Elementary

Birthplace:   Patchogue, NY

• Loving nothing more than working with students, I currently serve as the Learning Strategies Instructor here at SPLS. It is my great joy to also lead a Christian Studies class.  I strive to see everyone through Jesus’ eyes and hope to build all of my students up to find and use the gifts that God has equipped them with.
• My family and I relocated to Florida in 2014. My husband, Jeff is a Stationary Engineer/HVAC at Lakeland Regional Health(LRH).
• Going to the beach and spending time with family are my favorite things to do.  I love to crochet, read, and collect antique tea cups.

Education:   

• Bachelor of Arts Concordia College, Bronxville, NY May 19, 1989
• Commissioned Minister of Religion
• Master of Arts State University at Stony Brook, Stony Brook NY 
• Certification Florida Department of Education ESE K-12
• Certification New York State Education Department N, K, and Grades 1-6 Permanent

Experience prior to serving at SPLS:

• I grew up and served on Long Island in NY. I have been blessed to serve in the Lutheran School ministry for 30 years.  I have been a middle school teacher, a preschool teacher, an administrator, as well as serving my alma mater as the Director of Church and Alumni Relations.  
• Concordia College, Bronxville, NY
• Director of Church and Alumni Relations 2012-2014
• Residence Councilor 2012-2014
• Trinity Lutheran School, Hicksville, NY
• Principal 2010-2012   
• Middle School Religion Teacher 2009 – 2010
• Emanuel Lutheran School, Patchogue, NY
• Principal 2000 – 2009
• Assistant Principal/Grade 6 Teacher 1999-2000
• Preschool Teacher and Summer Care Director 1995-1999
• Summer Program and Substitute Teacher 1994-1995
• Little Lambs Bible Center, Ridgewood, NY
• Preschool Teacher 1992
• Suffolk Lutheran School, St. James, NY
• Sixth grade teacher 1989-1992

Birthplace: Lakeland, FL

• I have a passion for critical thinking and hands on learning and love to engage young learners in ways that respect the importance of play while also raising the bar academically.  
• My primary goal in all of that is to teach my students that God is the center of every life and academic endeavor and help them to seek after Him in all that they do.
• My husband, Ryan, and I are life long Lakelanders and feel blessed to be raising our three children here as well.  
• I enjoy spending time outside, baking, traveling, crafting, and reading. 

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Southeastern University. 
• I am trained and certified in Orton Gillingham, a multi-sensory approach to teaching reading.  
• I am ESOL endorsed. 

Experience prior to serving at SPLS: 

• I have 18 years of experience in working with young children in early education. 
• Preschool at Covenant Child Development Center (2001-2011) 
• Kindergarten at South McKeel Academy (2011-2019). 

Birthplace: Lakeland, FL

• As an educator I love to creatively educate all children throughout the day using a blend of experiential learning as well as individual, partner, and team learning. It is my desire to challenge those that need challenging as well as work with and help develop those that need a little extra encouragement.  
• It is also my desire  to share my relationship with God as well help the children to grow in their own personal relationship with God. 
• I am married to Clint VanWinkle and we have three children.
• Hobbies include traveling, reading, gardening, and hanging out with family and dogs

Education:

• Bachelor of Science Valparaiso University, Indiana
• Kindermusik educator 2005-2009

Experience prior to serving at SPLS: 

• 1992-1996 Kindergarten Teacher Hope Lutheran, Pompano Beach, FL
• 1996-1999 Kindergarten Teacher  St. Paul Lutheran
• 2011-present Kindergarten Teacher , St. Paul Lutheran

Birthplace:  Stuart, FL

• It is a joy to work with a faculty and staff that truly foster an atmosphere where Christ’s word is taught and daily lived out.
• My husband is the pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bartow.  We have four children – three of whom are SPLS graduates, and the last one is happily attending the 5th grade at SPLS.
• There is so much to explore and ways to enjoy God’s beautiful creation here in Central Florida.  My family and I love to visit Bok Tower, Winter Haven chain of lakes, and beaches that are not too far away.

Education:

• BA in Child Development, Concordia University, St. Paul, MN
• Specialized Training:  Colloquy

Experience prior to serving at SPLS:

• I am a member of the faculty here at SPLS, having taught PreK4, Kindergarten and now 2nd grade; prior to that I was a stay-at-home mom for 14 years.

Birthplace: Lakeland, FL

• The call to be a teacher was placed on my heart at a very young age. As far back as I can remember, I proclaimed I was going to be a teacher. I was drawn to teaching at a Christian school for the fact that I could live out my faith daily in my work and relationships.  
• Married with three sons
• In my free time I enjoy baking healthy homemade foods for my family and friends. This includes everything from homemade cereal and breads to cakes and cookies.
• Education: 
• BA Elementary Education University of South Florida
• 30 Hours of Orton Gillingham Training 

Experience prior to serving at SPLS:  

• Before my employment at SPLS, I worked as a substitute teacher for Polk County Schools, including a time at Kathleen Middle School where I served as a full-time substitute. 
• I began my role at SPLS in fifth grade; where I served for five years before moving to second grade. 

Birthplace: Lakeland, FL

• I desired to teach at Christian school to help guide young students in their faith. Watching them learn and grow as tiny disciples is truly a gift. 
• I am married with two daughters and an Aussiedoodle named Lincoln. 
• I enjoy decorating, baking, reading, and hiking.

Education:

• University of South Florida Bachelor’s degree in education focused on early childhood 

Experience prior to serving at SPLS: 

• South McKeel Academy from 2011-2017

Birthplace:  Indianapolis, IN

• I believe that St. Paul Lutheran Church and School is an ideal place for me to teach the Gospel and share the love of Jesus on a daily basis.
• Married to Kevin since 2003.   Two sons who are students at SPLS.
• I enjoy spending time with friends and family.  Supporting our church -SPLS Art, Food, Writing Notes, Travel, Spending time outdoors.

Education:  

• B.A. in Art Communications Florida Southern College Lakeland, FL 1993

Experience prior to serving at SPLS:  

• The Ledger (1993-2000)  Retail Advertising Sales and Promotions Department Lakeland, FL 
• Citrus Industry Magazine  (2000-2004) 
• Sales Director and Citrus Expo Trade Show Manager Bartow, FL 
• R. Bruce Wagner Elementary School, Lakeland, FL  – Fourth Grade Teacher (2004-2006)
• St. Paul Lutheran School Lakeland, FL – Fifth Grade Teacher (2006-2011)
• St. Paul Lutheran School Lakeland, FL – Assistant in First and Second Grade Classrooms (2014-2016)
• St. Paul Lutheran School Lakeland, FL – Third Grade Teacher (2016-present)

Birthplace: Lakeland, FL

• I love being able to talk with my students about Christ and pray with them when they are struggling. 
• I am married with three children.
• I enjoy crafting, traveling, and going to the beach. 

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from University of South Florida
• Master’s degree in elementary education from Southeastern University

Experience prior to serving at SPLS: 

• Polk County School Board 2012-2016
• SPLS Early Childhood Enrichment Center  Program 

Birthplace: Lakeland, Fl

• I love being able to share my faith with students and help guide them toward a life of service to God. Leading them by example in how to use music for God’s glory is a blessing I don’t take for granted!
• My wife, Denise, is also an educator. We have two sons who attend SPLS.
• Hobbies/Interests/Talents: 
• Talents and interests related to music include sharing my music at church, and performing with small ensembles for paid gigs. I also enjoy making music with family at gatherings and for personal entertainment.  
• Other hobbies include archery, knifemaking, reading, and occasionally video games. 
• Since having children, my most common pastimes include answering questions and changing diapers, however my favorite pastimes include sleeping for longer than 6 hours and bingeing netflix. 

Education: 

• Masters of Arts in Teaching, Bachelor of Music Performance
• Both degrees from Florida Southern College
• Music Adjudicator Training: Florida Bandmasters Association

Experience prior to serving at SPLS: 

• SPLS is my first full-time position. I have been here since 2012.

Birthplace: Tecumseh, Michigan

• God led me to SPLS. I was a stay at home mom after 10 years teaching in public schools, looking for a preschool for my son. God knows what is best for you as it was a perfect fit. To be able to celebrate Jesus and teach is the best gift of all and fills my heart every day!
• I am raising one son.
• I love the beach; painting; mixed media; cooking; volunteering; and experiencing different cultures 
• Education:
• Bachelor of Arts Education – Eastern Michigan University in K-12 art education
• Continuing education for Adobe Photoshop; Illustrator: InDesign

Experience prior to serving at SPLS: 

• 10 years art teacher in Polk County Schools