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
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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.
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Fun Facts
​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 Verse:
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Preschool 3's
Mrs. Lindsay Comer
lindsayc@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana
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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
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Fun Fact:
Throughout my life I've lived in 10 cities, 5 states and 2 countries.
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Preschool 4's
Mrs. Debbie Christian
debc@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Concordia University Ann Arbor
Concordia Teacher’s College - Nebraska
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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
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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
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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.
1st Grade Aide
Mrs. Sandy Stults
Favorite Bible Verse:
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. Psalm 23:1
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Fun Fact:
On Jan. 6, 2022 I sent a video to the TV show Survivor- I'm still waiting for them to call me.
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Second Grade
Miss Mallory Behny
malloryb@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Concordia University Wisconsin
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
gracec@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Concordia University Chicago
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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
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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.
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Eighth Grade Homeroom
Middle School English and Literature
Mr. Jesse Muehler
jessem@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Concordia University Chicago
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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!
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Fun Fact
I have lived in 12 different places across 7 states and 2 countries!
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Band
Mr. Todd Phillips
Favorite Bible Verse:
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Music
Miss Elisa Sawall
elisas@stjohn-emmanuel.com
College
Grace University Omaha, NE​
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Why did you become a teacher?
I became a music teacher because I enjoy making music with others. ​​
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Fun Fact
I got married this summer!
Resource
Mrs. Melissa Barton
melissab@stjohn-emmanuel.com
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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!! ​
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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
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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
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Fun Fact
I love to fish!
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