Staff and Faculty
Ashley Ponder: Principal
Debbie Lichtenegger: 1st/2ndGrade Teacher
Laurie Anderson: Preschool Teacher
BS in Early Childhood from Concordia University, WI
Serving at UCLS since 2011, 12th year as an educator
I married Luke Ponder in July of 2013. We have two girls, Emelia and Lily. My husband was born and raised here. He has a large extended family here and mine lives in Wisconsin where we visit them frequently.
I love to teach children abou
BS in Early Childhood from Concordia University, WI
Serving at UCLS since 2011, 12th year as an educator
I married Luke Ponder in July of 2013. We have two girls, Emelia and Lily. My husband was born and raised here. He has a large extended family here and mine lives in Wisconsin where we visit them frequently.
I love to teach children about the love that Jesus has for them. I also really enjoy teaching Pre-K because they learn how to interact appropriately with one another and they grow so much intellectually, socially, and physically.
I love the family feel of our school. We live in a tight knit community and our school students are one big family. I love watching the kiddos get to know their chapel families. It is fun to watch the big kids and the little interact with one another. They form bonds that will last a lifetime.
Laurie Anderson: Preschool Teacher
Debbie Lichtenegger: 1st/2ndGrade Teacher
Laurie Anderson: Preschool Teacher
I was born and raised on a farm near Jackson Missouri, and I was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Pocahontas, Missouri.
I attended Zion Lutheran School, St. Paul Lutheran School and
Jackson High School.
I graduated from Concordia University in Chicago in 1984 with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.
I hav
I was born and raised on a farm near Jackson Missouri, and I was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Pocahontas, Missouri.
I attended Zion Lutheran School, St. Paul Lutheran School and
Jackson High School.
I graduated from Concordia University in Chicago in 1984 with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education.
I have taught in Lutheran Schools in Missouri, Illinois and Wyoming. Sharing my love for Christ, through His word and music, with my students and their families is my passion.
I have three amazing adult children, two beautiful daughters-in-law
and one very precious granddaughter! I enjoy spending time with my
family and friends on our farm, get-togethers at the lake and listening to my friends band.
Michelle Wolfe: Kindergarten Teacher
Debbie Lichtenegger: 1st/2ndGrade Teacher
Debbie Lichtenegger: 1st/2ndGrade Teacher
BS in Education from Concordia University, NE
MS in Education from Concordia University, NE, specializing in Reading and Literacy
The current school year (2022-2023) is my 20thyear of teaching.
I have taught 2nd grade in Houston, TX and multiple grades in Oregon, the most recent being preschool.
I am married with two children and a dog. My hu
BS in Education from Concordia University, NE
MS in Education from Concordia University, NE, specializing in Reading and Literacy
The current school year (2022-2023) is my 20thyear of teaching.
I have taught 2nd grade in Houston, TX and multiple grades in Oregon, the most recent being preschool.
I am married with two children and a dog. My husband Josh and I as well as our children, Gretchen and Isaac, are excited to be a part of this community. We are looking forward to exploring the area and like to camp and hike.
My philosophy stems from Proverbs 22:6… “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” As a Lutheran educator my first job is to teach children about Jesus. He is rooted in all we do. The whole child is considered when instruction is planned, focusing on how each child learns and incorporating those areas into lessons.
I wanted to be a teacher from a very young age. It was my dream job, and now I am living out my dream! I get to work with children and not only teach them the things they need to learn to be successful, but share the love of Jesus at the same time.
What I love about UCLS is the close knit family feel. Everyone is welcoming and truly cares about each other.
Debbie Lichtenegger: 1st/2ndGrade Teacher
Debbie Lichtenegger: 1st/2ndGrade Teacher
Debbie Lichtenegger: 1st/2ndGrade Teacher
Bachelors Degree from Southeast Missouri State University, MO
I started my teaching career in the Memphis City Schools from 1990-1991. I was then a teacher, first at CTLS as a History/Language Arts teacher, then as 5th/6th grade Classroom teacher. I moved to the 1st/2ndgrade classroom in 2018 and have been there ever since.
I am married to
Bachelors Degree from Southeast Missouri State University, MO
I started my teaching career in the Memphis City Schools from 1990-1991. I was then a teacher, first at CTLS as a History/Language Arts teacher, then as 5th/6th grade Classroom teacher. I moved to the 1st/2ndgrade classroom in 2018 and have been there ever since.
I am married to David Lichtenegger and have two sons, Nathan & Adam.
I believe each child is a God created individual who needs a secure, caring and stimulating atmosphere in which to grow emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually.
I teach because I want to create a thirst for knowledge and a love for learning in my students.
I love UCLS because we never forget our ultimate goal which is to further the Kingdom of God by encouraging all of our students to “reach for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus,” as found in Philippians 3:14.
Nancy Blackard: 3rd/4th Grade Teacher
Pastor Hoemann: Concordia, Frohna – Chapel Leader and Confirmation Teacher
Brooke Anderson: 5th/6th Grade Teacher
BS in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from Concordia University, NE
Minor in Math
Before arriving at UCLS in 2019, I taught Kindergarten at Zion Lutheran School in Beecher, IL, 1st/2nd grade at Redeemer in Warsaw, IN, and 2nd grade at Grace Chapel School in St Louis, MO.
I have four children. A freshman @ Saxony Lutheran High School. Th
BS in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from Concordia University, NE
Minor in Math
Before arriving at UCLS in 2019, I taught Kindergarten at Zion Lutheran School in Beecher, IL, 1st/2nd grade at Redeemer in Warsaw, IN, and 2nd grade at Grace Chapel School in St Louis, MO.
I have four children. A freshman @ Saxony Lutheran High School. Then a 6th, 3rd and 1stgrader @ UCLS.
Children are uniquely made by God. It is my responsibility to teach them about Christ and teach them how God is in all of our academic studies.
I teach to share the love of Christ with all children and to watch the children grow academically, socially and spiritually.
Here at UCLS, I love that the students care about each other. I also love how much the students know their Bible.
Brooke Anderson: 5th/6th Grade Teacher
Pastor Hoemann: Concordia, Frohna – Chapel Leader and Confirmation Teacher
Brooke Anderson: 5th/6th Grade Teacher
All my life my family has taught me to work hard for the things that I want. With perseverance and hard work, one can rise to the occasion. This is true for my 5th and 6th grade students. Just as they grow in their academic endeavors, I also want them to grow in their faith in Jesus. Academics require head knowledge. Faith requires h
All my life my family has taught me to work hard for the things that I want. With perseverance and hard work, one can rise to the occasion. This is true for my 5th and 6th grade students. Just as they grow in their academic endeavors, I also want them to grow in their faith in Jesus. Academics require head knowledge. Faith requires hearing and believing God’s word. Both of these require discipline and perseverance.
Also, I want my students to show, through their words and actions, that they are Christians in their daily lives. However, that is not always easy, especially in this day and age, where we have many negative influences surrounding us. As Christians, we are called to believe in Jesus and to remember everything that He did for us through His life and death on the cross. 2 Peter 3:18 says, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen”.
A little bit about me… I’m a twin! I was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming. My family lived in Wyoming, then Jackson, Missouri, and back to Wyoming, so I’ve attended schools in both of those states, with my Elementary Education Teaching degree earned from the University of Wyoming in 2020 – Go Pokes!! I have taught in Nebraska, Wyoming and Missouri, in Pre-Kindergarten all the way to 6th grade classrooms!
I have a 5 year old Akita named Asha who loves to go on walks and play with stuffed animals, especially the ones with squeakers. In my spare time, I love to watch sports, listen to live music, go to the lake with friends and family, and read as many books as possible.
Robyn Koenig: 7th/8th Grade Teacher
Pastor Hoemann: Concordia, Frohna – Chapel Leader and Confirmation Teacher
Pastor Hoemann: Concordia, Frohna – Chapel Leader and Confirmation Teacher
BS in Education from Concordia University, NE
30 years of teaching in Lutheran schools in California, Nebraska and Missouri
I am married to Tim Koenig, and we have 4 children: Ethan – 21 (@ SEMO majoring in Finance), Joel – 20 (@ Missouri State majoring in Business/Math), Ella – 14 (8thgrader @ UCLS), Jessica – 12 (6th grader @ UCLS)
I belie
BS in Education from Concordia University, NE
30 years of teaching in Lutheran schools in California, Nebraska and Missouri
I am married to Tim Koenig, and we have 4 children: Ethan – 21 (@ SEMO majoring in Finance), Joel – 20 (@ Missouri State majoring in Business/Math), Ella – 14 (8thgrader @ UCLS), Jessica – 12 (6th grader @ UCLS)
I believe it is my role as a teacher to daily affirm in our students that Jesus loves them.
I teach to prepare my 7th/8th graders to be independent and successful as they move on to high school.
UCLS has a family atmosphere and it supports a legacy which some of my former students are continuing by having their children attend our Lutheran School.
Pastor Hoemann: Concordia, Frohna – Chapel Leader and Confirmation Teacher
Pastor Hoemann: Concordia, Frohna – Chapel Leader and Confirmation Teacher
Pastor Hoemann: Concordia, Frohna – Chapel Leader and Confirmation Teacher
Bachelor of Journalism, University of Missouri
Master of Divinity, Concordia Seminary, St Louis.
I have served as a Pastor/Missionary for 24 years, 21 of those years in LCMS Campus Ministry
I am married to Amy and we have one daughter, Anna, who is studying to be a Physical Therapist @ Mizzou.
I believe my role as a teacher is to prepare my s
Bachelor of Journalism, University of Missouri
Master of Divinity, Concordia Seminary, St Louis.
I have served as a Pastor/Missionary for 24 years, 21 of those years in LCMS Campus Ministry
I am married to Amy and we have one daughter, Anna, who is studying to be a Physical Therapist @ Mizzou.
I believe my role as a teacher is to prepare my students for life in the world; how to answer the theological questions that non-Christians ask!
Part of my calling as a Pastor is to teach and I love it; nothing better than talking theology.
UCLS is a place where Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, can be proclaimed freely, to shape and form the lives of young Christians.
Pastor Dressler: Trinity, Altenburg – Chapel Leader and Old Testament Teacher
Pastor Dressler: Trinity, Altenburg – Chapel Leader and Old Testament Teacher
Pastor Dressler: Trinity, Altenburg – Chapel Leader and Old Testament Teacher
BS in Elementary Education, Concordia, NE
Master of Divinity, Concordia Seminary, St Louis.
Prior to becoming a Pastor, I taught in Cleveland, OH; Red Bud, IL; Uniontown, MO
I have been a Pastor at congregations in Waymansville, IN; Jonesburg, MO and Altenburg, MO
I have 3 children – Nancy Blackard, Robert Dressler and Kelly Dressler, and six
BS in Elementary Education, Concordia, NE
Master of Divinity, Concordia Seminary, St Louis.
Prior to becoming a Pastor, I taught in Cleveland, OH; Red Bud, IL; Uniontown, MO
I have been a Pastor at congregations in Waymansville, IN; Jonesburg, MO and Altenburg, MO
I have 3 children – Nancy Blackard, Robert Dressler and Kelly Dressler, and six grandchildren, with another due in May, 2023.
God’s Word is the basis for all learning. Because of sin, we need to study God’s Word alongside all the other disciplines. It is in the knowledge of God that all earthly wisdom is born.
I teach because I want to share the great gifts which God bestows on His people in Jesus Christ.
I love that the Association congregations of Salem, Trinity and Concordia work together to further the teaching of our children in the basics of Christianity, enabling them to become faithful members of whatever community in which they end up living.
Amber Kassel: Teacher Aide
Pastor Dressler: Trinity, Altenburg – Chapel Leader and Old Testament Teacher
Pastor Dressler: Trinity, Altenburg – Chapel Leader and Old Testament Teacher
BS in Mass Communications from Southeast Missouri State
Most of my work experience has been in the business world, but I’m thrilled to be working in the school setting, as of August, 2022.
I’m married to Stuart and we have three boys: Quade, Cole and Chase.
I believe nobody is better than anyone else because God made us all unique for His pu
BS in Mass Communications from Southeast Missouri State
Most of my work experience has been in the business world, but I’m thrilled to be working in the school setting, as of August, 2022.
I’m married to Stuart and we have three boys: Quade, Cole and Chase.
I believe nobody is better than anyone else because God made us all unique for His purpose.
I love to watch children grow and learn. Laughter and smiles from children are good for the soul.
UCLS creates a community where every child feels accepted. God’s grace is evident each and every day here.
Amy Hoemann: School Secretary
Pastor Dressler: Trinity, Altenburg – Chapel Leader and Old Testament Teacher
Amy Hoemann: School Secretary
BS in Exercise Science/Fitness Management from Concordia University, Chicago
Most recently, I was the Registrar for a Middle School in College Station, TX
I am married to Pastor Hoemann and we have one daughter, Anna.
As a baptized child of God, I try to choose joy – all day, every day. My hope is for that to spill over into all that I do!
By
BS in Exercise Science/Fitness Management from Concordia University, Chicago
Most recently, I was the Registrar for a Middle School in College Station, TX
I am married to Pastor Hoemann and we have one daughter, Anna.
As a baptized child of God, I try to choose joy – all day, every day. My hope is for that to spill over into all that I do!
By choosing to work in the school setting, I can support teachers in the important and vital role they are called to do – as what they do is not one of my gifts.
Being @ UCLS, I get to share Jesus with everyone in the building – all the time!
Sara Grebing: School Cook
Pastor Dressler: Trinity, Altenburg – Chapel Leader and Old Testament Teacher
Amy Hoemann: School Secretary
I graduated from Southeast Missouri State.
I worked for several years in the business world, before coming to CTLS & UCLS as the school cook – and I’ve stayed for 23 years!
I’m married and have three sons, one daughter-in-law, two sisters and one brother.
My philosophy… live life to the fullest with God by your side.
I love watching the students grow in their knowledge and faith.
Stefanie Kassel: Assistant Cook/After School Care Supervisor
I went to Jackson High School, and attended Colorado Technical University and Liberty University
I have worked at UCLS for 11 years, in the kitchen and after school care.
With my husband Cory, we have 3 sons, Brayden, Devin and Gage.
Good food brings good health, which makes for a longer life.
I love children and appreciate the family we have here at UCLS.