GUARDIAN LUTHERAN - Key Persons
Alyssa is living her life-long dream of becoming a children's librarian, fueled by a passion for reading, children's literature, and inspiring a love of books in others. She is married and has two children who attended Guardian Lutheran School, Natalie and Noah. Alyssa knows that God gave her the opportunity to do what she loves, and she feels blessed to be able to pass along her excitement to the students. She strives to know every child and their specific interests so she can place the perfect book in their hands. "This school is an amazing place to be an educator. My favorite part of the day is when I do read-alouds for each class, even the older kids. A student gets a look in their eyes when they really connect with a book - and that can be the very spark that ignites a lifetime love of reading."
Job Titles:
- School Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Music Director
- Director of Music Ministry Here at Guardian
Austin McManus serves as the Director of Music Ministry here at Guardian. Growing up in northwest Ohio he attended St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, Napoleon, OH, then Patrick Henry High School, Hamler, OH. Austin went on to attend Concordia University for 5 years where he graduated in 2019 receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Parish Music, as well as a Worship Arts Leadership minor. Austin enjoys being in the outdoors camping, hiking, or biking. Austin looks forward to serving here at Guardian, giving all the glory and praise to Him!
Favorite Verse: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. - Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
Job Titles:
- School Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Andrews has been the School Administrative Assistant since 2017. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from Western Michigan University and has been an accountant in the automotive, health and 3rd party logistics industry for 31 years. Mrs. Andrews is married and has 1 son and 1 daughter, both in college. She also has 3 Golden Retriever dogs. During her off-time Mrs. Andrews enjoys spending time with her family, camping, reading, and crocheting/knitting.
Barbara began teaching in 1995 and has been serving at Guardian in various
capacities since 2001. She has a bachelor's degree, a juris doctor degree, and two
Job Titles:
- Pastor / 7th Grade Religion
Darlene Vangel has been working at Guardian Lutheran School since September 2015. She considers it a pleasure to work with the children as an aide in all of the three Early Childhood classrooms. Darlene has a CDA in Early Childhood development. She is an active member at Dearborn Christian Fellowship and was a youth leader for the senior high school students for 12 years and now with middle school age for the past 3 years. Also she has enjoyed teaching Sunday school with preschoolers for 11 years. Darlene enjoys walking in the early morning and dinner and game nights with friends.
Job Titles:
- Pastor / 8th Grade Religion
Pastor David Mews was born in Faribault, Minnesota. Growing up he lived in Faribault, MN., St. Paul, MN, and in Fort Wayne, IN. In 2005 David attended Concordia University, Wisconsin majoring in Theological Languages (Latin, Greek, and Hebrew). He then attended Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN.
David married Maggie in August 2009. Maggie and David met in college. Maggie is a Registered Nurse. They have, from oldest to youngest, a daughter Regina, a son Malachi, a son Thomas, a daughter Rachel, and a son Josiah. Pastor Mews served as Vicar at Guardian from 2012 to 2014. He serves as Pastor at Guardian from 2015 to the present. Pastor Mews delights in studying and teaching God's Word. He enjoys explaining the history of the Bible.For hobbies Pastor Mews enjoys playing board games, video games, good food, good beer, camping, hiking, and anything fun.
Jennifer Madigan has been on staff at Guardian since the fall of 2018 when she joined as a Kindergarten Aide. She and her husband have 4 daughters, 3 of of whom attend Guardian. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and playing basketball and volleyball with her daughters.
Karen Belli graduated from Concordia College, Bronxville in 1989 and has spent 34 years in the education field in one capacity or another. She is presently the kindergarten teacher at Guardian. In June of 2023, she earned a certificate as a Reading Interventionist through the non-profit We Shall Read, and tutors children with reading difficulties. She has experience in teaching grades preschool through 8th grade. Karen and Mark, the 4th-grade teacher at Guardian, have been married for 33 years and have served the Lord in Lutheran education in five different states. They have six children ranging in age from 19 to 29 years old. When she is not enjoying her day teaching her students about Jesus, Karen enjoys working on jigsaw puzzles, walking, listening to podcasts, playing music, traveling to different states, and reading.
Mrs. Collins has been teaching for 28 years. She has taught 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, 5-8 grade PE/Health, and has also coached girls and boys basketball and girls fast pitch softball. This is her 11th year at Guardian.. She received her Bachelor's Degree from Concordia Ann Arbor and her Master's Degree from the University of Michigan. Mrs. Collins is married and has 2 sons and 3 dogs. She enjoys watching her boys play basketball, watching sports, walking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Miss Heinert is a 1990 graduate of Concordia College Ann Arbor. She graduated with a B.A. in Education majoring in both English and Psychology. She taught at Lutheran High West in Detroit for four years, and then St. Stephen Waterford for 18. She enjoys Detroit Tigers baseball, reading, playing guitar, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite part about the teaching ministry is sharing the love of Christ with her students, and helping them to see God's saving grace for all of His children. Miss Heinert is looking forward to the wonderful opportunity to serve God's people at Guardian.
Job Titles:
- Early Childhood Director, Pre - K Teacher
Job Titles:
- Early Childhood Director, Pre - K Teacher
- Member of Guardian Lutheran Church
Lisa Liggett has been a member of Guardian Lutheran Church since 1991. She is married to her high school sweetheart . Together they have one son who is also a teacher. He is married and has one son.
In 1994, she began working at Guardian assisting in the 3 and 4 year old preschool classes. After assisting Lisa returned to school to earn a Child Development Associate and remained at Guardian for eight years. In 2002 Lisa left to direct an Early Childhood Learning Center for children 6 weeks to 12 years old. She remained there 12 years before returning to Guardian in 2014 to start an all day preschool program. Being back at Guardian has been such a blessing to work with the children, families and staff.
Lisa feels the Early Childhood experience children have helps to set a positive and strong foundation for all their years of schooling. An early childhood teacher and director can be an intricate part of this experience and give young children the opportunity to explore and the love for learning.
Lisa also enjoys helping with the school musicals, golfing and music.
Job Titles:
- Early Childhood Teacher
- Member of Guardian
Loree York has been a member of Guardian since 1991. She married her husband in 1984, has a married daughter with 1 granddaughter and an engaged daughter who both attended Guardian Lutheran School from early childhood through 8th grade.
Loree has a degree in Nursing. She started her Early Childhood Career at Guardian in the 90's aiding in Early Childhood, First and Second Grade, Cougar Care as well as substitute teaching. She left in 2002 and worked in an Early Childhood Center as a Young 3's preschool teacher until 2014 when she returned to Guardian's Early Childhood Program. Returning to Guardian felt like a "homecoming" and a blessing to be able to work with so many wonderful teachers and staff.
Being the first step in so many children's education has been an honor and a blessing to Loree. She feels these first steps mold their future and attitudes toward their journey in school.
Loree enjoys helping with the school musical, reading, crafting and vacationing at the beach.
Louis Armbrecht has been teaching in Lutheran schools since 2013. He has taught 5th and 6th grade in both Michigan and Illinois. He received his bachelors in education at Michigan State University. He is excited to be a part of the Guardian community, and looks forward to this upcoming year!
Lynn has served in the teaching ministry since 1999. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State University in 1985 then returned to college from 1997-1999 to earn her teaching certification and Lutheran Teacher's Diploma at Concordia University followed by a Masters in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) from the University of Phoenix in 2005. Prior to coming to Guardian in 2002, she taught at Trinity Lutheran, Wyandotte. Lynn has been involved in athletics for many years, coaching volleyball for 25 of those years, and currently serves as Co-Athletic Director. She has two daughters, Brooke and Kierstyn, a grandson, Beckett, and one dog, Odie. Her favorite things about teaching are recognizing that each child is a unique creation of God with their own learning style, loves, and challenges. Lynn enjoys spending time with family, running, cycling, and working out.
Mr. Belli is the 4th-grade teacher at Guardian. He has been blessed to serve the Lord in Lutheran schools for 33 years in five different states. Most of that time has been as a teacher, but he has also served as a principal, assistant principal, athletic director, and coach. This will be his fifth year at Guardian. He and his wife (our Kindergarten teacher) have six kids that range between the ages of 29 - 19 (four daughters and twin boys). Mr. Belli enjoys traveling with his family, good books, cooking, golfing, and Wisconsin sports.
Job Titles:
- Pastor / 8th Grade Religion
Nancy taught school full time until 2001, she then started subbing. She received her BS degree from CCUA. She also attended Schoolcraft College, Macomb Community College and U of M Dearborn. She lives with her husband Michael and together they have been blessed with four sons, three daughter-in-laws, eight grandchildren and two labradoodles. Nancy is the organist and choir director at Shadow of the Cross Lutheran church.
Nancy has taught handbells, both adult and children, here at Guardian and also at two other churches. She enjoys watching the children grow in their skills playing the bells. She enjoys spending time with family, playing piano, organ and taking pictures.
Job Titles:
- Pastor / 7th Grade Religion
Job Titles:
- Church Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Church Administrative Assistant
Ronda was born and raised in Westland. She met Russ, her husband, as a child. They were married at Guardian in July, 1987. Their union has been blessed with two children.
She enjoys following sports, especially those played by her children. She loves spending time with family and friends and also loves to travel, read and play golf. In her spare time she is an active volunteer at Guardian, Lutheran High Westland and a few other projects throughout the community.
She graduated from Churchill High School (Livonia), attended Schoolcraft Community College for two years before transferring to Western Michigan University.
Mrs. Berris is the middle school Science teacher. She is going on her 4th year here at Guardian, which will be her 7th year of teaching, and has taught in both the elementary and middle school settings. She graduated from the University of Michigan- Dearborn with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, majoring in Science Education. She also has an Associates of Arts Degree in Graphic Design, with a certification in Print Design. Prior to teaching she worked as a Graphic Designer and also did home health care, among other things. Mrs. Berris is married, has two daughters (Ava and Emma), and a cat (Mooshie). She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going on vacations, cooking, and doing anything that involves being artistic, such as painting, scrapbooking, dance, graphic design, crocheting, and cookie decorating. Her favorite thing about teaching is building relationships with each of her students, and watching their educational growth.