Karen Riley
Kindergarten
I began the first three years of my teaching ministry in Pigeon Michigan with grades K-2. I then taught Grades 5 and 6 as well as departmentalized subjects of Art, Physical Education, and Literature at David's Star in Jackson, WI for seven years. After teaching Grade 2 for two years at Our Redeemer in Madison, I was married and moved to the Sun Prairie area. I have been teaching Kindergarten at Peace since 2005.
I am a 1982 graduate of Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, WI and received my Bachelor of Science Degree in 1986 from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. In 2015 I received my Mentoring/Coaching Certificate from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.
Teaching God's precious children about their Savior from sin each day is a true blessing. I am reminded over and over how the young children take the Savior's Truths to heart with such faith. How precious He is to them! We can all with childlike faith believe God's words are meant for us.
"I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children." -- Luke 10:21.
Lynn Proeber
1st Grade
I grew up in Waupaca, Wisconsin and attended Fox Valley Lutheran High School. I then studied at Martin Luther College and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. For 5 years I taught four year olds at a daycare in Sun Prairie, WI. After staying home with our children, Peace called me to teach 1st grade in 2019. I have also served as a church organist here at Peace since 2008.
I strive to have a Christ-centered classroom in daily teaching and sharing God's Word with my students. My prayer is that we all continue to grow and mature in our faith on a daily basis. What a blessing and privilege to share our Savior with students and watch them grow in their faith.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." -- Romans 8:28
Lisa Myhre
1st Grade
Teaching was my first passion and second career. I graduated from UW-LaCrosse in 2003 with a double major in Accounting and Finance and worked as a CPA for nine years until I stayed home to raise my three boys. In 2018, I went back to school for a Master’s degree in Education from Wisconsin Lutheran College. After obtaining my teaching license, I was called for one year to teach 1st Grade at Westside Christian School in Middleton, WI. I have since been blessed to be part of the staff at Peace in various roles including teacher’s aide, 5th and 6th Literature and Math teacher, and 1st Grade co-teacher. I have also taught Sunday school at my home church, Lord of Love Lutheran in DeForest, for the past 12 years.
In my classroom, I strive to create a safe, loving, and respectful learning environment where our Savior is at the center of all we do. My goal is to meet my students where they are at and assist them in growing spiritually, academically, and emotionally using their God-given talents and abilities to do so. In this approach, my prayer is that the Holy Spirit deepens the students’ faith and they develop a life-long love of learning.
Kiernan Handy
2nd Grade
I was born and raised in Lacrosse, WI and graduated from Luther High School in 2015. In May of 2019, I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from Martin Luther College. I was also assigned to serve here at Peace as the second-grade teacher and am excited to begin my teaching ministry here at Peace Lutheran.
I strive to have a Christ-centered classroom first and foremost. My prayer is that every student will feel safe and cared for as they step foot into my classroom, by me but also by their Lord and Savior. In this classroom, there will be challenges to help each student grow academically and spiritually as they explore all of what second grade has to offer.
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." -- Joshua 1:9 No matter what we are doing, we shall always be encouraged that the Lord is with us wherever we go
Jennifer Lindloff
3rd Grade
After graduating from MLC I was assigned to teach first grade at Emanuel Lutheran in New London, WI. After six years I accepted a call to St. John's Milwaukee, where I again taught first grade and served for four years. In 2015 I began teaching third grade at Peace Lutheran.
I am a 2001 graduate of Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, WI and a 2005 graduate of Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education.
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." -- Proverbs 22:6 What a privilege to assist parents in the Christian education of their children! I strive to keep Christ as the center of our classroom and our daily interactions with each other as we serve Him and one another in love.
Lisa Schoenherr
4th Grade
My teaching ministry began in Columbus, Ohio, where I taught grades Kindergarten and seven and eight for five years. Then I was called to teach third grade in Jefferson, WI, where I served for six years. After taking time for raising my children, I have been teaching here at Peace since 2012. In all my callings I have been an organist and Jr. Choir director as well as a teacher.
My Bachelor Of Science Degree in Education was received in 1991 from Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN.
In my classroom, I want to create an environment where we are a family. I want my students to feel safe and loved by me, their classmates, and most importantly, by their Savior, Jesus. In this environment, my students can be challenged to do their best and develop a love for life-long learning. My personal love for God's gift of music is something that I try to share with my students when I encourage them to explore how they can best use their musical talents to serve the Lord.
Kevin Proeber, Jr.
5th Grade/ Athletic Director
Since 2007 God has blessed me with the opportunity to serve here at Peace Lutheran School in Sun Prairie.
I graduated from Lakeside Lutheran High School in 2002. I graduated from Martin Luther College in 2007. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Minor in Social Studies, as well as an emphasis in Music.
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life." (John 14:6) As a Christian education teacher, I strive to show my students and families this truth daily in my teaching, work, and interactions. I believe in bringing this truth to the forefront of my teaching, remembering everyday of the Father's love for us, the Son's work to save us, and the Spirit's work to keep us in that faith. This truth will also propel students to excel in their learning out of love for their Savior. God has called me to train my students in the Word, as well as help them to grow academically and emotionally. It is my prayer that throughout life, the students will always recall that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
Jordan Paustian
6th Grade
I grew up in Racine, Wi and graduated from Shoreland Lutheran High School. After graduating MLC with an emphasis in history, I spent a year teaching English in China before moving out to teach 6th grade social studies in Casa Grande, Az for five years. I then accepted a call to teach 4-5 homeroom and 4-8 science and art in Friendswood, Tx for the next five years. I moved back up to Wisconsin and began teaching 6th grade homeroom and 5-8 social studies here at Peace in 2024.
I aim for a classroom where students see God’s gifts every day; whether it’s His creation, His hand throughout history, their talents and abilities, or–most importantly–Jesus’ saving work. We work together to love learning and praise God!
Andrew Kramer
7th Grade
I grew up near New Ulm, MN, and graduated from Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School in 2018. I graduated from Martin Luther College in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree with an emphasis on vocal and instrumental music, and was assigned to Peace to teach 7th grade for my first call.
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do" (Eph. 2:10). My ministry at Peace remains a daily reminder of this verse, that serving God in whatever capacity you are called to do is a blessing. As I lead my classroom to new insights and new adventures, this age-old truth remains: God knows what is best for us. I strive to inspire my students to be life-long learners of his Word and his creation, especially as it relates to how we can show Christ's love and share it with others.
I recently accepted a call to St. Croix Lutheran Academy to teach middle school band and other classes beginning next school year. Peace will be greatly missed!
Sarah Bilitz
7th/8th Grade Language Arts
I grew up in Burlington, Wisconsin, and attended Shoreland Lutheran High School. I graduated from Martin Luther College and taught grades 3 - 5 at St. Paul's in East Troy for 3 years. After a few years off to stay home with my children, I began teaching Language Arts for 7th and 8th grades at Peace in 2014.
"It is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" -- Ephesians 2:8 & 9. This was my confirmation passage, and its truth has guided me through my life. Nothing that we are or can do can save us, but only Christ's atoning work. It is only through God's grace that we can learn and grow in our faith and love for one another in our classroom and in our families.
Steve White
8th Grade / Principal
Steve grew up in East Troy, WI and attended Shoreland Lutheran before going to MLC. Steve and his wife Kailey have 4 boys: Ross, Nash, Maverick, Jackson. Steve student taught at Peace in 2012, and is excited to reconnect with Peace members. A self-termed "sportsy guy," Steve enjoys sports of all kinds, but baseball is decidedly his favorite. True to his roots, Steve is a fan of the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, and Bucks. His extracurricular time is spent with his kids. Steve and Kailey love to travel. They loved their time in London and hope to go again. Steve and his family look forward to serving at Peace to spread the joy that we share in the Gospel message. "May God bless our time here together."
Amanda Thiede
Phys. Ed. Teacher
Amanda received her Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Physical Education and minors in Health Education and Coaching Athletics. Amanda played high school basketball and collegiate basketball at the University of Wisconsin Fond du Lac. Amanda taught elementary Physical Education for six years in the Portage Community School District in Portage, WI. Also, during her time in Portage, she coached freshman girls basketball, middle school volleyball and middle school track. She married her husband, Joel, in December 2009 and welcomed their daughter in October 2013. Amanda was a stay-at-home mom until their daughter began 4K at Peace Lutheran Early Childhood Center, in 2009. This is also the same time Amanda began her teaching career at Peace Lutheran School. In her free time, Amanda enjoys teaching Sunday School, working out at the local fitness center, walking, playing sports and traveling with her family.
Amanda McCrary
School Secretary
I grew up in Fort Atkinson, WI. In 2003, I married Brian McCrary. Since 2009 we have lived in Sun Prairie and have been members at Peace Lutheran, where our children attend school. I have helped out as church librarian and worked as a Before & After Care teacher at Peace.
I graduated from Lakeside Lutheran High School in 1996. In 2000 I earned my Bachelor of Arts -- Communicative Arts from Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -- Phillipians 4:6-7
Jennifer Stempski
Teacher's Aide/Study Hall
Joanne Hoefner
Kitchen Lead
I grew up in a suburb of Milwaukee and graduated from Whitnall High School in 1995. After getting my bachelors degree in special education from UW-Whitewater, I taught in the Madison Metropolitan School district for 7 years. A huge career change had me teaching aerobics and Zumba in many facilities around Sun Prairie, and finally landed the coveted head cook position 7 years ago at Peace.
I love this job. I love seeing the children every day. When their faces light up at the lunches that I have made for them, I know that I am where God has always wanted me to be.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58