Bill Fuerstenau, Principal

Meet Mr. Fuerstenau, a Wisconsin native. His education included WELS schools in Caledonia, WI, Indianapolis, and Jackson, WI. After graduating from Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, he enrolled at UW Eau Claire. There, he met Beth, his future wife. Together, they made the decision to transfer to Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, with a shared goal of becoming teachers.

Bill served in WELS schools in Montello and Hustisford, WI where he gained experience in the WELSSA self-study and Wisconsin Parental Choice Program. He earned a Master's degree in Educational Administration with a principal emphasis from Martin Luther College just before he joined our Emanuel team in 2021. Bill continues to be excited about the opportunity to serve the families in New London and loves to partner with parents in their children’s education.

He and Beth have three children: Oliver, Hannah, and Liam. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, hunting, fishing, and watching the Packers.

Michelle Dobberstein, Early Childhood Director

Mrs. D loves teaching children about Jesus. It is in everything she does—in teaching our 3 and 4-year-olds and also in raising her boys. She joined our faculty in 2013.

Michelle graduated from Martin Luther College in 2001 and served for two years in Fond du Lac, WI. The Lord led Michelle and her husband, Mark, to a farm outside Manawa. There they raise cattle and their five boys, whom they count as their greatest blessings.

In 2020, Michelle earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration with an emphasis in early childhood from MLC.

When not at Emanuel, Michelle enjoys her family on the farm, camping, and cheering for her boys’ sports teams.

KIM LODEWEGEN, SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Mrs. Lodewegen is a local of New London who attended Emanuel Lutheran School before moving on to New London High School.

She completed her degree in Communications and a minor in Theology from Wisconsin Lutheran College.

Kim became a member of the Emanuel team in 2022 as their Administrative Assistant. Prior to her current job, Kim was the Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Shawano.

Kim and her husband, Tommy, are residents of Clintonville and are parents to two boys who currently attend Emanuel. Kim and her family spend their leisure time exploring Wisconsin State Parks and hiking outdoors.

Kim's interests include gardening and playing with her two giant labradors. Kim is also an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Sugar Bush (WELS) where she enjoys teaching youth religion classes.

Julia Behm, Kindergarten Teacher

Miss Behm is from nearby Winneconne, where she grew up attending St. Paul’s Lutheran.

She graduated in 2023 from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with a Bachelor of Science in Education. This summer, Julia began her WELS certification coursework.

In her free time, Julia likes to do anything outdoors-related, especially golf, travel, horseback riding, taking her dog for walks, downhill skiing, snowmobile, spending time in the sun, and hanging out with friends and family.

Julia is so thankful God has blessed her with this opportunity to teach, learn, and grow at Emanuel.

Renee Jensen, Kindergarten Teacher

Mrs. Jensen is originally from Weyauwega and went to St. Peter and FVL. She got her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. After that, she got married to Brad and they moved to Valentine, NE where she served as an early childhood teacher at our WELS school. In 2018, she served as the ECE Director in Hustisford, WI. Mrs. Jensen joined our Emanuel staff in 2022.

When Renee is not teaching, she loves being outdoors with Brad and their son, Brock. Gardening, hiking, and being in or near water are a few of her favorites. She also enjoys volleyball, country music, coffee, and hanging out with Baylee, their chocolate lab, and Reese, a Doxin/Pekingese mix.

Renee feels teaching is a wonderful opportunity, and she is incredibly blessed to teach Kindergarten at Emanuel.

Ruth Gehring, First Grade Teacher

Miss Gehring grew up in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Ruth graduated from Martin Luther College in December 2023 with a degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. In her free time, she loves to read, be outdoors, camp, hike, spend time with family and friends, play board games and card games, and sing. One of her favorite Bible passages is Romans 8:38-39 "For I am convinced that neither life nor death, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Ruth is truly thankful for God's love and feels blessed to share the good news of Jesus with the children in her classroom.

Kristy Stahmann, Second Grade Teacher

Miss Stahmann graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College in 2001, and soon after, received her WELS certification. Kristy's ministry has been primarily in Milwaukee, although she spent a few years in Florida. She’s taught first through eighth grades, with most of her time teaching third grade. She enjoys the challenges that each year brings and looks forward to working with the children, families, and staff at Emanuel.

Kristy claims that if God hadn’t led her into the teaching ministry, she probably would have had a career working with animals. She loves most animals, especially cats—she has two fur babies—and river otters. She also enjoys country music, board games, playing Sheephead (yes, that’s the only way to say it), and the occasional snowstorm.

One of her favorite Bible passages is Psalm 126:3: The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Kristy realizes that God has blessed her life in more ways than she can count. She is very honored to be able to share His Word every day with her students.

Beth Fuerstenau, Third Grade Teacher

Mrs. Fuerstenau grew up in Holmen, WI, just north of La Crosse, and attended public school from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Beth attended UW-Eau Claire with plans to be a nurse. God had different plans, and she transferred to Martin Luther College. Beth graduated with an Elementary Education degree with an emphasis in Social Studies. She worked as a teacher’s aide for a year while Bill finished his degree. Beth taught primary grades for three years in Montello, WI. She left the teaching ministry for a time to be a stay-at-home mom for Oliver, Hannah, and Liam. Beth joined our Emanuel faculty in 2023. She is privileged and excited to be teaching third grade.

In her free time, she loves reading, crafting, sewing, going to concerts, singing in choir, traveling, and going out for dinner.

Kim Mulder, Fourth Grade Teacher

Mrs. Mulder grew up on a southern Minnesota farm. She went to a Lutheran grade school and then to Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School in New Ulm, MN. Kim graduated from MLC with a Bachelor's in Education and served in Waupaca, WI for nine years teaching before staying home with my children. She taught third-grade math and English at Emanuel in 2015. Kim has also been blessed to teach piano lessons at Emanuel for many years. She is very excited to be teaching fourth-grade.

Kim is married to Zach, and they have been blessed with five children, all of whom have or are currently attending Emanuel. Her older children attend Fox Valley Lutheran High School and Martin Luther College. They enjoy worshiping as a family, eating meals together, and supporting each other in our various extracurriculars.

Kim enjoys spending time worshiping Jesus with her family, reading Christian novels, kayaking, singing, playing the piano and organ at church, playing board games and cards, and playing sports with her kids.

Brad Jensen, Fifth Grade Teacher

Mr. Jensen grew up just down the road in Hortonville, attending Bethlehem Lutheran and Fox Valley Lutheran. After Brad graduated from MLC, he served in the ranching community of Valentine, NE. He also served in Jackson, WI. He joined our Emanuel faculty in 2022.

Brad’s wife, Renee, also serves as a kindergarten teacher at Emanuel.

When not in school, Brad enjoys spending time with their son Brock, bowhunting, fishing, hiking, woodworking, collecting and restoring cast iron cookware, generally being outside, and playing cards. And, because he’s from Wisconsin, he makes time on weekends in the fall for the Green Bay Packers.

Andrea Dorn, Sixth Grade Homeroom Teacher

Mrs. Dorn grew up in Mason, MI, just south of Lansing, attending the WELS school through eighth grade. After Andrea graduated from Michigan Lutheran Seminary, she went on to Martin Luther College, where she met Seth, her future husband. Andrea graduated with both an elementary education degree and a secondary mathematics degree.

Andrea stayed at home to raise Ruth, Leah, and Micah while Pastor Seth Dorn completed his seminary training and was later assigned to serve in Fredericksburg, Texas. She served for several years in a variety of ways in Beaver Dam, WI.

Andrea joined our Emanuel faculty in 2023. She is excited to teach at Emanuel and use her God-given gifts to serve the school and church. She is currently working on finishing her Master's degree in Educational Technology through Martin Luther College. She is also taking classes for the Tech Director Master’s degree.

When she’s not at Emanuel, you might find Andrea reading books, cooking, and baking.

Heather Sulzle, Seventh Grade Homeroom Teacher

Mrs. Sulzle grew up in Sterling Heights, MI, and attended the WELS school in Madison Heights through eighth grade. During her high school years at Michigan Lutheran Seminary, Heather worked toward her childhood desire to be a Lutheran teacher.

After she graduated from MLC, Heather served at Bethlehem, Hortonville, and Riverview, Appleton. She joined the Emanuel faculty in 2015.

Heather married John and they were blessed with Aliya, Nathan, and Lily.

She and her family enjoy camping, fishing, and riding bikes in the summer, as well as sledding and board games in the winter. Despite growing up in Michigan, she is an avid Packers fan. She also enjoys reading, playing the organ and piano, cooking, and baking. Most of all, Heather enjoys spending time with my family and activities with my children.

Chris Luebke, Eighth Grade Homeroom Teacher & Assistant Principal

Mr. Luebke graduated from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree.

Prior to coming to Emanuel, Chris served in St. James, MN, and at private schools in Milwaukee. Chris taught on the White Mountain Apache Reservation in Arizona and as a Middle School eAcademy Teacher for the Oshkosh School District. Chris joined our Emanuel faculty in 2021.

Chris has extensive experience as a math teacher and educational leader. He is dedicated to mentoring new teachers and implementing innovative curricula. His teaching skills effectively communicate complex math concepts to students, while his abilities as an education leader are invaluable. His dedication to mentoring new teachers shows his commitment to colleagues' growth and success. With his experience and dedication, Chris is an invaluable member of Emanuel Lutheran.

Chris lives in Appleton with his wife, Katie, who teaches at Fox Valley Lutheran. Their children are Steven, Josie, Noelle, Anni, Izzy, and Triah.

Chris has a passion for education, data, and mathematics instruction. When he’s not at Emanuel, he loves all sports, but basketball and running are his top passions. These days, you'll often catch him running. He's already finished two hundred-mile races this year, and he plans to do more.

KATE TIEFEL, DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Mrs. Tiefel serves Emanuel as Director of Music. She teaches PK-8 music in the school, directs the choirs, and coordinates the church's music ministry.

Kate, from Livonia, MI, attended Michigan State Univ. where she earned a Bachelor’s in PK-12 Music Ed. and a Master’s in Choral Conducting. She completed her WELS Ministry Certification in 2022. For 20 years, Kate taught music to students of all ages in public and parochial schools. Also, she is a worship coordinator in Lutheran parishes and enjoys teaching kids to sing praises to their Savior!

In addition to her work at Emanuel, Kate enjoys connecting with and supporting WELS teachers and church musicians. In 2020, she co-founded the Lutheran Institute for Music Education (LIME) and she presents regularly at conferences on the topics of Lutheran worship, choral conducting, and music education.

She is married to Pastor Mark Tiefel and they are blessed with three daughters. They enjoy hiking and camping, trying new restaurants and recipes, or staying in for a family movie night or game night.

Victoria Duciaume, 3K/4K Teacher Assistant

Ms. Duciaume is an invaluable member of our team. With her warm and nurturing nature, she creates a loving and supportive environment for our youngest learners. Her dedication and creativity shine through as she engages the children in hands-on, play-based activities that foster their social and academic growth. We love having Victoria on our Emanuel staff.

Megan Westphal, First Grade Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Westphal grew up in Manawa, WI, and graduated from FVTC with an associate degree in Criminal Justice. Prior to joining Emanuel, she worked in Loss Prevention for a large corporation. She joined the Emanuel staff in 2021.

She and her husband, Tom, have three daughters who attend Emanuel. In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family, garden, read, and enjoy the outdoors in nature. Her passion lies in working with children and witnessing their growth and learning.

Brianna Quesada, First Grade Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Quesada, a wonderful addition to our team, joined us in December 2023. Despite being new to Emanuel Lutheran, she has quickly endeared herself to our students, who have warmly welcomed her.

Melissa Scott, Second Grade Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Scott is an awesome second-grade teacher assistant at our school! With a heart full of warmth and a passion for nurturing young minds, Melissa brings joy and enthusiasm to the classroom every day.

A true ally for both students and teachers, Melissa is all about creating a supportive learning environment. Whether she's helping with lessons, organizing fun activities, or offering a comforting word, she's there to make sure every student feels valued and understood.

Outside the classroom, she enjoys exploring creative ways to make learning exciting. From interactive projects to engaging games, she's committed to making education a memorable adventure for our second graders.

We are blessed to have Mrs. Scott on our team, making the journey of education not just educational, but also filled with smiles and encouragement.

Abby Zuberbier, Guided Studies Director

Mrs. Zuberbier was born and raised right here in New London. After her elementary years at Emanuel, Abby went to Fox Valley Lutheran High School and then graduated from Martin Luther College with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Spanish.

Abby served in Burlington, WI before joining our Emanuel faculty in 2010. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in special education.

Abby married Bob and they were blessed with four children, Ethan, Riley, Theo, and Charlie.

As a family, they enjoy going to zoos, traveling, and Disney. Abby also enjoys reading, a good cup of coffee, and murder mystery shows.

Holly Birkey, Guided Studies Instructor

Mrs. Birkey is from Hot Springs, SD in the Black Hills. She went to Bethesda Lutheran School until fifth grade and then went to public school until twelfth grade. Holly then went to Western Dakota Technical Institute and got a degree in Business Management and Marketing. She is currently studying Special Education.

Holly has been a volunteer in different ministry positions for 19 years, including Sunday school, VBS, youth ministry, and as a sound technician. She also worked for two years as a Parish Coordinator at the US Army Garrison Chaplain's office in Germany. Holly joined the Emanuel team in 2021.

Holly resides in New London with her husband Jordan and their two children, Bryghton and Lorelei. Despite studying business, the Lord used a family injury to redirect Holly's life, leading her to discover a deep passion for assisting children who face challenges with disabilities and learning difficulties.

She enjoys being with her family and exploring new locations. Every summer, she eagerly anticipates visiting her relatives in South Dakota. Additionally, she has a fondness for animals, gardening, painting, and kayaking.

Charmaine Gerndt, Guided Studies Instructor

Meet Mrs. Gerndt, another of our awesome guided studies instructors! With a heart dedicated to helping students thrive, Charmaine brings a wealth of experience, having served as a beloved teacher in our school before embarking on a well-deserved retirement. Her passion for guiding students on their educational journey is truly inspiring.

In her free time, you might catch her exploring the beauty of northeastern Wisconsin or enjoying a good book. Mrs. Gerndt's commitment to nurturing young minds is a valuable asset to our school community. We're blessed to have her on our Emanuel team.

April Spoehr, Tiger Cub Care Lead

Mrs. Spoehr earned an associate degree in early childhood development from FVTC in 1995. She spent several years working at a licensed daycare in Darby, WI and then worked as an in-home daycare provider for 20 years. April became a member of our Emanuel staff in 2019. April is your go-to person for crafting adventures and comforting chats, making each day at Tiger Cub Care special!

April and her husband have three grown-up kids. Their son works as a skilled carpenter, while their daughter got married recently and is now a teacher at St. Peter School in Weyauwega. Their other daughter is currently enrolled in college, focusing on studying music.

April enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and gardening. She also has two dogs.

Ashley Kuehl, Tiger Cub Care Assistant

Meet Mrs. Kuehl, the vibrant assistant at Tiger Cub Care! With her warm smile and knack for creating memorable moments, Ashley ensures a cozy and joyful atmosphere for your little ones.

In her free time, Ashley enjoys diving into a good book or sharing laughter with friends. Whether exploring new stories or creating delightful moments, she brings the same positive energy to her leisure as she does to Tiger Cub Care.

Bev Knudsen, Librarian, Accelerated Reader, and Scrip coordinator

Mrs. Knudsen is a lifelong member of Emanuel. Bev went to Fox Valley Lutheran and then on to Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. She joined our Emanuel faculty in 1968 and taught in a variety of settings for 24 years. She left the classroom to become our head librarian and then our Accelerated Reader administrator, as well as Scrip Coordinator.

Bev married John, her husband of 55 years. They were blessed with two daughters and seven grandchildren.

When Bev is not at Emanuel, she is probably traveling to some far-off destination or reading a great book.

Jessica Auer, Adjunct Music Lesson Teacher

Meet Mrs. Auer, our fantastic guitar guru with a passion for both strings and family. When she's not strumming sweet tunes, she's managing her bustling household filled with laughter and love. With a heart for teaching and a knack for making melodies, Jessica adds a musical touch to our school community.

Laura Rothe, Adjunct Music Lesson Teacher

Mrs. Rothe has a BA in Music Performance degree. Laura has extensive experience in the music field, working as a private piano and voice teacher, accompanist, musical theater director, music librarian, classroom music teacher, and church music director. She is enthusiastic about teaching piano at Emanuel.

Manda Thorpe, Adjunct Music Lesson Teacher

Mrs. Thorpe is another of our talented piano instructors. With nimble fingers and a heart full of music, she brings the joy of melodies to our school community. Manda has a passion for sharing her musical talents and nurturing the next generation of pianists with patience and dedication. Her notes resonate not only in the keys but also in the hearts of those she teaches.

Heidi Zimmermann, Adjunct Music Lesson Teacher

Mrs. Zimmermann obtained a degree in Veterinary Technology and then pursued a Biology degree at Metropolitan State University. She also earned a degree and became a certified Respiratory Therapist in 2021. Before moving to Appleton, Heidi spent seven years teaching piano lessons. Her husband accepted a divine call as principal at Riverview Appleton, which led to their relocation. During this time, Heidi also worked at Happy Bellies Bakery while working towards her respiratory therapy degree. Currently, Heidi is employed at Appleton Medical Center. She joined Emanuel Lutheran in the fall of 2023.

Outside of work, Heidi is a loving wife and mother. She has been married for 17 years and has a daughter named Ingrid who is in 3rd grade. They have two cats named Mushu and Gertie, and a Golden Retriever named Mabel. Together, they enjoy activities such as cooking, baking, attending choir performances, camping, reading, traveling, and biking.

Connie Samson, Food Service Director

Ms. Connie is the heart and soul of our school lunch program. With years of experience and an unyielding commitment to quality, she orchestrates our daily feasts with finesse. Her culinary expertise ensures that every meal served is not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced to support our students' growth and development.

Randy Nelson, Food Service Assistant

Meet Mr. Randy, a cheerful presence at our lunch counter. With a warm smile and a generous dose of positivity, he goes the extra mile to make each student feel valued during lunchtime. Randy's commitment to creating a friendly dining atmosphere is truly exceptional. Notably, he actively serves lunches to students daily, embodying our dedication to ensuring everyone in our Emanuel community feels welcome and appreciated.

Rose Van Schyndel, Food Service Assistant

Ms. Rose is a wonderful person at our lunch counter. She always smiles and brings positivity to each student's lunch experience. Rose loves making delicious desserts, which adds a special touch to our Emanuel community. Every day, she serves lunches with enthusiasm, showing that she cares about each student and makes them feel important.

Amy Berg, Substitute Teacher

Mrs. Berg grew up in Yelm, WA, where she attended an ELS elementary school. She graduated from Evergreen Lutheran High School and then attended Bethany Lutheran College, where she majored in Exercise Science. She completed her substitute teaching certification in January 2022.

Amy met her husband, Alex, at college. They currently have seven children and stay quite busy. When not at Emanuel, Amy enjoys taking her children for walks or bike rides in town. She loves going on road trips with her family and exploring new places or revisiting places from her childhood. Amy also enjoys coaching and watching her children play sports in school.

Shelly Buss, Substitute Teacher

Meet Mrs. Buss, our friendly substitute teacher with a passion for fostering a love of learning. A proud parent of children at Emanuel, Shelly brings a warm and nurturing presence to the classroom. With a knack for making lessons engaging and memorable, she ensures a positive and enriching experience for students. Her dedication to education and connection with our school community make her a valuable asset. When not in the classroom, she enjoys family time and exploring creative ways to inspire young minds.

Jared Laabs, Athletic Director

Mr. Laabs grew up in the area and met his wife in high school through mutual friends and their shared love for sports. They both decided to attend college together and eventually married. Graduating with a Math major and a Spanish minor, Jared found employment with a regional insurance firm, where he has remained dedicated to this day.

Jared was able to work remotely, which allowed him to move back into the area. He and his family settled down outside of Weyauwega on his family's old farm, creating a cozy home for their one-and-a-half-year-old daughter and their beloved dog.

When he finds himself with free time, and if their lives aren't consumed by sports events, he cherishes moments spent with his family. They prioritize quality time outdoors, engaging in activities such as hunting, fishing, boating, and snowmobiling.

Betsy Grogan, Title I Teacher

Meet Ms. Grogan, our fantastic Title I teacher with a heart as big as her love for cats. Betsy brings warmth and dedication to Emanuel. When she's not weaving her teaching magic, you can find her surrounded by a furry feline entourage. With a passion for education and a soft spot for whiskers, Betsy is an essential part of our Emanuel family.