Immanuel Lutheran School Staff
Kevin Becker
Principal
Meet Mr. Becker
After teaching both 7th Grade and 5th Grade here at Immanuel, I am excited to be taking the lead as principal this year! I have a great love for Lutheran Schools that was instilled in me from an early age. I was brought up and raised in a Lutheran home and attended Immanuel Lutheran Church and grade school in Hillside, Illinois. After high school, I graduated from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois in 1996 majoring in Elementary Education. Following college, I taught at Calvary in San Lorenzo, California; Zion in Marengo, Illinois; and Immanuel in Crystal Lake, Illinois. I am married to the 8th Grade teacher at Immanuel, Mrs. Cena Becker. We have two wonderful children, Jacob and Sophia.
My favorite Bible verse is John 16:33 - 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.
Renee Cunningham
Preschool Teacher
Meet Mrs. Cunningham
My name is Renee' Cunningham. I grew up in Michigan and have lived in Illinois for the last 19 years. I received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University. I have taught at Immanuel Lutheran School since 2018 and am so pleased to be a part of this awesome church and school community. It brings me great joy to be able to teach children, especially about the love of Jesus. I currently reside in Algonquin with my husband Paul, our daughters Emily and Alyssa, and our family dog Rosie.
Courtney Dougherty
First Grade Teacher / Director of Admissions
Meet Mrs. Dougherty
Greetings! Mrs. Dougherty is my name and learning is my game! I have been a lifelong lover of anything to do with school.
Growing up I attended Immanuel Lutheran School in East Dundee. I continued my high school journey in the Dundee Community. My Immanuel roots, led me to many amazing opportunities in sports, academics, drama and many clubs and organizations throughout my life. I attended Eastern Illinois University and graduated with my Elementary Education degree. I went on to complete my Masters in Early Childhood Education Leadership and Advocacy. I also received my Colloquy and subsequent certification in Early Childhood. My learning never stops. I share that with my family, my students and their families. I can’t wait to share some learning and fun with you:)
Denise Dragel
Third Grade Teacher
Meet Mrs. Dragel
My name is Mrs. Dragel. I graduated from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. I have been teaching third grade at Immanuel Lutheran in East Dundee, IL for 10 years. I love teaching children about our Lord and Savior, Jesus! I also enjoy coaching and assisting with the JV Girls’ Basketball program at our school.
Kristie King
Sixth Grade Teacher
Meet Mrs. King
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I received my undergraduate degree from Florida Atlantic University. I moved to Illinois 15 years ago and received my Master’s from National Louis University in Curriculum and Instruction. I taught for 7 years before taking a break to stay home with my children. My husband and I have two sons, Cameron and Brandon.
Kris Bartelt
K-8 Music Teacher
Meet Mrs. Bartelt
My name is Mrs. Kris Bartelt. I love sharing God’s gift of music with the children and adults at Immanuel! In addition to teaching general music classes, I am also blessed to work with children’s and adult choirs and musicals, plan for/play organ and piano/sing at church worship services, make music with handbell ringers and work with other instrumentalists and vocalists.
Bill Gade
Middle School Band Director
Amanda DeMarsh
Preschool Teacher / Department Head
Meet Mrs. DeMarsh
My name is Mrs. Amanda DeMarsh. I am a lifelong member of Immanuel. I graduated from Bradley University with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. I recently completed the Colloquy program through Concordia University and am now a called member of Immanuel Lutheran. Currently I reside in West Dundee with my husband and two sons. At Immanuel’s Preschool, I teach PK4, 3 and 5 day programs and am the Preschool Department Head. I am so proud to be a part of Immanuel’s amazing Preschool Program! It has been a true joy to teach preschoolers, and I love instilling in little ones a love for Jesus.
Lisa Hollquist
Kindergarten Teacher
Meet Mrs. Hollquist
Hi there! I am so excited to work with your kindergartener this year! This year is going to be a year full of fun, learning, & lots of adventure! I have been teaching at Immanuel since 2018. Before having my children, I taught both 2nd and 3rd grade in the public school system. I love teaching kindergarten and sharing Jesus’ love with His little lambs.
I am married to my wonderful husband, Kurt. We have been blessed with three beautiful children, a daughter and two sons, as well as one fur-child, our Maltipoo. Family life keeps us busy these days with their sports and other after school activities. When we have down time, we love to stay home and watch movies and play games together. During breaks from school, we also love to take road trips to explore God’s creation.
Susan Meier
Second Grade Teacher
Meet Mrs. Meier
My name is Susan Meier, I adore teaching 2nd Graders! I love teaching them about God’s great love and watching them learn new concepts every day.
I grew up in Bay City, Michigan. I attended Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw, Michigan and Concordia University River Forest, Illinois. After graduating with an Elementary Education degree in 2003, I taught 1st & 2nd Grade for two years in Rock Island, Illinois. In 2005, I married David Meier and started teaching 2nd Grade here at Immanuel.
In 2009, I received my Masters in Early Childhood from Northern Illinois University. My amazing husband is the Director of Christian Education at Immanuel. We have three incredible children, Clara, Evelyn and William. I enjoy reading, camping with my family, and traveling.
Shelley Pieper
Fourth Grade Teacher / Handbell Director
Al Berg
Seventh Grade Teacher / Assistant Principal
Janine Zinck
7th & 8th Grade Spanish Teacher
Torie Kamp
School Secretary / Extended Care Director
Michele Gnan
Preschool Teacher
Meet Mrs. Gnan
I am so thrilled to be joining the faculty of Immanuel this school year! A little bit about myself... I grew up in New Orleans, LA where I graduated from Lutheran High School of Greater New Orleans. I went on to study at the University of New Orleans and Concordia University, Wisconsin. I have taught in many Lutheran Schools including St. Peter in Arlington Heights, Concordia University Chicago's Early Childhood Center, and Good Shepherd in Elgin. I have served as an adjunct faculty member for Concordia Universities in Chicago and Nebraska and I am currently working on my doctoral thesis on the use of Technology in the Early Childhood Classroom. My Husband Pete and I have been married for many years and have three wonderful children; Nicholas, Courtney and Chelsea.
Lori Anderson
Kindergarten Teacher / Technology Teacher
Meet Mrs. Anderson
I am beginning my 22nd year of teaching and I’m so excited! I have taught 1st and 3rd grade in San Antonio, Texas, and 2nd and Kindergarten right here at ILS.
I met my husband, Peter, right here at Immanuel and we’ve been married for almost 19 years. We live in Carpentersville and we have 3 children, Lydia is a Senior at Dundee Crown, Ethan is a Freshman at Dundee Crown and Adam (7th) attends Immanuel. I love playing the piano, singing, being active and sharing Christ with my students. I am eager and overjoyed to go on this journey with you and your child. My favorite part of teaching Kindergarten is watching the “light bulbs” click as they learn and discover new things!
Cheryl Leitner
Second Grade Teacher
Meet Mrs. Leitner
My name is Cheryl Leitner. I went to Valparaiso University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education. After graduating, I taught 5th grade at Neubert Elementary, and coached Sophomore Girl’s Basketball at Dundee-Crown High School.
My husband and I have been married for over 20 years and we have two amazing children, Daniel and Roslyn. I love teaching at Immanuel where I can share the Gospel with our children every day!
Chris Navarro
Fifth Grade Teacher / Athletic Director
Cena Becker
Eighth Grade Teacher / Grades 5-8 Choir Director
Meet Mrs. Becker
My name is Cena Becker. I grew up in Chicago, Illinois. I attended St Paul Lutheran School, Lane Tech High School, Concordia University River Forest (undergrad), and Northern Illinois University (masters). I currently teach grades 6-8 Social Studies, & 8th Grade Reading, Algebra, Religion, Music, PE, & Art. I truly love my job, my family, and most importantly my Savior!
Kasey Matthews
Special Education Teacher
Meet Mrs. Matthews
My Name is Kasey Matthews