Our Faculty & Staff

Mrs. Jankowski spent her formative years at Inter-American School in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, where she attended from 3rd through 12th grade. Quetzaltenango, a vibrant city surrounded by majestic mountains, provided a rich cultural and educational foundation that shaped her early years. She later attended Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, where she pursued her passion for education and earned her bachelor’s degree in 2000. She began her teaching career at Abiding Savior Lutheran School in Lake Forest, California, and has dedicated her life to Lutheran education ever since. In 2007, she accepted a call to serve as assistant principal and teacher at Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in western North Carolina. While continuing her ministry in education, she earned a Masters of Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University, Irvine, and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, Portland. The following year, she was called to Hope Lutheran and Christian School in Levittown, Pennsylvania, where she served as principal and teacher. In 2015, she began her service as principal at Hope Lutheran School in Shawnee, Kansas, where she continues to lead with commitment and faith. Throughout her career, she has remained steadfast in her service to Lutheran schools and Christ-centered education. Outside of ministry and education, Mrs. Jankowski enjoys hiking and traveling with her husband.

Psalm 78:4 — “We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

Mrs. Adams joined the staff of Hope Lutheran in March of 2019.  She attended Missouri Western University and earned a degree in Chemistry.  Before coming to Hope, she worked in cardiology management at KU.  She is married to Brent Adams and has one high schooler and one college student; both attended Hope Lutheran School.  She enjoys gardening, board games, movies, and being entertained by her crazy cats!

Miss Olivia Haley is entering her second year of teaching at Hope Lutheran, where she serves as the kindergarten teacher. She graduated from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education Unified and is licensed to teach both general education and special education.

A former student of Bethany Lutheran, where she attended from 1st through 7th grade, Miss Haley developed a strong foundation in the Lutheran faith. Her experiences in Lutheran education inspired her to pursue teaching and ultimately led her to Hope Lutheran, where she immediately felt at home because of its Christ-centered community, welcoming environment, and shared values.

Miss Haley is passionate about creating a classroom where every child feels loved, encouraged, and excited to learn. She considers it a true blessing to share God’s love with her students while helping them grow academically, spiritually, and socially. She also looks forward to partnering with families and building meaningful relationships throughout the school year.

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” I Peter 3:8-10

Mrs. Chrissy Heiss is excited to teach at Hope Lutheran School as our first-grade teacher. She received her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from the University of Central Missouri and a Master’s in Elementary Administration from Concordia University Nebraska. She was raised in Concordia, Missouri, where she attended Lutheran school. She has two adult daughters, one granddaughter, and one grandson. She has been married to Chuck Heiss for 36 years. She enjoys operating an AirBB, participating in aquatics, and spending time with her family. She has taught various grades and blended classrooms from preschool through grade 7 for most of her career. Her passion is providing learning for each student at their level.

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” Psalm 143:10

Miss Hannah Christian is excited to teach second grade at Hope Lutheran School! Originally from Colorado, she received her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies for elementary education with a Lutheran teaching concentration from Concordia University Irvine in 2022. Miss Christian began teaching at Hope in 2023, beginning with first grade before moving to second grade. She hopes that her students develop an enjoyment of reading and grow in their faith in Jesus. Miss Christian enjoys music and is involved with the choir at Hope Lutheran Church. Her favorite subjects to teach are math and religion. Miss Christian enjoys reading, singing, knitting, crocheting, and painting in her spare time.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭

Mrs. Margie Krzesinski has been at Hope since 1985, teaching first and second grades as combined and single grade classes, and currently teaches 3rd grade. She received her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Concordia University, Seward, NE. Mrs. K has been active in the youth groups, VBS, Sunday School, and Mid-week programs at Hope. She has enjoyed LWML, Life Team, Altar Guild, singing in choir, and playing handbells. Mrs. K and, her husband, Ed, and their daughters, Bethany and Michaela, have enjoyed the family atmosphere at Hope. Beth and Micki are both Hope alumni and have kept ties with Hope classmates through high school and college. Besides enjoying time with family, Mrs. K also enjoys walking, reading, and finding projects on Pinterest when she has time.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:ll

Mrs. Janet Begley has 37 years of teaching experience in Lutheran grade schools, three of which have been here at Hope. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. In her years of experience she has taught grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 in single-grade and in combined-grade classrooms. Her husband, Simon Begley, is retired from MoDOT. They have two children, Erica and Aaron. Their daughter Erica and her spouse Eric have two children- Brynn who is nearly 6 and Ty who is 2 ½. Erica is a K-5 art teacher, and Eric is a high school principal. Their son Aaron is a civil engineer, and his spouse, Amanda is a medical speech pathologist and endoscopist. Mrs. Begley’s mother and father, Harold and Dorothy Schimke, sister JoAn Markworth, and two sisters-in-law were graduates of Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska- Mrs. Begley’s Alma mater. She has three brothers and three sisters. Faith and Family have always been central in Janet’s life, and she enjoys spending time with her family whenever possible! Her hobbies include baking, reading, family time, and being a Nana to Brynn and Ty!

God has blessed Mrs. Begley over the years with many students and their families who are now her extended family! She is blessed to be teaching 4th grade for Hope and enjoys getting to know and make connections with the church and school family!

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Miss Rachel Ada joined Hope Lutheran School in 2026. This will be her first year teaching. In May 2026, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Concordia University Nebraska with an English as a Second Language Endorsement and a minor in Spanish. She grew up in the Lutheran Church as a pastor’s kid, which helped create a strong foundation. Miss Ada attended Hope Lutheran School from 3rd through 8th grade. She has wanted to be a teacher since fifth grade and was inspired by many of her teachers. She is excited for the opportunity to share God’s love with her students and to encourage them to grow in their faith. In her free time, Miss Ada enjoys baking sweets, reading good books, spending time with family and friends, putting together puzzles, and traveling on mission trips and to the mountains.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Mrs. Kristi Schkade joined the staff at Hope in 2022 after 24 years of teaching in MN, IL, MO, and NE. She grew up on a cattle, hog, and crop farm in eastern Nebraska with her parents, brother, and sister. At Concordia in Seward, she received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree with an English concentration, a music minor, and a Lutheran Teacher’s diploma. Mrs. Schkade is especially passionate about teaching the Bible, fostering students’ faith lives, and sharing her love of reading and the English language. She joyfully celebrates odd holidays, such as Elephant Appreciation Day, Chocolate-Covered Anything Day, and Awkward Moments Day, so students need to keep an eye on her special calendar. Mrs. Schkade enjoys traveling, playing board games, watching movies, and taking long walks with her favorite children’s author and husband, Jonathan. She is proud of her two daughters, Jamie and Molly, who share many of their parents’ passions. You can often find Mrs. Schkade reading, singing, and biking, though not necessarily at the same time!

“But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.” Ephesians 2:4-5

Miss Miranda Mondary came to Hope in 2017. She is currently the seventh-grade homeroom teacher and teaches English Language Arts and Social Studies for middle school. Miss Mondary has taught fourth, seventh, and eighth-grade students here at Hope. Miranda previously taught at Christ Lutheran Church and School in Murray, Utah. She attended Concordia University in Portland, Oregon, receiving her degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Education with a minor in Professional Church Work and graduated in April 2016. Miranda was born into the Lutheran Church and has always had a strong connection with the church.

Miss Mondary enjoys spending time with her dog, Willa, exploring restaurants and coffee shops in the KC area, and traveling to visit family across the United States.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:13

Mrs. Emily Maurice joined Hope Lutheran School in 2025, bringing her passion for education and faith to the classroom. Originally from West Virginia, she was raised in the Kansas City metro on the Missouri side. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix in 2016 and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Design and Instruction from Western Governors University in 2022. With three years of teaching experience in fourth and fifth grades, as well as several years in childcare, Mrs. Maurice has nurtured a lifelong dream of teaching. She cherishes incorporating her faith into her classroom, creating a Christ-centered learning environment.

Mrs. Maurice is thrilled to teach math and science this year, subjects close to her heart since she met her high school sweetheart, now her husband, in math class. Together, they have three beautiful daughters, and Mrs. Maurice treasures spending time with them exploring the outdoors. You can find her reading a good book, savoring a cup of coffee, or discovering new recipes to try in her free time.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”

In the fall of 2013, Mrs. Bird began a new art adventure as the art teacher at Hope Lutheran. Concurrently, she was teaching online art classes with Andover eCademy from 2011-2022. Other past and current art career endeavors include working at an interior design firm (whose focus was model homes), painting murals and stencils in residential homes, writing and illustrating a few books, teaching at Brighton Academy ( a K-12 homeschool co-op from 2019-2024), displaying her own art at individual art shows at local libraries, and teaching at Paint with a Twist (a paint and sip studio) since July 2024. Cynthia has an Associates in Applied Science in Interior Design and an Associates in Visual Arts.

Mrs. Bird is married 36 years with 4 grown children, 2 son-in-laws, a soon-to-be daughter in law, and 2 grandchildren. Her spare time is spent as the Wyandotte County 4H Shooting Sports Coordinator since 2015.

Mrs. Beumer was born in Louisiana, but grew up in multiple places due to her father being in the military. She grew up in the Lutheran faith and attends church at Atonement Lutheran Church. She graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She has spent the past two years teaching at Hope Lutheran Church and School and is looking forward to teaching band in multiple schools this year. This year her time will be split between Hope, Lutheran High School, Calvary, and Martin Luther Academy. Miss Beumer also spends time performing in various ensembles across the metro area all throughout the year. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, spending time outside with her dog, and watching movies with her family.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Coach Hickman is beginning his 5th year as Hope Lutheran’s Physical Education teacher. Coach graduated from UMKC and Master’s from NWMSU. He coaches high school basketball and middle school track and field. Coach has 3 children and 5 grandchildren who he loves to spend time with. Coach loves to golf, fish, play backgammon and enjoys gardening. I am excited for the year to begin and see how our students develop spiritually and physically. Proverbs 22.6 “Train up a child in the way they should and they won’t depart from it”. I love this because it builds spiritual roots as well as foundations in learning a sport.

Sra. Reimer joined the Hope staff in 2021. She graduated from Truman State University (formerly NMSU) with a degree in English and a minor in Spanish. She also worked towards a Master Degree in Education while there. She has worked in the Telecommunications & Transportation Fields, but her passion has always been teaching and coaching. She is a member of Bethany Lutheran Church where she is involved in Child Ministry, Ushering, & LWML. She was the Spanish teacher and a volleyball coach at Bethany for several years. Her two college aged sons attended Bethany Lutheran SchooL (BLS) and the Lutheran High School of Kansas City. She will be teaching Spanish at LHS as well as at Calvary Lutheran School again this year. She is a soccer fan, player, and coach. Outside of school she enjoys gardening, exercising, reading, doing puzzles, and spending time with her husband, boys, and cats.

Mrs. McKenna Carnell is a Kansas City area native with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from MidAmerica Nazarene University. She spent 17 years as a bedside nurse and is a certified Low Risk Neonatal Nurse and American Red Cross instructor. After her time at the hospital, she moved into school nursing and discovered a passion for health education.

Mrs. Carnell and her husband Seth were foster parents for a number of years, receiving specialized training in trauma-informed care, attachment disorders, ADHD, ODD, OCD, and complex medical needs in children — experience that deeply informs her work with students today.

Raised in the Nazarene church where her father served as a minister, Mrs. Carnell found her home in the Anglican faith as a young adult. She and Seth have been married for 19 years and are the proud parents of four boys. She likes to spend her time with her family, reading and enjoying a great cup of coffee.

Mrs. Carnell is passionate about caring for the whole student — body and spirit. As Hope Lutheran’s Health and Emotional Wellness teacher and counselor, she prays that God will use her to help students care for the bodies the Creator made for them and live out the fruits of the Spirit to grow God’s kingdom.

Colossians 3:23 – Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men.

Mrs. Stefanie Buckmaster has been a lifelong resident of the Lenexa/Shawnee area. She attended Pittsburg State University (go Gorillas!), where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She has been a nurse for 13+ years, but the most recent five years have been in pediatrics, her true passion. She lives in Western Shawnee with her husband, two young children (Sam & Lucy), and their dog (Gertrude). She enjoys being active/outside with her family, visiting local parks, and walking in her free time. She is so excited to help care for the children at Hope!

DeeAnn Fugett is the Title I Tutor for Hope Lutheran School. She works with students in various capacities in small groups and individually in math and language arts activities. DeeAnn finds joy in helping students achieve their goals academically. She is a graduate of the University of Kansas. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, adventuring, visiting National Parks and history & science museums. DeeAnn is actively involved as a volunteer in various areas here at Hope for both the church and the school. She is a life-long member of Hope Lutheran Church.

Mr. Moyer comes to Hope after working at Shawnee United Methodist Church with their facility for 27 years, where he also volunteered teaching adult, youth and children’s Sunday School, and participated in many choirs, band, and youth activities.  He grew up in a small town in south-central Pennsylvania and graduated from Penn State University Harrisburg with a bachelor’s degree in electrical design engineer in technology. He also went two years to seminary at Lancaster Pennsylvania and volunteered for eight years with A Christian ministry in the National Parks. He loves the outdoors and serves at the district and council level with Boy Scouts of America.

Jonathan Schkade (pronounced “Skah-dee”) is part of the Hope’s staff as kitchen manager. He loves cooking and baking, and his favorite school lunch as a kid was salisbury steak with mashed potatoes. He received a degree in elementary education from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, and works at home as a freelance editor and author of devotions, curriculum, and books, including The Love Bridge; Icky Sticky, Hairy Scary Bible Stories; and the Not-So-Nice Bible Stories series. He enjoys cartoons, board games, odd artsy projects, and long walks with his two daughters (who attend Hope) and his joyful wife, Mrs. Schakde (who teaches 6th grade at Hope). 

Mrs. Doris Stava has served Hope Lutheran Church and School since 2007 and has been a member of the Hope family since 1994. After serving as Technology Director for 16 years, she transitioned to donor development in 2023, where she builds relationships with members, alumni, parents, and friends to strengthen support for the ministry.

Mrs. Stava holds a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science from Emporia State University and previously worked in programming and project leadership at DST Systems in Kansas City. She and her husband, Steve, have two daughters who attended Hope Lutheran School from preschool through eighth grade. Doris considers it a privilege to connect people with opportunities to support the ministry that has played such an important role in her family’s life.

Outside of work, Mrs. Stava enjoys tending her native garden, which she affectionately calls her outdoor lab. More interested in experimenting than gardening, she enjoys observing how native plants grow together, complement one another, and support birds and pollinators. Her favorite exercise equipment includes her trusty Japanese weeding sickle, a wheelbarrow, and a shovel.

Mrs. Haverkamp joined the Hope technology department in 2015.  She graduated from Kansas State University with Bachelors of Science in Computer Science.  She also obtained an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology from Johnson County Community College and received her Master Electrical License.  She has over 15 years of experience as a software developer, tech lead, and consultant.  She is a co-inventor for two patents:  #7640337 – Framework for application monitoring and management and #8326767 – Customer data privacy implementation.

You can also find Mrs. Haverkamp teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, playing handbells, or working in youth ministry. If she’s not doing one of those activites she’s probably, cooking for a hundred, coaching athletics, or running A/V. When not at Hope, Laura enjoys spending time with her family, learning new instruments, and digging in the dirt. As an alumni and a life-long member of Hope Lutheran Laura finds joy in using her abundant energy and ecletic skill set to serve the Lord with gladness.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1 Peter 4:10