated her education here so much that she wanted to teach here and give back to future generations.  She earned her bachelor’s degree at Manchester College.  This has been her first year teaching here at C.L.S.  Her smile is contagious, and her classroom is full of many happy students.  Mrs. White enjoys spending time with her husband, reading, going to the movies, and playing on her Webkinz! 

Mrs White’s favorite Bible verse is Matthew 17:20 “If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

"I love seeing my students’ faces first thing in the morning.  No matter how tired or crummy I feel, they can always make me smile.”  - Mrs. White

Erica Ernest – First Grade

Mrs. Ernest has been teaching at Central Lutheran for seven years.  She attended Moravian College in Pennsylvania.  She finds joy in teaching new readers and drives them to meet their Accelerated Reader goals.  She can be found using her creative gifts to design SMART board activities that keep her students captivated.  Mrs. Ernest is known for her diligence and hard work in everything that she does.

Mrs. Hess has been teaching at Central Lutheran for six years.  This Fort Wayne native was raised in our Lutheran school system.  She attended St. Paul Lutheran School, Concordia High School, and then went on to Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska.  She earned her Master’s Degree from Indiana University.  She has taught in Indiana, Michigan, Arkansas and Idaho.  Mrs. Hess was inspired by her Grandpa and her parents who were all Lutheran school teachers.  She was also influenced by the many counselors at Camp Lutherhaven that were studying to be Lutheran school teachers.  Mrs. Hess is very compassionate and uses her experience as a mother to relate to her students.  She can be found reading or crocheting.   She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. 

Mrs. Hess’ favorite Bible verse:  Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 

“I enjoy having the opportunity to watch the children grow and change.  I am thankful that I also get the chance to watch them grow in their faith.” – Mrs. Hess

Mary Potter – Second Grade

Mrs. Potter is an alumnus of Central Lutheran School.  She graduated from Concordia University River Forest with a degree in Lutheran Elementary Education.  She taught at Concordia Lutheran School in Peoria, Illinois, her first year.  Then she taught at St. Paul Lutheran School in Fort Wayne for two years.  She has substitute taught for fifteen years at our local Lutheran schools.  This is her 2^nd year teaching at C.L.S., and all four of her children have attended our school.  Mrs. Potter’s kind and reassuring attitude encourages her students to do their best.  Her patient voice relaxes any anxiety her students might have during their learning experience.  She likes spending time with her family - playing board games, relaxing around a bonfire, and vacationing.  She can be found reading a book or gardening. 

Mrs. Potter’s favorite Bible Verse:  Psalm 23
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."

“I enjoy watching my students’ faces when they understand what I’ve taught.”  - Mrs. Potter

Mr. Aumick has been teaching at Central Lutheran School for twenty-four years.  He grew up in Madison, Ohio, which is forty miles east of Cleveland on the shores of Lake Erie.  He attended Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, where he earned his associates degree.  Then he received his Bachelors Degree from Concordia College River Forest.  He completed his Masters Degree from Indiana University in education.  Mr. Aumick operates a very structured class, yet he balances it with a loving and caring attitude.  He loves doing family things such as riding bikes, camping, watching his children play sports, golfing and going on any vacation together.

Mr. Aumick’s favorite Bible verse:  Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

“I love sharing the word of God with the children and teaching and coaching them, watching them grow and learn.” – Mr. Aumick

Phyllis Hockemeyer – Third Grade

Miss Hockemeyer grew up on a dairy farm in New Haven.  She attended Central Lutheran School and has been teaching here for eight years.  She earned her B.A. in Elementary Education at Concordia University in Chicago and earned her Masters Degree from I.P.F.W. in Elementary Education.  She taught in Wisconsin for seven years before returning to Fort Wayne and teaching at Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School for thirteen years before coming to C.L.S.  She became a Lutheran school teacher due to two influences.  Her piano teacher had her switch to organ in the 8^th grade.  She liked playing for church services and knew that would fit with Lutheran ministry.  She helped with Vacation Bible School and Sunday school and enjoyed teaching younger children.  Also, her aunt was a Lutheran school teacher that influenced her.  She found that music and teaching was a great partnership.  She could inspire other students to pursue their music and think of other ways to glorify God.  Teaching is truly a passion for Miss Hockemeyer.  She finds ways to make learning come alive whether it’s with lab mice or coordinating a visit from an Iditarod racer.  She has influenced many students to become Lutheran School teachers and she serves as a mentor to High School students who come to her classroom to aid each semester.  She enjoys traveling to the various places that she teaches about in the third grade curriculum.  You can also find her with her nose in a book, playing the piano and spending time with her family on the farm or at a bonfire.

Miss Hockemeyer’s favorite Bible verses:  John 14:1 “Do not let your heart be troubled.  Trust in God.  Joshua 1:9  “Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged.  For the Lord God will be with you wherever you go.”

“Sharing God’s Word is my favorite time of day during devotions and Religion class.  I have a unique opportunity to share God’s love and forgiveness in our everyday class activities.  I enjoy all subject areas.  I like to simulate historical moments and demonstrate science facts.  I love to include my students in hands-on learning.  My students’ eyes light up when they catch my excitement.  I love to see them grow from September to May.”-Miss Hockemeyer     

Laura Renzelmann – Fourth Grade

Miss. Renzelmann has been teaching at Central Lutheran School for two years.  She attended Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois.  She became a Lutheran school teacher because she had attended Lutheran schools her entire life and always enjoyed being a part of that kind of loving environment.  She was greatly influenced by her teachers and hopes to make the same difference in the lives of her students.  Miss Renzelmann’s dedication to her student’s is exemplified in all of the extracurricular activities that she actively participates in with them including: coaching volleyball and basketball & directing Emanuel’s 7^th and 8^th grade Choir.  She enjoys walking, reading, singing in the church choir, and taking as many pictures as she can.

 Miss Renzelmann’s favorite Bible verse:  Isaiah 40:31 “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

“The thing I enjoy most about teaching is trying to come up with new creative ways to teach that go outside the book and engage the kids in learning creatively (Tropical Rainforest, Chinese New Year, Civil War, Tall Tales…)” –Miss Renzelmann 

Mrs. Herman has been teaching at Central Lutheran School for thirty-six years.  She grew up in a very small farming community in Latimer, Iowa.  She attended elementary school in a three room school!  This is where her kindergarten through second grade teacher influenced her to become a teacher.  She went to college at Concordia in Seward, Nebraska, for her Bachelors and then earned her Masters at I.P.F.W.  She has been at C.L.S. since she graduated from college.  When she married, she knew that it would always be her home.  She serves in ministry because of the families that are apart of the larger C.L.S. family. 

Mrs. Herman is known for her exceptional organizational skills and keeps her classroom very orderly.  She helps develop their self-discipline with a caring approach.  She keeps busy with eight grandchildren.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading and traveling. 

Mrs. Herman’s favorite Bible verse:  Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!”   

“I enjoy seeing the light bulb go on, children laughing, and watching their growth from when I had them in 4^th grade to when they are in 8^th grade.” –Mrs. Herman

Nancy Jones – Fifth Grade

Mrs. Jones has been teaching at Central Lutheran School for thirty-two years.  All her life she wanted to be a teacher.  She attended a Lutheran grade school and was greatly influenced by two teachers in particular.  She had always thought teaching would be fun!  This attitude carries over in her classroom where her joy and laughter fill the room.  She was born in Chicago, home of the Cubs!  She earned her BA Degree at Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois, and her MA from Indiana University in Fort Wayne.  Outside of school she can be found scrap booking, spending time with family and grandchildren and traveling.

Mrs. Jones’ favorite Bible verse:  Romans 8:28 “All things work together for good to those that love God.”

“I enjoy being with the students and interacting with them, making school fun.” – Mrs. Jones

Sarah Zielinski – Fifth Grade

Mrs. Zielinski hales from Plymouth, Minnesota.  She became a teacher because she liked to share her faith with others.  She thought that we can learn a lot to make us successful in this world at school, but she wanted to help the children learn things that would affect their eternity by helping to strengthen their faith in Jesus.  She has taught at Central Lutheran School for five years.  She attended Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois, earning a Bachelors in elementary education.  Her Master’s Degree is from Northwest Missouri State University in reading.  Mrs. Zielinski is admired for her commitment to her calling and her students.  It is very common to see her working before and after school giving students extra help. 

Mrs. Zielinski’s favorite Bible verse:  Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

“I love to watch children understand something for the first time.  I also love helping them to enjoy subject material they didn’t enjoy before.” – Mrs. Zielinski    

Tom Moellering – Junior High Social Studies, Religion, and Current Events

Mr. Moeller has been teaching at Central Lutheran for thirty years.  He is a New Haven native that attended C.L.S. for four years before his father took a job outside of Detroit, Michigan, where he attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School and then Lutheran High West.  He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Concordia Teacher’s College in Seward, Nebraska.  During his career he has taught Religion, Science, English, Literature, Shop, Home Economics, Health and Social Studies.  With his diverse background, Mr. Moellering is able to draw on his experience in various subjects and apply it to whatever he is teaching in the classroom.  His great sense of humor captures his student’s attention.  When he’s not at school, you will probably find him in a tractor cab or a truck cab.  The rest of his spare time is spent fishing, hunting, or watching Jeff Gordan win races!

Cyan Peters – Junior High School Mathematics

Mrs. Peters hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  She earned her degree in mathematics, theater, and secondary education from Concordia University Wisconsin.  As a student growing up, she always loved to tutor other students.  She especially liked to show them a new way to look at a math problem or to visualize it.  Through high school she tutored a lot and realized that her passion for life and attending school everyday was based around the fact that she got to teach people.  It was not so much what she got to learn or the friends that she got to hang out with, but the time that she spent in the tutor lab helping other students learn.  She wanted to be a Lutheran School teacher so that she would be able to speak freely about God and faith with her students.  Her ear to ear smile provides a welcoming atmosphere in her classroom.  Outside of school, she can be found spending time with her husband and son.  She enjoys the outdoors, walks, scrapbooking, playing board games with family and friends, and cake decorating.

Mrs. Peters’ favorite Bible verse:  Psalms 63:3-5  “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.  I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.  My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

“I enjoy helping students find something in math that they can enjoy and be proud of.”  - Mrs. Peters

Deb Schmidt – Junior High Science

Mrs. Schmidt has been teaching at Central Lutheran School for eleven years.  She is from Selma, Indiana, (close to Muncie).  She received her Bachelors Degree from Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne.  She was not particularly looking for a position at a Lutheran School after graduating.  She applied for an opening at C.L.S. and believes that God decided that she was to be here.  When asked what she enjoys most about teaching, she simply answers, “The students!”  In her free time you will find her swimming, going to the lake, reading, and spending time with her family.

Mrs. Schmidt’s favorite Bible verse:  Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Janet Hayward – Junior High School Literature

Mrs. Hayward is an alumnus of Central Lutheran School.  When looking at careers, teaching was the only thing that she had wanted to do as far back as she could remember.  She absolutely loved her teachers at C.L.S., and she thinks that is why she wanted to become a Lutheran School teacher.  She received her Bachelor of Arts at Purdue University, West Lafayette, in elementary education and her Masters Degree from Indiana University in School Counseling.  She received her colloquy from Concordia Mequon.  She enjoys any water sports (especially sailing) and tennis.  She stays busy keeping up with her children’s various activities: football, soccer, swim team, dive team, and baseball.

Mrs. Hayward’s favorite Bible verse:  Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you.”

“Each day is another adventure.  I appreciate all the little things my students do for me.  I especially love those teachable moments when we all learn something new.”  -Mrs. Hayward

Don Wichman – Junior High English, Religion

Mr. Wichman has been teaching at Central Lutheran School for thirty-four years.  He was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and became a Lutheran school teacher because his father and pastors encouraged him to do so.  He received his Bachelors of Science from Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Nebraska, and then earned his Masters Degree in elementary education from I.P.F.W.  Mr. Wichman works to instill good study and writing habits in his students.  He expects excellence, and his students rise to the challenge.  In his free time, he enjoys golfing and fishing.  He also likes to watch college football and basketball on television. 

Mr. Wichman found it difficult to pick just one favorite Bible verse.  His favorite book in the Bible is Romans.  If pressed to pick just one verse, he would probably select John 3:16 because it is the Gospel in a nutshell – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

“The thing that I probably enjoy the most about teaching is to see students eventually understand the material after they have struggled and begin to enjoy the fruits of their efforts.  It is nice to have former students come back and share their successes in high school with me.” –Mr. Wichman

Helen Best -  Band Director and Music Teacher

Mrs. Best has been teaching at Central Lutheran School for sixteen years.  She is from Brook, Indiana, and knew by the 8^th grade that she wanted to be a band/music teacher.  She graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelors of Science in Music Education.  In her free time, she enjoys doing competitive figure skating in free style, solo compulsory ice dance, and synchronized skating.  She also likes biking, running, and walking. 

Mrs. Best’s favorite Bible verse:  Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

“I love seeing the kids succeed!  When they finally learn how to sing syllables on the staff and how the band kids progress from grade 4 to grade 8.  They always amaze me!”         Mrs. Best

Kathy Leahy – Resource Teacher

Mrs. Leahy has been teaching at Central Lutheran School for three years.  She was born and raised in Fort Wayne.  Her family has lived in the Woodburn area for the last thirty years.  She attended Holy Cross Lutheran School and Concordia High School.  After graduating, she worked as a secretary at the Indiana District Office for many years until “retiring” to raise their three sons.  She went back to I.P.F.W. and became a teacher as a second career and her children were grown.  Now, she has many children that depend on her compassionate and patient style to open their eyes to concepts that they are struggling to understand.  She enjoys teaching at C.L.S. because she felt a calling to teach in an atmosphere that shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Mrs. Leahy’s favorite Bible verse:  Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.”

“I recently ran into a student that I had 13 years ago.  Although she was a senior in high school now, she still remembered me by name as her preschool teacher.  I think that seeing students who are now grown up and knowing that I had just a little part to share in their lives is very meaningful in me.”   - Kathy Leahy