SCHOOL STAFF

Brad Buerck

Middle School Math

Career Teaching Experience: 20 

Years at Bethlehem: 4 

Academic Degrees: Lutheran Teaching Diploma, BS in education, and MA in teaching Curriculum and Instruction: Mathematics, and Educational Leadership: Administration While I grew up in the Lutheran school system, the 2016-2017 school year saw me accepting my third call, a call to join the ministry at Bethlehem Lutheran School. I have been blessed to be able to serve in Lutheran Education since graduating from Concordia University in 2000. My first call saw me serving at Grace Chapel in the St. Louis, Missouri area, as the fifth grade homeroom teacher and math teacher for seventh grade and the eighth grade Algebra teacher. When you have three boys, there is not a lot of free time so it is a wonderful thing to say that my favorite thing to do is to spend time with my wife and my boys. When I do venture out I enjoy getting in a round of golf or spending time with the friends we have made while in Colorado.

Allegra Braasch

Music Director

Career Teaching Experience: 13

Years at Bethlehem:  7

Academic Degrees: Lutheran Teacher Diploma B.A., Education

My name is Allegra Braasch. I am the K-8 children's music director, and I love it here at Bethlehem. I went to school here when I was a kid and couldn't stay away. I have four wonderful children who also attend or will someday attend Bethlehem and they love it as well! My husband Billy coaches the boys’ basketball teams and I coach the cheerleaders! I love to sing, dance, organize, camp, water ski, hike and be outside in beautiful Colorado. I also collect ducks! Bethlehem will always be my church home and I love helping lead worship services. I am truly blessed to be in a place where I get to serve Christ using the gifts He has given me.

Elyse Greaser

Kindergarten

Career Teaching Experience:  10

Years at Bethlehem: 10

Academic Degrees: Lutheran Teacher Diploma B.A.: Education  Master of Science in Education

Welcome to Mrs. Greasers’s Kindergarten class. I am truly blessed to be a part of this wonderful school. I was born and raised in Denver. I attended Bethlehem Lutheran, Denver Lutheran High School and graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a Mathematics minor. I also finished my Master's in Educational Technology.  I am newly married to my husband Chad. I am an avid fan of both the Broncos and the Rockies. I have really enjoyed being back at the school I attended as a child. I am looking forward to seeing what God has planned for this school year.

Gretchen Herd

School Admissions

Bethlehem has been my church home since 2001 and my place of employment since 2004. Currently I am the Admissions Director of Bethlehem Lutheran School. My passion is connecting families to our School, Early Learning Center, and Summer Camp – if you want to know anything about these amazing ministries just give me a call! My family consists of a wonderful husband, Chad, and three amazing sons, Cameron, Jackson, and Grayson. All three of our boys attended Bethlehem Lutheran School.

Sherri Lowrey

K-8th Grade Art

Years in Education: 8

Years at Bethlehem: 6 

Academic Degrees: BA in Art Education from McKendree University, Lebanon, Illinois

Hi! I'm Sherri, and I moved to Colorado in November, 2012 with my husband, Monte after retiring from the Air Force. God has blessed us with a wonderful son and daughter, and 4 fabulous grandchildren! One of my granddaughters is a student at Bethlehem Lutheran School and we meet in the hallways on occasion! After receiving my BA, I taught art in a Home School Co-Op for 2 years, for children 5 years through 17 years old. 2 years ago I began working in ELC aftercare and joined the new 2 year old class (Jungle Room) when it opened in March of 2015. Teaching 2 year olds is a blessing and I have learned so much from the other ELC teachers, who are supportive and loving to students, staff, parents and are a true family of believers. When school began this fall, I began teaching Art to grades 6th-8th, one hour a day and cannot express how thrilled I am to share with my new students the passion I have for the creative process.

Grace Herrera

Summer Camp/ChildWatch Coordinator

My name is Grace Herrera, and I am the Summer Camp and Childwatch Coordinator. With my rich background in education, having completed my associate degree in Early Childhood Education, and my passion for administrative work Bethlehem was the perfect fit for me. As I wrap up my bachelor’s degree in Project and Organization Management you will see me at church on Sundays with my small family, and here throughout the week keeping our before and after care program, as well as our summer program, organized. My husband attended Bethlehem as a child, as did his mother, we are ecstatic that our first child, Jameson, has now started at Bethlehem as well. God's love pours out of the staff here, I am beyond blessed to work with such incredible people!

Martha Hischke

4th Grade

Career Teaching Experience: 32

Years at Bethlehem: 18

Academic Degrees: Lutheran Teacher Diploma B.S., Education M.A., Curriculum and Instruction

I have had the privilege of being involved with Christian education for almost 32 years. Teaching God's children in Michigan, Nebraska, Texas, Missouri, Wisconsin, and here in Colorado has brought great joy. My husband and I have two married children that live in the Denver area. Spending time with family, grandchildren, hiking, running, reading, and ATVing fills any free time. Jesus brings joy to life!

Sara Ipatenco

1st Grade

Career Teaching Experience: 11

Years at Bethlehem: 8

Academic Degrees: B.A. Child Development and Elementary Education M.A. Curriculum and Instruction Lutheran Teacher Diploma from Concordia Seward

This is my eleventh year of teaching, eight of which have been at Bethlehem, though with a nine year break to stay home with my two children, Amelia and William.  Amelia is a graduate of Bethlehem, and William is a student here. My children are sixth generation Lutherans! I am proud of every time I see a student learn something new and every time I hear a student profess their love of Jesus Christ. I'm blessed to be at such a great school! 'Thanks be to God for His indescribable gifts!' 2 Corinthians 9:15

Yvette Kampschnieder

Reading Specialist/Middle School Language Arts

Career Teaching Experience: 23

Years at Bethlehem: 15

Academic Degrees: Lutheran Teacher Diploma B.S., Education M.A. Curriculum and Instruction, Reading Specialist Certificate

I’m incredibly lucky to have taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade over the past 25 years. I also had the special privilege of filling in as a principal for a year! I’m a Jesus lover, mother of 3, wife, teacher, friend, sister, coffee junkie, book hoarder, and passionate about everything related to school learning! Outside of school I love spending time with my three children, camping in the mountains, swimming in the ocean, hiking everywhere, reading, discovering new places, and dancing to loud music! I received my Reading Specialist Certificate from Regis University in May of 2017. My love for reading and children led to a new position in 2017. This developed program allows me to work with teachers, students and families. I provide interventions for students and work with families to help their child reach their God-given potential through systematic, explicit, differentiated instruction and assessment. Corinthians 12:7-11 "A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other".

Elysa Meineke

Administrative Assistant

Years at Bethlehem: 3 years

Years in Administration: 15 years

Although I may be a newer face in the school office, I am no stranger to the halls of Bethlehem. It has always been my home away from home. Not only did I attend school at Bethlehem as a student myself from preschool through 8th grade, my mom taught here for 37 years, and my dad is currently working in Maintenance Operations for the building. Bethlehem is also my church home. I was born and raised here in Colorado and couldn't imagine any better place to raise my family. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Michael, and together we have two children – Aynsley and Ryker. Both of my children attend school here as well. When not at school, my family and I can usually be found camping, hiking, exploring, and enjoying the great outdoors! I’m so thankful to be a part of the Bethlehem family! 

Nathan Richter

Principal / Administrator

I have been in Lutheran education for 21 years and a principal for 15. I have worked in Lutheran schools in San Antonio, Texas, Little Rock, Arkansas, Cedar Falls, Iowa, Decatur, Illinois and now Lakewood, Colorado. My Bachelor Degree is from Concordia in Seward, NE (Go Bulldogs) and my two Master’s Degrees are from Concordia in Austin, Texas (Go Tornadoes). I love running, hiking, golfing, hunting, and climbing 14ers.

Barb Schamp

5th Grade

Career Teaching Experience: 38

Years at Bethlehem: 36

Academic Degrees: Lutheran Teacher Diploma B.A., Education M.A., Diverse Learner

I taught 2 years in Port Huron, Michigan before coming to Bethlehem in 1984.. I have taught first grade, first- second grade combination, second grade, third grade and fifth grade. I have directed choirs. I currently coach basketball and work on the yearbook. My undergraduate degree is from Concordia, Chicago in River Forest, Illinois. I have a Masters of Education in the Diverse Learner from the University of Phoenix. I have been married to Randall since 1985 and have 2 grown children, Dr. Josie Schamp and Mariah Thiessen. Mariah is married to Micah Thiessen and they have a son, Callan Thiessen, born in September of 2019. I enjoy bowling, reading, sewing, camping, and spending time with my family.

Kathy Schomer

School Lunch Program

Hello! I have been "serving" in the school kitchen for 24 years.  I have been the lunch program director for 6 years.  I graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in art education. I am married and have 4 adult children that graduated from Bethlehem and four grandchildren; one  that graduated from Bethlehem and one currently attending Bethlehem.  We have been members for 25 years. I enjoy spending time with my family, quilting, crafting, walking and traveling.  

God led me to this position soon after we transferred to Bethlehem and I was thankful for the opportunity to serve the highly regarded lunches to the faculty/staff/students. The school kitchen prides itself on providing, nutritious, primarily homemade lunches under the guidelines of the CDE. I love being a part of the Bethlehem community and feel honored to show the love of Jesus everyday. 

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!" Psalm 118:24

Paula Schwartz

Kindergarten

My teaching experience at Bethlehem has been teaching kindergarten. I also have taught third and fourth grades and coached sports in Minnesota, Florida, and Denver, Colorado. I received my Bachelor of Science degree and Lutheran Teacher Diploma from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. I have taken graduate courses in Early Childhood curriculum and development. I have my Colorado Professional Teacher License. My husband, Gary, teaches in the Early Learning Center at Bethlehem and our son is a Bethlehem graduate. Our son, his wife, and our three grandchildren live in Nebraska. I enjoy spending time visiting them, hiking, swimming, fishing, and collecting teddy bear and Mickey Mouse items It is a joy to work at a school that teaches about Jesus and “Loves On” our students and families.

Robbin Skraznas

3rd Grade

Career Teaching Experience: 24

Years at Bethlehem: 11

Hi! I'm Robbin Skraznas, 3rd grade teacher. I earned a Bachelor's Degree from Metro State in 1993, have taken a number of Master's level courses, completed the Lutheran Teacher Colloquy program through Concordia - Irvine in 2000, and have even worked as an editor for a children's book series. This is my 11th year teaching at BLS, and I'm thrilled to be in the Lord's ministry once again! I taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades here from 2000-2009 during the time my children (Justin and Sarah Kitashima) attended. I also have experience teaching 1st grade, as well as 5th and 6th grade math. Having also taught in public, charter, and private schools, I love partnering with parents for their child's benefit throughout the school year - particularly in a Christ-filled setting. The energy and enthusiasm for learning students bring to class motivates me to do the same. I'm recently married to Rob, and we love God's gorgeous creation here in Colorado. We also enjoy working on home improvement projects together.

Lisa Steinbrenner

2nd Grade Teacher

Career Teaching Experience: 16
Years at Bethlehem: 2
Academic Degrees: Lutheran Elementary Education with an emphasis in Psychology

I am so thankful and blessed to be a part of the Bethlehem family!  I am originally from Illinois where I attended a Lutheran grade school.  My family moved to Parker, CO for my high school years where I attended a public high school.  I moved back to the Chicago area to attend Concordia University, River Forest.  After college, I received my first call to teach in Kalispell, Montana, where I taught for 11 years.  I moved back to Colorado in 2015 to be closer to family and was able to teach in Brighton for 4 years before being led by God to teach at Bethlehem.  I am excited to continue my ministry here as I teach and coach!

Lisa Taylor

Middle School Science

Career Teaching Experience: 17

Years at Bethlehem: 4

Academic Degrees: Lutheran Teacher Diploma from Concordia University, Chicago B.A., Education Concordia University, Portland, MA Curriculum & Instruction

Hello! My name is Lisa Taylor and I am the middle school science teacher at Bethlehem. I also teach an elective period of STEM and Spanish. I was born and raised outside of Chicago, IL and have been a life-long Lutheran. I have 4 children who bring me great joy as well as two little grandchildren! I love riding my bike, traveling, and reading. In the last few years I have cruised to the Bahamas, gone to China, and had adventures in Costa Rica! I am so blessed to be a part of the ministry at Bethlehem.

Kim Von Holdt

1st Grade

Career Teaching Experience: 20

Years at Bethlehem : 5

Academic Degrees: Lutheran Teaching Diploma, BS in education, and MA in teaching Curriculum and Instruction.

I just finished my 20th year of teaching this year, and all of those years have been in Lutheran education. I have taught in Nebraska (student teaching), Australia (student teaching), Missouri, and Colorado. I have been teaching in Colorado for the past fourteen years and love it! I currently teach first grade at Bethlehem.  I have also taught second and third grade. I received my Bachelor’s Degree from Concordia University in Seward, NE. My Master’s Degree in curriculum and instruction is from the University of St. Mary in Leavenworth, KS. In addition to being a teacher, I am a Child of God, wife, stepmother, daughter, sister, friend, and so much more! I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to the mountains (Estes Park is my favorite), scrapbooking, travelling, watching movies, and reading.

Mari Wolfe

School Secretary

Hi, my name is Mari and I am so excited to be a part of the Bethlehem team!  I attended Metro State University where I earned my Bachelor’s in Health Care Management with a minor in Sociology.  Before joining Bethlehem I was in administration in both a children’s psychiatry practice and a pediatric clinic. In my free time I like to cook, bake, travel, and go fishing. It is an honor to serve in your student’s experience at Bethlehem!

Jill Bobb

Team Teacher

Hi! I’m Jill Bobb! I’m a teacher in the Jungle Room, and have been blessed to be a Bethlehem ELC Teacher since October of 2015. I have worked with children of all ages for over 20 years, but two-year-olds are my favorite. I love teaching them through play, watching them learn and grow, and helping them achieve some of life’s milestones. My favorite thing about working at Bethlehem is teaching kids about Jesus and how much He loves them. I love spending time with my family, watching my boys compete in sports, shopping, camping, and making handmade greeting cards. I grew up as a Bethlehem church member, and was baptized, confirmed, and married at Bethlehem. My husband, Josh, was also confirmed at and graduated from Bethlehem. We have two sons, Caleb and Connor. My great grandmother was a charter member of Bethlehem. I graduated from Bethlehem and then Denver Lutheran High School. I went to classes for Early Learning Education and received a Group Leader Certificate from Red Rocks Community College.

Judy Crater

Team Teacher Mountain Room

My name is Judy Crater and I am one of the teachers in the Mountain Room. The children call me Miss Judy. I have been an ELC teacher at Bethlehem for 20 years. I have also worked in Childwatch. I have been married to my husband, Mike for 35 years. We have 3 adult children, Jenni, Kim and Matt. I have 4 grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Kellen, Ari and Aiden. We have one grandson on the way. In what little free time I have, I like home remodeling. I look forward to getting to know your child.

Cathy Koeltzow

Team Teacher Jungle Room

I have been teaching at Bethlehem for 24 years. I love working with children. They are always surprising me and are a constant source of joy. I have worked with all ages but have found my true love with the 2-year old program. The Jungle Room is a fitting name with all the monkey business that goes on. I am married with 2 wonderful children and 2 grandchildren. I love to garden, fish camp, and can the veggies we grow.

Gary Schwartz

Team Teacher Bear Room

My teaching experience at Bethlehem has been as a lead teacher in the Early Learning Center. I have taught middle school and coached sports in Lutheran schools in Minnesota, Florida, and Denver, Colorado. I received my Bachelor of Science degree and my Lutheran Teacher Diploma from Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska. I also have an Early Learning Certificate from Colorado. My wife, Paula, teaches kindergarten at Bethlehem and our son is a Bethlehem graduate. Our son, his wife, and our three grandchildren live in Nebraska and we enjoy visiting them. I love the Colorado outdoors, especially biking, hiking, and fishing. I am blessed to teach God’s precious children and share the love of Jesus every day.

Eliza Martinez

Teacher

Hi! My name is Eliza Martinez and I have been a Bethlehem member since 2000. I have a Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and a Master's degree in psychology from Regis University, where I studied nutrition, eating disorders and the school lunch program. I started as a volunteer in the classrooms and library, then taught PE and computers and was a substitute teacher at Bethlehem before being blessed to begin teaching in the ELC. I am married and have 3 boys, all of whom were baptized here and started their education at Bethlehem and have or will continue through 8th grade. I love to share the joy and love of Jesus with kids of all ages! In my free time I like to read, hike, cook, travel and spend time with my family. My favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9 - "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Jennifer Harris

Teacher

Hello! My name is Jennifer Harris. I am currently a teacher in the Mountain Room with the 3 year olds. I work in there with Judy Crater, and we have a blast teaching Bible stories, doing art projects, reading out loud, playing outside and more! I have a background in home education as well as a Masters Degree in Elementary Education. I enjoy teaching students of all ages! I home educated my own 6 children and now am enjoying the opportunity to teach here at Bethlehem.

Kacee Burke

ELC Teacher

Hi! My name is Kacee Burke. I am blessed to be a part of the Bethlehem ELC. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in History, with a minor in Social Work, and my Associates of Arts in Early Childhood Education. Before I started with Bethlehem I worked for a neighboring school district for 4 years, providing students K-12 with behavior interventions and support. Prior to my work with Intervention Services, I was a social caseworker for close to 10 years for one of the largest counties in Colorado. I have always worked with children in one aspect or another, but God brought my family and I to Bethlehem. I am married to my best friend Dan and were blessed with our tiny miracle Jacob in 2014. The 3 of us love to watch Bronco games, play with our Jack Russell Terrier, Riley, and spend time with our families. My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 91:4, "He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge."

Michelle Marino

Ocean Room

Hi! My name is Michelle Marino and I am one of the co-teachers in the Ocean Room. I’m originally from the tiny state of Connecticut where I grew up on the beaches of Long Island Sound. I was a swimmer for all my life and was lucky enough to swim for the University of Connecticut and graduated from there with a degree in Therapeutic Recreational Services. Right after college, I worked on a pediatric unit for a year before deciding to move to Colorado for a change of scenery. I worked in the geriatric field for over 10 years before becoming a stay at home mom for 18 months. I missed working and decided it was time to go back, however I wanted to go back to working with children. I have been married over 10 years and have three kids. I love to run, ski and staying active with my family!

Kristen Roberts

Island Room

Hi, my name is Kristin Roberts and I am a teacher in the Island Room. I am a Colorado native. I am married to a wonderful man named Allen, and we have three beautiful children. All of our children attend Bethlehem. Aidan is in 1st grade, Asher is in the Bear Room, and Addelyn is in the Jungle Room. My husband attended Bethlehem, so we feel very blessed to raise our children in the same environment. I graduated from the University of Colorado at Denver with a degree in Elementary Education. After college, I taught 4th grade at Rocky Mountain Elementary. I then spent a couple of years at Pleasant View Elementary. I took a few years off to stay home with my kids, and now that they are all school-age, I am excited to be back working with kiddos!

Mischa Nelson

Teacher

Hi, my name is Mischa Nelson and I am so excited to be joining the ELC team at Bethlehem. This is my second year teaching preschool. I enjoy interacting with the children and seeing the pure joy they have when they walk into the classroom.

I attended Metropolitan State University of Denver where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature. I am currently in the process of working toward certification for Director of Early Childhood Education.

I have been a member at Bethlehem for 25 years. My high school sweetheart and I were married at Bethlehem and we have been married for 18 years. We have two beautiful children, Magdalynn and Mikah.

My favorite things to do are DIY projects, hiking with my family and reading a good book. I am so thrilled for the new school year.

“The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

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