Faculty and Staff
Download Teacher & Staff Favorites List 2022-23 (PDF)
Mr. John March
What a thrill it is to return to St. John Lutheran School as principal after attending and graduating from the school as a child.
Throughout my educational experience, I have had the privilege of working with and helping faculty members, as well as teaching children of all ages and needs. I have taught in Lutheran schools and have had wonderful opportunities to help foster children in their development and spiritual growth. I have also enjoyed the privilege of encouraging and directing Christian teachers in their professional growth.
These experiences have both confirmed my commitment to Christian education, specifically Lutheran education, and contributed to my versatility and flexibility as a teacher and a leader. I have strong organizational skills, have an aptitude for details and my passion is to see Lutheran education expand and strengthen.
My wife, Lorrie, and I are blessed to have two precious girls, and a sweet boy. I enjoy American History and visiting historical sites, as well as gardening and antiquing. Most importantly, I desire to honor Jesus Christ through my leadership and in every area of life.
Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 29:11
Mrs. Teresa WatkinsMrs. Watkins
I grew up in Westville, IL and moved to Defiance, Ohio when my husband was transferred to the General Motors plant here in 1995. Since moving to Defiance, I have worked as an Administrative Assistant in an accounting office and at the Defiance College. During my time at the Defiance College, I finished my schooling and received my Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. When the St. John Lutheran School Secretary position became open, I felt God nudging me to send in my resume. Everything just fell into place and now I feel like I am exactly where God wants me to be doing His work!
My husband and I are empty nesters with two small dogs, a Shorkey (Shih Tzu & Yorky mix) named Chloe and a Morkey (Maltese & Yorky mix) named Molly. They sure do keep us hopping! Our favorite thing to do is spend time with our kids and grandkids, who both live less than three miles away. God is a huge part of our lives for without Him, we would not be where we are today.
Mission Statement: My mission as the School Secretary is to show these children the love of Jesus through me, to plant the seeds of faith in their hearts, and to help them understand the importance of growing up with God in their lives.Favorite Bible Verse: 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 a hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
Mrs. Sarah CavinMrs. Sarah Cavin
Mrs. Debbie Wagner Mrs. Debbie Wagner
Hi, my name is Debbie Wagner. This year, I will be completing my 25th year of teaching at St. John. I have worked with children for over 35 years. I am a graduate of St. John Lutheran, Defiance High School, and The Defiance College. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Child Developmental & Educational Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing. I have designed, implemented, and taught the Parents & 2’s classes. I have also taught 3’s, 4’s, and multi-age classes. Currently, I serve as the Early Childhood Director and I teach the 5-day four-year-old class in the morning.
My husband Mark and I have four grown children Nicole, Graham, Kane, and Adam all of who attended St. John Lutheran school. Our grandchildren, Harper, Bradley, and Tatum live In Mason, Ohio with our daughter and son-in-law Bryce Beilharz. Our son Graham and his wife Ashley live in Anderson (Cincinnati), and have two children Greer and Harris. My son Adam and his wife Kirsten call Fairview Park, Ohio their home and they have two children, Ezekial and Gabe. Our son Kane & his partner Blair, have two children Caroline and Henry. We will welcome their son, baby boy Brooks sometime this April.
I am passionate about Project Based Learning in the early childhood classroom, where children investigate, collaborate, and share topics of their interest. My personal mission statement is to prepare each child with 21st-century skills while learning about the free gift of grace that God provides them!
Mrs. Kimmy Stottlemyer Mrs. Stottlemyer
Hi, I’m Mrs. Stottlemyer! I grew up in Milwaukee, WI where my parents blessed me with the opportunity to attend Lutheran schools from preschool thru high school. After attending Milwaukee Lutheran High School I went to Concordia University in Mequon where I majored in Early Childhood Education and minored in Adaptive Education. I taught preschool and kindergarten in Sheboygan, WI for two years before I moved to Ohio to marry my husband Josh. Six years after we were married we adopted a sweet little boy named Scribbles. Scribbles is our kitty and he makes us smile and laugh every day. Josh and I love going to the movies, eating delicious food, and of course, being with Scribbles.
Mission Statement: My mission as a teacher of young children is to help plant the seeds of faith in the hearts of my students so that they will be able to work and play with the love of the Lord. After the seeds are planted my job is to help nurture this new garden so that it grows in academics and love.
Favorite Verse: Matthew 6:26 - Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Mrs. Schuerich
Mrs. Lorrie March
I have a loving husband, 2 beautiful girls, and a sweet boy. As a family, we enjoy spending time together cooking, baking, gardening, antiquing, and outdoor activities such as bike riding, hiking, picnics at the park, as well as crafting, and doing all kinds of crazy art! My family is truly a blessing to me!
Mrs. Jennifer Boyd
I have been in the education field for many years. I graduated fromThe Defiance College with a degree in Fine Arts and continued on to teach both Music and Art for 14 years. After that, I decided to take on a new challenge of building the arts in the community by opening Just Be Original Fine Arts Academy in downtown Defiance. I am an instructor for many classes for both children and adults. I currently teach art for the Bryan Center for Autism and am involved with teaching art classes and camps for both Good Samaritan Schools and Kaitlyn’s Cottage. I enjoy teaching at St. John Lutheran very much!
Mission Statement: Understanding that creativity comes to us from God, who is the greatest of ALL creators, this classroom is created as a safe environment where creativity can flourish; where students can experiment with innovative ideas together; where students are able to develop and use their talents, uniqueness and abilities to their fullest potential without judgment, to benefit themselves and others. Empowering all students to be confident in their creations, to invest in a more creative future for all.
Favorite Verse: Psalm 46:10 - He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
Mrs. Zachrich
Favorite Bible Verse: James 1:12 - Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised for those who love Him.
