Miriam Ulrich

Graduated from/Education: Earned a B.S. in Education from Concordia University, River Forest, IL, in 2002

Family Info: Husband (Tim) and Children (Lauren and David) and Dog (Maddon)

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August of 2002

Extra Info:

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

-Enjoys hiking, family vacations, camping, reading, playing cards/games with family, and cheering her children on in their sports

One of your favorite Bible verses:

“‘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

Jessie Mouis

Graduated from/Education: Earned a B.S. in Education with a Specialty in Special Education from Concordia University, Seward, NE, in 2000

Family Info: Husband (Keith) and Children (Mylee, Bella, Dawson) and Dog (Moxon)

Former Teaching Places: LSEM-Lutheran Special Education Ministries; St. Paul-Aurora; Bethany-Naperville

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff through LSEM in January of 2001; called full-time in 2006

Extra Info:

-Coach for Volleyball, Basketball, and Track

-Enjoys gardening and sewing, family vacations at the lake, reading, going to concerts, and coaching/watching my kids play sports

One of your favorite Bible verses:

“‘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

Lisa Groth

Graduated from/Education: Graduated from Indiana University, Bloomington with a B.A. in Linguistics

Family Info: Married to Tom in 2001 and has a daughter, Katharina

Former Work Places: Has worked at a graphic design firm, a toy design firm and other small companies

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in 2020

Extra Info:

-Is a Praise Team Member

-Enjoys singing, reading, camping and spending time with family

One of your favorite Bible verses: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” Psalm 46:1

Candy Nolan

Bio Coming Soon

Noel Glenn

Graduated from/Education: Graduated 1996 from Eastern Illinois University with a B.S.B in Administrative Information Systems.

Family Info: Married to David for 21 years. Daughter Madisyn who is a HS Junior and plans to pursue Elementary Education.

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross staff in August of 2020.

Favorite Bible Verse:

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Betsy Barkalow

Graduated from/Education: Earned B.S. in Education with minor in English from Concordia University Wisconsin 2010

Family Info: husband (Adam), two children (Maggie 2018 and Aaron 2020), dogs (Lacy and Toby)

Former Teaching Places: 3rd grade at Immanuel Lutheran School in Belvidere, IL from 2011-2014. 5th grade at Concordia Lutheran School in Peoria, IL from 2014-2016. Children’s Minister at Messiah Lutheran Church in Reynoldsburg, OH from 2017-2020

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August of 2021

Extra Info:  I volunteer on Wednesday nights for Children’s Ministry. I enjoy walking my dogs, family vacations, exercising, and taking my kids to their activities.

Favorite Bible verse: “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

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.

Rebekah Galloway

Graduated from/Education: I earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Concordia University Wisconsin in 2019.

Family Info: Married Chris in 2023.

Former Teaching Places: St. John’s Lutheran in Mattoon, IL, and Bethany Lutheran in Naperville, IL

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August of 2023

Extra Info:

-Coaches volleyball

-Enjoys reading, playing sports, eating hotdogs, and spending time with friends and family

One of your favorite Bible verses:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

Katheryn Stephens

Graduated from/Education: Earned a B.S. in Education from Aurora University, Aurora, IL, in 2023

Family Info: One younger brother and 3 Dogs  (Shadow, Ivy, and Holly)

Former Teaching Places: Emily G. Johns Intermediate School

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in July of 2024

Extra Info:

– Fourth generation teacher

-Enjoys reading, DIY projects, puzzles, spending time with my family, and taking my dogs on walks

One of your favorite Bible verses:

“Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Alissa Bocek

Graduated from/Education: Concordia University, River Forest, IL in 2005

Family Info: Married to Josh & together we have 4 children: Colin, Carter, Liam, & Lainey

Former Teaching Places: Emily G. Johns Intermediate School

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August 2006

Extra Info:

-Coach volleyball, Cross Cares Director, and run Cross Stream Summer Camp

-Hobbies are reading, being outside, and watching my kids play sports

One of your favorite Bible verses: “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

Joanna Shaw

Graduated from/Education: Hillsdale College – majors Art & English

Family Info: Married 17 years to my husband, Andy – 4 kids: Jordan (2008), Isaac (2010), Nora (2012), and Elie (2015)

Former Teaching Places: First year teaching, 14 years running my photography & graphic design business

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August of 2024

Extra Info:

-I enjoy making anything, being outside or on the water, reading, and time with my family

One of your favorite Bible verses:

(SO many – here’s one) “O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought (inquired of) the Lord and required Him [of necessity and on the authority of His Word], and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:3-4 (but really the whole Psalm)

Jessi Fisher

Graduated from: Concordia University Chicago; BS in Elementary Education and Director of Christian Education certification

Family Info:  Married to Nathan for 25 years. Three Boys, Elijah, Caleb and Ephraim

Former Teaching Places:  Second Grade at Greenfield Peace Lutheran School, Detroit, MI; 4 and 5 year old Preschool at Springfield Urban League Head Start, Springfield, IL; 3rd and 4th grade at St. Paul (Austin), Chicago, IL; Kindergarten and 1st grade at Southbury Elementary School, Oswego, IL

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August of 2014, over 16 years teaching

Extra Info: Coach sideline cheer, Scripture reader, small group Bible Study leader

-Enjoy hiking, running, working out, time with family and friends, camping and traveling

-Grew up in rural central Illinois, oldest of 6 kids

One of your favorite Bible verses: “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

Graduated from: Earned a B.A. in Education in 1984 from Concordia College, River Forest, IL

-Earned a M.S. in 1994 from Concordia University in River Forest, IL

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August of 1984

Extra Info: Member of the Cross Foundation

-Enjoys gardening and quilting

One of your favorite Bible verses: “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

Shannon McGregory

Graduated from/Education: Earned a B.S. in Education from Aurora University, Aurora, IL, in 2021

Family Info: I spend a lot of time with my parents, sisters, and love any time I get to spend with my 2 nieces (Evie and Kennedy) and nephew (Henry). My favorite family member might be my adorable dog (Nike).

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August of 2022

Extra Info:

-Short distance track coach

-Enjoys reading, traveling, skiing, exploring new places, and avid movie watcher

One of your favorite Bible verses:

“ Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

Kimberley Fischer

Graduated from/Education: Western Illinois University, majored in Elementary Education

Family Info: Husband (Scott) and children (son, Max and his wife Taylor; daughter, Shelby)

Former Teaching Places: I taught grades Kindergarten through 3rd at St. Peter Lutheran School from 2007 until 2017.

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff as a Teacher Aide in 2017, started 2nd Grade Teaching Position in August 2024.

Extra Info:

We have a second home in South Carolina where we enjoy going to the beach, family vacations, and traveling. I also enjoy reading and am a self-proclaimed “history nerd.”

One of your favorite Bible verses:

“I am the vine and you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

Ellie Strable

Graduated from/Education: Concordia University Chicago

Family Info: I have a brother and a sister. My father is a pastor. I grew up in Fort

Wayne, Indiana going to Lutheran schools my entire life.

Former Teaching Places: I taught 1st and 2nd grade on the west side of Chicago.

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August 2024.

Extra Info: I enjoy going on walks, cooking, and baking.

One of your favorite Bible verses:

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the

believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

Caitlyn Hartley

Bio Coming Soon

Adele Totsky

Graduated from/Education: Earned a B.A. in Education from Concordia College, Milwaukee, WI, in 1986

Family Info: Husband (David) and adult children Jonathan and Kate

Former Teaching Places: Lutheran schools at the following locations in sequential order: Loving Shepherd in Minnetonka, Minnesota; Christ in Denver, Colorado; Zion in Garrett, Indiana; Martin Luther in Joplin, Missouri;  Trinity in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; St. John’s in Portage, Wisconsin; and Mount Olive in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August of 2021

Extra info:

-Involved in a number of activities where my husband is the pastor

-Enjoy creating memories with my family, baking, and traveling

One of your favorite Bible verses:

“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

Karen L. Biermann – Miller

Graduated from/Education:

-B.S. in Education from Concordia College, St. Paul, MN, 1987

-M.S. Ed from Northern Illinois University, 1992

Year starting at Cross:

-Joined Cross Staff in August of 1987

Extra Info:

-Director of Kindergarten choir and school musicals

-Praise team member

-Member of the Fox Valley Therapy Dog Club with dog Hudson

-Enjoys reading, gardening, hiking, snowshoeing, being a swim instructor, playing board games with her grandkids, and going on therapy dog visits

One of your favorite Bible verses:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Alicia Gauss

Graduated from/Education: Earned a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University Wisconsin in 1999

Family Info: Husband (Pastor Erik) and Children (Isabel, Amelia, and Olivia) and Dog (Nala)

Former Teaching Places (if applicable): St. Mark (Houston, TX), St. Paul (DesPeres, MO), Grace (St. Petersburg, FL)

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August 2009

Extra Info (other positions at Cross, volunteer positions, fun facts, hobbies): 

-Director of Middle School Musicals

-Praise Team member

-Enjoys walks, time with friends, attending daughters’ events at college and high school, and good food

One of your favorite Bible verses:

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” Philippians 4:4

Hillary Weis

Graduated from/Education: Earned a B.S. in Education from Northern Illinois University in 2002

-Earned a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from AIU Online in 2005

Family Info: Husband (Mike) and children (Analise, Vivienne, Rainer, Evangeline, and Lorelei)

Former Teaching Places (if applicable): Holy Angels Catholic School in Aurora, IL

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August of 2015

Extra Info: 

-Yearbook Coordinator

-PS through 8th grade substitute teacher and aid

-Enjoys gardening, reading, playing games with my family and watching my kids sports games

One of your favorite Bible verses: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

Kimberly Robbins

Graduated from/Education: Earned a BA in elementary Education from Aurora University.

Family Info: Husband (Ken), and children (Laci and Emily) Dog (Harley)

Former Teaching Places:  Fox Valley YMCA, Plano Illinois

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August 2012

Extra info 

-Assistant cheer coach

-I enjoy watching my kids, hiking, family time, and watching movies.

Bible Verse: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

Cathy Schmeckpeper

Graduated from/Education: Earned a B.S. in Education from Concordia University, River Forest, IL, in 1997

Family Info: Husband (Ryan) and Children (Jack, Logan and Maxwell)

Former Teaching Places (if applicable): St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Chicago Heights and Zion Lutheran Church, Naperville

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August of 2014

Extra Info (other positions at Cross, volunteer positions, fun facts, hobbies): 

-Enjoys hiking, traveling, camping, reading, and watching her children play sports

One of your favorite Bible verses: “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

Chelsea Hill

Graduated from/Education: North Park University

Family Info: I have 2 boys, Owen (2020) and Clark (2017).I’m going on 10 years of marriage with my husband Nate.

Former Teaching Places: This will be my 3rd year teaching Preschool. I’ve also taught Special Education for 3 years.

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August 2024.

Extra Info: I enjoy reading, gardening, crafting, and fitness.

One of your favorite Bible verses: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29

Stacey Oliver

Graduated from/Education: Roosevelt University

Family Info: I have three boys: Xander (2006), Phoenix (2009), and Axel (2016). I have been married to my husband Mason for 19 years.

Former Teaching Places: 1st year teaching preschool

Year starting at Cross: Joined Cross Staff in August 2024.

Extra Info: My hobbies are cooking, reading, and traveling.

One of your favorite Bible verses: “The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26