Faculty and Staff
Download Teacher & Staff Favorites List 2023-24 (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

School Secretary
Bio
Mrs. 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

3's & 4's Teacher
Bio
Mrs. Sarah Cavin

ASP Clerk
Bio
Mrs. Nancy Kemper, ASP Clerk
I was the School Secretary at St. John Lutheran School for 34 years, retiring in 2016. I had also spent 12 years as the Art Teacher for grades 5th–8th. I now am working part-time as the Auxiliary Services person. My 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 a hope and a future.” Could anything be better? I do what I can to further the work of St. John Lutheran School so all students will realize God’s plan and hope for their lives.

Kindergarten Teacher
Bio
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. Kelly Monnin
1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Kelly Monnin, 1st Grade Teacher
I am a proud mother of three and married to a man who has tolerated me for 29 years. I know the Lord has brought me to St. John Lutheran to guide the children to Him
Ms Krista Ordway
2nd Grade Teacher
Ms. Krista Ordway, 2nd Grade Teacher
Hello everyone! I’m Krista Ordway, 2nd grade teacher here at SJL. This is my 3rd year teaching here and I have been teaching for 17 years. I have two daughters, Natalie 14 and Raylin 11. I am engaged to my amazing fiancé Chad. We are a sports family and anything that keeps us active and healthy, we give all the glory to God!
Mrs. Tiffany Scheurich
3rd & 4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Scheurich
Mr. Ryan Volkman
5th & 6th Grade Teacher
Mr. Ryan Volkman, 5th & 6th Grade Teacher
I grew up in Northwest Ohio so it feels great to be back home and serving in this area. I have been working with youth since 2010, either as a teacher through LCMS World Mission abroad in Central Europe or as a youth and family pastor in West Texas. I also have a background in music and worship ministry.
In my free time, I enjoy playing piano and guitar, going for nature walks, working with Archbold Community Theatre, and working out in the backyard.
I am so thankful to teach math and science in this school, and to share Jesus Christ with each student I meet. My favorite Bible verse is Romans 7:24-25.
Mrs. Lorrie March
7/8 Grade Teacher Homeroom
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. Audrey Eis
Title Reading Teacher
Mrs. Audrey Eis, Title Reading Teacher
Hello. I am the Title Reading Teacher at St. John Lutheran. My task is to encourage, instruct and coach students to take responsibility using the strategies presented. These strategies will help fill those voids missed during their reading process. It is a pleasure to work with our students.
Mrs. Kristina Phipps
Intervention Specialist
Bio Mrs. Kristina Phipps, Intervention Specialist A long time ago, I graduated from BGSU with a Bachelor of Science in Education. I was certified licensed in 2 areas: Elementary Education grades 1st–8th and Multiple Disabilities. A few years later, I took additional classes at the University of Toledo to add another area of certification, Orthopedic and other Health Handicaps to my toolbelt. Over the years, I taught at the Defiance County Board of Developmental Disabilities, with the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center and the Northwest Ohio Juvenile Detention Center. This is my 6th year of teaching at St. John Lutheran School as the Intervention Specialist, and my 20th year of teaching altogether. My grandkids, Ashlynne and Quinton, are my pride and joy. I spent a lot of time hanging out with them, attending their sporting events and school activities as well as bringing them to church with me every week. They also spend a lot of time with me at my home because of their mothers third shift job. I love being with them.
Mrs. Jennifer Boyd
Art Teacher
Mrs. Jennifer Boyd
I have been in the education field for many years. I graduated from The 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. Iliana Herrera
Spanish Teacher
Bio Mrs. Iliana Herrera, Spanish Teacher I am the Spanish Teacher here at St. John Lutheran and have been teaching for a total of four years. My goal is to create a comfortable and safe environment for students to learn a second language, in addition to listening to my students speak Spanish. I love to see each student’s social, emotional, and academic growth!
Mrs. Jennifer Zachrich
Tutor
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.
Mrs. Jamie Palczewski
Classroom Aide
Mrs. Teresa Maag
Teacher Aide
Bio Mrs. Teresa Maag, Teacher Aide I live in Defiance with my wonderful husband Jeff and our adorable DOG, Sasha. We have three beautiful children, Jen, Nick & Michelle and three amazing grandchildren, Zander, Cecilia and Daphne. I am a member of St. John’s Catholic Church where I volunteer to work in the office as a money counter. I enjoy reading, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, bicycling and nature.
Mrs. Tami Rohlf
Tiger’s Den Director
Preschool Teacher Aide
Mrs. Tami Rohlf, Tiger’s Den Director, Preschool Teacher Aide
I have been employed by St. John Lutheran School for 19 years. I love working with the children and their families. I received my Associates of Applied Science in Early Childhood Development in 2013. I reside in Defiance with my husband Jeff and attend St. John Lutheran Church. We have four grown children who attended school here, from Preschool to 8th grade. It is a great place to send your children for a Christ–centered environment.
Miss Hannah Breedlove
Preschool Teacher Aide
Tiger’s Den Aide
Bio Miss Hannah Breedlove, Preschool Teacher Aide & Tiger’s Den Aide Hello! I primarily work with the Tiger’s Den kids, and love it. Outside of work, I focus on school work in order to graduate college with an Environmental Science Degree.
Ms. Robyn Erickson
Preschool Teacher Aide
Tiger’s Den Aide
Bio Ms. Robyn Erickson, Preschool Teacher Aide & Tiger’s Den Aide My name is Ms. Robyn. I’m a Teacher’s Aide in Ms. Rohlf’s M-W-F Class and also work in the Tiger’s Den Monday–Friday. I graduated with my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2017 and have been working with children since the early 2000’s. I’m engaged and also have a 13-year-old daughter named Rylee, along with a house full of pets. I’m so happy to be a part of the St. John’s team to, not just help them prepare for kindergarten, but to help spread the word of God’s love to each and every child.
Mrs. Sallyann Miles
Preschool 4 Teacher
Bio Mrs. Sallyann Miles, Preschool 4 Teacher I am married with two girls who attend St. John Lutheran School. Our oldest is in 5th grade and our youngest is a Preschooler. Our girls keep me very busy outside of school and I wouldn’t have it any other way! We have a few pets at home, one being a dog named Leo. My family says I love him more than them. They could be right. I teach Preschool here at St. John’s. I have been here for almost two years and started out in the Tiger’s Den. Every day is a new adventure. The children are always so happy, ready to learn and have fun. At the end of the day, they aren’t just learning from me, I am learning from them.
Miss Tori Rohlf
Preschool 4 Teacher
Miss Tori Rohlf, Preschool 4 Teacher
I am excited to be teaching at St. John Lutheran. In my free time, I like hanging out with my friends and family and going to concerts. I also love being outside and going on walks. I am a part–time college student who is going back to school to get my license to teach full–time in Early Childhood Education.
Mrs. Amber Sherry
Preschool Teacher Aide
Bio Mrs. Amber Sherry, Preschool Teacher Aide I am a wife and mother of a daughter. I have been married for 11 years. It hasn’t always been easy, as we’ve been through a lot together. But then God truly saved us and changed us. I praise God that I am not where I used to be and am so blessed to be where I am today. I get to work with some pretty awesome people and also get to see, teach, and love on so many children by showing the love of Christ.
Mrs. Wendy Stykemain
Tigers' Den Staff
Miss Hannah Breedlove
Tigers' Den Staff
Mrs. Julia Rossow
Counselor
Bio Mrs. Julia Rossow As a Christian School Counselor, services I provide are spiritual in nature and based on God’s love and forgiveness. I work with students in many ways, especially in helping them learn coping strategies to managing their behavior, emotions, and academic concerns. Counseling provides a safe place to share in a loving Christian environment. Personally, I love to crochet. Another love is music. I direct a bell choir, play in the bell choir, and sing in a choir. I love spending time with family and enjoying God’s wonderful creation.
Mrs. Kelley Phillips
Speech & Language Pathologist
Mrs. Kelley Phillips, Speech and Language Pathologist
I come to St. John Lutheran with more than 40 years of experience as a speech and language pathologist in the public–school setting. Over the past 40+ years, I’ve touched the lives of nearly 4,000 children. In 2016, after being on dialysis due to very rapid kidney failure, I received a life–saving kidney transplant from a wonderful living donor. I am ever thankful to her and to our Lord and Savior, for the amazing opportunity to regain better health and to be able to get back to the work I love.
I’m a life–long member of St. John Lutheran Church in Sherwood, where I am the children’s music director. I also “attempt” to play bells in our bell choir and am a transplanted soprano from the alto section in our church choir. My husband and I are the proud parents of four grown children, and six grandchildren. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, singing, and traveling; in fact, this past summer we traveled through ten states on our trip to Montana. I am thrilled to join the staff here and look forward to working with the wonderful children at St. John’s.
My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41:10
Mr. Shawn Booher
Lunch Room Manager/Cook
Mr. Shawn Booher, Lunch Room Manager/Cook
I was born and raised in Defiance, Ohio. I am a Navy Veteran. I enjoy spending time with my family, watching sports of all types, and playing cards with my friends.
Mr. Bill Phlipot
Head Custodian
Mr. Bill Philpot, Head Custodian
Hello. I am the Head Custodian at St. John Lutheran and have been with St. John for 16 years. The students are the best part of working here and are always happy to see me. They love calling me Mr. Bill.
Mr. Seth Peters
Custodian
Bio Mr. Seth Peters, Custodian I am originally from Bowling Green, Ohio. I’ve been living in Defiance for three years with my wife Ashley. We have one dog, Leia, and three cats, Duchess, Ziggy and Toxy. I am a big baseball and hockey fan. My favorite teams are the Detroit Tigers, Toledo Mud Hens, BGSU Falcons, Toledo Walleyes, and Detroit Red Wings. If I’m not at work, you can find me at Planet Fitness working out or walking around town with Leia, trying to get her energy out. My favorite part of my job is seeing the kids in the morning and dismissal time when they say “Hi” or “Bye Mr. Seth”.
Ms. Krystle Adams
Business Administrator
Mrs. Debbie Wagner
Church Ministries Coordinator
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!