Department: Elementary & Middle School
Staff Listing


Bunch, Caren
I believe learning is a life long endeavor. My classroom is filled with learning through fun and exploration. After six years teaching Kindergarten in Lafayette School Corporation, I am excited to return home to St. James where I previously taught 4th and 5th grades, Pre-Kindergarten and as GLASS Interventionist. Joined St. James Team: 2022 Education: Purdue University […]

Keller, Maggie
I believe that music is a fundamental part of a well-rounded, Christ-centered education. I believe that all students should receive a quality music education so that they may become tuneful, beatful and artful, and connect to multiple generations through music. After graduating college with a degree in Music Education from Anderson University, I taught for 3 […]

Mues, Candy
Teaching these cherished Children of God is a gift. As the students grow and learn, my goal is to give them the tools they need to succeed far into the future. Joined St. James Team: 2022 Education: Concordia University Chicago Bachelors in Education Middle School Social Studies Endorsement through the IDOE


Trautmann, Melissa
It is my goal to provide a classroom environment where all my students are excited to come to school each day. Learning should be fun, interactive, and relevant. I hope to provide a calm, supportive, and engaging environment in which students are given the tools and encouraged to become lifelong learners. Joined St. James Team: 1996 […]

Tietz, Joan
Every child is an artist. Mistakes are opportunities. Each child’s art is unique. Creativity is encouraged. Joined St. James Team: 2013 (Also taught at St. James 1975-1999) Education: Concordia University, Nebraska B.S. in Elementary Education with Early Childhood and Art Endorsements

Roland, Lydia
It is my hope that in first grade, my students will make memories, friends and relationships that last a lifetime. I daily remind each child that they are God’s forgiven child. Joined St. James Team: 1989 Education: Concordia University, River Forest Bachelor in Elementary Education


Hamilton, Cara
My classroom is a room where learning happens in a relaxed family environment. We are all learning together and we seek to find ways to make all students successful. Joined St. James Team: 2002 Education: Concordia University, Chicago Bachelor’s in Elementary Education

Goodspeed, Amanda
All children are musical and are encouraged to use their God-given talents and abilities to His glory. My primary goal in the music classroom is to provide students with experiences to be Tuneful, Beatful and Artful. I want for my students to be confident singers (in the car, in church pews or even in choral […]

Farrington, Jenna
God has given everyone amazing gifts and talents which can be fostered and developed. Every student can learn through practice, perseverance, dedication and motivation. Joined St. James Team: 2017 Education: Valparaiso University Bachelor in Education: Math and Science