Meet Our Staff
Principal
Mrs. Suzanne Dunkin
principal@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Purdue University
Colloquy from Concordia University Chicago
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I have always loved learning, so I wanted to share that love with others. It was not my original plan to teach in a Lutheran school, but God guided me to do so, and I am so blessed! God is good!
Fun Facts
I have four daughters and have been married for almost thirty years. I enjoy spending time with my family, playing trivia, reading fictional books, doing anything music-related, and collecting nesting dolls.
Preschool 3's
Mrs. Lindsay Comer
lindsayc@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I wanted to be a positive influence and make a difference in children’s lives. I want my students to believe they can do anything!
Fun Fact
My hobbies are cross-stitching, crocheting, and reading. I could spend my entire summer sitting on the beach reading books.
Preschool 4's
Mrs. Debbie Christian
debc@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Concordia University Ann Arbor
Concordia Teacher’s College - Seward, Nebraska
Why did you become a teacher?
I have always loved children and serving the church. Teaching in a Lutheran school ties these two loves together!
Fun Fact
My education has always come in pairs! I attended two elementary schools, two junior highs, two high schools, two colleges, and taught in two schools.
Kindergarten
Mrs. Katherine Harris
katherineh@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Concordia University Wisconsin
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher to share God’s love with others and to mold little ones' minds. I love to watch children grow and learn. I want to be a positive impact in other’s lives.
Fun Fact
Every summer my husband and I travel to Chicago to watch the Cubs play.
I love to be outside and enjoy God’s beautiful world.
First Grade
Mrs. Elizabeth Stark
elizabeths@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Concordia University, Nebraska
Why did you become a teacher?
I felt called to be a teacher when I was in the early grades in school. I love seeing the “light” go on in a child’s brain when they understand something
Fun Fact
I play the piano, but I cannot read music.
Second Grade
Mrs. Kim Priest
kimp@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Communication and Education degrees at IPFW
Colloquy at Concordia University Chicago
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I have a passion to teach children to read. At our school, I get to teach about God and His promises.
Fun Fact
I would love to write a children's book!
One of my ancestors was Abraham Lincoln's 1st vice president!
Third Grade
Mrs. Sharon White
sharonw@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
IPFW in Fort Wayne, Indiana
Why did you become a teacher?
I want to bestow a love for learning in children and help them develop a desire to become lifelong learners.
Fun Fact
I enjoy spending the summer at our lake cottage with my family and friends.
Fourth Grade
Miss Kim Darnielle
College
Boise State University
Sul Ross State University
Why did you become a teacher?
I used to go to school with my mom and help teach in her class, and as the oldest of five, I played teacher with my siblings. I love seeing kids enjoy learning and grow!
Fun Fact
I have twirled baton since the age of five, and I was a Girl Scout and Girl Scout Leader.
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Dana Muehl
danam@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Bachelors at Concordia University Chicago
Masters at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana
Why did you become a teacher?
Being able to share my faith daily with my students as well as help prepare them for life. It’s the best job ever.
Fun Fact
My family hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon for my dad’s 80th birthday. 17 out of 34 family members made the trip!
Sixth Grade Homeroom
Middle School Math and Science
Mrs. Grace Coblentz
gracec@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Concordia University Chicago
Why did you become a teacher?
I love sharing and explaining new information. It is exciting to watch as students explore and discover our beautiful world through math and science.
Fun Fact
I know a lot about Walt Disney and Disney World. I estimate that I have been to Disney World over 300 times!
Seventh Grade Homeroom
Middle School Social Studies, Health, and PE
Mrs. Renee' Spieth
renees@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Concordia University Chicago
Why did you become a teacher?
I love being able to talk about Jesus in every subject that I teach. In today's world, I am thankful to share God's faithfulness throughout the history that we are learning in the classroom. Middle school students are becoming independent thinkers and leaders who are very creative and fun. I am blessed to see their faith grow into action in both the classroom and in our community.
Fun Fact
I was a competitive figure skater from 3-12th grade and taught ice skating lessons while attending college. Now I live on a small farm with my husband, our six children, and a variety of farm animals.
Eighth Grade Homeroom
Middle School English and Literature
Mr. Jesse Muehler
jessem@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Concordia University Chicago
Why did you become a teacher?
I've always loved learning, but when I was in high school, I discovered how much I enjoyed helping others learn. Everyday I get to help my students learn something new AND share my faith with them. It's a dream job!
Fun Fact
I have lived in 12 different places across 7 states and 2 countries!
K-8 Music Teacher
Mrs. Cathy Werling
cathyw@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Concordia University, Nebraska
Why did you become a teacher?
I’ve wanted to teach since I was small and especially in the Lutheran school system. I come from a family of Lutheran teachers and pastors so it was a natural fit for me.
Fun Fact
I love to travel and have visited 43 of the United States and 5 foreign countries. I hope to see more in the future.
Resource Teacher
Mrs. Cindy Bergdall
cindyb@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Manchester College (Bachelors)
Ball State University (Masters)
Why did you become a teacher?
My teachers from K-8 at Flatrock were great, and I loved being a student here. I wanted to share my love of learning with others.
Fun Fact
During the summer you can find me sailing on our Catalina 25 at Grand Lake in St. Marys, Ohio.