“Coming Home” – Lutheran East and Lutheran West Graduates Return to Alma Maters to Work, Serve, and Thrive

This article was originally published in the CLHSA Annual Report in November 2024. To see it in its original form within the publication, click here.

Falcon and Longhorn alumni have long been the heartbeat of our schools’ lasting sense of community. It’s no wonder that so many of them choose to return to Lutheran East and Lutheran West to work and share their love of our schools with the next generation.

We’re consistently humbled and proud that “community” and “family” are two of the most commonly used words to describe our schools. The welcoming, supportive environment is one of the driving forces behind the fact that so many Lutheran East and Lutheran West alumni choose to return to pursue careers at our schools. For the 2024-2025 school year, the CLHSA employs over 200 faculty members, staff, administrators, coaches, program directors, and substitutes between the two schools. Of that total, 36 are graduates of Lutheran East or Lutheran West. Let’s get to know them.

Marissa (Stover) Adams, Lutheran West Class of 2008
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Art Teacher, Asst. Softball Coach
College attended: College of Wooster – Studio Art major; Mathematics minor
Has served the CLHSA for: 4 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “The familiarity. I have grown up in the Lutheran West community. My father, Mark Stover, has been a teacher at Lutheran West since I was born! I now work with people that once taught me, but also have known me my whole life. It is a true family community that we have and I know I will always be taken care of and prayed for.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “I LOVED Homecoming Week. I enjoyed making all the decorations, designing t-shirts, and playing in the games. The pep social was always a favorite, with the court and Larios. My senior year, my friend Rebecca Dobbins and I won the tug of war competition. Also, the annual Pops Concerts were always some of my favorite events. We sang Bohemian Rhapsody and a High School Musical medley one year and everyone was so into it!

Debi (Hayas) Albrecht, Lutheran West Class of 1985
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Alumni Director and Special Events Coordinator
College attended: Lorain Community College – Nursing
Has served the CLHSA for: 10 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “Meeting alumni, and the relationships being built between faculty and current students.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “Chapel sevices bring back the most vivid, faith-transforming memories.”

Rachel Bender, Lutheran West Class of 2019
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Middle School Math and Religion Teacher
College attended: Concordia University Wisconsin – Lutheran Elementary and Special Education
Has served the CLHSA for: 1 year
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “The amazing staff who are very supportive and welcoming, as well as the ability to teach others about God on a daily basis.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “Helping organize the yearly service day as a student. It was really neat to see all of the students go out and serve, making a positive impact in the community.”

Natalie Bielawski, Lutheran West Class of 2015
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Flag Line Coach
College attended: Tiffin University – Business Administration
Has served the CLHSA for: 3.5 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “The community. As a third-generation LW Longhorn alumna, I was raised in the Longhorn community. I have always been surrounded by faith and by this community’s encouragement to allow the Lord to guide me in life. I would not be where I am today without the support I have received from the faculty and staff through the years as both a student and now a coach. Being able to surround myself in this community constantly reminds me of the blessings of faith and family. So many staff have sent their children here, and I plan for my future children to be fourth-generation Longhorns.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “Friday night football games. It is incredible to think back on spending four years twirling a flag at halftime on that field as I now watch my 17 girls do it each Friday in the fall from the sidelines as a coach. Those ‘Friday night lights’ helped get me a college scholarship and continue color guard and dance team in college.”

Charley Davis, Lutheran West Class of 2020
Current school and role: Lutheran East – English Teacher
College attended: Kent State University – Integrated Language Arts
Has served the CLHSA for: 1 year
Favorite part of working at Lutheran East: “My favorite part of working at Lutheran East is the culture that each student brings to the classroom. Students are not shy to share their personal experiences. This allows me to learn more about them and make the learning conducive to their needs. Also, the students at Lutheran East are ready to praise.
I love being in a place that makes sure worship is authentic and directed.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “As a student at West, I took statistics for the volleyball team. That experience provided me numerous leadership opportunities that I will never take for granted. With the knowledge of the sport and statistics program, I now assist the Lutheran East volleyball team!”

Alex Farrell, Lutheran West Class of 2017
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Head Cheer Coach
Has served the CLHSA for: 1 year
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “My favorite part is the community and reconnecting with former teachers.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “Homecoming Weeks!”

Mark Fenske, Lutheran West Class of 1998
Current school and role(s): CLHSA – Technology Director
College attended: Malone University – Mathematics
Has served the CLHSA for: 22 years
Favorite part of working at the CLHSA: “Impacting students’ lives and working with the greatest faculty on Earth!”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “The Monday Night Bible Study at Jim Fenske’s house.”

Dave Geye, Lutheran West Class of 1982
Current school and role: Lutheran West – PE & Health Teacher, Assistant Athletic Director
Has served the CLHSA for: 24 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “Seeing my own children come through Lutheran West and then seeing the impact this school had on them academically and spiritually as they have now entered their adult lives.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “The friends that I made and the influence that people like Joel Gesch and Karen Wittrock had on me, who truly led me to the life of coaching and teaching that I ended up pursuing.”

Gregory Kita, Lutheran East Class of 1993
Current school and role: Lutheran East – Vice Principal of Student Culture
College attended: Baldwin Wallace
Has served the CLHSA for: 9 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran East: “Serving God’s children.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran East: “The impact the faculty had on me as a student and their ability to strengthen my relationship with Christ each and every day. I try to follow their example every day with my students.”

Sara Koza, Lutheran West Class of 1984
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West Teacher – Middle School Science
College(s) attended: Baldwin Wallace (undergrad), Marygrove (graduate)
Has served the CLHSA for: 3 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: I get to work with some of the teachers I had, that my kids had, and teachers I taught in middle school (since I served at St. Paul for many years before West!)
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: Homecoming – we covered the gym, floor to ceiling and wall to wall, with huge posters we painted. We spent many nights leading up to the pep social decorating the ENTIRE school.

Philip Kozar, Lutheran West Class of 1999
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West Teacher – P.E., Middle School STEM
College attended: Ashland University
Has served the CLHSA for: 6 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “The community of faculty and educators that have become family, working together to increase God’s kingdom.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “Setting Mr. Becker’s chemistry lab temporarily on fire while he was working out problems on the chalkboard—and yes, it was an actual chalkboard.”

Dave Krieger, Lutheran West Class of 2008
Current school and role: Lutheran West – Strength & Conditioning Coach, Football Defensive Coordinator
College attended: John Carroll – Exercise Science
Has served the CLHSA for: 10 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “My favorite part is being able to work with our athletes every day. With the weight room renovation, I was able to create sport specific programs for all of our competitive sports. I am blessed to be able to motivate, teach, and work with our athletes all year round. I enjoy seeing them continually improve and reach their goals.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “Friday night lights! Lutheran West football helped create who I am today. I will never forget going to battle with my Longhorn brothers every Friday night in the fall. I loved the off-season grind in the weight room. It was the complete experience, from summer two-a-days and in-season practices, to the team bonding activities like Thursday night team dinners and post-game trips to Applebee’s. My teammates and I did everything together, and I made lifelong friendships through my experience as a Longhorn football player.”

Sam Liggins, Lutheran East Class of 2005
Current school and role: Lutheran East – PE Teacher, Head Boys’ Basketball Coach
College attended: Alderson Broaddus University – Sports Management
Has served the CLHSA for: 10 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran East: “I love the staff and the school culture.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran East: “Being a part of the 2005 Boys’ Basketball State Final Four run!”

Matthew Luecke, Lutheran West Class of 2006
Current school and role(s): Lutheran East – Vice Principal of Curriculum & Instruction
College attended: The Ohio State University – Integrated Language Arts; Concordia Ann Arbor – Lutheran Teacher Diploma; Fellow of Calvin University’s Van Lunen Center for Executive Management in Christian Schools
Has served the CLHSA for: 10 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran East: “The relationships that I get to build with our students. They are great and I have a ton of fun working with them.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “I really enjoyed playing sports and taking Ms. Wittrock’s PE classes.”

Kurt Maechner, Lutheran West of 1994
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Middle School Chapel Director, English and Religion Teacher
College attended: Baldwin Wallace – English for Secondary Education
Has served the CLHSA for: 25 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “It’s an honor to be on the other side of the desk of the school that helped lead me to faith in Jesus. I love the school’s commitment to great education and serious pursuit of advancing God’s kingdom.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “Lutheran West is where I met students like Mark Felten and teachers like Jim Fenske and Tracy Sakata, all of whom played instrumental roles in my growth as a young follower of Jesus.”

Joshua Malave, Lutheran West Class of 2008
Current school and roles: CLHSA – Director of The Lutheran Scholarship Granting Organization of Ohio, Lutheran West – Head Wrestling Coach
College attended: University of Mount Union
Has served the CLHSA for: 2 years
Favorite part of working at the CLHSA: “I enjoy the opportunity to help support students and their families academically, athletically, and socially. Lutheran West has meant so much
in my journey.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “Competing at the OHSAA State Wrestling Tournament.”

Aubrey Montie, Class of 2017
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – English Teacher, Volleyball Coach
College attended: Bowling Green State University – Education
Has served the CLHSA for: 4 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “I love the opportunity to work with students and watch them grow every day.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “The Outdoor Adventure class camping trip with Mr. Geye. We learned several outdoor skills and had a great time!”

Jacob O’Hara, Class of 2007
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Dean of the Middle School
College attended: Concordia University of Chicago – Lutheran Elementary Education; Concordia University Portland – Masters in Educational Leadership
Has served the CLHSA for: 7 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “Seeing God work in the lives of our students, seeing the growth in LW as a school but it still feeling like it used to.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “Going to the Regional Finals in basketball!”

Brandon Owens, Lutheran East Class of 2001
Current school and role(s): Lutheran East – Faith Formation Teacher
College attended: Temple Bible College
Has served the CLHSA for: 3 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran East: “Working with each and every student.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran East: “Singing in the choir!”

Miranda Pflaum, Lutheran West Class of 2015
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Vice Principal of Admissions & Enrollment
College attended: Baldwin Wallace – Marketing
Has served the CLHSA for: 3 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “I love being able to assist families in learning more about our school and what sets us apart from other institutions in the area. I had such a great experience at Lutheran West, and it is an amazing feeling helping other students start their educational journey as Longhorns.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “My favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West has to be Homecoming Week of my senior year!”

David Quayle, Lutheran West Class of 2017
Current school and role: Lutheran West – Men’s Soccer Coach
College attended: Baldwin Wallace University – Finance
Has served the CLHSA for: 1 year
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “Giving back to the next generation of kids and helping them develop into great young men as the Men’s Soccer Coach.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “Beating Lakewood and Rocky River my senior year soccer season (2016) for the first time in recorded history. Also, Ethics class with Mr. Jim Fenske was impactful; he was my favorite teacher.”

Owen Rasmussen, Lutheran West Class of 2000
Current school and role: Lutheran West – Video Coordinator, Special Projects
College attended: Concordia St. Paul – Music; Youngstown State University – Doctorate, Physical Therapy
Has served the CLHSA for: 5 years (plus many more as a volunteer!)
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “I love inspiring students to learn about technology, especially in the audio/visual realm.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “I enjoyed participating in the high school Bible study and growing in my faith and leadership skills there.”

Dave Ressler, Lutheran West Class of 1986
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Social Studies Teacher, Middle School Athletic Director, Assistant Wrestling Coach
College attended: Kent State University – Secondary Education (Social Studies); American Military University – Master’s in History
Has served the CLHSA for: 31 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “Seeing the spiritual, academic, and athletic growth in our students during their years at West.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “After-Prom junior year, my first date with my future wife, and wrestling in the OHSAA State Tournament my senior year.”

Jacob Ressler, Lutheran West Class of 2015
Current school and role(s): Lutheran East – Technology Coordinator; Lutheran West – Asst. Wrestling Coach
College attended: Cleveland State University – Computer Science
Has served the CLHSA for: 1 year (but 12 years total in all capacities!)
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “The students. They’re the reason we’re all here doing what we do. Getting to know them and watch them grow as people, and having the opportunity to help guide them down the right path through our words and actions is a blessing and a privilege that should never be taken for granted.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “Wrestling season my senior year. We were a small but experienced team, and close-knit to the point it truly felt like a family (I’m sure having my dad as the head coach probably helped with that, too). We all pushed each other to be the best we could be, not just as athletes, but also as teammates, as friends, as students, and as Christians. The strong bonds we had made every practice and event a joy to be a part of.”

Cindy (Puls) O’Hara Schlotman, Class of 1981
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – PE Teacher; PE Department Head
College attended: Concordia University Chicago – Mathematics / Physical Education
Has served the CLHSA for: 10 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “I believe in the mission of the school….LW teaches the TRUTH about all things—and we do it well. You not only get a great education but you get a Christian education—which prepares you not only for the workforce, but for eternity. I was a part of the community as a student, a parent (who sent 4 children here), and now I’m on the faculty.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “I remember the Homecoming celebrations—they were a bit different back then—bonfires in the back instead of fireworks, class posters that filled the gym from floor to ceiling. I remember great friends and all of the coaches and teachers that I had—I chose my profession because I loved my teachers and coaches at West.”

Steven Schneider, Lutheran West Class of 1988
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Bowling Coach
College attended: Cleveland State University – Mechanical Engineering
Has served the CLHSA for: 5 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “Being able to teach students how to bowl competitively and the support the Athletic Department provides.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “Being part of the first baseball team at Lutheran West in 1987.”

Morgan Schultz, Lutheran West Class of 2017
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Librarian, Dance Teacher
College attended: Cleveland State University – BA in Spanish and Liberal Studies; MBA
Has served the CLHSA for: 3 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “I love seeing the students grow over the course of the school year and their entire time at Lutheran West. I’ve seen students truly grow and mature. A favorite is guiding students to finally find books that they can enjoy and love reading!”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “I think back fondly on my time in the Drama productions—four plays and four musicals over four years! I loved being able to make my own prom dress with the skills I learned in sewing class at West.”

Elliot Spaudie, Lutheran West Class of 2008
Current school and role(s): CLHSA – Photo/Video/Social Content Coordinator
College attended: Concordia University Wisconsin & Valparaiso University
Has served the CLHSA for: 1 month!
Favorite part of working at the CLHSA: “The community and vocation I get from supporting our partner schools and churches’ ministry.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “Our class ‘Swestivus’ celebration after each semester’s finals. We’d caravan to the Seven Hills Swensons, eat some Galley Boys, and hang out.”

Chris Steinmann, Lutheran West Class of 2000
Current school and role(s): CLHSA – Superintendent & CEO, Lutheran East – Acting Principal
College attended: Concordia University – Economics / Secondary Education; Concordia University Chicago – MA in Theology & Biblical Languages; Calvin University – Executive Management of Christian Schools; American College of Financial Services – CAP (Chartered Advisor of Philanthropy) designation
Has served the CLHSA for: 21 years
Favorite part of working at the CLHSA: “I love seeing students grow in the gifts they’ve been given.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “I have a ton of great memories. Seeing as how my wife is a LW alumna (Sara Maurath ’99), I’ll go with Prom 1999. That was our first
‘serious’ date (or as serious as two teenagers can be!). We’re married now, so I guess it went well!”

Mark Stover, Lutheran West Class of 1981
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Industrial Engineering Teacher & Department Head
College attended: Concordia University River Forest – Art major; Industrial Arts minor
Has served the CLHSA for: 37 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “I have enjoyed all of the roles I’ve been given at Lutheran West (including Coach, Athletic Event Supervisor, Ski Club Advisor, Drama Set Construction Advisor, Custodian, and even Actor!―General George Armstrong Custer in “Bad Day at Gopher’s Breath” and Bad Guy #2 in “The Pink Panther” (both plays put on by faculty & staff). These plays benefited Lutheran West students in need; all proceeds went to the tuition assistance program at the time. These productions were done solely by the faculty and staff (and a few administrators too!). It was a lot of fun to be a part of.” My favorite daily activity is working side by side with students as they learn and experience how to operate power machinery. To me, that’s cool!”

Jackie (Mader) Thomas, Lutheran West Class of 2017
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Science Teacher, Head Softball Coach
College attended: Bowling Green State University – Biology / Psychology
Has served the CLHSA for: 1 year
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “I get to share my love of science with my students, as well as helping them grow their love of the Lord.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “I met my best friends during my time at Lutheran West. I am now married to one of them (husband Nolan Thomas ’17), and I get to work with the other every day here at West!”

Joseph Tolonen, Lutheran West Class of 2015
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Assistant Music Director, Pianist, Composer in Residence
College attended: Southeastern University – Ministerial Leadership
Has served the CLHSA for: 7 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “My favorite part of working at Lutheran West is the Christian community and atmosphere. I’m grateful to teach at a school that openly believes in, lives out, and shares the Christian faith and the Good News of the Gospel day in and day out.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “My favorite memory is performing in Band and Choir concerts. The Pops Concert was an especially fun and unique concert at which to perform.”

Miriam Uffelman, Lutheran West Class of 2007
Current school and role(s): Lutheran East – Director of Student Life, Assistant Athletic Director
College attended: The Ohio State University – BA in Spanish; University of Missouri – M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction
Has served the CLHSA for: 9 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran East: Spirit Week – I love the students’ creativity and energy during the week!
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: Mr. Fenske’s Christian Ethics class – I still have my notebook!

Adam Zehnder, Lutheran West Class of 2008
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Drama Director
College attended: John Carroll University – BS in Biology; Cleveland State University – MBA (Healthcare Administration)
Has served the CLHSA for: 10 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “My favorite part is building a community of students, from different walks of life, that work together to use their God-given talents to create something bigger than themselves.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “Homecoming Weeks!”

Nolan Zubin, Lutheran West Class of 2014
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Marching Band Director
College attended: University of Akron – Biology
Has served the CLHSA for: 5 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “Seeing the joy on students’ faces after a successful performance.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “The band trip to Disney World when my wife (Amy Klass Zubin ’15) and I started dating.

Megan Zuendel, Lutheran West Class of 2017
Current school and role(s): Lutheran West – Admissions Department
Has served the CLHSA for: 2.5 years
Favorite part of working at Lutheran West: “The community and watching my alma mater continue to grow and thrive.”
Favorite memory as a student at Lutheran West: “Soccer bonding / lock-in and Homecoming Week.