Brett Hardecopf

– A graduate of Cross Lutheran School

– Earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Concordia, Seward, Nebraska and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota.

– Served as a teacher and a principal at schools in Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota

– Married to Heather, dad to Jade and Cora

– Micah 6:8 – “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

Lisa Groth

-Graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington with a B.A. in Linguistics

-She has over 20 years of experience in office administration working at a graphic design firm, a toy design firm and other small companies.

-Married to Tom (19 years) and has a daughter, Katharina (11 years)

– She was a member of St. Lorenz Lutheran in Frankenmuth, MI and Bethany Lutheran in Naperville, IL before becoming a member of Cross Lutheran in 2005.

-Lisa is a Praise Team Member.

-She enjoys singing, reading, camping and spending time with family.

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1

Jeffrey S. Hahn

-Graduated from Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI, 1989, with a B.S. in Education

-Joined Cross School Staff in 1989

-Athletic Director and coaches basketball

“I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16

Kamela Stone

-Earned a B.A. in Education from Concordia University, Seward, NE, 1998

-Joined Cross in 1998

-Volleyball Coach, Girls Basketball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director

“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1.

Karen R. Schumm

-Earned Associate Degree at Concordia College, Ann Arbor, MI., 1978; B.A. in Education at Concordia University, River Forest, IL, 1981; M.S. Ed. at Northern Illinois University, 1994

-Joined Cross staff in 1980

-Currently involved as Winterim Coordinator, Scripture Reader, and Director of 5th-8th Grade Musical

-Served 3 years as a member of the Peru Mission Team

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Jessi Fisher

-Graduated from Concordia University, River Forest, IL in 2000 with a double major , B.A. in Elementary Education and D.C.E. (Director of Christian Education)

-Has taught both in the public and Lutheran school systems, with last call being at St. Paul, Chicago, IL

-Joined Cross staff in 2015 , started worshiping at Cross in 2012

-Happily married to Nathan, with three boys: Elijah (2003), Caleb (2005) and Ephraim (2007)

-Enjoys running, exercise classes, spending time with friends and family, and outdoor activities

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Barb Pinnow

-Ms. Pinnow earned a B.A. in 1984 and M.S. Education in 1994 from Concordia University, River Forest, IL

-Joined Cross staff in 1984

-NID Teacher’s Conference Presenter

-Enjoys gardening and quilting

“I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

Caitlyn Hartley

Bio Coming Soon

Miriam Ulrich

-Earned a B.S. in Education from Concordia University, River Forest, IL, in 2002

-Joined Cross Staff in August of 2002

-Is the Director of the 1st/2nd Grade and 5th-8th Grade Choir

-Enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with family.

“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.” Jeremiah 29:11

Alissa Bocek

-Graduated from Concordia University River Forest, IL in December 2005 with a BA in Elementary Education

-Been a life long disciple of Cross Church

-Married to Josh, and mother to Colin, Liam, Carter & Lainey

-Joined Cross Staff in 2006

-Coached Volleyball

“It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers; to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ|| Ephesians 4:11-12

Karen L. Biermann – Miller

-Earned B.A. in Education from Concordia College, St Paul, MN, 1987 and M.S. Ed. from Northern Illinois University, 1992

-Joined Cross staff in 1987

-Children’s Choir Director, Spring Musical Director

-Praise Team Member

-Swim Instructor

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Adele Totsky

Bio Coming Soon

Alicia Gauss

-Graduated from Concordia University, Wisconsin in 1999, with a B.A. in Early Childhood Education

-Married husband Erik, in 2000

-Mom to three girls: Isabel (2003), Amelia (2005), and Olivia (2007)

-Taught preschool at St. Mark in Houston, TX.; Grace in St. Petersburg, FL; and directed St. Paul’s Early Childhood Center in Des Peres, MO

-Joined Cross when Erik became Pastor of Discipleship in October 2006

-Praise Team Member

-Serves as Nursery Director

“..neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39

Tabetha Knobeloch

-Tabetha graduated from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology with a M.S. in Behavior Analysis (2014); Graduated from Walden University with M.S. in Crisis and Trauma Counseling with emphasis on Family and Children (2013)

-She joined Cross staff in 2019

-She was married to Jason in 2017 and mother to daughter,  Alexis in 2018

-Tabetha enjoys being outside, spending time with family and friends and being on the beach.

  “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desire of your heart” Psalm 37:3-4

Kimberly Robbins

– Graduated from Aurora University with a BA in Elementary Education in 2004

– Married a wonderful husband Ken in Oct. 2005, and blessed with two beautiful daughters, Laci and Emily

– Previously taught Preschool for 6 years at the YMCA.

– Joined the Cross teaching staff in August of 2012

“Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6

Cathy Schmeckpeper

-Graduated from Concordia University, River Forest, IL in 1997 with a B.A. in Early Childhood Education

-Taught second grade in Chicago Heights, IL and preschool in Naperville, IL

-Joined Cross staff in 2015

-Married to Ryan, mother to three boys (Jack, Logan and Maxwell)

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Hillary Weis

-Graduated from Northern Illinois University in 2002 with a BA Degree in Elementary Education

-Studied at AIU Online and graduated in December 2005 with an MA in Curriculum and Instruction

-Currently spends her days when not here at Cross spending time with her husband, Mike, and four children, Analise, Vivienne, Rainer, and Evangeline

-Joined Cross staff as Part-time Preschool Teacher in August 2016

-Interests are in reading, gardening, and crafting

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Jessica Mouis

-Graduate from Concordia University in Seward, NE in December 2000 with a B.A. in Elementary Education and a Specialty in Special Education

-Called to Lutheran Special Education Ministries (LSEM) of Chicago in January 2001 and placed here at Cross Lutheran School, Yorkville and at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Aurora. During my time with LSEM, I also worked at Bethany Lutheran in Naperville in the fall of 2001 while continuing on at Cross Lutheran School.

-Called to Cross Lutheran School full time in August of 2005

-Coordinator of the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing for the school

-Married and mother of three

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Shannon McGregory

– Graduated from Aurora University Summa Cum Laude in 2021 with a BA in Elementary Education.

– Enjoys spending time with her family, niece, and dog Nike.

– Enjoys reading and traveling during downtime.

“Everything should be done in love.” 1 CORINTHIANS 16:14

Rebekah Hahn

Bio coming soon.

Maureen Mecaskey

Bio coming soon.

Noel Glenn

Bio coming soon.

Candy Nolan

-Graduated from Concordia, River Forest in 1984 with a B.S. degree in Computer Science

-Have been truly blessed with a wonderful husband, Jim and two great children, David and Katie

-Been a part of the Cross family since 1997

-Joined Cross staff as part time School Secretary in 2006

“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions; it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5