Principal Daniel Busch | Grades 7-8, Principal email Dan

Daniel Busch graduated from Martin Luther College in 2015 and was called to serve Good Shepherd in Burton, MI as a principal and upper grades teacher for 7 years. In 2021, he accepted the call to serve God’s people at St. John in Waterloo, WI. Daniel graduated with a Master’s in Educational Administration from Martin Luther College in 2022. His passion is to serve God’s people in the public ministry as an administrator and teacher. He and his wife Amanda were married in 2015 and now have three children, Judah, Matthias, and Lydia. In his spare time, he likes to spend time with family, play cards, do puzzles and build with Legos, and spend time outdoors. His hobbies include hunting, fishing, and golfing.

Book of Ephesians.

Sophia Dorn | Grades 5-6, Athletic Director email Sophia

Sophia Dorn (who usually goes by Sophie) was born and raised in Lusaka, Zambia where her parents have been missionaries for the last 30 years. She is the 3rd of 4 children consisting of 2 older brothers, Ben and Zach, and a little sister, Peggy. While in Zambia she attended the American International School of Lusaka until the age of 14 when she left home to go to Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, Wisconsin for high school. She then attended Martin Luther College with a double major in elementary education and secondary chemistry. While at MLC she was part of the tennis, golf, and soccer teams. Over the years, she has also enjoyed many other hobbies such as swimming, art, and most other outdoor activities. This past July, she was very blessed to marry Eric Dorn, who is a religion teacher at Lakeside Lutheran High School. Now, she is also looking forward to teaching at St. John. She is excited to be part of a faculty that gets to spread the joy of salvation to their students on a daily basis as well as a congregation that has already been so welcoming and supportive!

“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

Mr. Allan Boeder | Grades 3-4, Technology email Allan

Allan L. Boeder was born quite a ways from the frozen tundra that is Wisconsin. Originally from Key West, FL, he has lived in Wisconsin for nearly all of his life. He grew up in Manitowoc, WI. where he attended Bethany Evangelical Lutheran School from grades K-8. He graduated from Manitowoc Lutheran High School in 2013. While at MLHS he decided to enroll in Martin Luther College. He student taught at St. Mark, Watertown, 20 min. from here. He graduated from MLC in 2017. He received his first assignment for the 2018-2019 school year to emergency teach at St. Mark, Green Bay in the fifth grade classroom. By the end of the school year he had taught nearly all 5th grade subjects, 4th grade English, 6th grade Math, and some Special Education when needed. In May of 2019 he received his permanent assignment at St. John, Waterloo.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans 1:16

Miss Tara Winecke  |  Grades 1-2, Music email Tara

Tara was born in St. Paul, Minnesota but spent most of her childhood in Iowa. She wanted to teach His little lambs from a very young age, assisting with Sunday School and various Vacation Bible Schools at church. Tara attended Martin Luther College in 2015 and graduated in May 2020. Tara enjoys guiding children in using their musical gifts to worship, praise, and serve their Lord. When not at school she enjoys playing with her dog Daphne, playing the piano, working out, hanging out with friends, and spending time with Jesus through His Word. She is very excited to be at St. John for a third year!

Matthew 18:20: For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with you.

Mrs. Erin Krebs  |  Kindergarten email Erin

Erin lives in Beaver Dam with her husband Mike who is the 5-6 grade teacher/athletic director at St. John’s School in Juneau. They have been members there for 16 years now. She has a son, Michel, who is attending Luther Prep. She also has a daughter, Hope. Erin was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan and attended Michigan Lutheran Seminary for high school. She graduated from MLC in 2003 with degrees in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Erin enjoys spending time with family especially running her children to all different sporting events whether it be basketball, baseball, gymnastics, or even water ski show team!

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13

Mrs. Kerri Esmay | 3K/4K Director & Teacher email Kerri

Kerri’s love for early childhood began many years ago in Ft. Worth, Texas.  Since then she has homeschooled her two children, started a preschool for ages 2-5 in Louisiana, and been director at centers in Manhattan and Topeka, Kansas.  She is very thankful for the opportunities and experiences the Lord has brought her through. Her ministry has been blessed as she’s gone through NAEYC accreditation, taken a course on Conscious Discipline, and attended multiple training hours on best practice in early childhood education. She loves the honesty and boldness 3 and 4 year-olds exhibit. She loves hearing them sing praises to Jesus all day long. Her favorite part of the day is Bible Time. Oh to have the faith of a child. She thanks the Lord for the opportunity to spend her days with wee ones and teach them about the One who is our everything, Jesus!! She is married to Pastor Esmay, one of the shepherds at St. John. The Lord has entrusted them with two of his precious lambs, Hannah and Drew, who attend Luther Prep.  Her hobbies include golfing, scrapbooking, Jazzercise, playing organ, and watching her children do what they love to do! 

“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. Emily Brusenbach | 3K/4K Teacher email Emily  

Emily grew up in Oconomowoc WI, where she attended St Matthew’s Lutheran School. She then attended Luther Prep in Watertown. In 2018 she graduated from California Baptist University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and a concentration in Human Development. Since graduating in 2018, Emily worked at St Matthew’s in Oconomowoc as a lead in a 2 year old and 3 year old room, and recently was a full-time aide in a 5K classroom, before accepting the call to teach 3K/4K here in Waterloo. Emily is married to Hunter. Hunter currently works at Clasen Quality Chocolate in Watertown. They have one daughter, Ella.

Whitney Baumann | Administrative Assistant email Office

Whitney was born in New London, WI attending Bethlehem Lutheran School (K-8) in Hortonville, WI and Fox Valley Lutheran High School in Appleton, WI. She spent most of her adult life in the Marshall and Sun Prairie area. She currently resides in Sun Prairie with husband, 4-year-old son, and her friendly pit-bull. Her background has been in the retail and fitness industry. You may have seen her around at Snap Fitness and Kwik Trip. She is thankful for this opportunity to serve at St. John Church and School and is excited to get to know everyone. Her hobbies include traveling, playing cards, running and dancing.

“In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” Proverbs 16:9