School Staff

My educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Concordia University in Chicago. More recently I received a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. The staff and faculty at Immanuel as well as the school families have become my second family!  Immanuel Lutheran School and Church has been a great blessing to me and my family. My favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9, 'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.' My immediate family includes my wife, Emily, our son, Aidan and our daughter, Neve. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, listening to music, and spending time with my family.

My educational background is from Concordia University, Chicago, where I earned a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree. I feel blessed to serve at Immanuel. The teachers and staff along with the families make this a great place to share in God’s ministry. It is a joy to work with this family of faith. My favorite Bible verse is 'A new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you, so you much love one another.' John 13:34 I am blessed with a wonderful wife, Kim, and four awesome children – Joy, Alan, Benjamin and Clara. My hobbies include studying the Civil War and collecting sports memorabilia.

I grew up in Washington. My husband Steve and I have been married for 18 years. We have two daughters – Jessica and Abby. We also have one crazy dog, Dixie. The best part about working at ILS is the staff. They are all so dedicated to teaching children about Jesus. I also like watching the children grow from year to year. My favorite Bible verse is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” In my spare time, I enjoy reading and watching baseball or football. I also like attending my children’s sporting events. Given the opportunity, we also enjoy traveling throughout the United States.

My educational background is from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, where I received a Bachelor’s degree in Education and an ELL / ESL endorsement. ILS is a wonderful place to work!  The staff and faculty are dedicated to the students and their families, and most importantly to God.  I am so blessed to share my faith with all of my students.  
I am married to Sam Eckman, who teaches 7th grade homeroom here at Immanuel.  We have a miniature Pinscher named Eddy Jax. For my hobbies, I enjoy scrap booking, making cards, and spending my summers traveling.
 
 

 Biography coming soon!

I received a Bachelor’s in Human Development and Special Education from the University of Nebraska. I enjoy getting out of bed in the morning and coming to serve the students at Immanuel because I have the privilege of sharing Jesus every day! Working at Immanuel allows me to interact with great Christian parents and staff, including my husband. My favorite Bible verse is, 'We love because He first loved us.' 1 John 4:19, which is also the text from our wedding. I have been married to Pastor Bangert for 28 years and we have been blessed with a Christian family. We have three children – Jessica married to Luke (a nurse and a seminary student), Joshua – a seventh year pharmacy student at Drake, and Johannah – a professional volleyball player in Sweden. We also have a wonderful grandson, Noah Mark.  My hobbies include rubber stamping / card making, scrapbooking, reading, sewing, spending time with family (sports), and traveling.
 

My education started when I attended Zion Lutheran School and Independence High School in Independence, KS. I am a 1965 graduate of Concordia University in Seward, NE, where I received a Bachelor’s in Education.

People ask me what I like about Immanuel and I can honestly say that my students make each day new and exciting! Our staff is made up of truly committed Christian teachers. Teaching little ones about Christ is such a real and integral part of every day. My favorite Bible verse is 'And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose' Romans 8:28.

My family is both growing and shrinking. My parents have both gone to be with their Lord. I have two sisters, 16 nieces and nephews, and 11 great nieces and nephews! My hobbies are walking, bowling, listening to and playing music, cats, reading, trivia game shows, and word search puzzles. 

My professional education began at Missouri State University in Springfield with a Bachelor's degree in Education and Early Childhood Certification. It continued at Concordia University, Chicago where I received a minister of the Gospel degree to serve in the teaching ministry through the colloquy program. At Immanuel, I appreciate working with the committed staff who provide not only classrooms full of excellent academic opportunities, but also strive to serve each student with a servant’s heart in order to fulfill the Great Commission by being witnesses of God’s love and grace! My favorite verse is, 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard you hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' Philippians 4:6-7. My husband, Andy, serves as Assistant Director for the Career Center of the Washington School District.

My educational background began at East Central Junior College where I received an Associate of Arts. Then I attended Southeast Missouri State, receiving my Bachelors degree in Education. Afterward, I completed a Masters program and earned my degree from Webster University. I love hearing the children sing at chapel; it inspires me! I also love beginning our day with fellow faculty members in prayer and devotions. The closeness of our staff is a true blessing. My favorite passage is 'This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it' from Psalm 118:24. My husband, Rich, and I have been married for 32 years. We have three daughters: Ashley, a nurse, Mollie, a Sophomore at Mizzou, and Haley, a Freshman at Maryville University in St. Louis. My hobbies are reading, playing golf, playing games, and visiting with my family and friends.

My educational background started at St. Paul’s College in Concordia, MO, where I received an Associate of Arts. I then continued at Concordia University, Seward, NE where I was awarded a Bachelor degree in Education. My students and our staff are a great blessing. The staff members are a solid support group. Watching students growing in faith and putting that faith into practice make the hours of preparation worthwhile! The Christ-filled atmosphere makes coming to school a joyful experience. My favorite Bible verses are Ephesians 2:8-10. This has meant a lot to me since my college days; Jeremiah 29:11 helped me through some tough times; and John 5:24, my Confirmation verse, has become more meaningful to me as the years have gone by. I am married to Melvin. I enjoy playing organ and piano. Gardening and needlework and recreational reading are ways I relax. I also attend concerts and other cultural events as often as possible.

My educational background began at East Central College, finishing with an Associates of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Subsequently I attended Concordia University, Seward, NE and earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Lutheran Teaching Diploma.  I am currently pursuing my Master's Degree in counseling from Concordia University in Wisconsin.

 Biography coming soon!

I earned a Bachelor's degree in Education and a Lutheran Teacher’s Diploma from Concordia University, Nebraska.

I appreciate being able to build lasting relationships with the faculty and staff as we work to share the gospel with all of the Immanuel Church and School families. The school lunches are also tasty!

My favorite Bible verse is 'And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.' Colossians 3:17

I am married to the ILS PreKindergarten teacher, Robbi Eckman. We have a dog named Eddy Jax.  I enjoy visiting the occasional rummage and yard sale during the summer.  My hobbies include playing golf, basketball, and fantasy football.  Most of all, I love spending time with my wife and traveling over the summer months.

My educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Education with a specialization in Mathematics from Concordia University – Chicago. The 2011 / 12 academic year marks my 13th year of teaching here at Immanuel.

The best part of working at ILS is the people that God surrounds me with daily! The amazing staff is always supportive, the church and school families are so caring and giving, and the students are hard-working and incredible children of God!

My favorite Bible verse reads 'Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again! Rejoice! Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.' Philippians 4:4,6.

I received my BA in Education from Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville. My husband, Michael, and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary this year. We have two grown daughters. Our oldest daughter lives in Tennessee with her husband and our two grandsons. My youngest daughter lives in Minnesota with her husband of one year. Michael and I love to travel when we can. I love scrapbooking, crocheting, knitting, bicycling, water aerobics, spending time with my family, laughing with my friends, and reading! The absolute best part of being here is the people who touch my life and teach me every day. I have never been anywhere with a more open-hearted, kinder faculty; a more Christ-centered, polite student body; or a more helpful staff. God is everywhere here! Because it seems to encompass all that I believe and hold deepest in my heart, my favorite Bible verse has always been 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. 

I earned an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from East Central College and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Columbia College.  I am currenlty pursuing my Master's Degree in Finance.

The ILS staff provides a Christ-centered learning environment for the students and I enjoy helping the students with computers and technology.  My favorite Bible verse is 'I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.'             Philippians 4:13

I received my BA in Biology and Education from Lake Forest College. I continued my education at Purdue University, where I earned my Master’s Degree in Secondary Science Education.  I continue to take classes in the field of Special Education.  My husband, Jamie, and I have been married for 19 years. We have four terrific children: Madeline, Michael, Katie, and Evie. I love to read, hike with my family, play tennis, and travel. The best part of working at ILS is working with the staff, families, and the students. I am surrounded by amazing people all day long! My favorite Bible verse is Colossians 3:12 and 14 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

My professional education consists of a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from Fontbonne College in St. Louis. I also earned my Master’s degree in Education and Reading Specialist certificate from Fontbonne College.

The students that I work with always put a smile on my face. You never know what they will say!  My favorite Bible verse reads 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' Philippians 4:13.