Staff Directory
Church Staff
- Christ The King Staff
- Rev. Jason D. Cashmer, Head Pastor
- Rev. Terry L. Cashmer, Emeritus Pastor
- Rev. Harry Edenfield, Emeritus Pastor
- Vicar PJ Brooks, Student in Specific Ministry Pastor
- Mr. Micah Bode, Sound Tech Coordinator
- Mr. Tim Bode, Minister of Music
- Mr. Jacob Adams, Director of Youth Ministries
- Ms. Jessica Bourassa, Front Desk Receptionist
- Mrs. Carol Cashmer, Donation Station Director
- Mrs. Denise Cashmer, Facilities Manager Secretary
- Mrs. Lisa Demou, Volunteer Ministries,IT Secretary
- Mr. Harry Dutka, Spiritual Care Ministry Director
- Mrs. Stacy Furgerson, Business Manager
- Mrs. Kelly Inch, Financial Office Assistant
- Mrs. Susan Racklyeft, Production Secretary
- Ms. Meredith Sparks, Head of Custodians
- Mr. Dale Tamsen, Facilities Manager
School Staff
- Dr. Kelli Kapp-Heifner - School Principal
- Mrs. Vickie Lambrecht, School Administrative Assistant
- Mrs. Chrissy Lambrecht, Enrollment Director
- Mrs. Sharon Sutton, School Secretary
- Mr. Tom Hammill, School Cook
- Mrs. Sylvia Linares, 3 yr. Preschool Teacher
- Mrs. Amanda McFadden, 4 Yr. Preschool Teacher
- Mrs. Joyce Zanley, 4 yr. Preschool Teacher
- Mrs. Jackie Brooks, Kindergarten Teacher
- Mrs. Leah Johnson, Kindergarten Aide
- Mrs. Katie Holzer, 1st Grade Teacher
- Mrs. Courtney Pomroy, 2nd Grade Teacher
- Mrs. Becky Efird, 3rd Grade Teacher
- Mrs. Franci Childers, 4th Grade Teacher
- Mrs. Leisa Cooper, 5th Grade Teacher
- Mrs. Mary Voelz - 6th Grade Teacher
- Mrs. Lynnette Konkel - 7th Grade Teacher
- Mr. Robert Voelz, Athletic Director & 8th Grade Teacher
- Ms. Sarah Simmons,Jr. High Science Teacher
Daycare Staff

Christ The King Staff
Christ The King is blessed with a wonderful, dedicated, Christian Staff. Scroll down to find church, school and daycare staff members.

Rev. Jason D. Cashmer, Head Pastor
Head Pastor
Pastor Jay grew up in the Midwest and moved to Southgate in 1982. He graduated from Lutheran High West. He is married to Denise and they have three children. His favorite song is the Hallelujah Chorus followed closely by Worthy is the Lamb both from Handel’s Messiah. His go to bible verse is Joshua 1:9. His favorite sport would be, of course, golf with the favorite events being the Ryder Cup, the President’s Cup and the Masters. He also finds time to root for the Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Tigers and the Red Wings. Pastor Jay loves apologetics and is a young earth creationist who enjoys learning new ways to defend God’s truth in the inspired Scriptures amidst today’s increasing secularism. “Christianity is an intelligent religion! Christians don’t bury their heads in the sand and ignore facts. The facts support our faith in Christ!” His dream vacations would be to take his family somewhere tropical, take his wife to Europe and take his clubs to Pebble Beach. Something you didn’t know about Pastor Jay…he is not a car buff like his dad, Pastor Terry!
Email: jay@ctk.me
734-285-9695

Rev. Terry L. Cashmer, Emeritus Pastor
Pastor Emeritus
Pastor Terry grew up on a farm in Pontiac, Illinois. He graduated from St. Paul’s College high school in 1963, then a Bachelors degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1967 and a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary in 1971. He served parishes in Iowa, South Dakota, Colorado, and finally Christ the King, in Southgate, since, 1982. He is married to Carol and they have two children and five grandchildren. His favorite bible verse is. John 8:31-32. “If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed and you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” and his favorite hymn is “Are You Washed in the Blood”. He also enjoys listening to the early Beatles music, watching the Tigers baseball games and has never met anything on wheels he didn’t like. His favorite destinations are Italy and Sicily, which they have visited three times. Something you didn’t know about Pastor Terry- he is an excellent cook and makes the best homemade ice cream!
Email: terry@ctk.me

Rev. Harry Edenfield, Emeritus Pastor
Pastor Emeritus
Pastor Harry grew up in Ft. Wayne, IN. He then attended Concordias Ann Arbor and Chicago, Andrews Univ., and Concordia Seminary, Ft. Wayne. He is married to Marilyn. They have two married children and three grandchildren who worship at CTK. He enjoys worship, traveling, yard work, playing cards, and eating seafood. His favorite Bible verse is Daniel 3:16-18, and his favorite hymn is "Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow." Pastor Harry retired in 2011, but volunteers in choir, Food Pantry, and Stephen Ministry. What you might not know about Pastor Harry . . . he was a teacher and principal for 13 years before becoming a pastor.

Vicar PJ Brooks, Student in Specific Ministry Pastor
Specific Ministry Program Student
P.J. is enrolled in the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. P.J. and his family have been members of CTK for generations. His wife, Jackie, is our kindergarten teacher. P.J. currently works in setting up and running the livestream. He also helps with our music ministry, accompanying praise bands on the piano and playing with the brass. The SMP program is relatively new and is designed to meet the needs of congregations using the gifts and talents within their membership. The SMP program prepares a member of a congregation to serve as an ordained minister in their specific church. It is a 4-year program. P.J would begin in February of 2022. The program is designed so that the candidate would be eligible to receive a call midway through classes, in our case, the fall of 2024. We will present the funding plan and how this would affect CTK’s pastoral staff in the future.

Mr. Micah Bode, Sound Tech Coordinator
Sound Tech Coordinator
Micah is the son of Tim and Mary Bode. He has two siblings Sarah and Josiah. He time to spend his time in Virtual Reality, tending to bonsai, tinkering with
any manner of electronics, with the barn cats, or trying to find a new hobby. Micah enjoys listening to progressive metal and glitch hop with a vast collection of
headphones. He always looks forward to visiting lakes in Minnesota.
Email: sound@ctk.me
any manner of electronics, with the barn cats, or trying to find a new hobby. Micah enjoys listening to progressive metal and glitch hop with a vast collection of
headphones. He always looks forward to visiting lakes in Minnesota.

Mr. Tim Bode, Minister of Music
Minister of Music
Tim has served as Minister of Music at Christ the King since September 2002. An organist, pianist, keyboard player and guitar player, he leads the praise bands, directs the Chancel Choir, King’s Ringers (hand bells), and instruments, and plans worship music. He also coordinates the worship participation of the School Ensemble (grades 4-8), Cherub Choir (grades 1-3), and other musical ensembles and soloists.
The Bode family lives on a small horse farm near Belleville. Tim and his wife, Mary, have three children: Daughter Sarah is trained as a Deaconess and is married to Rev. Adam Barkley, pastor at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Adam and Sarah have five children. Son Josiah is a piano teacher and church musician in, St. Paul, Minnesota. He has a daughter. Son Micah is living in Belleville and serves as CTK’s Sound Tech Coordinator. Mary operates the horse boarding stable, which Tim and Mary have named DreamAcre Stables.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Tim was raised in Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada, and rural North Branch, Minnesota. After graduating from Cambridge High School, Cambridge, Minnesota, in 1979, Tim attended Concordia College, St. Paul, Minnesota, where he met Mary and graduated from the Director of Evangelism Program in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Tim has previously served as Director of Evangelism at St. John Lutheran Church, Rochester, Michigan (1984-1994), as Director of Christian Outreach starting a new church in the southeast Columbus, Ohio area (1995-1998), and as Assistant to the Pastor in Outreach and Worship at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Livonia and Canton, Michigan (1998-2002). His hobbies include Civil War research (5th Minnesota Regiment and trains), grandchildren, horses, and gardening. One of his favorite verses is “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief” (Mark 9:24 KJV). Tim also serves as CTK’s Church Extension Fund representative.
Email: tim@ctk.me
734-285-9695 ext.170
The Bode family lives on a small horse farm near Belleville. Tim and his wife, Mary, have three children: Daughter Sarah is trained as a Deaconess and is married to Rev. Adam Barkley, pastor at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Adam and Sarah have five children. Son Josiah is a piano teacher and church musician in, St. Paul, Minnesota. He has a daughter. Son Micah is living in Belleville and serves as CTK’s Sound Tech Coordinator. Mary operates the horse boarding stable, which Tim and Mary have named DreamAcre Stables.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Tim was raised in Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada, and rural North Branch, Minnesota. After graduating from Cambridge High School, Cambridge, Minnesota, in 1979, Tim attended Concordia College, St. Paul, Minnesota, where he met Mary and graduated from the Director of Evangelism Program in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Tim has previously served as Director of Evangelism at St. John Lutheran Church, Rochester, Michigan (1984-1994), as Director of Christian Outreach starting a new church in the southeast Columbus, Ohio area (1995-1998), and as Assistant to the Pastor in Outreach and Worship at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Livonia and Canton, Michigan (1998-2002). His hobbies include Civil War research (5th Minnesota Regiment and trains), grandchildren, horses, and gardening. One of his favorite verses is “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief” (Mark 9:24 KJV). Tim also serves as CTK’s Church Extension Fund representative.

Mr. Jacob Adams, Director of Youth Ministries
Director of Youth Ministries
I was CTK's Family Life intern from Sept, 2021-Dec. 2021. I am from Berrien Springs Michigan, which is on the west side of the state. In Dec. 2021 I graduated from CUAA with a degree in the Family Life Program, with a minor in youth ministry. I am excited to continue on at Christ The King as the Director of Youth Ministries.
Email: jacob@ctk.me
734.285.9695 ext. 140

Mrs. Carol Cashmer, Donation Station Director
Small Group Coordinator/Donation station Manager
I grew up in a nominally Christian family in Gadsden Alabama. My parents died young, so once I left Alabama for college in Concordia Mo. I really never went back home.
It was at St. Paul’s, Concordia, that I met my husband Terry. We have been here at CTK Southgate for about 36 years and we thank God for the rather unusual circumstances that the Lord used to get us to the “Detroit” area from beautiful Colorado Springs. I taught 7-8th grade Language Arts here at CTK for over 30 years, but am now retired and living a blessed life, with relatively good health, relatively functional family, and amazing brothers and sisters in Christ.
I love to teach still, and have begun a neighborhood women’s Bible study, teach Confirmation classes and occasionally an Adult Bible Study. What a blessing beyond words to be able to do His work – wherever He calls us to do it.
Email: carol@ctk.me
It was at St. Paul’s, Concordia, that I met my husband Terry. We have been here at CTK Southgate for about 36 years and we thank God for the rather unusual circumstances that the Lord used to get us to the “Detroit” area from beautiful Colorado Springs. I taught 7-8th grade Language Arts here at CTK for over 30 years, but am now retired and living a blessed life, with relatively good health, relatively functional family, and amazing brothers and sisters in Christ.
I love to teach still, and have begun a neighborhood women’s Bible study, teach Confirmation classes and occasionally an Adult Bible Study. What a blessing beyond words to be able to do His work – wherever He calls us to do it.

Mrs. Denise Cashmer, Facilities Manager Secretary
Facilities Manager Secretary
Denise grew up in Diamond Bar, CA and graduated from Concordia University River Forest. She is married to Pastor Jay and they have 3 children (Leah, Beka & Joe). She loves working at Christ The King,creating the powerpoints, working on the website, running the CTK Batting Cages and interacting with our wonderful CTK members. “Lead Me to the Cross” by Hillsong is one of her favorite praise songs. She has many favorite bible verses depending on what is going on in her life but the one that comforts her is Romans 8:28. She volunteers for the Fall Festival, VBS, yard work days, plus many other job related duties. She loves to go anywhere with a beach like Lake Michigan and of course all ocean coasts!
Email: denise@ctk.me
734-285-3533 ext. 213

Mrs. Lisa Demou, Volunteer Ministries,IT Secretary
Volunteers Ministries/IT Secretary
Lisa grew up in Lincoln Park and graduated from Lincoln Park High School. She is married to George, her high school sweetheart, and they have 4 children, Sera, Catherine, Caroline and John. Her favorite “got to have it” snack is either a McDonald’s coke or a hot chocolate. She loves being with her family and friends and enjoys reading old mysteries. Lisa’s favorite bible verse is Matthew 19:13 ESV “Let the little children come to Me...”. What you didn’t know about Lisa…She was accredited through the State of Michigan as a Geriatric Activities Director. She said it was one of the best jobs she ever had until now, of course!
Email: lisa@ctk.me
734-285-9695 ext. 210

Mr. Harry Dutka, Spiritual Care Ministry Director
Spiritual Care Ministry Director
Harry graduated from CUAA, Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, IN., Schoolcraft College in Livonia, MI., and then Eastern Michigan University. He is married to Ellen and they have 2 children (Naomi (Dutka) Krueger,- Dustin Krueger and Paul Dutka) , and 2 grandchildren (Noah Krueger and Ethan Krueger). He enjoys boating, camping, cycling, motor biking, photography and the US first Robotics Competition. Harry’s favorite hymn is “Crown Him With Many Crowns” with his favorite verse being Isaiah 53:5. Harry enjoys singing in the chancel choir. His go to vacation spot is Florida.
Email: hdutka@ctk.me
734-285-9695 ext. 150

Mrs. Stacy Furgerson, Business Manager
Business Manager
Stacy grew up in Taylor, MI and attended U of M Dearborn. She is married to David and they have 3 daughters(Sophia, Lila & Remy) and two dogs. She is a big fan of the Detroit Red Wings and the New England Patriots. “Shout to the Lord” and 1 Thessalonians 5:16 is her favorite hymn and bible verse. Stacy enjoys camping during the summer and bowling during the winter. Her “Have to have it” is either Mexican food or chocolate (“it’s too tough to choose one”). Did you know her favorite tradition is to go to the Michigan Renaissance Festival with family and friends?
Email: stacy@ctk.me
734-285-9695 ext. 220

Mrs. Kelly Inch, Financial Office Assistant
Financial Office Asst.
Grew up in Livonia Mi. Married to her husband Jeff with 5 children and 2 grandchildren. She loves spending time with her family and friends, crocheting, cooking, home fitness, reading, and working and worshiping at CTK!
The bible verses she holds close are Proverbs 3:5 and Philippians 4:13.
Her must have is chocolate.
Fun unknown fact – Her husband Jeff has a 1971 Nova and her Great Grandfather pitched a game for the Detroit Tigers. As you can see CTK is a perfect fit for her family.
Email: kelly@ctk.me
734-285-9695 x 160
The bible verses she holds close are Proverbs 3:5 and Philippians 4:13.
Her must have is chocolate.
Fun unknown fact – Her husband Jeff has a 1971 Nova and her Great Grandfather pitched a game for the Detroit Tigers. As you can see CTK is a perfect fit for her family.

Mrs. Susan Racklyeft, Production Secretary
Production Secretary
Susan was born and raised in Detroit, MI and graduated from Cass Tech High School. Susan is married to Dan and they have three children, Elyse (Anthony), Kayla (Paul) and Mark (Katrina) and five grandchildren. Her favorites include the hymn “Abide with Me,” Bible verses Job 19:25-27. She enjoys singing in the choir, praise band, vocal ensemble and also volunteers for the Prayer Vigil, VBS, and other various ministries. Her favorite activities are spending time with her family and singing. Her favorite vacation spot is Up North Michigan, near the Sleeping Bear Dunes but would love to see the Grand Canyon.
Email: susan@ctk.me
734-285-9695 ext. 190

Ms. Meredith Sparks, Head of Custodians
Janitor
Merry grew up in Southgate, MI and attended Southgate Anderson, graduating in 1991. She has four children, Austin, Tyler, Katleyn, and Cara. She loves watching her kids play volleyball and softball, reading and listening to music, especially Christian Contemporary music. Her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6.
734-285-9695


Dr. Kelli Kapp-Heifner - School Principal
Principal
Dr. Kelli Kapp-Heifner was raised in Southgate, Michigan. She attended Christ the King Lutheran School from kindergarten through eighth grade. She is a graduate of Southgate Anderson High School. Kelli earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a double major in Public Speaking and Psychology. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree from Gonzaga University in Communication and Leadership Studies. Kelli earned a Doctorate of Education from Grand Canyon University in Educational Leadership. Prior to being principal of CTK, Kelli was the Director of Education at a local college and college professor. Additionally, she has experience as an admissions representative and recruiter. Kelli is married to Matt. Matt is retired from the U.S. Air Force. Together they are raising their children: Jax (7), Wyatt (2), and are expecting a daughter in early November. Kelli’s favorite bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Email: kkapp@ctk.me
734-285-9697

Mrs. Vickie Lambrecht, School Administrative Assistant
School Administrative Assistant
Vickie grew up in Hannover, North Dakota and graduated from Center High School. She is married to John and has 3 children and 3 grandchildren (two boys and 1 girl). Vickie enjoys watching her grandson play hockey, as well as reading and quilting. Her favorite hymn is “It is well with my soul” and her favorite verse (and her father’s) would be “Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise”. She said her favorite destination is going back home to North Dakota but really enjoyed going to Florida in the winter. Vickie volunteers her time with the bell choir, chancel choir, and song leading and singing at worship. Did you know Vickie grew up on a dairy farm, milked many a cow and did field work. She said it was a great way to grow up and learn hard work!
Email: vlambrecht@ctk.me
734-285-9697 ext. 270

Mrs. Sharon Sutton, School Secretary
Part-Time School Secretary
Sharon grew up in Detroit, MI. She graduated from Cass Technical High School and is now married to Chuck. They have 2 children and 2 grand children. Sharon said her favorites include watching the Detroit Lions and Michigan State football, reading, cooking and family time. Her favorite hymns and verses would be “Beautiful Savior”, “Beneath the Cross” and “Abide With Me”, as well as Phil 4; 4-9, Rev 21:3-4 and Job 19:25-27. Her favorite snacks are chocolate, ice cream and coffee. Sharon volunteers with the choir, Chancel Care, early Communion Class and Day School events. Something you didn’t know was that Sharon has struggled with Panic/Anxiety attacks for over 25 years. She leads a support group, Recovery International, for others who have the same struggles.
Email: ssutton@ctk.me
734-285-9697 ext. 250

Mrs. Sylvia Linares, 3 yr. Preschool Teacher
Preschool Teacher
734-285-0903 ext. 400
Mrs. Amanda McFadden, 4 Yr. Preschool Teacher
Preschool Teacher
Hello Friends and Family! Let me introduce myself, I am Amanda McFadden. I have been working with children, through employment or volunteer work, since 2002. I am extremely bubbly and overjoyed to get to work with your youngsters. PreK4 is such a fun class and my favorite age group to teach since these kiddos are such natural learners! Therefore, I believe in keeping education Fun, Interactive, Engaging, and Christ Centered! We will be focusing on pre-literacy skills, math, science, art, technology, social/emotional skills, independence and of course learning all about Jesus and his amazing love for each of us! All of this fun will take place through guided learning, learning centers, and playful exploration both in class and outside.
I also love to meet new parents, so if you have any questions, please reach out to us through the school office, and we can set up a meeting. (734) 285-9697
Email: amcfadden@ctk.me
734-285-0903 Ext. 401
I also love to meet new parents, so if you have any questions, please reach out to us through the school office, and we can set up a meeting. (734) 285-9697

Mrs. Joyce Zanley, 4 yr. Preschool Teacher
Preschool Teacher
Joyce Zanley was born in Saginaw Michigan, and is a MSU graduate. She is married to Dave, who is an architect and has recently taken on the renovation of our home of 31 years in Wyandotte. It was while their 2 girls were attending Trinity Lutheran School in Wyandotte that Joyce, finally understood what God’s mission was for her! With a major career change and back to school, Joyce has enjoyed teaching preschool for over 16 years, and, developed Bible Bucks for Sunday school, has taught Sunday school, and initiated the preschool chapels that donate food to the CTK Food Pantry. Dave and Joyce enjoy to visit their children wherever their careers have taken them. Elizabeth s a Dietitian works at Stanford University. She met her husband while living in Brooklyn New York. Molly lives and works in Detroit and is a graduate of Wayne State University. Joyce enjoys gardening and hiking with Molly and beagle mix, Pepper.
Email: jzanley@ctk.me

Mrs. Jackie Brooks, Kindergarten Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
Jackie grew up in Royal Oak, MI. She is married to P.J. (who graduated from CTK 2004!) and they have two boys, Zeke and Levi, both of whom will be attending CTK Preschool and Daycare this year. They also have a dog named Zephy.
Jackie graduated from Concordia University, Ann Arbor in 2011 and is currently working on her Master's degree from Concordia University, Mequon. She has been teaching for 9 years and has taught preschool, third grade, and kindergarten.
Jackie loves to read, travel, and spend time with her family. Jackie's favorite song is Speak Life by TobyMac and her favorite Bible verse is John 16:33. Fun fact - Jackie's favorite animal is a platypus.
Email: jbrooks@ctk.me
Jackie graduated from Concordia University, Ann Arbor in 2011 and is currently working on her Master's degree from Concordia University, Mequon. She has been teaching for 9 years and has taught preschool, third grade, and kindergarten.
Jackie loves to read, travel, and spend time with her family. Jackie's favorite song is Speak Life by TobyMac and her favorite Bible verse is John 16:33. Fun fact - Jackie's favorite animal is a platypus.
Mrs. Leah Johnson, Kindergarten Aide
Kindergarten Parapro
Mrs. Katie Holzer, 1st Grade Teacher
Pre Director
I feel very blessed to be a part of the Christ the King family and to be teaching your children! This year begins my 12th year of teaching. I have taught kindergarten and 1st grade and am currently the 1st grade teacher.
I received my Bachelor's Degree from Concordia University, Ann Arbor and my Master's in early childhood education from Concordia University, St. Paul.
I am married to Zac Holzer. We have two daughters, Callie and Kelsey, who are both students at Christ the King! I love teaching and I look forward to the opportunity to bless your children with a caring, loving experience. As a Christian teacher, my beliefs and behavior are centered around Jesus Christ and the values set forth in the Bible.I believe that each child is a gift from God!
Email: kholzer@ctk.me
I received my Bachelor's Degree from Concordia University, Ann Arbor and my Master's in early childhood education from Concordia University, St. Paul.
I am married to Zac Holzer. We have two daughters, Callie and Kelsey, who are both students at Christ the King! I love teaching and I look forward to the opportunity to bless your children with a caring, loving experience. As a Christian teacher, my beliefs and behavior are centered around Jesus Christ and the values set forth in the Bible.I believe that each child is a gift from God!
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Mrs. Courtney Pomroy, 2nd Grade Teacher
2nd Grade Teacher
Courtney is married to Wes and they have a 1 yr. daughter Genevieve. Courtney brings with her 10 years of teaching experience.
Email: cpomroy@ctk.me

Mrs. Becky Efird, 3rd Grade Teacher
3rd Grade Teacher
Becky grew up in Warren, MI and graduated from Concordia University. She is married to Andy and she has 2 step-children, three grandchildren and 2 dogs. Her favorite sports teams are the Lions and the Tigers. She enjoys historical camping and preservation, photography, crafts, traveling, boating and various other outdoor activities. Her favorite bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11 and she loves any country artist or a variety of songs from Hymns for the Family of God. Her favorite concert experience was seeing Andrea Bocelli. Favorite vacation destinations? The desert of Las Vegas/Red Rock Canyon or anywhere in Michigan and iseagerly awaiting her next trip to Hawaii. The Hawaiian people and cultural ways of life are so rich with history. Surprising fact about Becky? Any time she travels with her parents she usually ends up visiting cemetaries where historical figures are buried. She actually got locked inside of Hollywood Cemetary in Richmond, Virginia once!
Email: befird@ctk.me

Mrs. Franci Childers, 4th Grade Teacher
4th Grade Teacher
Franci grew up in South Dakota, Colorado and then eventually Michigan. Franci is married and has two college age sons. She graduated from Concordia Chicago in 1993. She enjoys working out, reading and spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite hymn is “Great is Thy Faithfulness” and her favorite verse is Philippians 4:8. Franci serves in one of CTK’s praise bands, Adult and Children’s Choirs and VBS. Did you know she taught 4th grade in Texas?
Email: fchilders@ctk.me
Mrs. Leisa Cooper, 5th Grade Teacher
5th Grade Teacher
Leisa was born and raised in Trenton, Michigan and attended Eastern Michigan University for both her undergraduate and graduate degrees.
She is married to Jim Cooper and has one daughter, Elisabeth, who attended CTK from kindergarten through 8th grade.
Leisa was a teacher for Trenton Public Schools for 35 years. During her career in Trenton, Leisa taught special education, a gifted and talented program, kindergarten and 4th grade. Recently retired, Leisa is thrilled to be returning to teaching, a job that she truly loves. In her spare time Leisa enjoys walking her two long-haired dachshunds Tootsie and Izzy, reading (kids’ books and books at her own level), cooking and gardening. A natural-born worrier Leisa goes to Phillipians 4:4-7 for the reminder that life is in God’s hands.
She is married to Jim Cooper and has one daughter, Elisabeth, who attended CTK from kindergarten through 8th grade.
Leisa was a teacher for Trenton Public Schools for 35 years. During her career in Trenton, Leisa taught special education, a gifted and talented program, kindergarten and 4th grade. Recently retired, Leisa is thrilled to be returning to teaching, a job that she truly loves. In her spare time Leisa enjoys walking her two long-haired dachshunds Tootsie and Izzy, reading (kids’ books and books at her own level), cooking and gardening. A natural-born worrier Leisa goes to Phillipians 4:4-7 for the reminder that life is in God’s hands.

Mrs. Mary Voelz - 6th Grade Teacher
Middle School 6th Grade Teacher
Mary was born in Detroit, MI and graduated from Eastern University. She is married to Bob and has 4 sons (Michael and Shannon welcomed their son, Julian in 2017). She said her favorite songs include hits from Bon Jovi, Chris Tomlin and the hymn “In Christ Alone”. Her go to bible verse is Phil 4:13. Mary enjoys watching Michigan State Spartans and the Detroit Lions. She enjoys crocheting, watching sports, reading and tutoring children. Her “have to have it” snack is cheese and crackers and ice tea. Mary’s dream vacation is to go to Alaska. She volunteers for VBS, Confirmation camp, janitorial work, counter, and other school positions where she may be needed. Did you know that she is legally blind in her right eye and hard of hearing in her right ear due to a childhood illness?
Email: mvoelz@ctk.me

Mrs. Lynnette Konkel - 7th Grade Teacher Lynn
Middle School 7th Grade Teacher
Lynn grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, and graduated from Concordia in Nebraska. She is married to Jeff and has two sons, Nate and Luke. Nate and his wife Hannah welcomed Karla, in 2017, and Carolynn in 2019. She likes watching the Detroit Tigers, quilting, walking and eating ice cream! Rascal Flatts plays music she enjoys. Someday, she would like to visit Alaska and Hawaii. Lynn volunteers for the handbell choir and the church camping weekend. Surprised to know…Lynn loves spoiling grandchildren!
Email: lkonkel@ctk.me

Mr. Robert Voelz, Athletic Director & 8th Grade Teacher Bob
Middle School 8th Grade Teacher
Bob grew up in Milwaukee, WI and graduated from Concordia, Seward Nebraska. He is married to Mary and they have 4 sons (Michael and Shannon welcomed their son, Julian in 2017 and their second son, Christian, in 2018 while Brian and Chelsea are getting married in 2020). His favorite football team is the Green Bay Packers. He enjoys watching sports, fantasy leagues, golf, gardening and traveling. His “got to have it” snacks are licorice and popcorn. He enjoys listening to the Electric Light Orchestra, “All Around The World” and “Christ is our Cornerstone” (which of course is not by ELO?). He has been to New Zealand, Australia, Tahiti and Hawaii but would eventually like to visit Iceland and Alaska. His favorite bible verse is John 3:16. Bob volunteers as a communion assistant, grounds crew, janitor and many other school positions when needed. Did you know he works on a farm in the summer?
Email: bvoelz@ctk.me

Ms. Sarah Simmons,Jr. High Science Teacher
Jj. High Science Teacher
I am thrilled to be your middle school science teacher! I have been a member of CTK since I was a small child. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry Secondary Education and have experience teaching chemistry, forensic science, physical science, life science, and earth science.
As a student, I did not really enjoy science. Then I had the right teacher, at the right time, and I realized how much fun, exciting, challenging and yet, rewarding, science is. I hope to bring that same perspective to our students!
Science can sometimes be an intimidating subject, but my goal is to make it more fun, hands-on, interactive and enjoyable. We will use technology, labs/experiments, as well as kitchen science to better reinforce the lessons throughout our reading text. We will learn how to decipher charts and graphs to answer questions and get prepared for high school chemistry, biology, and physical science.
Science is all around us, so in our class, we will learn how to inquire, problem-solve, analyze, and use real-world applications to prepare for the next school level.
Email: ssimmons@ctk.me
As a student, I did not really enjoy science. Then I had the right teacher, at the right time, and I realized how much fun, exciting, challenging and yet, rewarding, science is. I hope to bring that same perspective to our students!
Science can sometimes be an intimidating subject, but my goal is to make it more fun, hands-on, interactive and enjoyable. We will use technology, labs/experiments, as well as kitchen science to better reinforce the lessons throughout our reading text. We will learn how to decipher charts and graphs to answer questions and get prepared for high school chemistry, biology, and physical science.
Science is all around us, so in our class, we will learn how to inquire, problem-solve, analyze, and use real-world applications to prepare for the next school level.

Ms. Kristi Maynard, Childcare Director
Childcare Director
Kristi’s hometown is Dearborn Heights. She attended both a Lutheran grade school and High school. She majored in Early childhood education and has worked in her dedicated field for over 30 years. Kristi’s favorite activity is spending time with her son Dylan and her family. John 3:16 is her favorite Bible verse as it is her confirmation verse as well. Kristi has several favorite hymns and songs but one of her favorite is The Wonderful Cross.
Email: daycare@ctk.me
734-285-8525 ext. 300

Mrs. Mary Waara, Daycare Director Assistant
Daycare Director Asst.
Mary grew up in Southgate, MI and graduated from Southgate Schafer High School. She is married to Jim and has 4 children, and 2 granddaughters and 1 grandson. She enjoys reading, walking, going places with family and cannot go a week without Mexican food. Her favorite church song is “Ancient Words” and her favorite verse is John 3:16. Her dream destination would be to go to Hawaii. Mary is involved in Chancel Care, and is a big fan of the Red Wings and the Tigers.
734-285-8525 ext. 301