Thomas W. Wrege
Principal
 

 Fun Fact: I am a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. I love to whittle.  Someday I hope to be able to purchase a 4-wheel drive pick-up.  I am a Van Lunen Fellow.  Do you know what that is?
I have been nominated for the National Lutheran School Distinguished Administrator's Award (through the Lutheran Education Association), as well as a National Distinguished Principal (through the National Association of Elementary School Principals). 

BSEd – Concordia University, Seward, NE
MSEd Leadership & Instructional Technology; Butler University, IN
          28th year in education

Philosophy of teaching:
My mission – “to prayerfully lead and teach – my family, my students, and my colleagues to be humble servant leaders and effective citizens in a manner that shares the Gospel and that glorifies Christ!”

The three most interesting things I do:
1.   Take my personal days to go hunting.
2.   My favorite “color” is camouflage.
3.   I love my family, and we try to do things together.

Julie Kowalke
Assistant Principal

Fun Fact: I LOVE MATH!! l enjoy coaching volleyball & softball and golfing with good friends.  I like to “hang-out” outside to read a good book and play with my dog. These things are impossible without the saving grace of my Savior.

B.A. – Concordia University, St. Paul, MN
M.Ed. Leadership - Saginaw Valley State Univ.
          23 years teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Prov. 22:6  I strive to share the Gospel message with my students daily.  I want learning to be relevant to my students’ lives.

Students begin to take ownership of their faith walk through the study of Luther's Small Catechism.  It is exciting to watch these young people grow in their knowledge of God's Word and put God's Commandments into action through servant events and personal decisions. What a wonderful privilege it is to help students grow in their faith.

Beth Olah
Assistant Admissions Director

On a personal note, I enjoy time with my family, singing, gardening, writing, getting together with friends, crocheting, and talking with the elderly.

 As the Admissions Director, I help direct and connect new famiies who are considering Trinity for a Christian faith-based education for their children.  Our families are such a gift and our mission of Sharing Christ's story with Love not only includes helping new families connect with the proper staff, but retaining current families and bringing new enrollment to our school.  Some of the most interesting aspects of my position are:

The most interesting things that I do in my position are:

1. Talking with prospective families about our awesome school.
2. Helping new and current families connect with each other.
3. Gathering materials and information from our talented staff at Trinity to further His work by giving them to new interested families.
4. Writing short articles and communicating to new and current families how I see God working at Trinity.

 
Colleen Cleland
Secretary

 
Monica Rynearson
Part Time School Secretary

 
Jayne Blohm
Part Time School Secretary

Fun Fact:  I also teach hanbells.

Donna Yee-Schurig
School Secretary

Fun Fact: I have 6 older brothers and one sister. I have worked at Trinity for 9 years.
 

The three most interesting things that I do in my position are:

1. Process all the school finances.
2. Publish the take home note.
3. Compile all the reports for the school (for the District, Synod, State, and internal).

Katie Lindhurst
Kindergarten - Half Day

FUN FACT: I love to quilt!  I have taken home several ribbons for quilts at the Armada Fair.  I love spending time and traveling with my family.  My favorite place to visit is our family's cottage in Sugar Springs.

The three most interesting things my class does are:

1. Go to the Apple Orchard
2. Make "Thankful Books"
3. End of year celebration

 
 Linda Gauss
Kindergarten Aide - p.m. Half Day

Kristen Schoen
Kindergarten Aide - a.m. Half Day

The three most interesting facts about my position as Kindergarten aide are:

1.  Working individually with a child and connecting with that child at his/her level.
2. Assisting children at center time.
3. Sitting with the class during chapel and listening to them sing praises to Jesus!
 

 
Brigid Snyder
Kindergarten - Full Day

Fun Fact: Mrs. Snyder did her student teaching in England.  She is also certified to teach Drivers Education.

B.S. – Central Michigan University
Master of Arts – Central Michigan University
          22 years of teaching experience
Completed Colloquey Program through COncordia U. in the Fall of 2010

Philosophy of teaching:
Children learn and develop at different rates.  They are all special and bring their own unique gifts and talents to the classroom.

The three most interesting things my class does are:
1.   Meeting with our prayer partners for several special projects throughout the year.
2.   End-of-the-year Kindergarten Program which includes plays, songs, and rhymes performed by the children.
3.  Leading a chapel service for the first time.

Susan Kirchoff
Kindergarten Aide - Full Day

The three most interesting facts about my position as Kindergarten aide are:

1.  Assist children with Center activities.
2.  Help children at rest time by setting up cots, playing soft music, and "tucking them in" with their comfy blankets after lunch each day.
3. Assemble photo memory books for each child so they can remember all the fun times they had in Kindergarten.

 
Donna Brunk
First Grade
 

Fun Fact: Enjoys long distance biking, working out, reading, sewing, and
baking.  Sells purses, totes and wristlets that she makes to financially support overseas missions.

B.A. – Concordia, Seward, Nebraska
M.A. – Saginaw Valley State University
          37 years of teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
To be a master teacher as Jesus was.

The three most important concepts taught my class does are:
1.   To love the Lord with all our heart, mind and soul.
2.   To love each other as ourselves.
3.   To love reading for adventures that it can take us on.
 

 
Valerie Harris
First Grade

B.S. – Concordia, River Forest, IL
M.A. – Saginaw Valley State University
          30 years of teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
Love the kids!  School should be a safe place where kids can grow academically, emotionally and spiritually.

The three most interesting things my class does are:
1.   Memory Verse Boxes.
2.   Swap Hats.
3.   Autumn Adventure.
 

B.S. – Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI.  Colloquy at Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI.
          29 years of teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
Every child has the right to a positive and safe learning environment where they have the opportunity to be guided to reach their full potential.

The three most interesting things my class does are:
1.   In the Fall we follow and track the
Michigan Wolverine football team.
2.   Field trip to Upland Hills Farm.
3.   Field trip to Troy Historical Museum where we dress up like the children did back in the 1800’s and experience what life was like back then. 

 
Susan Lockhart
Second Grade

Fun Fact: I enjoy spending time with my family, vacationing up north, reading and gardening.

B.S. Education - Wayne State University
Elementary Endorsement - Wayne State University
Lutheran Teacher Diploma, Concordia, Ann Arbor, Mi

Philosophy of teaching:
To create a grace-filled classroom environment that will accommodate individual students and their needs keeping Christ at the center ofall we do and say.

The three most interesting things my class does are:
1. Grow in our prayer life and faith walk with Jesus.
2. Become great readers!  Books can take us places we've never been before.
3. Have fun while increasing our knowledge of science and math through interactive, hands-on experiences.

 
Stefanie Davey
Third Grade

Fun Fact: I love traveling and mission trips!  This past year I was blessed by the people of Haiti and Joplin, MO.  I am a 3rd generation alumni of Trinity.

B.A. - Concordia University
M.A. - Oakland University
          7 years teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
I teach kids, not just subjects.  Students learn life lessons, such as responsibility and organization, through all subjects and a meaningful relationship with their teacher.

The three most interesting things my class does:
1.   Iditarod/Iditaread – We track the annual Alaskan dogsled race and work on reading activities that correspond with each stop along the trail.  I love to share my experience of dogsledding with Iditarod dogs when I visited Alaska, along with the way of life in our largest state!
2.   Apple Week and Golden Oaks – We study apple facts, make applesauce, have a fondue party, and take a field trip to my cousin’s farm to make apple cider on an apple press from the 1800s.
3.  Traveling Class Books - We write and publish books to share with our families.

 
Dawn Harris
Third Grade

B.S. Michigan State University
Teacher Certification - Saginaw Valley State University

Philosophy of Teaching:
"I would like to share my passion for teaching children, apply my creativity, interpersonal and classroom management skills to an elementary school position.  I would also like to share my passion for Christ to help the students develop their faith."

 Karen Delmotte
Fourth Grade

Fun Fact: I love to travel and have been all over the US, Canada, Mexico, and Germany.  ALso, 2012 Michigan Teacher of the Year.

B.A. – Concordia Lutheran College
M.A. – Saginaw Valley State University
          25 years teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
To continually seek new and creative ways to inspire, motivate, and educate each child, so every child entrusted to me can grow academically and spiritually.  By maintaining open communication, parents and teachers can work together to be advocates for each child.

The three most interesting things my class does are:
1.   “Lab with Dad” Dads are invited to do a science experiment with their child in the science lab. 
2.   “Checking Accounts” Students learn simple, basic money management.
3.   Students spend a morning at Gleaner’s Food Bank sorting food for homeless shelters.
 

 
Wendy Hawkins 
Fourth Grade

Fun Fact: 2010 Outstanding Educator of the Year Award - I lived in St. Louis for 15 years.  I enjoy reading, walking, traveling, and making cards. 
  

B.A. – Concordia University, River Forest, IL
          17 years teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
Teaching and learning is FUN!  Together we can solve problems and discover new things while increasing our knowledge and faith in our Lord.

The three most interesting things my class does are:
1.   Our class volunteers at Gleaner’s Food Bank.
2.   Study people and places of Michigan.
3.   Learn more about God and His Word in religion class and throughout the day.
 

Mark Faszholz
Fifth Grade

Fun Fact:  I love sports (football, basketball, baseball, hockey, etc.).  I enjoy hunting, fishing, and spending time with my family and friends.

B.S. in Education, Concordia University, Seward, NE

Philosophy of Teaching:

I would like to share my passion of teaching, love of learning, motivating, inspiring, and growing spiritually with my students and staff.

 
David Heck
Fifth Grade

Fun Fact:  Favorite things to do are: exercising by bicycling and running; photography and visiting National Parks.

B.S. – Northern Michigan University
B.S. – Oakland University
Teaching Certificate, Lutheran Teacher Diploma – Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI
M.A.I.T. Candidate – Saginaw Valley State University.
          6 years teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
Teaching is the act of sharing information with a student who gains knowledge from the encounter. As a teacher, with a Christ centered focus, you do whatever you can to get your students to learn what you are teaching.

The three most interesting things my class does are:
 1.   Squid Dissection.
 2.   Create an ABC book and share with preschool children.
 3.   Mackinac Island trip.

 
Chris Bean
Sixth Grade

Fun Fact: Huge Red Wings Fan!  Would like to get another Master’s Degree, but in psychology.

B.S. Elem. Ed. – Oakland University, Rochester, MI
M.A.Ed. – Marygrove College
Colloquoy – Concordia, Ann Arbor, MI
          11 years of teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
My mission, as a Lutheran teacher, is to create high expectations and an environment in which ALL students feel safe to take risks in their learning.  With the help of God, enable each student to possess the skills that it takes for them to achieve academically, socially, and emotionally so that, they may reach their full potential, come to know Christ, and recognize THEIR purpose according to God’s will.

The three most interesting things my class does are:
1.   Read a novel and do a skit, diorama, or other project that goes with it.
2.   Latin American PowerPoint project.
3.   Classroom debates on controversial topics for English.

Tim Siekmann 
Sixth Grade
Athletic Director

Fun Fact: Loves to play sports and enjoys time with his family!!

B.S. – Concordia University of Chicago, Riverforest
B.A. – Saginaw Valley State University
          28 years of teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
My philosophy is that all people need to come to know Christ.   Therefore, it is my intent to nurture the faith in each child so that they may be prepared for their Christian walk of praise and service to the Lord and ultimately reach their final destination – HEAVEN!   

The two most interesting things my class does are:
1.   Mission to Mars Project.
2.   Outdoor Education.                      
 

 
Brenda Havers
Seventh Grade

Fun Fact: I love to pheasant hunt with my dog Daisy, golf and run.

Link to classroom website

B.A. – Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI
M.A. – Central Michigan University
          27 years teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
I believe learning is a process rather than an outcome and that all students can learn and be successful. As a teacher I provide opportunities for my students to actively engage themselves in the material they are presented with.  Learning does not end with school, but continues throughout one's life.

The three most interesting things my class does are:
1.   7th graders dissect earthworms, perch, crayfish, starfish, frogs and fetal pigs.
2.   8th graders research and build 
rollercoasters for a physics unit.
3.   7th graders take a charter bus and spend a day in Lansing touring the State Capital and learning about Michigan history.
 

 John Lucas
Seventh Grade

 B.A. Secondary Education; Concordia University, Ann Arbor with a Lutheran Teaching Diploma from Concordia

Philosophy of Teaching:

I want to create a learning environment where students can meet and exceed their expectations in education and in life.  My classroom will be fun, safe, and most importantly, Christ-centered!

Paula Myers
Eighth Grade

B.A. - Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI       

       24 years of teaching experience

Philosophy of Teaching:
I believe that God created each child as a unique individual who needs a secure, caring, and stimulating environment in which to grow and mature spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially.  It is my desire as an educator to help students reach their fullest potential in these areas by providing an environment that is safe, supports risk-taking, and invites the sharing of ideas and their faith.

The three most interesting things I do as a teacher are:
1. Junior High newspaper published once each quarter using student editors and technology.
2. "My Dream Vacation" project.
3. Pen Pals with students from another Lutheran School.

 Deborah Wesenberg
Eighth Grade

Fun Fact: She and her husband are both actively involved in choir at Trinity and enjoy traveling in their motor home.

B.A. Upper Elementary Education - Oakland University
M.A. – Oakland University in Special Ed
Lutheran Teacher Diploma from Concordia University,
Ann Arbor, MI
          39 years teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
God has endowed all His children with gifts and talents.  If I can help guide my students to use their gifts to God’s glory, then I have fulfilled my promise to God in using my talents to do so.

The three most interesting things my class does are:
1.   Map making with coordinate graphing that ties into geography.
2.  Enlarging cartoons using ratio/proportions.
3.  Participation in the American Math Challenge.

Michele Grupe
Art Teacher

Fun Fact: Become a fan of Trinity Lutheran Utica - Art Education on Facebook!  Mrs. Grupe makes handcrafted jewelry.  Her company is called One Jewel Designs and
is based off:
Song of Songs 4:9

B.S. Elem. Ed. - Oakland University, Rochester, MI
Lutheran Teacher Diploma - Concordia, Ann Arbor, MI
M.A.T. - Saginaw Valley State University
          10 years teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
To provide a Chirst-centered education meeting a child's academic, spiritual, and emotional needs.

The three most interesting things my class does are:
1.   Students utilize their God-given talents to glorify Him through their art.
2.   Children learn to express themselves and learn the value of visual arts. 
3.   Students use a variety of media including paint, clay, charcoal, collage, yarn, ink, beads, metal tooling, and much more!

 
Mark Fraeyman

Fun Fact: Father of 3 Trinity students.

B.S. Electrical Computer Engineering -
Wayne State University
MBA – University of Michigan
          11 years teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
Hands-on, project based, FUN

Three most interesting things we do each year.
1.   Web design.
2.   Computer gaming.
3.   Business simulation.
     

 Carla Hudgens
School Choir Accompanist
Administrative Assistant

Fun Fact: Likes to read, be with family & friends, and loves her job because she gets to make music daily.

Parish Worker Degree - St. John’s College, Winfield, KS
          36 years experience

Philosophy of music:
Sharing the joy of Jesus through music.  Leading children to a better knowledge and love of music, especially of the Christian faith.  Developing talent.

Three most interesting things we do are:
1.   Singing for worship.
2.   Christmas programs.
3.   Spring musicals.

 
Jayne Blohm
Handbells Grade 5-8

Fun Facts: Would like to volunteer at a hospital in the NICU unit & rock babies who need extra-loving care.

A.D. of Sciences – MCCC
          8 years teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
Music is a gift from God.  It is my prayer that each ringer learns to appreciate this gift by the time they leave Trinity.

The three most interesting things we do each year are:
1.   Ringing for our chapel services.
2.   Participating in the yearly Lutheran Schools Music Festival.
3.   Playing in our twice-yearly instrumental concerts.

 
Linda Geer 
Choir (K-8)

Fun Fact: Loves to sing, play piano, read mysteries, crochet, and counted cross stitch.

B.S. Elem. Ed. – Oakland University
          17 years teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
Show equal amount of firmness and Christian love and keep a positive attitude.

Three most interesting things we do:
1.   Christmas program.
2.   Spring musical.
3.   Choir and soloist competitions.

 
Pearl Jones
Violin Teacher

Fun Fact: She and her family are Civil War re-enactors.

M.A.  Anthropology - University of Texas
M.A. Theology - Duquesne University 
          11 years teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching:
Students come before performance.

Three most interesting things we do:
1.   Concerts.
2.   Solo ensemble.
3.   Play at nursing homes.

 
Brian Pollatz
Band Instructor

Fun Fact: Loves his Lord, family, and music. Music is not just a job, but his passion and a part of just about everything he does. 

B.A. – Concordia College, Ann Arbor
M.S. – Long Island University
          23 years of teaching experience

Philosophy of teaching band:
Music is a gift of God and an important part of our lives. Priorities are to first love, appreciate, and enjoy music, and secondly, progress and achieve excellence.  The appreciation and aesthetic sensitivity of many forms of music will contribute to a more meaningful experience.  God has given us many talents and we should use them to His glory.

Three most interesting things we do are:
1.   Band Festival, preparation and performance can get very intense.
2.   Combining with other grade schools in a 
festival at Lutheran Northwest.
3.   Learning new skills and developing life long musicians.

 
Troy Marks
Physical Education
Grade K-8

 Carolyn Malinowski 
Director Research Center/Library

Fun Fact:  Have a great time bike riding, walking, and traveling with my family.

B.A. – Oakland University
M.A.I.R. Candidate – Wayne State U.
Post Bach studies in Elementary  Ed. -Oakland University
          12 years of teaching experience

Philosophy of education:
Learning is experiential.  One source for information is never enough.

Three most interesting things we do are:
1.   Distance learning and Webquests.
2.   Accelerated Readers Honors recognition event and to find books they enjoy reading.
3.   Teaching students about how to effectively use libraries and the internet to research to obtain the most accurate information.

Gail Vahlbusch 
Special Education

B.A. Special Education – Central Michigan University
Masters in Learning Disabilities – Oakland University
          33 years of teaching experience

Philosophy of  teaching:
Provide learning opportunities for individual students to find success.

Three most interesting things we do are:
1.   For lower elementary – Frog and Toad unit – we raise a tadpole into a frog!
2.   For middle elementary – E.B. White unit – special attention to spiders!
3.   For upper elementary – “Hatchett” and “My Side of the Mountain – we do a compare and contrast unit.

Cristina McNeill
Resource Room Teacher

Fun Fact: I am an advanced PADI certified scuba diver.  We make a trip to Hawaii every year to visit my father and DIVE, DIVE, DIVE!  Go VOLS!

 B.A. Special Education - University of Tennessee, Knoxville with an endorsement in elementary education grades 1-8.
M.A. Special Education - University of Tennessee, Knoxville
4 years of teaching experience

Philosophy of Teaching: "Flexibility is a life skill".
To help each and every student achieve their own "best".

Melanie Russell
Spanish

Fun Fact: I studied abroad in Segovia, Spain.  I was able to watch Spain win the EuroCup while I was there!

 B.A. Spanish - Oakland University

Philosophy of Teaching: I teach my students to become lifelong learners, confident in their strengths, skills and faith.

3 most interesting things my class does:

1. Communicate in another language!
2. Learn what students across the world are doing in their classrooms, homes and free time.
3. Exerience the beauty of diversity through the study of another culture.

Karrie Koteles
Speech & Language

Link to classroom website

B.S. - Undergraduate Program in Augiology and Speech Sciences from Michigan State University 
M.A. Graduate Program in Speech Language Pathology from Bowling Green State University in Ohio

Teaching Certificate from BGSU
Endorsement for Teaching English as a Second Language

Philosophy of Teaching:
Enhance students' social and academic lives by improving their communication skills.