Faculty and Staff |
Zion faculty and staff are exceptional, dedicated professionals called to a mission of service. They care about each student as one of God's greatest gifts. Zion faculty and staff's compassion and Christian values will nurture and shape your child's faith and attitude, building self-esteem and fostering academic success. |
Mrs. JoAnn Hess
Principal, 2nd & 3rd Grade I graduated from Concordia Teacher's College in River Forest, IL and started my teaching career in Antigo, WI. After moving back to Illinois to be closer to family, I taught at Immanuel Lutheran in Richton Park for 10 years and at St. John in Country Club Hills. I've taught at Zion, in Beecher, since 2001 and have an Illinois teaching license for grades K-9. I also coordinate the Accelerated Reader program and the school's curriculum. My husband, Mark, teaches at St. Paul Lutheran, Bourbonnais. We have three children: Dan, Jill, and Claire. |
Mrs. Lucy Rietveld
Administrative Assistant/Office Manager I attended Thornton Community College, studying Business Administration and Music. I have served Zion Lutheran School since 1992. I have three children who were all Zion graduates. They are now adults, which the Lord is blessing with tremendous success, both personally and professionally. My husband and I have also been blessed with 5 grandchildren, which we praise the Lord for ~ daily! I enjoy working at a school that fosters a true family atmosphere. I adore children and music (vocal and piano) and love serving my church musically. I'm also an Illinois Licensed Real Estate Broker. |
Mrs. Mary Calonge
3 Year Preschool and 4 Year Prekindergarten I graduated Concordia University, Irvine, CA in 2001. have two children which are Zion graduates and one child currently attending Zion. I feel so blessed to be able to have my children attend such a wonderful God centered school as well as be able to teach here. |
Mrs. Martha Shapkauski
Kindergarten and 1st Grade I am a graduate of Concordia University, River Forest. I began my teaching career at St. Paul's Lutheran School in Rockford as a second grade teacher. I accepted a call to teach at Zion in 2001. After teaching First Grade for several years I was blessed with the opportunity to take time off from teaching and be a stay at home mom. I returned to teaching full time in 2016 as Zion's Kindergarten teacher. My husband and I have two daughters who are both current Zion students. I was fortunate to attend a Lutheran school for Kindergarten through eighth grade and I am grateful that my daughters have that same opportunity here at Zion! |
Ms. Diane Brackman
4th & 5th Grade I myself am a product of Lutheran education. My elementary years were spent at St. Paul's in Chicago Heights. I attended and graduated from Concordia in River Forest. My teaching ministry began in Chicago at Grace English Lutheran. I then received a call to serve at Trinity in Lansing, IL. Through the years I have taught various grades and subjects. I feel so blessed that God has placed me at Zion. I am excited to be part of the Zion team and working with the staff, students and parents |
Jennifer Bennett
6th - 8th Grade My name is Jennifer Bennett. I graduated from Concordia College in Bronxville, NY in 2003. I have been teaching for over 15 years and have worked with Kindergarten through 8th grade. I especially enjoy teaching Language Arts and Social Studies. I am blessed with a loving husband, Steve, and 5 wonderful children, Sia, Kaleigh, Stephen, Klara, and Violet. |
Mrs. Rebekah Meissner
Music Director I attended Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, a Lutheran Teacher's Diploma, a music concentration, and a primary education minor. I have taught in Lutheran schools for several years. I currently hold an Illinois Initial Elementary Teaching certificate for Kindergarten to grade nine. I enjoy teaching the hymns and liturgy to the children. My favorite pastimes are playing organ for church, reading, and spending time with my family. |
Mrs. Courtney Selucky
Art Director I am thankful that the Lord has brought me to serve at Zion Lutheran School! I proudly attended Zion from preschool thru eighth grade. Both of my children have attended Zion along with my niece and nephew. I am proud to be an alum as Zion has always been and always will be a place that I call home. I attended Joliet Jr. College where I studied Agriculture and Art. The biggest artistic influence is my life is my Dad. He attended art school and taught me how to paint, draw, and sculpt. My hope is to inspire all my students with his creativity. I am married to Robert (Bob) Selucky and we have two children Lorraine and Matthew. I live on a small farm just outside of Peotone. We have 5 miniature horses (Pig, Bits, Jack, Fred and Callie), goats, and a llama named Rudy! |
Mrs. Debra Radtke
Library Director I have proudly been serving at Zion since 2008. I have been an aide in Pre-school, assisted with hot lunch, served several terms as PTL Secretary and active member on DC Group. I started assisting Mrs. Kathy Teske in the library. In 2012 I became the school librarian. I also teach computers to the 4th-8th graders. I married to Don and have one son (James) who graduated from Zion in 2017. I attend Zion Lutheran School in Blue Island. I graduated from Thornton Community College with a Degree in Applied Science and Cert I serve on the Board of Education and the Finance Committee at St. John Lutheran Church ificate in Business Management. We are members of St John Lutheran Church (Eagle Lake) Beecher. I serve on the Board of Education and the Finance Committee at Zion Lutheran Church. |
Mrs. Roxane Lorenz
Before After School Care Director I have been working at Zion, since 2001, as BASC Director, preschool aide, Kindergarten aide, computer teacher, and helping with anything that needs to be done around the building. I enjoy being outside and camping and being on a lake fishing. |
Mrs. Rhonda Stadt
Lunch Director I've been coordinating Zion's hot lunch program, since 2004....more My two children are Zion graduates, and I have been involved in PTL and classroom volunteering for more than 10 years. |
Pastor Ron Rock
Pastor Ron Rock has been serving at Zion since October, 2001....more Prior to beginning his service at Zion, he served parishes in Commerce City, CO and Tinley Park, IL. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary of Ft. Wayne, IN in May of 1993. Prior to his studies at the seminary and Call into the Holy Ministry, Pastor Rock worked in various aspects of the computer industry. He is married to Karen and they have two daughters, one son, and four grandchildren. |
Mrs. Terri Woods
Church Administrative Assistant
I graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1987 with a BS in Finance. I have been a member here at Zion since 1979 when my parents moved to Beecher and we transferred from Trinity in Lansing, IL. I was married at Zion and my two children have both been baptized and confirmed here. I work part-time for Equipment Management Services and I also work part-time in the church office since September 11, 2017. This job came into my life at the perfect time (God always has a plan). I enjoy the job and the people of this church.
Church Administrative Assistant
I graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1987 with a BS in Finance. I have been a member here at Zion since 1979 when my parents moved to Beecher and we transferred from Trinity in Lansing, IL. I was married at Zion and my two children have both been baptized and confirmed here. I work part-time for Equipment Management Services and I also work part-time in the church office since September 11, 2017. This job came into my life at the perfect time (God always has a plan). I enjoy the job and the people of this church.
