2026-2027 Bethel Grade School Teachers & Staff
Mrs. Carlie Kaufmann
Principal
Contact Mrs. Kaufmann
Mrs. Carlie Kaufmann, the Principal, brings a wealth of experience to her role, having earned degrees from Eastern Illinois University and Concordia University in Portland. Her personal foundation is rooted in her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 2:8, which emphasizes salvation by grace as a gift of God rather than by works. This belief in fundamental grace informs her educational philosophy: that kids learn best by doing, advocating for a hands-on, active approach to learning. Outside of her dedication to education, she enjoys a variety of hobbies, including spending time outdoors, playing board and card games, dedicating time to her family, and getting into the festive spirit by watching Christmas movies.
Principal
Contact Mrs. Kaufmann
Mrs. Carlie Kaufmann, the Principal, brings a wealth of experience to her role, having earned degrees from Eastern Illinois University and Concordia University in Portland. Her personal foundation is rooted in her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 2:8, which emphasizes salvation by grace as a gift of God rather than by works. This belief in fundamental grace informs her educational philosophy: that kids learn best by doing, advocating for a hands-on, active approach to learning. Outside of her dedication to education, she enjoys a variety of hobbies, including spending time outdoors, playing board and card games, dedicating time to her family, and getting into the festive spirit by watching Christmas movies.
Mrs. Devon White
8th Grade Homeroom, Junior High ELA
Contact Mrs. White
Mrs. Devon White is a dedicated educator whose love for teaching spans several subjects, including 6th-8th grade ELA and Religion. A proud graduate of Western Illinois University, she finds profound meaning in her work, especially her favorite part of teaching: the ability to enhance the learning of history with a biblical worldview, fostering spiritual growth alongside academic learning. This belief is mirrored in her favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:31: "If God is with us, who can be against us?" When she's not in the classroom, Devon enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including camping, shopping, decorating, reading, and Jeeping.
8th Grade Homeroom, Junior High ELA
Contact Mrs. White
Mrs. Devon White is a dedicated educator whose love for teaching spans several subjects, including 6th-8th grade ELA and Religion. A proud graduate of Western Illinois University, she finds profound meaning in her work, especially her favorite part of teaching: the ability to enhance the learning of history with a biblical worldview, fostering spiritual growth alongside academic learning. This belief is mirrored in her favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:31: "If God is with us, who can be against us?" When she's not in the classroom, Devon enjoys a wide range of hobbies, including camping, shopping, decorating, reading, and Jeeping.
Mr. Peyton Boyle
7th Grade Homeroom, K-8 Music, Junior High Science
Contact Mr. Boyle
Mr. Peyton Boyle shares his passion for the arts as the K-8 music and choir teacher, having graduated from Eureka College. He brings his expertise to our upper grade science classes as well. His personal motto is drawn from his favorite Bible verse, John 1:5: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." For him, the most rewarding aspect of teaching is sharing his love of music with his students and helping them get excited about the possibilities music holds for their lives. When he's not in the classroom inspiring young musicians, Mr. Boyle enjoys outdoor pursuits such as disc golf and fishing, along with the continued pleasure of playing various instruments.
7th Grade Homeroom, K-8 Music, Junior High Science
Contact Mr. Boyle
Mr. Peyton Boyle shares his passion for the arts as the K-8 music and choir teacher, having graduated from Eureka College. He brings his expertise to our upper grade science classes as well. His personal motto is drawn from his favorite Bible verse, John 1:5: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." For him, the most rewarding aspect of teaching is sharing his love of music with his students and helping them get excited about the possibilities music holds for their lives. When he's not in the classroom inspiring young musicians, Mr. Boyle enjoys outdoor pursuits such as disc golf and fishing, along with the continued pleasure of playing various instruments.
Mrs. Tricia Norlin
6th Grade Homeroom, Junior High Math & Social Studies
Contact Mrs. Norlin
More information about Mrs. Norlin coming soon!
6th Grade Homeroom, Junior High Math & Social Studies
Contact Mrs. Norlin
More information about Mrs. Norlin coming soon!
Mrs. Dawn Finneran
3rd Grade
Contact Mrs. Finneran
Mrs. Dawn Finneran is an enthusiastic third-grade teacher who brings a passion for learning to her classroom, a value perhaps inspired by her favorite Bible verse, Mark 7:7-8: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." A proud alumna of Illinois State University, Mrs. Finneran finds her greatest joy in the classroom, seeing kids excited to learn and engaged in their studies. When she's not inspiring young minds, she enjoys her personal time by working out, reading, and spending time with her family.
3rd Grade
Contact Mrs. Finneran
Mrs. Dawn Finneran is an enthusiastic third-grade teacher who brings a passion for learning to her classroom, a value perhaps inspired by her favorite Bible verse, Mark 7:7-8: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." A proud alumna of Illinois State University, Mrs. Finneran finds her greatest joy in the classroom, seeing kids excited to learn and engaged in their studies. When she's not inspiring young minds, she enjoys her personal time by working out, reading, and spending time with her family.
Mrs. Lisa Moyer
2nd Grade
Contact Mrs. Moyer
Mrs. Lisa Moyer is an enthusiastic educator in the second grade classroom. She earned her degree from Dana College and finds her strength in the powerful assurance of her favorite Bible passage, Romans 8:38-39: "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." When she's not teaching, Mrs. Moyer loves spending time with her family and staying active by playing sports, running, or simply being outside. Her favorite aspects of teaching are twofold: the opportunity to talk and share about Jesus in all parts of the school day, and the joy of witnessing her students' 'aha' moments as she helps them grow academically, spiritually, and emotionally.
2nd Grade
Contact Mrs. Moyer
Mrs. Lisa Moyer is an enthusiastic educator in the second grade classroom. She earned her degree from Dana College and finds her strength in the powerful assurance of her favorite Bible passage, Romans 8:38-39: "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." When she's not teaching, Mrs. Moyer loves spending time with her family and staying active by playing sports, running, or simply being outside. Her favorite aspects of teaching are twofold: the opportunity to talk and share about Jesus in all parts of the school day, and the joy of witnessing her students' 'aha' moments as she helps them grow academically, spiritually, and emotionally.
Mrs. Melanie Drews
Kindergarten
Contact Mrs. Drews
Mrs. Melanie Drews teaches kindergarten and received her education from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. She draws inspiration from a paraphrase of her favorite Bible verse, Esther 4:14: "Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created." Her most cherished aspect of teaching is the opportunity to share the love of Jesus and the daily blessings He provides. In her time away from the classroom, Mrs. Drews enjoys spending quality time with family, visiting various zoos, and watching movies.
Kindergarten
Contact Mrs. Drews
Mrs. Melanie Drews teaches kindergarten and received her education from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. She draws inspiration from a paraphrase of her favorite Bible verse, Esther 4:14: "Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created." Her most cherished aspect of teaching is the opportunity to share the love of Jesus and the daily blessings He provides. In her time away from the classroom, Mrs. Drews enjoys spending quality time with family, visiting various zoos, and watching movies.
Mrs. Pam Lichtenstein
P.E.
Contact Mrs. Lichtenstein
Mrs. Pam Lichtenstein is the physical education teacher, having graduated from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois. She finds inspiration in her favorite Bible verse, 2 Corinthians 5:17, which speaks of transformation: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." Her passion for teaching is to create a fun and encouraging environment where students of all ages feel loved as children of God and safe to learn. She uses physical activity to challenge and build essential life skills such as motor and game skills, strength, fitness, teamwork, frustration tolerance, and sportsmanship, all while encouraging them to live out their faith in real-life situations. Her extensive list of hobbies revolves around her faith and connection with others: she loves anything with the Lord, family/people, nature, hiking, worship music, mentoring/coaching through volleyball, and reading, often expressing that combining all these elements would be like "Heaven on earth!"
P.E.
Contact Mrs. Lichtenstein
Mrs. Pam Lichtenstein is the physical education teacher, having graduated from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois. She finds inspiration in her favorite Bible verse, 2 Corinthians 5:17, which speaks of transformation: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come." Her passion for teaching is to create a fun and encouraging environment where students of all ages feel loved as children of God and safe to learn. She uses physical activity to challenge and build essential life skills such as motor and game skills, strength, fitness, teamwork, frustration tolerance, and sportsmanship, all while encouraging them to live out their faith in real-life situations. Her extensive list of hobbies revolves around her faith and connection with others: she loves anything with the Lord, family/people, nature, hiking, worship music, mentoring/coaching through volleyball, and reading, often expressing that combining all these elements would be like "Heaven on earth!"
Mrs. Karen Duke
Art
Contact Mrs. Duke
Mrs. Karen Duke is a highly involved educator at Bethel Lutheran, teaching a broad range of subjects, including high school math and K-12 art. A graduate of Concordia University in Seward, NE, and Boston University, Karen brings a rich educational background to her classes. When she isn’t in the classroom, she enjoys reading, painting, gardening, and spending time with her family. Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing student growth, an honor she sees as the opportunity to challenge and encourage each unique student to become the young man or woman God created them to be. This mission is beautifully reflected in her favorite scripture, Ephesians 3:17-19, which prays for believers to grasp the broad and deep love of Christ.
Art
Contact Mrs. Duke
Mrs. Karen Duke is a highly involved educator at Bethel Lutheran, teaching a broad range of subjects, including high school math and K-12 art. A graduate of Concordia University in Seward, NE, and Boston University, Karen brings a rich educational background to her classes. When she isn’t in the classroom, she enjoys reading, painting, gardening, and spending time with her family. Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing student growth, an honor she sees as the opportunity to challenge and encourage each unique student to become the young man or woman God created them to be. This mission is beautifully reflected in her favorite scripture, Ephesians 3:17-19, which prays for believers to grasp the broad and deep love of Christ.
Mrs. Sally Brock
Resource/Accommodations Coordinator, Dyslexia Tutor, Admissions
Contact Mrs. Brock
Mrs. Sally Brock plays a vital role in student support and administration at Bethel Lutheran, serving as the dyslexia tutor, a member of the admissions team, and managing resources and accommodations. After studying at Western Illinois University, Mrs. Brock finds her greatest fulfillment in education when a former student or parent shares how their hard work together made a difference in their academic career. Outside of school, she enjoys classic American pastimes like watching Bears football with her family, as well as shopping and relaxing at the beach. She holds onto the promise of Psalm 30:5: "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
Resource/Accommodations Coordinator, Dyslexia Tutor, Admissions
Contact Mrs. Brock
Mrs. Sally Brock plays a vital role in student support and administration at Bethel Lutheran, serving as the dyslexia tutor, a member of the admissions team, and managing resources and accommodations. After studying at Western Illinois University, Mrs. Brock finds her greatest fulfillment in education when a former student or parent shares how their hard work together made a difference in their academic career. Outside of school, she enjoys classic American pastimes like watching Bears football with her family, as well as shopping and relaxing at the beach. She holds onto the promise of Psalm 30:5: "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
Mrs. Amanda Long
Bethel Flames Academy Extended Care Director, Technology Aide
Contact Mrs. Long
Mrs. Amanda Long brings her expertise to Bethel from her alma mater, Greenville University. She finds her guiding principle in Isaiah 44:6, which emphasizes God's sovereignty: "I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god." In her personal time, she is an avid student of the Bible, plays the piano and organ, and enjoys creative outlets like decorating and decluttering. She also affectionately identifies as a dedicated snack provider and chauffeur to her children. For Amanda, the most rewarding aspect of teaching is identifying and celebrating the unique ways our kids reflect their loving Creator.
Bethel Flames Academy Extended Care Director, Technology Aide
Contact Mrs. Long
Mrs. Amanda Long brings her expertise to Bethel from her alma mater, Greenville University. She finds her guiding principle in Isaiah 44:6, which emphasizes God's sovereignty: "I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god." In her personal time, she is an avid student of the Bible, plays the piano and organ, and enjoys creative outlets like decorating and decluttering. She also affectionately identifies as a dedicated snack provider and chauffeur to her children. For Amanda, the most rewarding aspect of teaching is identifying and celebrating the unique ways our kids reflect their loving Creator.
Mrs. Julie Virgil
Teacher Aide
Mrs. Julie Virgil, Bethel's compassionate kindergarten and 1st grade aide, brings her experience from Illinois State University to her role. She lives by the faith-affirming words of her favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 3:5 & 6: "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not to your own understanding." When she isn't assisting in the classroom, Mrs. Virgil stays active with her hobbies of pickleball, reading, and gardening. Her favorite aspect of teaching is connecting with the kids; her greatest hope is that every student truly knows that Jesus loves them, and that she does too!
Teacher Aide
Mrs. Julie Virgil, Bethel's compassionate kindergarten and 1st grade aide, brings her experience from Illinois State University to her role. She lives by the faith-affirming words of her favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 3:5 & 6: "Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not to your own understanding." When she isn't assisting in the classroom, Mrs. Virgil stays active with her hobbies of pickleball, reading, and gardening. Her favorite aspect of teaching is connecting with the kids; her greatest hope is that every student truly knows that Jesus loves them, and that she does too!
Mrs. Amy Barth
Teacher Aide
Amy Barth serves as the 2nd and 3rd grade aide, bringing her supportive nature to the classroom. She finds spiritual guidance in her favorite Bible verse, Luke 11:9, which encourages perseverance with the promise: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened." Her greatest joy in her role is helping students learn from their mistakes and watching them grow in their faith. Outside of school, Amy has a diverse set of hobbies, including attending dirt races and visiting Disney, as well as engaging in more reflective activities like gardening, cross-stitching, and puzzles.
Teacher Aide
Amy Barth serves as the 2nd and 3rd grade aide, bringing her supportive nature to the classroom. She finds spiritual guidance in her favorite Bible verse, Luke 11:9, which encourages perseverance with the promise: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened." Her greatest joy in her role is helping students learn from their mistakes and watching them grow in their faith. Outside of school, Amy has a diverse set of hobbies, including attending dirt races and visiting Disney, as well as engaging in more reflective activities like gardening, cross-stitching, and puzzles.
Miss Kaitlyn Russell
Teacher Aide
Miss Kaitlyn Russell is Bethel's dedicated 4th and 5th grade teacher's aide. A proud Monmouth College graduate, Miss Russell brings her passion for helping students to the classroom every day. Her guiding principle is her favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me," which inspires her approach to education. When she's not helping students, she enjoys an active lifestyle, including working out, swimming, and spending time outdoors, as well as time with her family and friends. Her most cherished part of her role is the opportunity to help the students learn and grow in Jesus!
Teacher Aide
Miss Kaitlyn Russell is Bethel's dedicated 4th and 5th grade teacher's aide. A proud Monmouth College graduate, Miss Russell brings her passion for helping students to the classroom every day. Her guiding principle is her favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me," which inspires her approach to education. When she's not helping students, she enjoys an active lifestyle, including working out, swimming, and spending time outdoors, as well as time with her family and friends. Her most cherished part of her role is the opportunity to help the students learn and grow in Jesus!
Mrs. Jennifer Gingerich
Admissions Counselor
Contact Mrs. Gingerich
More information about Mrs. Gingerich coming soon! Reach out today at 309-266-6592 or through our website—we can't wait for you to see the Bethel difference!
Admissions Counselor
Contact Mrs. Gingerich
More information about Mrs. Gingerich coming soon! Reach out today at 309-266-6592 or through our website—we can't wait for you to see the Bethel difference!
Pastor Jeff Anderson
Senior Pastor
Contact Pastor Jeff
Pastor Jeff Anderson, a dedicated theologian, received his education from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. His deep commitment to faith is powerfully reflected in his favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 40:29-31, which beautifully speaks to God's renewal of strength for those who wait on Him: "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength... but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength." When he's not teaching high school theology or serving Bethel's congregation, Pastor Jeff enjoys a range of hobbies, including reading, golfing, and exercising. Above all, his favorite part of being a part of Bethel is the people, emphasizing that the community is what truly makes the place great.
Senior Pastor
Contact Pastor Jeff
Pastor Jeff Anderson, a dedicated theologian, received his education from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. His deep commitment to faith is powerfully reflected in his favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 40:29-31, which beautifully speaks to God's renewal of strength for those who wait on Him: "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength... but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength." When he's not teaching high school theology or serving Bethel's congregation, Pastor Jeff enjoys a range of hobbies, including reading, golfing, and exercising. Above all, his favorite part of being a part of Bethel is the people, emphasizing that the community is what truly makes the place great.
Pastor Greg Moyer
Associate Pastor
Contact Pastor Greg
Pastor Greg Moyer is a dedicated leader who received his education from Concordia University in Wisconsin. His guiding principle comes from his favorite Bible verse, Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." In his free time, Pastor Moyer enjoys a variety of hobbies, including enjoying the outdoors, woodworking, and cheering on St. Louis Cardinal baseball. When reflecting on his time at Bethel, his favorite part is recognizing that the community is a family on God's mission with Him and one another.
Associate Pastor
Contact Pastor Greg
Pastor Greg Moyer is a dedicated leader who received his education from Concordia University in Wisconsin. His guiding principle comes from his favorite Bible verse, Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." In his free time, Pastor Moyer enjoys a variety of hobbies, including enjoying the outdoors, woodworking, and cheering on St. Louis Cardinal baseball. When reflecting on his time at Bethel, his favorite part is recognizing that the community is a family on God's mission with Him and one another.
Chef Kevin McCann
School Chef
Contact Chef Kevin
Chef Kevin McCann is an accomplished culinary professional whose expertise stems from the JJC Culinary Arts Program. In his downtime, he embraces a variety of creative hobbies, including playing multiple instruments—guitar, bass, drums, and piano—as well as tackling DIY projects and Photoshop photo editing. His guiding philosophy is drawn from his favorite Bible verse, Philippians 2:3-4, which focuses on humility and valuing others above oneself rather than pursuing selfish ambition. What he cherishes most about being a part of the Bethel community is the strong sense of family and community that defines the organization.
School Chef
Contact Chef Kevin
Chef Kevin McCann is an accomplished culinary professional whose expertise stems from the JJC Culinary Arts Program. In his downtime, he embraces a variety of creative hobbies, including playing multiple instruments—guitar, bass, drums, and piano—as well as tackling DIY projects and Photoshop photo editing. His guiding philosophy is drawn from his favorite Bible verse, Philippians 2:3-4, which focuses on humility and valuing others above oneself rather than pursuing selfish ambition. What he cherishes most about being a part of the Bethel community is the strong sense of family and community that defines the organization.
Mr. Curt Darlington
Maintenance
Mr. Curt Darlington is a valuable member of the Bethel staff, where he serves in the Maintenance department as a Jack-of-all-trades following his retirement from the East Peoria Police Department. His educational background includes studies at Illinois Central College. Outside of his work, he enjoys spending time on the water, pursuing his twin hobbies of boating and fishing. A man of faith, his favorite biblical passage is the creation account in Genesis 1. Above all, he appreciates Bethel's genuine sense of community, which he cherishes as "a small group of friendly people."
Maintenance
Mr. Curt Darlington is a valuable member of the Bethel staff, where he serves in the Maintenance department as a Jack-of-all-trades following his retirement from the East Peoria Police Department. His educational background includes studies at Illinois Central College. Outside of his work, he enjoys spending time on the water, pursuing his twin hobbies of boating and fishing. A man of faith, his favorite biblical passage is the creation account in Genesis 1. Above all, he appreciates Bethel's genuine sense of community, which he cherishes as "a small group of friendly people."
Mrs. Meridith Deverman
School Office
Contact Mrs. Deverman
Bethel's top-notch administrative assistant is Mrs. Meridith Deverman. A proud alumna of Bradley University, Mrs. Deverman finds inspiration derived from the verse Esther 4:14: "perhaps you were born for such a time as this." When she isn't in the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, walking, and even reorganizing her house. Her absolute favorite part of working in the Bethel office is having the opportunity to watch all the students she first met in preschool grow up and thrive within the school community.
School Office
Contact Mrs. Deverman
Bethel's top-notch administrative assistant is Mrs. Meridith Deverman. A proud alumna of Bradley University, Mrs. Deverman finds inspiration derived from the verse Esther 4:14: "perhaps you were born for such a time as this." When she isn't in the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, walking, and even reorganizing her house. Her absolute favorite part of working in the Bethel office is having the opportunity to watch all the students she first met in preschool grow up and thrive within the school community.