Meet Our Staff
St. John-Emmanuel's teachers are trained educators dedicated to providing excellence in the classroom and Christian leadership in our community. With a diverse wealth of knowledge and experiences, they are dedicated to serving the families of our school and sharing Christ's love daily.
Principal
Mrs. Amanda Sorg
principal@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Indiana University
Concordia University Ann Arbor
Purdue Fort Wayne
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I love that every day is a new adventure. I love sharing God with students and families and I love walking together as we learn new things every day.
Fun Fact
I worked as a sailing instructor and summer camp counselor in Michigan for three years.
Pastor- St. John (Flatrock)
Rev. Douglas Christian
pastor@saintjohnflatrock.org
Favorite Bible Verses
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
Isaiah 26:3-4
Fun Fact
During my year of Vicarage I conducted worship services in American Sign Language on Sunday afternoons at Zion Lutheran Church, Bismarck, North Dakota.
Pastor- Emmanuel (Soest)
Rev. Josef Henning
pastoremmanuelsoest@gmail.com
Favorite Bible Verse
Call on me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor me.
Psalm 50:15
Preschool 3's
Mrs. Lindsay Comer
lcomer@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.
PreK 3 Aide
Mrs. Cristyn Foster
Favorite Bible Verse:
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8
Fun Fact
Throughout my life I've lived in 10 cities, 5 states and 2 countries.
Preschool 4's
Mrs. Debbie Christian
dchristian@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Concordia University Ann Arbor
Concordia Teacher’s College - 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.
.jpg)
Kindergarten
Mrs. Katherine Harris
kharris@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
estark@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.
Classroom Aide
Mrs. Sandy Stults
Favorite Bible Verse:
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
Fun Fact:
On Jan. 6, 2022 I sent a video to the TV show Survivor- I'm still waiting for them to call me.
Second Grade
Miss Mallory Behny
mbehny@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Concordia University Wisconsin
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher to help children grown in their faith, and have foundational academic skills that they will use the rest of their lives.
Fun Fact
I really like to read. I read a total of 20 books over the summer!
Third Grade
College
Concordia University Nebraska
North West Missouri State University
Why did you become a teacher?
I have always loved to help others learn, grow and succeed in all they do. Sharing God's love with others is an amazing part of teaching in Lutheran schools.
Fun Fact
I taught myself how to crochet amigurumi (small yarn creatures).
Fourth Grade
College
Ball State University
Indiana Wesleyan University
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher because I want each and every child to know God loves them beyond a shadow of a doubt. I love teaching children about the amazing things God has done for so many of His people. I have always had a love for learning new things and I love to see the moment when children learn!
Fun Fact
I love fishing and kayaking.
College
Purdue Fort Wayne
Why did you become a teacher?
I became a teacher to inspire students, help them grow in confidence, and create a classroom where they feel supported, valued, and excited to learn. I want to provide an education rooted in both faith and academics that prepares them for any challenges they may face.
Fun Fact
A fun fact about me is that I have a basic understanding of American Sign Language (ASL) and love finding ways to keep learning more.
Sixth Grade Homeroom
Middle School Math and Science
Mrs. Grace Coblentz
grcoblentz@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
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
Mrs. Elyssa Smart
esmart@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Why did you become a teacher?
Fun Fact
Band
Mr. Todd Phillips
Resource
Mrs. Melissa Barton
mbarton@stjohn-emmanuel.com
Why did you become a teacher?
I went into teaching to help each and every child reach their full potential- no matter what!!
Fun Fact
I'm a self-taught crocheter!!
Soest Campus- Office Assistant
School Nurse
Mrs. Emily Trumbower
College:
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN.
Favorite Bible Verse
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Proverbs 3:5
Fun Fact
I was a Mini 4-H Queen in Adams County when I was in 3rd grade.
Custodial Staff
Mrs. Angie Kline
Favorite Bible Verse
Listen to my words, Lord,
consider my lament.
Hear my cry for help,
my King and my God,
for to you I pray.
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.
Psalm 5:1-3
Fun Fact
I have my own pottery studio.
Custodial Staff
Mr. Larry Kline
Favorite Bible Verse
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
Romans 8:1
Fun Fact
I love to fish!