Mr. Mark thiesfeldt
Principal, Preschool Director, and Teacher (Grade 2)
Current role at RSCA: Mr. Thiesfeldt serves as principal, preschool director, and second grade teacher. He has served at RSCA since 2018.
Past professional experience: Northdale Lutheran School, Tampa, FL - principal and grades 7-8 teacher (2014-2018); English Lutheran School, Viroqua, WI - principal and grades 1-8 teacher (2008-2014)
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Martin Luther College, 2008); Master of Science in Educational Leadership (Martin Luther College, 2018)
Personal notes: Mr. Thiesfeldt grew up in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He and his wife, Jessie, have been blessed with three children: Annalise (RSCA 2025), Graham (RSCA 2027), and Mabel (RSCA 2030). He enjoys music and accompanying worship at Risen Savior.
Mr. Thiesfeldt is thankful for the opportunity God has given him to serve at Risen Savior.
1 John 3:1 - See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
Mrs. Cicely Artis
Academy Aftercare Specialist
Current Role at RSCA: Mrs. Artis serves as the Academy Aftercare Specialist. She has served at RSCA since 2023.
Past professional experience: Dental Technician (1999-2002), Health Services Administration Officer (2002-2022) US ARMY
Education: BS – Psychology (Fayetteville State University, 2002), MS – Health Services Administration ( Central Michigan University, 2010) MS and Doctorate in Christian Education (Trinity Temple College of Religion, 2018)
Personal Notes: Mrs. Artis was born in Oklahoma but spent most of her childhood in North Carolina due to military moves. She and her husband, Joshua have been blessed with a daughter Zion ( RSCA 2030) and they love sports, spending time with extended family and traveling.
Mrs. Artis loves God and serving others. Excited to share the joy of the Lord with anyone she meets.
Proverbs 3:5,6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding, in all thy ways acknowledge Him and he will direct your paths.
Mr. Dan Douglas
Teacher (Grades 5-6)
Current role at RSCA: Mr. Douglas teaches fifth and sixth grades and physical education for grades three through eight. He has served at RSCA since 2021.
Past professional experience: Mr. Douglas has served at two of our Lutheran grade schools before RSCA. He served first at Mt. Calvary Lutheran School in Redding, CA. He served as principal and 5th-8th grade teacher for 10 years. He then moved to Overland Park in Kansas where he served as 5th-8th grade teacher and principal for 5 years. Mr. Douglas also has experience teaching math and physical education in 2nd-4th grade. He has enjoyed coaching a number of sports teams over the years as well.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Martin Luther College, 2006)
Personal notes: Mr. Douglas is married to Katie Douglas (RSCA preschool teacher). They have three children at the Academy - Sophia (RSCA 2024), Ella (RSCA 2026), and Levi (RSCA 2029). Mr. Douglas enjoys a wide variety of activities. He enjoys the outdoors and recreational activities like golf. He and his wife always seem to find new house projects to work on. They’ve enjoyed remodeling the two homes they have lived in and will surely find more projects in their current home. He has recently started a new hobby and has enjoyed dialing in his automotive skills by working on his grandfather’s 1966 F-100.
Mr. Douglas loves serving our young adults and helping them grow academically, socially, and spiritually.
Joshua 1:9 - Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Mrs. katie Douglas
Teacher (2 & 3 Year-Old Preschool)
Current role at RSCA: Mrs. Katie teaches the two and three year-old preschool class. She has served at RSCA since 2021.
Past professional experience: Mrs. Katie served as a Spanish teacher and literacy aid in Redding, California and most recently she served as a Mornings with Mommy program director in Overland Park, Kansas.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Spanish (Minnesota State University - Mankato, 2006)
Personal notes: Mrs. Katie was born and raised in Watertown, Wisconsin. She and her husband, Dan, have been blessed with three children: Sophia (RSCA 2024), Ella (RSCA 2026), and Levi (RSCA 2029).
Mrs. Douglas loves seeing the joy of Jesus that exudes from all the staff members. It is exactly where she wants her kids to grow and nurture in their faith and academics.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Mrs. Katie Hefti
Teacher (Kindergarten)
Current role at RSCA: Mrs. Hefti is the kindergarten teacher. She also teaches music for grades K-2. She has served at RSCA since 2021.
Past professional experience: Mt. Olive Lutheran School, Overland Park, KS - K-1 Aide, 5-8 ELA and Music, 2nd Grade Social Studies and Science (2020-2021); Grafenwoehr Elementary School, Grafenwoehr, Germany - K-5 Music (2018-2020); Reece's Creek Elementary, Killeen, TX - 3rd grade teacher (2008-2009); Zion Lutheran School, Toledo, OH - K-4 and school music teacher (2006-2008)
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education - music minor (Martin Luther College, 2006); Certified Reading and Dyslexia Specialist (Brain Friendly Reading, 2021)
Personal notes: Mrs. Hefti was born and raised in New Ulm, MN. She and her husband, Mike, have been blessed with 4 children: Titus (RSCA 2023), Zeke (RSCA 2024), Gideon (RSCA 2026), and Sonora (RSCA 2029). They are a military family and Ft. Stewart is their 7th duty station. They love to travel, hike, swim, and play board games as a family. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, music, and volleyball.
Mrs. Hefti feels blessed that she can share God's love with the families of RSCA!
John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Ms. Liz Henke
Teacher (Grade 1)
Current role at RSCA: Ms. Henke teaches first grade and STEM for kindergarten through second grade. She has served at RSCA since 2014.
Past professional experience: Risen Savior Lutheran School, Milwaukee, WI - Middle school science and history teacher (2013)
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Martin Luther College, 2013); Pursuing teacher mentoring certificate
Personal notes: Ms. Henke grew up in New Berlin, WI. Her parents and brother and sister in law still reside in Wisconsin. They love to come visit the south! Ms. Henke loves to read books and hang out with family and friends in her free time. She enjoys running and being at the beach. She loves trying new food (especially cheese) and visiting new places!
Ms. Henke enjoys meeting families and building relationships with them. Most importantly, she loves sharing the power of Jesus' resurrection with her students every day!
Psalm 16:11 You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence , with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
Ms. Stephanie Hintz
Teacher (Grade 3&4)
Current role at RSCA: Ms. Hintz teaches third and fourth grade and music for grades three through eight. She has served at RSCA since January 2024.
Past Professional Experience: Ms. Hintz taught preschool at Christ Our Savior Academy for five summers from 2019-2023. She student taught in 1st grade in New Ulm, MN and in 5th-6th grade at Redeemer in Fond du Lac, WI.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in science (Martin Luther College, 2023).
Personal Notes: Ms. Hintz grew up in Franklin, TN. She has four older siblings spread out in Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Illinois. She also has five nieces and nephews who she loves to visit and spoil. She loves spending time with her family and friends, and in her free time, she loves running, reading, baking, playing games, and doing anything outdoors!
Ms. Hintz loves sharing God's love with her students and then watching them share it with others!
Isaiah 64:8 - "Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."
Mrs. Anja Norton
Academy Aide
Current role at RSCA: Mrs. Norton serves as the Kindergarten assistant. She has served at RSCA as the Kindergarten assistant since 2022.
Past professional experience: Mrs. Norton was a nanny for seven years before joining our academy. She has served at RSCA as a preschool teacher’s aide (2019-2021) and a substitute teacher’s aide (2021-2022).
Personal notes: Mrs. Norton was born in Germany, but she was raised in the U.S. She has been a member of Risen Savior Lutheran Church for many years. She and her husband, Robert, have been blessed with four children: Skarlett, Rhett (RSCA 2030), Raegan (RSCA 2032), and Talia. She enjoys singing and spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Norton loves being able to teach children about Jesus.
John 3:16 - For God so loved the world the he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Mrs. Angie Pechman
Teacher (4 year-old preschool)
Current role at RSCA: Mrs. Angie serves as the four year-old preschool teacher. She has been a lead teacher RSCA’s preschool since 2012.
Past professional experience: Salem Lutheran School, Milwaukee, WI - 5th grade and departmentalized 5th-8th grade English and writing (1999-2000). She served as a substitute teacher in all preschool and elementary levels during the years of being a stay at home mom.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Martin Luther College)
Personal notes: Mrs. Pechman grew up in Wisconsin. Her husband, Brian, is the pastor at Risen Savior Lutheran Church. God has blessed her marriage with five children: Caleb, Abby, Naomi, Lydia, and Asher. She enjoys hosting friends and family, watching sports, and playing and planning music for worship at Risen Savior. She is always looking forward to the next time her whole family is together under one roof.
Mrs. Pechman considers it a great privilege to serve her Savior and the families of the Academy.
Romans 5:1 - Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pastor Brian Pechman
Pastor
Current role at RSCA: Brian Pechman serves as pastor at Risen Savior Lutheran Church & Christian Academy. He has served at Risen Savior since December 2011.
Past professional experience: Pastor Pechman has served in a variety of mission fields including Canada and California.
Personal notes: Pastor Pechman is married to Angela. The Lord has blessed our life together with five children: Caleb (and wife, Haley), Abigail, Naomi, Lydia, and Asher.
Mrs. Jessica Schneider
Academy Aide
Current role at RSCA: Mrs. Jessica is an assistant in the 4 year-old preschool classroom, and she helps tutor students in the afternoons. She has served at RSCA as a preschool aide since 2017.
Past professional experience: Mrs. Jessica has worked in various roles as a caretaker. She has experience in working with the elderly and with young children. She worked as a CNA at Cheyenne VA Medical Center and a Kindergarten/1st grade assistant at Grace Academy.
Education: CNA License (Certified Nursing Assistant) - Laramie County Community College, Cheyenne, WY
Personal notes: Jessica was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She and her husband, Jason, have been blessed with two sons who attend RSCA, Garrett (RSCA 2024) and Karsten (RSCA 2027). She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, decorating and cooking.
Mrs. Jessica loves hearing all of the children sing for Jesus every Friday at chapel!
Genesis 28:15 - I am with you and I will watch over you wherever you go.
Mrs. Christine Shawl
Academy Aide
Current role at RSCA: Mrs. Christine is an assistant in the 2 and 3 year-old preschool classroom.
Past professional experience: Mrs. Christine has been a preschool assistant at RSCA since 2020. She is also a dance teacher at two local dance studios. She was a professional concert dancer for 10 years in New York City and Detroit. She has taught dance in colleges, high schools, as well as in many private dance studios for 25 years.
Education: BFA Ohio University; MFA University of Michigan; CMA (Certified Movement Analyst) Laban Institute
Personal notes: Originally from Long Island, NY, Mrs. Christine grew up in Ridgewood, NJ and lived in Royal Oak, MI with her husband Alec before making Pooler home in 2008. She has been blessed with two wonderful children, Katherine and Ryan. In her free time she is usually attending her kids sporting events and performances but also enjoys reading, travel, and down time at the beach.
Mrs. Christine enjoys working together with the staff, parents, and students at RSCA.
Psalm 107:1 - Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.
MRS. MEGAN SPENGLER
Academy Secretary
Current role at RSCA: Mrs. Spengler is the Academy Secretary. She has served at RSCA since 2022.
Past professional experience: Central Pharmacy Purchasing Tech, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (2014-2015), Quality and Regulatory Specialist, Safecor Health in Columbus, OH (2015-2021), Contract Analyst, Mainspring Consulting Group (2021-2022)
Education: AA - Psychology & Early Education (CSCC, 2009), Pharmacy Technician Diploma -CPhT (Everest Institute, 2010), and Auditor training (2021)
Personal notes: Mrs. Spengler grew up in the country on a small vineyard in Ohio. She enjoys listening to music, taking care of animals (especially her rescue pup), visiting museums, and spending time outdoors. She and her husband, Jonathan, have been blessed with two children: Amelia (RSCA 2026) and Jamison (RSCA 2032).
Megan loves meeting new Academy families. It brings her joy to hear the youngest students retell Bible stories and to listen to the children sing during school and church.
Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding
Mrs. Jessie thiesfeldt
Academy Aide
Current role at RSCA: Mrs. Thiesfeldt is an assistant in the 3rd & 4th grade classroom. She has served at RSCA since 2018 and taught first grade during the 2022-2023 school year.
Past professional experience: Northdale Lutheran School, Tampa, FL - substitute teacher and aide (2014-2018); English Lutheran School, Viroqua, WI - substitute teacher and aide (2008-2010 & 2011-2014); preschool and kindergarten teacher (2010-2011)
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (Martin Luther College, 2008)
Personal notes: Mrs. Thiesfeldt was born and raised in Florida. She and her husband, Mark, have been blessed with three children: Annalise (RSCA 2025), Graham (RSCA 2027), and Mabel (RSCA 2030).
Mrs. Maggie Wethington
Academy Aide
Current role at RSCA: Mrs. Maggie is an aide in the 2 & 3 year-old preschool classroom. She also leads the preschool afternoon childcare programs. She has served at RSCA since 2021.
Past professional experience: Mrs. Maggie worked as a caregiver in US Army Child Development Center for 3 years as her husband was serving our great country overseas. Back in the United States, she worked for a private daycare as an aide for the preschool program.
Personal notes: Mrs. Maggie grew up in Rochelle, IL. After graduating from High School, she joined the U.S. Army and met her future husband while serving in Germany. She and Bill have a daughter who is married with two children (Rylee and Aiden) living in South Carolina. She has lived in Georgia since 1995 when her husband retired from the U.S. Army. They are members of Risen Savior Lutheran Church. They enjoy spending time with grandchildren and taking rides on our motorcycle. They have two dogs who bring them joy - Lizzy, a 16 year-old Yorkie, and Blue, a 3 year-old Chihuahua, who is blind since birth.
Mrs. Maggie loves serving and working with people who have the same desire as she does, to make known to all the Agape Love of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:8 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Mr. Josh Wong
Teacher (Grades 7-8)
Current role at RSCA: Mr. Wong teaches seventh and eighth grades and STEM for grades three through eight. He has served at RSCA since 2021.
Educational degree/qualifications: Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Secondary Education - Math (Martin Luther College, 2021)
Personal notes: Mr. Wong was born and raised in New Ulm, Minnesota. He comes from a large family with 3 older brothers, 3 younger sisters, and 2 siblings-in-law. He and his wife, Betsy (former RSCA teacher), have been blessed with a daughter (Elsie). He enjoys playing and watching sports, outdoor activities, and watching movies.
Mr. Wong is eager to humbly serve RSCA and to share God’s Word with his students every day. To God be the Glory.