Meet Our Staff
Director
Mary Newren, Director Early Childhood Program
I have always enjoyed working with young children and pursued a career in Education. I have a degree in both Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education and have a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. I taught first and second grade for 25 years. I started as Director of St. John’s program in 2025 and have been a member of St. John’s for over ten years. My greatest satisfaction comes from helping young lives learn and grow; watching all the wonderful changes from August to May.
There is nothing more important than teaching children about Jesus and God’s
love. It is a delight to hear the children sing songs about Jesus and watch them
eagerly listen to Bible stories.
My favorite bible verse is Matthew 6:9-13 which is the Lord’s Prayer.
Every time I pray this prayer, some part speaks to my heart and gives me peace.
Preschool Teacher
Jeni Robinson, Preschool Teacher
I have worked with children my entire life! For me, my degree from Illinois State University in Education was a natural progression. I have 3 younger sisters and spent my childhood organizing games, dance lessons, ‘school rooms’ and productions for all the neighborhood children. As a teen, I taught swim lessons, coached our local swim team, taught ballet and was the neighborhood babysitter. When my children were little, I worked in the children’s department at my local library creating programs and leading story time. Previously, I worked at a Methodist preschool and have been teaching preschool for 20 years. The 2025/26 school year was my first year at St. John’s Lutheran. I feel very blessed and grateful to be in such a supportive and encouraging school.
I love to work with children because they are so beautifully honest and each one is so unique. Their curiosity, energy and love of life keeps ME curious, energetic and loving life! I believe that Luke 6:31 is one of the most important lessons Jesus teaches us. Jesus instructed us, “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” What a better place to model this and to teach it, than in a school backed by a Christian community, a Church, and most importantly Jesus Christ.
My favorite Bible verse has to do with a childlike heart. At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Kindergarten Teacher
Ginny Curtis- Kindergarten Teacher
I wanted to become a teacher because of the kind, compassionate and hard-working teachers that I had who inspired me to follow in their footsteps. I want to create that nurturing atmosphere in my classroom, so that my students will not only be ready for the next step but also look back on great memories of kindergarten!
I earned my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee. I have enjoyed my experiences in many different types of classrooms both urban, rural, Christian and public. These experiences shaped my education and faith. They guided me on different journeys with God and allowed me to see new opportunities to grow as a teacher.
Christian education is important because young children can learn about the goodness of Jesus and all that he offers! Students learn that their faith doesn’t just apply to their personal life, it applies to their schooling and academics as well, that Jesus is present in all we do and learn about. Christian education also emphasizes virtues like compassion, integrity and respect which are values that are important for little ones to know and learn about as they grow in their faith and schooling.
My confirmation verse is a favorite of mine. It is from 1 Timothy 1:15 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners-of whom I am the worst”. It reminds me of the greatness of Jesus that He died on the cross to save a sinner like me and that I am saved by Him.
Preschool Aid / Extended Care
Sandra Hollandsworth, Preschool Aide
Working with children is a deeply rewarding mission that shapes future generations. It is personally fulfilling to me to be a positive influence in the education and nurturing of children. I have been an aide at various schools in preschool, kindergarten and first grade. I was also a nanny for eight years. I have been a preschool aide at St. John’s for six years.
Christian education is important because it offers a holistic approach that integrates faith with academic learning and focuses on developing a child’s mind, body and spirit. It provides a Christ-centered foundation for navigating life and instilling moral clarity. Fostering a biblical worldview creates a safe community for spiritual growth and character development.
My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28 “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
Extended Care
Patty Pygman, Extended Care
I enjoy teaching children, especially the young ones, because they can teach us the simplicity of life. Children are a gift from God! They are eager to learn and explore and it’s a delight to watch God’s little ones grow in all areas of academic, social, and spiritual areas.
I have a strong Lutheran heritage as my mom, siblings, children and grandchildren all attended Lutheran grade schools. I went on to attend Concordia University in River Forest where I earned a B.A. in Education. I have enjoyed a 35-year career teaching the lower grades but mostly I taught preschoolers in both Lutheran, Catholic and Montessori schools.
Christian education is important to me because of the freedom to speak about the love of Jesus every day! It is essential to educate future ‘saints and scholars’ that will lead future generations through speaking the gospel of our Lord and Savior and live as responsible, God-fearing citizens.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all those who do his commandments. His praise endures forever!”
Associate Pastor
Mark Stapleton, Associate Pastor
Mark Stapleton has been a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church for over 20 years. In 2010, he completed Lay Ministry courses from Mequon, Wisconsin and became a Lay Minister. In 2018, he was ordained as a Specific Ministry Pastor. Pastor Stapleton also oversees the Comfort Dog Ministry program at St. John’s.
Church Office Administrator
Amy Strombom, Office Administrator
I became a member of St. John's when my son started kindergarten in 2009. In 2010, I started working part time in Extended Care. Throughout the years, I have served many various roles including pre-school aide & currently Church Office Administrator. As a parent I was on the PTO and have volunteered in many different capacities. My degree is in Social Work from Northeastern Illinois University.
Children have always been incredibly important to me because they are full of innocence, curiosity, and potential. They see the world with wonder and trust, which makes it so important that they are guided with both love & care. I believe children need structure and discipline to help them grow, but just as importantly, they need to feel safe, valued, and loved. Being able to play a small role in that growth is the reason I felt called to work with children.
I feel Christian education is important because it helps children grow both academically & spiritually. It gives them a strong foundation in faith and teaches them about God's love, forgiveness, and guidance in their daily lives. I believe Christian education helps children develop into confident individuals grounded in faith.
My favorite Bible verse is 2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by faith, not by sight." It reminds me to trust God's word rather than fear current circumstances. What a wonderful act of love to have faith; to believe and trust in what you cannot see. I trust in God’s almighty plans.
Comfort Dog
Gracie, Comfort Dog
Gracie has been our Golden Retriever comfort dog since August 2025. She is specially trained to provide a friendly, calming, and comforting presence. Gracie visits the classroom once a week along with Pastor Mark who is her primary handler. If they want to, the children can choose to pet and visit with her. Gracie has become a special visitor that the children look forward to seeing each week.
Gracie’s Bible verse is Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
St. John’s has had an active Comfort Dog Ministry since 2015. Our trained volunteer handlers take the dog to schools, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, community groups, or anywhere they are needed and invited. It is a great way for us to support our community. We were blessed to have Angel to serve as our comfort dog from 2015-2025.