Meet Our Staff

Jace Holden

RLS Principal & Tiny Treasures Preschool Director

Education:

• 2016-2017 Buell Fellow for Early Childhood Leadership, University of Colorado Denver
• 2006 Staff Ministry, Martin Luther College, New Ulm, NM
• 1991 Bachelor of Arts K-12 Education, Ottawa University

Experience:

• 24 years in Lutheran Education
• 2009 – Current: Preschool Director of Tiny Treasures Preschool Delta, CO
• 2006 – 2009: Preschool Director St. Mark Lutheran Church Salina, KS
• 1998 – 2005: Ministry Director Uncompahgre Valley Cora Hispanic Mission

Personal Philosophy:
I don’t teach curricula, I teach children. Each child is a unique gift from God and we endeavor daily to build relationships with them and their families. Individualization is the art of successful teaching.

Personal Interests:
Liverpool Football Club, Lutheran Church History, hiking the San Juan Triangle and some occasional woodworking.

Favorite Bible Verse:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. There you will be able to taste and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12: 1,2

Fun Fact:
1989 NAIA Academic All American, Men’s Soccer Ottawa University

Paul Althaus

Education:

• B.S. in Education, Concordia University Nebraska

Experience:
Prior to joining the staff at Redeemer, I was a teacher for 26 years in the Montrose County School District. I have coached high school basketball and soccer in both Montrose and Olathe. I taught and coached for four years at St. John’s College in Winfield, Kansas.

Personal Philosophy:
When students are in a stimulating educational setting where they feel safe, accepted, and loved, they are willing to share their ideas, take risks and be a part of the school community.  I have high expectations for each of my students and I challenge them to work hard to reach their God-given potential.

Personal Interests:
I enjoy coaching, watching, and participating in sports, outdoor activities, picture framing, woodworking, gardening, reading, and time with my family.

Favorite Bible Verse:
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”  John 15:5

Nora Waldow

6th, 7th & 8th Grade Teacher

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Teacher Certification from Mesa State University in 1996
• Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Adams State College in 2004
• Special Education Endorsement in 2014

Experience:

• 28 years in Education in Montrose County School District
• K-12 Substitute Teacher 3 years
• 4th Grade Teacher 5 years
• Reading Interventionist 6 years
• 2nd Grade Teacher 5 ½ years
• 5th Grade Teacher .5 year
• 3^rd – 5^th Grade Special Education Teacher 1 year
• 6^th -8^th Grade Special Education Teacher 7 years
• Coached Girls on the Run 14 years
• Coached 7^th Grade Volleyball 3 years

Personal Philosophy:
Every child is wonderfully made to be unique and special in God’s eyes. It is my privilege to approach every student with love, kindness, a sense of belonging, and high expectations so that he or she will be secure in the fact that they are full of potential, hope, and the power to be successful. In that, he or she will have the freedom to know, question, explore, and learn.

Personal Interests:
I love spending time with family and friends. I have 3 grown sons and 2 granddaughters. During the summertime, I enjoy hiking the surrounding areas and 14ers with dear friends. When I have chance, I like to escape to the mountains for camping and 4 wheeling.

Favorite Bible Verse:
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Joshua Heinecke

4th & 5th Grade Teacher

Education:

• B.S in Elementary Education, Concordia University Nebraska.

Experience:

I taught for 3 years in Lutheran schools and have spent the past 17 years teaching in the Montrose County School District.

Personal Philosophy:
I believe that teaching is not just about conveying knowledge, but about helping students develop a sense of purpose and direction in their lives. I also believe that character development is just as important as academic achievement. I am here to help students grow in their faith and develop a deeper understanding of God’s love and teachings.

Personal Interests:
I enjoy anything outdoors; hunting, fishing, camping, and spending time with my family. I also love playing, coaching, and watching sports.

Favorite Bible Verse:
This is my confirmation verse: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Hannah Hohenstein

3rd Grade Teacher

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree Liberal Arts: Elementary Education-Social Science, Colorado Mesa University

Experience:
This is my first year as a full-time teacher. I have been a paraprofessional on the Special Education bus at Cedaredge for three years and was a substitute paraprofessional at Cedaredge Elementary School for three years. I observed in both a third-grade and a first-grade classroom for my college classes. I did my student teaching with a third-grade class at Cedaredge Elementary School.

Personal Philosophy:
I believe that every educator needs to be driven by love: love for the students and love for the profession. Jesus has shown us the greatest love the world has ever known, and it is our job as Christians to show that love to everyone we meet. I hope to show that love to my students each and every day. That love will drive me to make the best decisions for the students.

Personal Interests:
I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, especially playing board games and card games. I enjoy reading a good book or assembling a jigsaw puzzle to help me pass the time.

Favorite Bible Verse:
1 John 4:11 – Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. (KJV)
Galatians 6:9 – Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (NIV)
Matthew 5:16 – In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. (NIV 1984)

Sarah Weber

1st & 2nd Grade Teacher

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Elementary Education
• Master’s Degree in Learning and Technology

Experience:

• Three years substitute teaching, K-5th grades, Olathe Elementary School
• Eighteen years teaching 1st grade, Olathe Elementary School

Personal Philosophy:
My personal philosophy is to be a servant of Christ and allow His light to shine through me. I believe every child is God’s special creation and needs to be cared for and treated as a treasure. I believe high expectations lead to high achievers.

Personal Interests:
I love being with family, enjoying a good cup of coffee, and being outdoors taking pleasure in God’s creation.

Favorite Bible Verses:
“I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

“I lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

Amy Mummert

Kindergarten Teacher

Education:

• Post B.S. Teaching Licensure, Colorado Mesa University
• Master’s Degree, Curriculum and Instruction, Western Governors University

Experience:

• Fifteen Years teaching Kindergarten and First Grade.

Personal Philosophy:
I believe each child is a true gift from God and I want to be a positive influence in students’ lives and give glory to our Lord and Savior. I strive to implement best teaching practices during instruction to meet the needs of students of all ability levels in the classroom.

Personal Interests:
I am married to my husband Mark and we have one daughter. We enjoy the beautiful Colorado outdoors by hunting, fishing, gardening, and many other activities.

Favorite Bible Verse:
“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall not thirst.’”  John 3:65

Andrea Van Fossan

Early Childhood Teacher/Assistant Preschool Director

Education:

• Attended school and college studying childcare in Kent, England.
• Early Childhood Education classes through The College of the Rockies and Colorado Mesa University.

Experience:

• Worked with preschool and elementary-age children in England.
• Worked with preschoolers at three of the Lutheran schools in Denver.
• Currently a qualified teacher and assistant preschool director.

Personal Philosophy:
At Tiny Treasures Preschool,  I enjoy the daily opportunity of sharing God’s Word as well as helping children learn social, emotional and problem-solving skills, make friends, and show kindness. I focus on providing our preschoolers with a safe and happy Christian environment while giving each child time to experience and grow in all areas of development.

Personal Interests:
I was born in England. I met and married Kurt in England. We have two grown children, a son-in-law, a daughter in-law and three grandchildren. In addition to spending time with our growing family whenever possible, Kurt and I enjoy fishing and camping. I enjoy walking, reading and creating photo albums.

Favorite Bible Verse:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Amanda Edwards

Early Childhood Teacher

Education:

• Early Childhood Education Certificate.

Experience:

• Nine years working in Early Childhood Education, which has always been a passion.

Personal Philosophy:
The world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.

Personal Interests:
I have lived in Delta County my whole life. I am a proud mother to two children, ages 19 and 13. I enjoy hiking, fishing, reading, and spending time with my children.

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

Pastor Schaller

RLC Pastor & RLS 3rd – 8th Grade Religion Teacher

Education:

• 2019 Master of Divinity, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN
• 2013 Bachelor of Arts Theology, Concordia University Chicago

Experience:

• 2024-Present: Pastor Redeemer Lutheran Church and School, Delta CO
• 2019-2024: Pastor Faith in Christ & Redeemer Lutheran Church, Albuquerque NM
• 2014-2015: Music director & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator Immanuel Lutheran And Trinity Lutheran, Bridgman/Sawyer MI
• 2012-2014: Youth Ministry Coordinator, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Elmhurst IL

Personal Philosophy:
Children are a gift from the Lord to be celebrated and received in joy. It is the call of the church and every parent to train them up in the way they should go bringing them, from infancy, to Christ. It is our task to teach children then not only “reading, writing and arithmetic” but to teach them that they are children of God, that is they have been created, redeemed and sanctified by God.

Personal Interests:
My wife, Amy, and I love spending time with our 4 kids hiking most every chance we get. I also enjoy backpacking, fishing, archery, woodworking, playing guitar, and occasionally, when I have the opportunity, rock climbing. I also enjoy learning any new trade or skill that I can.

Favorite Bible Verse:
“And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” Corinthians 2:1-5

Bobbi Koppes

Secretary