Salem Lutheran Church and School

 Chuck Conover - Principal

Chuck is Salem's new Principal this year.  He has served God's Church for 42 years as a teacher, Athletic Director, School Administrator and President / CEO of the Lutheran School Association.  He has served his entire ministry in the city of St. Louis.

Chuck earned his Bachelor's of Science and Lutheran Teacher's Diploma from Concordia University in Seward, Ne.  He earned his Masters in Education from Webster University.

Chuck is married to Nancy and they have two grown sons and three grandchildren.  His interests include family time, travel, music and St. Louis sports teams.

You may reach Mr. Conover at chuckconover@slcas.org

Laura Frank - 8^th &  7^th grade

Laura is the 7th & 8th grade teacher teacher at Salem. She also serves as a co-leader of the National Junior Honor Society. Laura earned a B.A. from Concordia University-Wisconsin. During her two years in education, she has taught grades 5-8 at Salem. She most enjoys “the kids! They can be challenging, but they are so much fun to talk to and work with.” She thinks Salem is special because of “the AMAZING staff! Everyone is so dedicated to making Salem a great place to learn and grow. They truly care about the success of each student. God is quite evident and is doing good things here at Salem.”

Laura’s favorite Bible verses are Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God”, and Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

Laura is married to Peter.

You may reach Mrs. Frank at laurafrank@slcas.org

Mr. Miller earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a minor in German from Concordia University Wisconsin. He has also completed 6 graduate credits from Concordia Wisconsin. Prior to coming to Salem, Mr. Miller served at St. Philip Lutheran School in Chicago and St. John’s Lutheran School in Mayville, Wisconsin. This is Mr. Miller’s second year at Salem, where he teaches 7^th grade and middle school science. Jason enjoys teaching middle school because there is something new every day”.  Mr. Miller also serves as Salem’s Athletic Director and coaches track, basketball, and boys volleyball.

Mr. Miller’s favorite Bible verse is Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous do not be terrified do not be discouraged for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” His personal motto is “Stand.”

Mr. Miller is married to Stephanie, who teaches preschool at Salem. Jason and Stephanie have two children: Brandon, who is in 2nd grade at Salem, and Jonah, who is in preschool at Salem. In his spare time, Jason enjoys playing with his children and sports, especially rugby and football.

You may reach Mr. Miller at jasonmiller@slcas.org

Kathy Brown - 3^rd & 4^th grade

Kathy serves as the 3rd/4th grade teacher at Salem. She also serves as the director of Kids Choristers and Kid’s Praise choirs. Kathy received an Associate of Arts degree from Concordia Ann Arbor, B.S. in education from Concordia Seward, and a M.A. in Counseling from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. She has continued her education by attending numerous seminars and workshops to improve both her counseling and teaching skills.

Kathy has been in education for 36 years. During this time she has taught at Trinity Lutheran School in Cedar Rapids, IA; Greenfield Peace Lutheran School in Detroit, MI; served the School Counseling Program at Trinity Soulard, Hope, and Bethel Lutheran Schools in St. Louis, and has been serving at Salem for 21 years. During her time at Salem, she has taught grades 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as served as a part-time school counselor for 12 years. She enjoys “building relationships with both the students and their parents”. She thinks Salem is special because “of the Christian family atmosphere and the fact that the teachers care so much about the well-being of the students. As a former school parent, that was REALLY important to me!”

Kathy’s favorite Bible verses are Philippians 4:12-13, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret to being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength”, and Matthew 28:20b, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”. Her statement of faith is “because Christ died for my sins, I am a loved and redeemed child of God. It is my duty/pleasure to share that with all with whom I come into contact.

Kathy is married to Stan. Her daughter, Elizabeth, is a 2004 graduate of Salem. In her spare time, Kathy enjoys reading, sewing, scrapbooking, gardening, and taking walks with Stan in Tower Grove Park.

You may reach Mrs. Brown at kathybrown@slcas.org

Carol Rdusinski - 2^nd grade

Mrs. Rudsinski is the 2nd grade teacher at Salem. She received her B.S. in Education from Concordia University- River Forest.  She has continued her education by attending many conferences including Accelerated Reader, Love & Logic, and many dealing with third grade. 

Carol has been in education for 23 years, 19 of which have been at Salem.  During her tenure at Salem she has taught grades 7, 4, and 3.  Her favorite part about teaching third grade is her students’ “enthusiasm, and watching them grow up and become more independent”.  In addition to teaching third grade, Mrs. R organizes the Walk-a-Thon in the spring, the Veteran’s Day celebration, is Chair of the Salem Lutheran Church and School Auction committee, and serves on Salem’s 100^th Anniversary Committee.  She thinks Salem is special because “we have a chance to share God’s love with the kids.  It’s great that we can talk about God freely.”

Mrs. R’s favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans if have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to give you hope and a future”. Her statement of faith is “we need to trust God and put our confidence in Him. With God all things are possible.”  Her personal mottos are “don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today”, and “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.

Mrs. R is married to Cal, a 5^th grade teacher at Green Park Lutheran School.  They have two daughters: Amy, a 4^th grade teacher at St. Paul Lutheran School in Des Peres, and Kim, who is now one of God’s special angels. In her spare time she enjoys crafts, especially card making.

You may reach Mrs. Rudsinski at carolrudsinski@slcas.org

Carrie Hartwig -1^st Grade

Mrs. Hartwig was born in Iola, Wisconsin.  She received a BA in Education from Concordia St. Paul.  She also has six graduate credits in Special Education.  During her five years in education Carrie has served Lutheran Schools in Baton Rouge, LA and Allentown, PA. Carrie now serves as the 1st grade teacher at Salem. She likes that her students are “so curious and want to learn”. Carrie also coaches 7^th & 8^th grade girls volleyball. She thinks Salem is special because of “the family atmosphere, everyone is so welcoming”.

Carrie’s favorite Bible verse is 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”. Her statement of faith is “it’s all about Jesus”. Her personal motto is “trust in the Lord, follow where He leads”.

Carrie is married to Brett, who is in his first year at Concordia Seminary.  Carrie and Brett have a daughter, Megan, who is two years-old. In her spare time, Mrs. Hartwig enjoys biking, being outdoors, scrapbooking, and reading.

You may reach Mrs. Hartwig at carriehartwig@slcas.org

Molly Phelps - Kindergarten

Mrs. Phelps hails from Lincoln, Illinois. She married Justin Phelps in September (09).  She received a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University Wisconsin. This is Molly’s fourth year teaching. While at Salem, she has also taught Preschool 3’s & 4’s, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten. She also helps to lead Advent and Lenten family activities. Molly likes that “the children are energetic and have great imaginations. They are excited about school and ask great questions.” She thinks Salem is special because “it is one big family serving Christ”.

Molly’s favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41:13, “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you”. Her statement of faith is “I believe that God loves each of us so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins, so that we can be forgiven and live with Him eternally in Heaven. He has a plan for each of our lives, even when we are not sure exactly what it is.” Molly’s motto is “find joy in everything”.

In her spare time, Molly enjoys listening to and playing music, spending time with family,friends and her puppy, reading, and being outdoors.

You may reach Mrs. Phelps at mollyphelps@slcas.org

Photo Coming Soon

You may reach Ms. Dierking at  bethdierking@slcas.org

Stephanie Miller- Preschool 3’s & 4’s and Computers

Mrs. Miller graduated from Concordia River Forest with a B.A.  During her ten years of teaching, Mrs. Miller has served Lutheran Schools in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri.  This year marks her first at Salem. She likes the preschoolers’ “excitement in coming to school and their true enthusiasm at discoveries”. Stephanie also coaches 5^th & 6^th grade girls volleyball.

Stephanie’s favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 13:5, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”” Her statement of faith is “I believe God is my creator, my Father, my guide, and my Savior. Without Him, I am a lost sinner. Through Him I am a forgiven child.” Her personal motto is “FROG- Fully Rely On God”.

Stephanie is married to Jason Miller, Salem’s 7^th grade teacher. She and Jason have two sons, Brandon (Salem Class of ‘15) and Jonah (Salem Class of ‘18), who attend Salem. In her spare time (what spare time?), Mrs. Miller enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

You may reach Mrs. Miller at stephaniemiller@slcas.org

Diane Carney- K-8 P.E.; Health & Fitness

Diane earned an A.A. from Meramec Community College and a B.S. in Education with an endorsement in Health & P.E. and coaching emphasis from Illinois State University. She taught Freshmen Health at Lutheran South for 2 years, P.E. at Washington Lutheran School for 4 years, and has been teaching P.E. at Salem for 6 years. In addition to her experience in education, Diane has an extensive background in coaching. She has coached softball on the high school and college levels, volleyball at the high school and grade school levels, as well as tennis and soccer at the high school level. Currently, Diane coaches track and boys volleyball at Salem, and is the assistant varsity softball coach at Lutheran South. She “loves fitness and sports, and gets to do it all day.”

Diane’s favorite Bible verse is Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Her statement of faith is also her confirmation verse: 1 Corinthians 13:13, “So faith, hope, and love abide, these three, but the greatest of these is love.” Her personal motto is “Be a witness of God’s love by loving others unconditionally. Random acts of kindness.”

Diane is married to Patrick and they have four children: Kelley (Salem Class of ’01), Kirsten (Salem Class of ’05), Colleen (Salem Class of ’08), and Cooper (Salem Class of ’11). In her spare time she enjoys walking, Tae Bo and being outside.

You may reach Mrs. Carney at dianecarney@slcas.org

Jenny Gastler- Art

Jenny has a B.S. in Home Economics Education. She has been in education for 10 years. Prior to her time at Salem, Jenny served the Early Childhood Center of Glendale Lutheran Church. During her 6 years at Salem, Jenny has taught art to grades 3^rd-8^th. She enjoys “seeing the creative ideas expressed by students”. She was the founding President of Salem’s active parents group, Parents And Teachers for Salem (PATS). She thinks Salem is special because it “has the gift of space and a wealth of resources to serve those sent here.”

Jenny’s favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, “for I know the plans I have for you…plans to give you hope and a future”. Her statement of faith is “Jesus lived, died and rose again to save me, a sinner, that I may live for Him now and throughout eternity”. Her personal motto is “plan ahead, but be peaceful with ‘just in time’”.

Jenny is married to Greg, the choir director at Lutheran South. Jenny and Greg have two children: Katherine and Matt, who attended Salem.

You may reach Mrs. Gastler at jennygastler@slcas.org

Photo Coming Soon

 Art Koenig - Art

Art is new to Salem this year and brings with him 31 years experience as a teacher in a number of venues.  Art's long term position was with St. Louis Public Schools where he taught German at the elementary level for 27 years.  During that period he received the St. Louis Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award and the Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching Award.  Art earned his Masters Degree in German Literature from Washington University and spent a year studying at the Eberhard-Karls Universitat in Tubingen, Germany.

Art is married to Mary and shares in the lives of his son Alex 24; and her children Ayla, 21; Peter, 19; and Laura, 17.

You may reach Mr. Koenig at  artkoenig@slcas.org

Kelly McCord- Music

Kelly received a B.S. in Biology from Valparaiso University, a M.A.T. from Washington University, and a B.A. in Music from the University of Missouri- Kansas City. She is certified in Kodaly Level 1.

Kelly taught for three and a half years before being a stay-at-home mom for 12 years. She is now returning to teaching. Prior to serving at Salem, Kelly taught at Riverview Gardens Senior High School in St. Louis and Christa McAuliffe Elementary in Shawnee Mission, KS. Kelly currently teaches K-5 music at Salem. She enjoys something from each age group. “I like the eagerness of the little ones and their willingness to participate, and I like that the older students are able to understand and accomplish more challenging activities”. Kelly is “excited to return to the classroom in such a loving, caring and Christ-centered environment.”

Kelly’s favorite Bible verses are Romans 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us”, and Revelation 21:4, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Kelly is married to Duane and they have three children: Nathan in 8th grade and Noelle in 6th grade at St. John’s Lutheran School in Arnold, and Nicholas, who is in heaven after fighting cancer for 3 years. In her spare time Kelly enjoys cooking, reading, walking, singing and playing music, and spending time with her family.

John Wittmayer- Director of Music Ministry

John received a B.A. in music from Valparaiso University and a M.M. in Organ Performance from the University of Missouri- Kansas City. John has been in education for 19 years. Prior to serving Salem, John served St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO and Unity Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, WI. During John’s 16 years at Salem he has worked with music at all grade levels. He enjoys “working with all age levels because each have their own personalities, challenges and joys!” He thinks Salem is special because of “the skill, love, care and concern of its faculty and staff.”

John’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:6-7, “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 your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”. His statement of faith is “I believe that Jesus Christ died and rose for me so that I have forgiveness of sins and life eternal with Him in heaven. He did this not because of anything I have done, but only because of His love for me. I rejoice in that knowledge and work to spread that good news to all I meet.” His personal motto is “trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

John is married to Karen, an active volunteer and former teacher of Salem. John and Karen have a daughter, Jennifer, who is in 4th grade at Salem. In his spare time John enjoys to read, listen to and make music, work with computers, jog, and be with family.

You may reach Mr. Wittmayer at johnwittmayer@mcleodusa.net

Pam Moellenhoff- Assimilation Ministry Assistant; Fiber Arts Teacher

Pam hails from Seymour, IN. She has a bachelor’s degree in education from Concordia University in Ann Arbor. She also holds graduate credits from the University of Cincinnati.

Pam taught full time for 10 years, and part-time and subbed for 13 years. Prior to serving Salem, Pam taught at Trinity Lutheran in Port Huron, MI and Concordia Lutheran in Cincinnati, OH. During her time at Salem Pam has subbed and taught middle school for 9 years. Currently she teaches Fiber Arts as part of the middle school’s extended learning program. She likes that “you can talk to middle school students and do more independent kinds of projects.” She thinks Salem is special because “they are a family and everyone cares about each other. Each person is an individual, not a number.”

Pam’s favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:37-39, “”. Her statement of faith is “I am a redeemed child of God and Jesus is my personal Savior.”

Pam has two children: Kyle (Salem Class of ’08) who is a sophomore at Lutheran South and Erin who is in 5th grade at Salem. In her spare time Pam enjoys being with her kids, reading, quilting, cross-stitch, crochet, weaving baskets, and watching Indiana basketball.

You may reach Mrs. Moellenhoff at pammoellenhoff@mcleodusa.net

Edie Hagan- Admissions

Edie received a B.S. in Biology from Butler University, with minors in Chemistry and Spanish. In the Spring of 2008, Edie started the admissions program at Salem. In addition to her admissions duties Edie coaches cross country and track.

Edie’s favorite Bible verse is 1 Timothy 4:12. Her statement of faith is “I am a redeemed child of God through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”

In her spare time Edie enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

You may reach Edie at ediehagan@slcas.org

Anita Cross- School Secretary

Mrs. Cross was born and raised in Kensett, Iowa. She is in her 22^nd year at Salem.

Her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6, “”. Her statement of faith is “God sent His Son to die for our sins so that we can have eternal life with Him in Heaven. Her personal motto is “always try to look ahead, not backwards.”

Mrs. Cross has a grandson, Tyler, who is in 8^th grade at Salem. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and spending time with Tyler.

You may reach Mrs. Cross at anitacross@slcas.org

Chris Bouyea- Childcare Director

Miss Chris has served Salem in the extended care program for 10 years. She thinks Salem is special because “it’s like one big family. I like to watch the children I have had grow from preschool to 8^th grade and see all the changes in them.”

Her favorite Bible verse is John 3:16. Her personal motto is “live life on day at a time.”

Chris has two children: Elizabeth and Steven, who attend Salem preschool through 8^th grade and graduated in 2008.

Sandi Decker- Cook

Sandi has served Salem for 11 years. She and her husband Dale have three children: Andrew (Salem Class of 2000), Adam (Salem Class of ’04) and Amanda (Salem Class of ’06).

Sandi’s favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not for I am with you; do no be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Her personal motto is “don’t tell God how big your storm is…tell the storm how big your God is”.

In her spare time Sandi enjoys computer games, cooking and baking, reading, travel, and camping.

Judy Meyer- Cook

Judy is in her 3^rd year at Salem, where enjoys interacting with the kids.

Judy’s favorite Bible verse is Titus 2:11, “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people”. Her statement of faith is “I believe there is one true God—the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”. Her personal motto is “keep the promise you make to yourself”.

Judy is married to Anthony and they have four children: James (Salem Class of ’08), a freshmen at Lutheran South; Justin, a 5th grader at Salem; Joseph who is 5 years-old; and Jenna, who is 1 year-old. In her spare time Judy enjoys photography.

Cathy Pickel- Cook

Cathy has been serving Salem for 8 years. She most enjoys cooking and interacting with the students at Salem.

Cathy’s favorite Bible verse is Psalm 23. Her personal motto is “always do your best.”

Cathy has two children: Krista (Salem Class of ’02) and Justin (Salem Class of ’06). In her spare time, Cathy enjoys watching TV and boating.