Staff

Elementary & Middle School

5th Grade Teacher

Dombkowski, Amy

It’s not just the education of the mind, but the education of the heart that matters. Joined St. James Team: 1994 Education: Indiana University Bachelor in Elementary Education (Colloquy from Concordia, Wisconsin)  

Director of Music

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 […]

3rd Grade Teacher

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

Middle School Language Arts

Keiser, Lynn

Every child is a unique creation of God and education is one path to realize the God-given destiny. Joined St. James Team: 2013 Education: Purdue University BA; Indiana University MA English Education, Psychology Education

Fourth Grade Teacher

Lucas, Lindsay

Joined St. James Team: 2022 Education: Western Governors University

Kindergarten Teacher

Anderson, Robin

I’m very excited to join St. James because it is my joy and privilege to work with kids and help point them to Christ! I look forward to helping my students grow in their love for Jesus and their love of learning! Joined St. James Team: 2024 Education: Purdue University Transition to Teaching (in progress)

First Grade Teacher

Paugh, Brianne

I am so excited to share in a community that is centered in God’s love. I am also so excited to share a love of learning with my new first grade community! Joined St. James Team: 2024 Education: Purdue University Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction (University in Phoenix)

Middle School Science and K-8 PE

Sinka, Leah

My passion is teaching science. I love to spark curiosity and facilitate discoveries in my classroom. We use labs and hands on science weekly to make connections, problem solve, and understand the beautiful world God made us.  Joined St. James Team: 2023 Education: Valparaiso University Elementary Education

Early Childhood

Green Room Teacher (Toddlers)

Bryan, Tasha

Yellow Room Teacher (Preschool 2's)

Lucies, Tonya

Rainbow Room Teacher (Pre-Kindergarten)

McKinsey, Rachel

I’m here to help build your children’s relationship with God. I encourage their growth in social and emotional development thru play. “All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children.” Isaiah 54:13 Joined St. James Team: 2019 Education: Child Development Associate & Technical Early Childhood Certificate

Indigo Room Teacher (Preschool 3's)

Rosa, Ashley

I believe learning is happening all the time and is interwoven through all developmental domains. These include: physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language. My goal is to make this ongoing learning experience safe, positive, and fun. I strive to guide them into the next stage of development with confidence in themselves and an excitement for continued learning. […]

Violet Room (Nursery)

Lake, Laura

Orange Room (Preschool 2's)

Arellano, Susy

Administration

Director of Financial Aide

Grott, Julie

The ministry of St. James Lutheran Church and School has been my passion for many years. The church and school partnered with my family to nurture our children and family, and they will also positively impact our grandchildren. My goal is to share how special St. James is with future generations and to help families […]

Early Childhood Director

Bunch, Caren

I believe learning is a life long endeavor. My classroom is filled with learning through fun and exploration. Joined St. James Team: 2022 Education: Purdue University Bachelor Degree of Arts, Elementary Education

School Secretary

Cochran, Samantha

As an Alumni of St. James Lutheran School it is my passion to help bring families together in a christian based community where incorporating God in our daily lives is the center of the school and church. Joined the St. James Team: 2024 Education: Currently studying to achieve my Bachelors in Special Education

Principal

Brooks, Heather

Mrs. Heather Brooks is a St. James Lutheran Church member and Purdue University graduate. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education in 1999 and spent 18 years teaching high school and middle school English. Mrs. Brooks earned her Master’s degree in K-12 Administration from Indiana Wesleyan in 2012 and became an Assistant Principal in 2017. […]

Support Staff

Assessment Coordinator

Huth, Carol

Joined St. James Team: 1996 Education: Purdue University Bachelor in Education with Endorsment in Special Education

K-8 Aide

Sattgast, Mandy

Mandy Sattgast is originally from Illinois, where she attended Concordia Lutheran School from Kindergarten through 8th grade. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry. She enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 sons, and 2 dogs as well as anything outside. She really looks forward to getting to […]

After School Care

Goodman, Roy

Roy has worked at St. James since August 2000.  He was born in Greensburg, Indiana, moved to Lafayete in 1976, and graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School in 1989.  Roy is a huge sports fan of high school and college sports.