We're excited to welcome the new faculty and staff members joining our family for the 2023-2024 school year!
Anna Bauknecht
For the past several years, Anna (LWLHS Class of 2019) has been coaching the Dance Team at LWLHS, and now we are excited to welcome her as a teacher! Anna is joining our Spanish and Resource departments, and will continue to coach the Dance Team, as well as being the choreographer for our spring musical.
Here's a little bit about Anna:
"I was born and raised in West Bend, WI, and attended LW! Recently, I graduated from CUW and got married to my husband, Nathan, who is also a teacher. I enjoy spending time with my family, going shopping, singing, dancing, and eating Mexican food. I am so excited to begin my teaching career here at LW!"
Nicole Guarnero
Nicole is joining the staff as our new Administrative Assistant in the main office and we are thrilled to have her on the staff! Whatever you may need, Nicole will be sure to greet you with a smile!
Here's a little about Nicole and what she thinks makes LW so special to her family:
"My husband, John, and I have 3 children who keep us very busy! We enjoy watching movies, playing sports, camping, and spending time with family and friends. Living Word has been a blessing to my family. Not only do they get a Christian education, but the teachers are amazing! They form relationships with their students; ones that make huge impacts in their lives. I take great comfort knowing that my children are valued, loved, and prayed for."
Drew Mickelson
Drew comes to us as a recent graduate from Concordia University Wisconsin, where he received his degree in Business Education and played on the football team. He is joining Living Word as our new business teacher, as well as assistant football and basketball coach. We are thrilled to have Drew on the staff!
Here's a little about Drew:
"I am a competitive individual who loves being active in my free time through activities such as golf, fishing, sports, and more! I am from McFarland, WI, which is right outside of Madison. I love all things Wisconsin sports, I enjoy spending time with my family, and traveling the state with my wife, Madison, and dog, Bama!"
Rachel Osell
Rachel student taught at Living Word last spring and we knew she was going to be a rockstar teacher! We are super excited to have her now as a full-time teacher in our Science Department. She is also taking on the role of faculty advisor for Student Council, so be sure to thank her for throwing some amazing events this school year for our students! Rachel is also coaching volleyball and track & field.
Here's a little about Rachel:
"I was born and raised in the Milwaukee area, and have grown up attending Lutheran schools all my life. In my free time, I enjoy playing different sports, reading, tending to my plants, and working with the youth at my home congregation (St. Paul's, West Allis). I am truly blessed to be a part of such a great community here at Living Word!"
Zachary Roeglin
Zachary comes to us from Concordia University Wisconsin (maybe you're sensing a theme!) where he studied Music Education. He will be instructing our band and choir ensembles and is introducing - for the first time at Living Word - our very own Pep Band! Be sure to check it out this winter at our home basketball games.
Here's a little bit about Zachary:
"I was born in St. Louis, MO. Shortly after, my family of eight moved to Menomonee Falls, WI, where my father received his first call as Pastor at Zion Lutheran Church. After six years of living there, we moved back to St. Louis where my family has been ever since. After attending high school at Lutheran High School North, I left St. Louis again and attended Concordia University Wisconsin, where I graduated with a Music Education degree in the spring of 2023. I am the second oldest of 6 kids and my family is the most important thing to me. In my free time, I love to go on walks, go shopping, and paint with my amazing girlfriend, Elizabeth. I am super excited to be part of the amazing faculty here at Living Word and to share the love of Jesus with the students daily."
John Simonis
We are thrilled to welcome John Simonis as our new principal at LWLHS! Most recently, John was a teacher and athletic director at Trinity Lutheran School in Racine, WI, and has been in Lutheran education his entire life. He will be an excellent leader to help take Living Word to new heights, all while supporting the mission and ministry at our school.
Here's a little bit about John:
"My family and I are excited to be a part of the Living Word community. My wife is currently serving as a resource teacher at Immanuel Lutheran School in Brookfield. Our daughter, Diana, is a 4th grader at Immanuel as well. We recently moved to Hubertus, WI, and have really enjoyed this whole area. My hobbies include flea markets, rummage sales, camping, mowing our lawn, and all things Wisconsin sports!"
Megan Tucker
Last but not least, we welcome Megan Tucker, who will be teaching in our Math Department at LWLHS. She has great past teaching experience at the high school level and we are excited to have her on staff!
Here's a little bit about Megan:
"I enjoy walking and exploring God's creation. I have a large fish tank that I maintain, and I love to work on DIY projects with my husband."
In closing, we are thankful for ALL the faculty and staff at Living Word - may God continue to bless our school family!