Faculty and Staff


Erinn Beckman

 

Faculty

English Department
Office:103
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 2071
E-mail: ebeckman@lhskc.com

Education

Erinn is a Missouri native from Springfield and a varsity tennis player at Concordia University Nebraska for the last three years. She earned her B.S. in Education with a major in English in May 2009, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Erinn had the distinguished honor of receiving the Outstanding Student in English Education Award at the time of her graduation. She completed her student teaching at North Star High School in Lincoln, NE and Prince of Peace Lutheran School in Carrolton, TX. Erinn has experience in directing one-act plays and has been a tennis coach in tennis camps in Pennsylvania and at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. Dan Thurber, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Concordia, indicates, "She will be an excellent co-worker with colleagues and she will be an excellent role model and inspiration for youth. Highly recommended."

Education

B.S.E. - Concordia University - NE

Dan Bickel

 

Faculty

Science Department
Office:107
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 2072
E-mail: dbickel@lhskc.com

Profile

Dan was born in Appleton, WI before his family moved to St. Louis, where they currently reside. He graduated from Lutheran High School South in St. Louis. Dan is a 2007 graduate of Concordia University NE with a degree in Secondary Education and Natural Sciences. He is teaching chemistry, physics, earth science and physical science and serving as the school's technology coordinator. Dan is also the school's cross country coach and track coach and has already had some very successful seasons in his four years at Lutheran High. In his spare time, Dan enjoys playing and watching sports and planning for his June wedding to Erin Kettler, a senior education major at Concordia University NE.

Education

B.S.E. - Concordia University - NE

Karl Birnstein

 

Executive Director

Administration
Office:Main
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 2081
E-mail: kbirnstein@lhskc.com

Profile

Karl began his fulltime professional church career after graduation from Concordia Teachers College, Seward, NE in 1970. His teaching and administrative career has taken him and his wife of 38 years, Janet, to Lutheran elementary and high schools in Connecticut, Southern California, Oregon and Missouri. He spent 14 years in the classroom and 23 in administration. In 1989 their daughter, Megan was born in Orange, CA. Megan graduated from Lutheran High in 2007 and attends Concordia University Nebraska as a junior. Karl earned his Master of Arts in secondary education and social studies from California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA in 1977. His ministry as executive director is centered on communication, marketing, finances and development for our school. The capital campaign, "Advance the Vision," occupies much of his time. Additionally, he is found working with committees presenting the annual fall golf tournament and the "Affair of the Heart" auction in the spring.

Education

M.A. - California Lutheran University

Galo Delgado

 

Faculty

Spanish Department
Office:105
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 4924
E-mail: gdelgado@lhskc.com

Profile

Galo Delgado joins the LHS faculty as our Spanish instructor. He and his wife and two children live in Lee's Summit. Mr. Delgado will split his time between Lutheran High and UMKC, where he has been a Spanish instructor since 2006. Galo is a native of Ecuador and earned his B.S. in Spanish from UMKC. He is currently completing two Master's Degrees. The first is from UMKC in Romance languages and will be completed by December 2009. His second Master's Degree in Education with a major in Spanish from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg will be completed in December 2010.

Education

M.A. - UMKC
M.A. - UMC
B.S. - UMKC

Sybille Dickey

 

Faculty

German Department
Office:105
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 4924
E-mail: sdickey@lhskc.com

Profile

Sybille was born in Germany in a little town named Kleinottweiler, near the French border. She received her diploma at Edith Stein in Homburg, Germany. She and her husband, Bob, have been married for over 30 years and have lived in Kansas for 18 years. They have three children who were all born in Germany and four grandchildren who will learn to speak German, as well. Before coming to LHS this year, Sybille taught German in a corporate environment for Sprint, Black and Veatch, Hoechst, Marion Merrill Dow, and other companies.

Chris Domsch

 

Principal

Administration
Office:Main
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 2064
E-mail: cdomsch@lhskc.com

Profile

Chris has been connected with Lutheran High School since he stepped on campus as a biology teacher in 1988. Now, in this twenty-first year at the school, he has found himself as its principal since 2005. Chris earned his Master's Degree in administration from Concordia University Nebraska. During his earlier years he used his myriad talents teaching biology, physical science, health, physical education and algebra. Additional responsibilities have been athletic director, boys basketball coach, girls basketball coach, track coach, assistant volleyball coach and Dean of Students. From 1977 to 1988, Chris owned and operated Kaw Valley Meat Company in Kansas City and KS Decks, Etc. in Missouri. As an avid outdoorsman, Chris can be seen hunting, fishing and camping throughout the central states. Of course, as a Kansas City native, he enjoys hosting barbeques and smoking meat for all to feast. Together with his wife, Gayle, they derive the most joy from spending time with their two sons, their wives, and children.

Education

M.A. - Concordia University - NE

Gina Eberle

 

Faculty

Math Department
Office:101
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 2073
E-mail: reberle@lhskc.com

Profile

Gina taught junior high math at Archie School before coming to Lutheran High last year. Gina teaches math and science courses on campus. Gina earned her Bachelors of Science in mathematics from UMKC in 1993, where she also minored in biology, chemistry and physics. Gina obtained her teaching certificate from Avila University in 2006. She also just recently earned her Masters Degree in instructional technology from UCM, Warrensburg. Her real interests lie in integrating technology in math and science courses to make them more engaging. Additional responsibilities include assistant girls basketball coach, assistant volleyball coach, Student Council sponsor, senior class sponsor, and freshman class sponsor. From 1993 to 1995, Gina was a research engineer for an animal vaccine company, Sanofi Animal Health in Lenexa. From 1995-2006 she was a stay-at-home mom engineer! After her baby went to kindergarten, she decided to become a teacher. Gina enjoys traveling. She has been to all but two states and to Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Africa and Canada, but her favorite spot is at home in Freeman, MO where she coexists with her four beautiful children, one of whom is a fresman this year at LHS this year. They enjoy walks, bike riding, fishing and "apple flinging."

Education

M.S. - University of Central Missouri
B.S. - University of Missouri, Kansas City
A.A. - Crowder College

Alice Hinrichs

 

Faculty

Math Department
Office:100
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 2077
E-mail: ahinrichs@lhskc.com

Profile

Alice begins her first year teaching at LHS twenty-five years after she first walked into a portable classroom on the back side of Warrensburg High School. She didn't have to travel far from her college housing to that first job. Mrs. Hinrichs received her Bachelor"s of Science in education with a double major in mathematics and business education from Central Missouri State University (now UCM). She taught 14 years in the public schools in Warrensburg, MO, and Park Hill School District. She also completed her Master"s of Science in math education while teaching at Warrensburg HS. After marrying husband Kurt in 1996 and beginning their family, Alice stayed home temporarily to focus on the family. The Hinrichs reside in Gladstone, MO. Kurt is director of finance at Global Ground Support, LLC in Olathe, KS. In her spare time, Mrs. Hinrichs enjoys spending time with her family, attending sporting and scouting activities, being in or near water (at the pool, lake, float trips, etc.), working in her flower beds and reading books.

Education

B.S.E - University of Central Missouri

Carol Jacobson

 

Faculty

English Department
Office:200
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 2076
E-mail: cjacobson@lhskc.com

Profile

Carol teaches Introduction to Literature, Dual Credit Advanced Composition and Literature, and Newspaper/Yearbook. She is enjoying her forty-first year as a classroom teacher, having served in four other public and parochial schools in the Kansas City area. She also teaches an online composition class for Missouri State U. in Springfield. Carol earned her bachelor's degree from KU and a master's degree from UMKC. Carol is actively involved in the Bethlehem congregation in Raymore, with a special love and enthusiasm for the LWML. What remains of her personal time is usually spent tending her gardens and her handsome chickens on a small acreage in Cass County, playing with fabric in any form, especially quilting, and adoring her five wonderful grandchildren.

Education

M.A. - UMKC
B.S. - University of Kansas

Lucy Kettler

 

Administrative Assistant

Administration
Office:Main
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 2062
E-mail: lkettler@lhskc.com

Profile

When contacting LHS, the first voice to greet you is usually that of Lucy. The sixth child of nine, she attended St. John's College in Winfield, KS and graduated from Concordia Teachers College in Seward, NE with a Bachelor of Science in education. Lucy took her first Call to Trinity, Paola (Block), KS where the Kettlers live today. She taught for eight years until her daughter, Erin, was born. Lucy stayed home with her daughters and worked part-time as church secretary until the girls started school. She returned to teaching at Trinity until Evan was born. Her work at LHS began in the summer of 2006. Lucy's husband, Curtis, is the facilities manager for LEAF Properties, Erin is a student at Concordia Nebraska, Emily is a sophomore at JCCC, Elizabeth is an LHS senior and son, Evan, is in first grade at Calvary Lutheran School. When not attending an LHS activity, Lucy loves to read. The family enjoys traveling, camping and being together.

Education

B.S.E. - Concordia University - NE
A.A. - St. John's College

Paula Meier

 

Registrar/Faculty

Administration
Office:113
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 2066
E-mail: pmeier@lhskc.com

Profile

Paula was born in Canton, KS to Leroy and Ruth Vogts. She has two brothers and two sisters. She attended St. John's College in Winfield, KS, graduated with a B.S.E from Emporia State University and earned her Lutheran Teacher's Diploma from Concordia University Nebraska. She began her teaching ministry at Holy Cross Lutheran School in Kansas City, MO and stayed for 23 years. Paula just finished her tenth year of ministry at LHS.
Paula's husband, Lohren, is a teacher in the Kansas City, KS school district. They have two children, Emily and Todd, both graduates of LHS. Emily is attending Concordia University Wisconsin with plans to be a high school German and Spanish teacher. She is currently studying abroad in Cadiz, Spain. Todd is a sophomore art student at Concordia University Nebraska. In her spare time, Paula likes to spend time with her family, work in her flower garden, read, take her dog for walks and play games of every kind, especially Scrabble and pinochle.

Education

B.S.E. - Emporia State University
A.A. - St. John's College

Brittany Mikeska

 

Faculty

Art Department
Office:119
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 2079
E-mail: bmikeska@lhskc.com

Profile

Brittany is from Houston, TX and a 2009 graduate of Concordia University Nebraska with her Bachelor of Fine Arts in art education. She completed her student teaching at Baltimore Lutheran High School in Baltimore, MD and Seward Middle School in Seward, NE. She has been an art judge at the Seward Civic Center, led art lessons at the Lincoln Children's Museum and assisted Prof. Perschbacher in teaching sculpture at Concordia. In addition to being on the National Dean's List, she has been awarded the Outstanding Student of Art Education, the Brommer Art Award, Art Scholarship, Sower Award and the Society of Performing Arts Award. James Bockelman, Professor of Art at Concordia University said, "She is a champion for art-one of the few who lives what she has been taught. I recommend her highly."

Education

B.F.A. - Concordia University - NE

Dustin Nelson

 

Faculty

Music Department
Office:201
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 4978
E-mail: dnelson@lhskc.com

Profile

Dustin joined the LHS faculty upon graduation from Concordia University Nebraska in 2007 with a B.A. in Music Education. He earned teacher certification in instrumental and vocal music for grades K-12. Besides teaching band, choir, New Testament, and PE at LHS, Dustin is also assistant boys soccer coach, assistant boys basketball coach, and assistant with the school musicals. Dustin hails from Greenwood, NE, and was a member of the A Cappella Choir, community band and threw the hammer and weights for the Concordia track and field team. He married his wife, Katie, the fifth grade teacher at Calvary, in 2006. He enjoys movies, travel, music and sports. He is a Husker fan to the core and won varsity letters in high school football, basketball and track.

Education

B.A. - Concordia University - NE

Lee Rudzinski

 

Faculty

Social Studies Department
Office:108
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 2070/2094
E-mail: lrudzins@lhskc.com

Profile

Lee has been a faculty member at LHS since 1984 after completing service at St. John's Lutheran School in Beardstown, IL from 1971-1974 and Our Saviour Lutheran School in Kansas City, KS from 1974-1984. Lee remains the teacher serving the longest at LHS with 24 years. Over the years he has served as teacher of social studies, theology, English, physical science and chemistry, as well as registrar and interim principal. He coaches our girls volleyball team, boys JV basketball team and boys baseball team. Mr. Rudzinski is married with four children and eleven grandchildren with #12 due in February. He is proud to say that all four of his children are Lutheran educators and LHS graduates. Born is Chicago, IL, he remains a loyal and vocal fan of the Chicago Cubs.

Education

B.S. - Concordia Teachers College - River Forest

Jolene Shumway

 

Business Manager

Administration
Office:main
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 2067
E-mail: jshumway@lhskc.com

Profile

Our school's financial records are kept with care by our bookkeeper, Jolene Shumway. Jolene has been married to her husband, Brent for 34 years. After earning an Associate of Arts Degree in accounting/business from Cloud County Community College in Kansas, she has been a comptroller, office manager and/or bookkeeper for Riley Count Noxious Weed Department, Yellow Cab, TCBY, Lynn Insurance Co. and Ascension Lutheran Church. She joined us at LHS in 2005. Jolene enjoys mystery novels, scrapbooking, growing flowers and the company of her two children and four grandchildren.

Education

A.A. - Cloud County Community College

Kathy Werth

 

Librarian

Library
Office:Library
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 4903
E-mail: kwerth@lhskc.com

Profile

Kathy Werth has served Lutheran High as the librarian, accreditation coordinator and federal title programs coordinator since 2002. She grew up in central Kansas and graduated from Concordia Teachers College in Seward, NE. Her two sisters are Lutheran educators in Kansas City, and her brother is a pastor in Dakota Dunes, SD. Kathy taught first grade in Hutchinson, KS, and at Holy Cross Lutheran School before teaching for the North Kansas City School District. In 1997, Kathy retired from teaching first grade after 28 � years and then came to LHS. When not at work, Kathy enjoys reading, traveling, quilting and accomplishing challenging tasks.

Education

M.A. -Lesley University
B.S. - Concordia University - NE

Elizabeth Wollberg

 

Faculty

Speech/Theather Department
Office:102
Office Phone: (816) 241-5478 Ext 2078
E-mail: lwollberg@lhskc.com

Profile

A 2001 LHS alumni, Liz brings a wide range of talents and experience to our faculty. Liz earned her B.S. in education, speech and theatre education with a minor in biomedical science from Missouri State University, Springfield, MO. She has a Missouri Teaching Certificate in Speech and Theatre 9-12 and PRAXIS certification in Biology 9-12 and English 9-12. Liz began her teaching career at Ruskin High School teaching speech, theatre and coaching the varsity dance team. More recently, she taught science, reading, spanish, art, health, biology, high school language arts, directed the spring musical, directed the christmas program and directed the middle school choir at Martin Luther Academy. Liz has been married to Jon Wollberg, also an LHS alum, since 2007.

Education

B.S. - MSU