Faculty & Staff

Education has always been my passion, and St. James has long held a special place in my heart. I am beyond excited for the opportunity to work alongside Pastor Bombaro, Pastor Barcott, and the outstanding teachers and staff as we continue building St. James Classical Academy into a thriving center for Classical Lutheran education, serving families throughout Tippecanoe County and the surrounding communities.
Joined St. James Team: 2026

My personal philosophy is rooted in advancing God’s kingdom by sharing the love of Jesus Christ through education and service. I believe children learn best in joyful, engaging environments that foster curiosity and wonder. I am committed to cultivating a safe, warm, and nurturing community where students, families, and educators feel welcomed and supported. At St. James, we are a family—working together to faithfully love, serve, and guide the children entrusted to our care.

Joined St. James Team: 2022
Education: Purdue University
Bachelor Degree of Arts, Elementary Education
Colloquy, Concordia University, Chicago – 2023

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 experience what my family experiences. Working in many areas of our school; as an early childhood aide, preschool teacher, and early childhood director is a blessing. Transitioning to the financial aid director continues to allow my passion for our ministry, as I support families who seek a Christian education for their children. Partnering with you is a joy as you experience where faith and learning connect firsthand!

Joined St. James: 1994
Education: Purdue University Animal Science and a Child Development Certificate

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.
Joined St. James Team: 2023
Education: Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education – Ivy Tech Community Colleg

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

I am so excited to share in a community that is centered in God’s love. In our first and second grade community, we share a love of learning. We learn together and play together while making memories and supporting one another.
Joined St. James Team: 2024
Education: Purdue University
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education
Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction (University in Phoenix)

I have thirteen years of experience teaching in the public school system, with students in kindergarten through 4th grade. During that time, I received specialized training in teaching reading and phonics, and I am excited to put that training to use at St. James. I will be teaching reading, phonics, and spelling, as well as Latin for the 2nd grade students.

I live in Goodland, Indiana, with my husband, Pastor Mueller, who serves at Trinity Lutheran Church. We are blessed with three sons, two daughters-in-law, and four grandsons. My husband and I were both blessed to attend Lutheran schools, and I am thrilled to be returning to Lutheran education. When I am not teaching, I enjoy baking, reading, and spending time with my family.

Joined St. James Team: 2026

ISt. James has been a special part of my family’s life for many years. I have been a member of St. James Lutheran Church for 15 years, and before pursuing my teaching degree, I spent several years as a regular K–8 substitute teacher at St. James. Through those experiences, I discovered that the intermediate grades (3rd–5th) are truly my favorite ages to teach!

Before beginning my journey in education, I served in the United States Navy as a Parachute Rigger. And yes, I have jumped out of a perfectly good airplane!

Outside of the classroom, I am an avid swimmer, runner, and cyclist and love staying active. My husband (St. James alumnus) and I have three boys who attend St. James Church and School, so St. James is very much a home to our entire family.
Joined St. James Team: 2026

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)

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

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 ensembles) who are not afraid to move to music (at dances, at their wedding, walking down the street). Music is a joyful experience!
Joined St. James Team: 2012
Education: Concordia University, Chicago
Bachelor of Music Education