Staff
Elementary & Middle School
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
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 […]
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
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
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
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 […]
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
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 […]
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 […]
Early Childhood
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 […]
Hall, Chandler
I believe in making my classroom like a second home for my students. I hope to create a space where students are excited to come to learn, play, make friends, laugh, cry, make mistakes, and come back the next day to do it all again. A place where they feel safe, valued, and loved for […]
Yeaman, Bethany
I believe in creating a safe environment for my students to grow socially and emotionally. In my classroom we will learn about how loved we are by God and how we are all his children. Joined St. James Team: 2019 Education: Child Development Associate Credential
Pollard, Nikki
I am passionate about early childhood education. My hope is for your child to love school and for them grow socially and emotionally and also in their faith. I emphasize kindness and being a good citizen. After moving to Lafayette from Peoria, Illinois during the summer of 2022. Before joining the St. James team I […]
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
Administration
Caylor, Jennifer
I believe children learn best through play. Each child is a gift from God and I will help them grow by embracing their full potential intellectually and socially/emotionally. Joined St. James Team: 2014 Education: Child Development Associate Credential
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 […]
Kurtz, Morgan
I have an unwavering passion for St. James Lutheran School. I grew up attending Lutheran schools in southern Indiana, and taught for 5 years in the Early Childhood program here at St. James. I am dedicated to building relationships with all families who enter our doors, and pride myself in knowing every student’s name and […]
Support Staff
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 […]
