Faculty and Staff
Evan Korthals
Title(s)
Principal
Contact Information
School Phone – 952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Mr. Korthals graduated from Martin Luther College in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, with a concentration in mathematics. He also graduated from Martin Luther College in 2026 with a Master of Science in Educational Administration degree. Mr. Korthals was born in Wisconsin but grew up in Michigan. He spent three years teaching 7th grade in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. He currently teaches in the upper grades.
Favorite Bible Passage
Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Mr. Korthals’ Philosophy
I strive to provide an education for my students that challenges them to use and grow their God-given skills and abilities to form a foundation for their lives as ambassadors of Christ. I accomplish this through meeting each student where they are and providing them with a learning experience that involves their interests and creates opportunities for growth in spiritual, emotional, and academic skills.
Angie Koob
Title(s)
School Administrative Assistant and Office Manager
Contact Information
School Phone – 952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
In 2026, Mrs. Koob accepted the role of School Administrative Assistant. She will step into this new position while maintaining her current role as the Office Manager for Good Shepherd Church & School, a position she has held since 2024.
Why Mrs. Koob wanted to work at Good Shepherd:
I was excited to have my work schedule align with my children’s school schedule and be in the same place they are all day.
When I first started as the receptionist/hot lunch coordinator at Good Shepherd in the fall of 2023, I hadn’t anticipated taking on a larger role, but in June of 2024, I transitioned into the Church Office Manager position. While this required more time, it still allowed me to be in the same place as our boys during the school year, along with offering some flexibility in hours during holidays and the summer.
With my new role on the school side of Good Shepherd, it will once again bring opportunities to learn and grow. I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know the church side better, being creative, and learning many new things along the way. I love the people here at Good Shepherd, and I look forward to continuing to help make Good Shepherd a place where people feel welcome and excited to be.
Favorite Bible Passage
Joshua 1:9 “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.”
Mrs. Koob’s Philosophy
Live life with grace for yourself and others. This has proved a challenging philosophy with three young boys, but we are working on it.
Hannah Koss
Title(s)
Preschool Director
Teacher – Preschool
Contact Information
preschool.director@goodshep.com
School Phone – 952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Ms. Koss grew up in Rochester, Minnesota and was blessed to be raised in a Christian home that modeled the importance of fostering faith as well as serving the Lord and others. She has two older brothers, a sister-in-law, and a niece. Ms. Koss grew up understanding the importance of Christian education by attending one of our WELS grade schools, Resurrection Lutheran. She then attended a public high school and went on to attend Martin Luther College where she was a double major in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She graduated in December of 2018 and was assigned to be an Early Childhood Director for Loving Arms Child Care Center in Wichita, KS. In January of 2023, Ms. Koss was extended a call from Good Shepherd to teach lower grades and she accepted the call to serve. She looks forward to contributing to and learning from the Ministry here at Good Shepherd.
Classroom Highlights
- Field Trips (In House/Bus)
- A Little Spot of Emotion
- Morning Meeting
- Spotlight Shout-Outs
- Happy Helpers
- Thanks Day
- Mystery Readers
- Preschool Picnic
- Thanksgiving Feast
- Christmas and Valentine’s Day Parties
- Christmas Program
Teaching Philosophy
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
I believe in partnering with families to teach children lessons that will last them years beyond my classroom. First and foremost, teaching children about their Savior and their faith everyday. We shine our light to all of those around us in our words and actions. I believe that we build a classroom around Christ, we create a loving and caring environment to learn and grow. I look forward to seeing how these children will grow in their faith, grow in their friendships, and grow in character.
I also believe that each child is uniquely created and gifted by God. I love learning about my students and encouraging them to use their gifts and talents, while challenging them to try new things. My goal is to create lessons that are active and hands-on incorporating many different learning styles so that every child can be successful. I believe in guiding children to meet their goals with support and encouragement from their parents, teachers, and peers. One of my greatest joys is to see them so proud of all that they have accomplished. I cannot wait to see these children shine!
Kelsey Nimmer
Title(s)
Teacher – Preschool
Contact Information
knimmer@goodshep.com
School Phone – 952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Mrs. Nimmer graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Mankato State University in 2014. She has worked in four school districts and within many grades. Mrs. Nimmer is currently working on the Teaching Ministry Certification through MLC.
Mrs. Nimmer has been married to her husband Zach since 2012. They have two boys, Henry and Evan, who attend Good Shepherd. The Nimmers live in Burnsville with their two dogs, Buckley and Peaches. They are usually busy watching their boys play some sort of sport or on Lake Minnetonka with her in-laws.
Classroom Highlights
- Field Trips (In House/Bus)
- A Little Spot of Emotion
- Morning Meeting
- Happy Helpers
- Mystery Readers
- Preschool Picnic
- Thanksgiving Feast
- Christmas and Valentine’s Day Parties
- Christmas Program
Teaching Philosophy
I am excited to get back into the classroom and continue my ministry at Good Shepherd. I am looking forward to helping the students grow in their faith. I’m excited to share my passion for education and provide my students with a nurturing environment while they are at school.
Joanie Arndt
Title(s)
Teacher – Preschool
Contact Information
School Phone – 952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Mrs. Arndt graduated from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She taught 1st-2nd grades in Illinois and southwest Minnesota before stepping away from teaching to raise her family. In 2004, Mrs. Arndt returned to the classroom and began teaching preschool, first in Illinois and then at Shepherd of the Hills in Inver Grove Heights, MN. She began teaching Session 2 (afternoons) in the 4-year-old classroom at Good Shepherd in 2017. Starting in 2025, Mrs. Arndt stepped into the aide position in the 4-year-old classroom and will cover director release time in the 3-year-old classroom.
Mrs. Arndt married her husband in 1990 and raised 6 children together all of whom attended and graduated from Good Shepherd. They currently have 10 grandchildren that they wish lived closer but video call them often. Mrs. Arndt enjoys her many flower gardens in the spring and summer and when the weather turns cold can be found at her basement craft table sewing, stamping or building Legos.
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that each child is uniquely created by God who loves them dearly. I work each day to help children grow physically, mentally, socially, emotionally and spiritually. I want to help each child build on their strengths and conquer their challenges. Young children learn as they engage in meaningful play. Preschool classrooms may look like chaotic environments, but in each corner of the room children are learning as they play.
Lori Anderson
Title(s)
Classroom Aide
Music Coordinator
Contact Information
School Phone – 952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Mrs. Anderson graduated from High School in North Dakota and received her degree from the University of Mary. She later moved to Minnesota where she met BJ Anderson. BJ is a physician and works at the University of MN. They have been married for over 23 years and have a son, Jack Anderson, who attended Good Shepherd School for his elementary years and is now a Sophomore at St. Croix Lutheran Academy. Mrs. Anderson has been a long time volunteer/employee at Good Shepherd School and Church for over 11 years. The Anderson family enjoys hiking National Parks and spending time with family including their three dogs, Beth, Bella and Addie. Jack also likes to spend time with ‘Tallon’ his turtle and ‘Noodle’ his snake.
Aide Philosophy
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works, my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14
The best thing about working with children is seeing all of the individual strengths and gifts that God has given them. Having the privilege of helping them grow in their knowledge and faith is a blessing.
Marissa Oachs
Title(s)
Teacher – Kindergarten
Contact Information
School Phone – 952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Mrs. Oachs graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, in 2008 with a B.S. in Athletic Training. She worked for five years at Jesus Loves Me Learning Center in Mankato, MN as a Preschool Assistant Teacher. In 2015, she went back to school at Rasmussen University and earned an additional degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in Child Development. In May of 2017, she received her first call to be Director and 3 & 4 year old Teacher at Little Lambs Preschool in Inver Grove Heights, MN. In February 2022, she accepted the call to teach at Good Shepherd Lutheran School. Mrs. Oachs and her husband, Josh, have three children – all of whom attended Good Shepherd Lutheran School.
Kindergarten Highlights
- Star Student of the Week
- Adopt-a-Pet Reading Buddies
- Classroom Pets & Fun Hands-on Science Projects (like hatching chicks every Spring!)
- Flashlight Fri-Yay
- Big Buddy/Little Buddy Program with the 8th graders
- Fun & Educational Field Trips around the Community
- Police Officer Visit and Other In-School Field Trips
- Christmas & Valentine’s Day Parties
- 100th Day Celebration
- Service Projects for Veterans and on Earth day
Teaching Philosophy
My goal as a teacher is to share the love of Jesus with every child and to inspire the love of learning at an early age! I want school and learning to be fun and something children look forward to for the rest of their lives!
I run my classroom with the knowledge that every student is a gift from God and one of his precious Little Lambs. All children in my classroom will be intentionally taught at whatever level they are at and loved for who they are!
Mollie Benjamin
Title(s)
Teacher – Grade 1
Contact Information
School Phone – 952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Mrs. Benjamin graduated Martin Luther College in 2012 with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. At graduation she received her first Call to be Early Childhood Ministry Director at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church-School-Early Childhood Center in Redding, California. She served this role and taught preschool and lower grades in California for 10 years. While serving in California Mrs. Benjamin earned her Master’s in Education (Instruction) from Martin Luther College in 2017. In 2022 she accepted a new Call to serve Cornerstone Early Learning Center in Hugo, Minnesota as Early Learning Center Director. Following her summer 2023 wedding and move to Savage, Minnesota she accepted the Call to be the 1st grade teacher at Good Shepherd!
Mrs. Benjamin serves as an Adjunct Instructor in the Early Childhood division at Martin Luther College. She teaches online courses and leads professional development classes throughout the year for the college.
1st Grade Highlights
- Spring and Fall Fieldtrips
- 100th Day of School Celebration
- Christmas and Valentine’s Day Parties
- Parent Volunteer Activities
- Christmas Program
Teaching Philosophy
Each student is a unique child of God! I believe teaching should meet the individual needs of each student through hands-on, minds-on learning activities! The learning environment for the students will be a safe, fun, Christ-centered classroom with a growth mindset! I feel blessed to be able to share God’s Word everyday with the class. Learning is a lifelong journey for both the student and teacher, so let’s learn together!
Christianne Bentley
Title(s)
Teacher – Grade 2
Contact Information
School Phone – 952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Mrs. Bentley graduated from MSU-Mankato in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. She worked as a substitute teacher in area WELS schools, taught PreK in an area child care center, and taught PreK and Kindergarten at Bloomington Lutheran School (2015-2022). Mrs. Bentley attended GSL from kindergarten through eighth grade and is very excited to be back!
2nd Grade Highlights
- Show and Tell
- Fun Field Trips
- Star Student
- Parent Volunteers/Visits
- Christmas/Valentine’s Day Parties
- Art
Teaching Philosophy
I believe my most important job as a teacher is to make my classroom a Christ-centered, fun, nurturing, and safe environment for my students. Building relationships with my students is a top priority for me and allows me to gain a better understanding of each individual’s God-given talents. I pray my students feel loved, encouraged, and supported each day by their Savior, by me, and by their classmates. It’s incredible how learning can flourish once this happens! Motivated by Christ’s perfect love for us, I talk daily with my students about how we can show our love for Christ by loving others. It’s truly a blessing to work with and guide students as they grow and learn.
Rachel Korthals
Title(s)
Teacher – Grade 3
Contact Information
School Phone
952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Mrs. Korthals was born and raised in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. She is a 2019 graduate of Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac, WI and a 2023 graduate of Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. After graduating from MLC, she was assigned to Lake Mills, WI where she taught 6th grade for three years. She has been married to Evan, Good Shepherd’s new principal, since 2023. When she is not in the classroom, she enjoys spending time with family, reading. and traveling. Mrs. Korthals is excited to continue her ministry at Good Shepherd!
3rd Grade Highlights
- Coming soon
Teaching Philosophy
“In my classroom, every child is deserving of a Christ-centered, safe, and respectful classroom community. It is my goal to help every child grow in their learning, confidence, and love for their Savior. Together we will work together to glorify God in everything that we do out of love for Him.”
Courtney Wegwerth
Title(s)
Teacher – Grade 4
Contact Information
School Phone
952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Miss Wegwerth’s educational journey began at Christ Lutheran School (CLS), where she attended from preschool through 6th grade, and then continued at Saint Croix Lutheran Academy (SCLA) from 7th through 12th grade. This foundation in Christian education shaped her passion for learning and her desire to share that love of learning with young minds. She recently graduated with honors from Concordia University, St. Paul in 2025, earning her elementary
education degree and teaching license for the state of Minnesota. During her preparation, she completed her practicum training and her student teaching experience, which reinforced her calling to teach in a Christian environment.
Beyond academics, Miss Wegwerth brings diverse experience working with children through her three years as an all-around lead at the YMCA, where she supervised before and after-school care as well as summer programs for K-5 students. Athletics have always been important to her – she played Junior Olympic volleyball for seven years and represented SCLA on their volleyball team for five years, experiences that taught her teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. When she’s not in the classroom, you’ll find her exploring God’s creation through hiking, camping, ATVing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing with family. She is excited to continue growing professionally by completing her WELS certification over the next couple of years, and she can’t wait to share Jesus’ love while helping students discover the joy of learning!
4th Grade Highlights
- Miss Wegwerth is excited to watch her students make those “lightbulb moments” when challenging concepts finally click, to see their confidence grow as they tackle new challenges, and witness the joy on their faces as they discover new things.
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that education is a calling to nurture both the mind and spirit of each student in a Christ-centered environment. Drawing from my own foundation in Christian education and experience working with young learners, I am committed to creating a joyful, supportive classroom where students feel safe to explore and grow academically while developing their character and faith.
Cathy Backer
Title(s)
Teacher – Grade 5
Contact Information
School Phone
952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Coming soon
5th Grade Highlights
- Coming soon
Teaching Philosophy
Coming soon
Bill Arndt
Title(s)
Teacher – Grade 6 Homeroom
Contact Information
School Phone – 952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Mr. Arndt graduated from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. He has taught a combination of 3rd through 8th grade for 35 years. He previously taught in Western Minnesota for 6 years, Wisconsin for 2 years, Illinois for 8 years, and is now in his 21st year back in Minnesota. He has served as a principal for 10 years in Wisconsin and Illinois. He currently teaches in the upper grades.
Classroom Highlights
- Field trip to the Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America
- Field trip to Feed My Starving Children
- Field trip to the Minnesota State Capital and History Center
- Field trip to the Science Museum
Teaching Philosophy
The goal of my teaching, and the center of my philosophy, is training future leaders in Christ’s church. I would like to accomplish this goal by helping students gain necessary skills needed to become lifelong learners. Once they learn these skills, then they can apply them to all areas of life, including their life of service in Christ’s church.
Becky Raabe
Title(s)
Teacher – Grades 7 & 8 Homeroom
Contact Information
School Phone – 952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Mrs. Raabe has a Master’s Degree of Arts in Education from MSU Mankato (2013), a Bachelor’s Degree of Arts in History (2005), and her WELS Teaching Ministry Certification (2022). She taught 9th grade World Geography in Aldine ISD (Houston, TX) for 2 years, worked as a paraprofessional in Mankato Public Schools for 1 year, taught 5-8th grade at Bloomington Living Hope Lutheran School for 4 years, and Preschool at BLLH for 6 years.
Becky and her husband Nate have 3 children: Mattea, Teddy, and Henry. The Raabes have 2 dogs: Zelda and Caesar, and have fostered in the past. Becky loves: reading, gardening, orchids, tropical plants, board games, coffee, sunshine, and knitting. She does not care for gluten (Celiac Disease) and winter weather.
7 & 8th Grade Highlights
- Reading with Kindergarten
- Tea Tuesdays
- Confirmation
- Field trip to Valleyfair
Teaching Philosophy
I believe that all children can learn, but they learn and grow in different ways. I believe in using children’s strengths to help them learn confidently, and challenging them so that they grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. I believe that making Jesus the center of everything we do is important in our ever-changing secular society. Grounding our children in God’s Word and His love is the most important thing we can do as parents and educators, as it prepares them for a solid faith foundation as they grow and become more independent. My goal is to ensure our children have this firm foundation in God’s Word, so they can do everything for the glory of God.
Heidi Halse
Title(s)
Receptionist
Hot Lunch Coordinator
Contact Information
School Phone – 952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Coming Soon
Why Mrs. Halse wanted to work at Good Shepherd: Coming Soon
Favorite Bible Passage
Coming Soon
Mrs. Halse’s Philosophy
Coming Soon
Sara Noonan
Title
Church Administrative Assistant
Contact Information
Church Phone – 952-432-5527
Other Information
Biography
Coming soon
Why Mrs. Noonan wanted to work at Good Shepherd: Coming soon.
Favorite Bible Passage
Coming soon
Mrs. Noonan’s Philosophy
Coming soon
Dan Walters
Title(s)
Pastor
7th-8th Grade Bible Study & Catechism
Contact Information
Other Information
Biography
Pastor Walters was installed as Good Shepherd’s Associate Pastor on January 15, 2017.
Favorite Bible Passage: “I’ve always loved Psalm 118:17: I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. There’s a lot in this verse that clicks with my life. I get to be confident that death is not the end, but through Jesus I will live forever in heaven! Not only that, but as a pastor I get to spend my life proclaiming what the Lord has done for us in Christ. This verse says it all!”
Factors that led Pastor Dan to accept the call to GS: “I feel that Good Shepherd allowed me a place where I can put my gifts to use. I love preaching and getting to use an outreach mindset in a congregation that values Christian education, and I’m excited that Good Shepherd is a place where this can happen! I’m also excited about getting in on the ”ground floor“ of a new pastoral team here. I look forward to getting the ”lead pastor“ position filled and moving forward with ministry!”
Pastor Dan’s philosophy: “While I am a pastor, I’m also a human being. That’s pretty important, because it means I’m as flawed as anyone else! I’m trying to live out my faith and do my ministry here to the best of my abilities, but I don’t want to give the impression that I’m somehow ”above“ the members here at Good Shepherd. I strive to be down to earth and approachable in everything. I am not normally high-strung or worried about getting my way in everything. I think this is the best way to work side-by-side with others in accomplishing God’s work here!”