Meet Our Staff

Being a Lutheran school professional is more than a job, it is a calling. ESM is blessed to have a dedicated staff of people that are committed to establishing Christ firmly at the center of life and connecting children and families to the grace freely offered by our loving Savior. Below you will find a staff and faculty directory along with biographical information about our professional staff.

Principal

Dr. Ben Stellwagen

Dr. Ben Stellwagen

Principal

Director of Preschool Ministry

Photo of Mrs. Jennifer Ackmann

Mrs. Jennifer Ackmann

Assistant Principal - Preschool

Assistant Principal-Preschool, Jennifer Ackmann, is a product of Emmanuel-St. Michael L...

ESM Preschool employs teachers who care for and love children just as Christ loves each one of us.  Each teacher is trained to minister to the needs of the whole child and understand that each is a unique individual with different gifts.  Teachers desire to assist children in the learning process and to help the child meet individual developmental goals.

  1. Each lead teacher is a member of Emmanuel or St. Michael Lutheran Church.
  2. Each teacher takes part in at least 12 hours of professional development annually.
  3. Teachers are trained in CPR, First Aid and Universal Practices.
  4. Teachers have opportunities to collaborate as a staff at quarterly meetings.

Getz Rd Preschool Teachers

Photo of Mrs. Erin Bains

Mrs. Erin Bains

Preschool Teacher, Getz Campus

Erin Bains is one of ESM’s preschool teachers at the Getz Road campus. She is ori...

Photo of Mrs. Colleen Kobi-Berger

Mrs. Colleen Kobi-Berger

Preschool Teacher, Getz Campus

Colleen Kobi-Berger is one of our morning Pre-K teacher at the Getz Road Camp...

Union St Preschool Teachers

Photo of Mrs. Maddie Goodwin

Mrs. Maddie Goodwin

Preschool Teacher, Union Campus

Maddie was born and raised here in Fort Wayne! She went to Holy Cross K-8 and grad...

Photo of Miss Gwen Kanning

Miss Gwen Kanning

Preschool Teacher, Union Campus

Gwen Kanning is a graduate of Valparaiso University, Concordia Lutheran High Schoo...

Additional Faculty and Staff