OUR TEACHING STAFF
Our teachers are highly qualified and motivated professionals with more than 250 years of accumulated experience. All are college educated and most were educated in Lutheran universities. All are licensed by the Minnesota State Department of Education.
Steven Ferber
Pastor | CONFIRMATION TEACHER
952.473.5356 ext. 211
pastorferber@redeemerwayzata.org
Pastor Ferber was called to Redeemer in January of 2014 after 25 years of pastoral ministry in northern California and central Minnesota. Before he became a pastor, he worked in the area of sports medicine as a physical therapist and a certified athletic trainer. Pastor Ferber's highest vision is a united, repentant, joyful body of believers who know the Lord and make Him known to the world.
Visit Redeemer Lutheran Church’s Website to learn more about Sunday Worship, Bible Studies and other activities.
ANDREA CACKA
School principal
952.473.5356 ext. 219
acacka@redeemerwayzata.org
Andy grew up in the LCMS Church in Spooner Wisconsin, then moved to Minnesota where she attended a Lutheran grade school and St. Croix Lutheran High School (Class of ‘94). She graduated Cum Laude from MSU-Mankato in ‘98 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education (K-6) and licensure in Special Education (K-12/EMH). She spent 13 years teaching in the Hopkins District (Gifted & Talented Reading K-5, Kindergarten, 3rd and 4th grade) before God led her to RCA in 2021. Andy taught Middle School Math and Science for two years before serving as Principal. She is currently participating in SLED ‘24 (School Leadership Development) through the LCMS.
Heather Bielec
Preschool/PreKindergarten Director
hbielec@redeemerwayzata.org
Heather Bielec is a graduate of the University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, SD with a degree in Elementary Education. In 2007, she received her Commissioned Minister of Religion Certificate from Concordia University, St Paul. Heather has spent her entire career teaching preschool in LCMS Early Childhood Centers and Schools around the metro. In 2020, she became a preschool director. Heather has such a passion for working with the youngest children and is so thankful she can share the love of Jesus with all who enter her classroom. She and her husband, Brent, are proud parents of two children, both of whom are students at RCA.
Tracy Bates / RCA ALUM
Kindergarten TEACHER
Tracy is an RCA Alum who graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with degrees in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. Tracy and her husband, Shawn, have three boys that keep them very busy. She is excited to share her faith and love for Jesus with all the students and families at Redeemer.
Kinlin Schultz
First Grade TEACHER
Kinlin has a K-6 Elementary Education degree from Concordia University, St. Paul and also holds licensure in K-12 Instrumental Music Education. She has teaching experience in music education (several prior years here at Redeemer), K-5 elementary education, and children’s ministry at her home church. Kinlin and her husband Dan, a pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Hopkins, have three children, one of which is an RCA alum! Kinlin and her husband have always loved Redeemer for its high-quality education, its mission as a church and school, and especially the sense of family felt here. She is grateful to be a part of Redeemer’s wonderful, Christian education ministry.
Sarah Janda
Second Grade TEACHER
sjanda@redeemerwayzata.org
Sarah Janda graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been blessed to teach a variety of ages in a variety of school settings throughout the years. She loves being around the energy, curiosity and passion of young children. Sarah is excited to share the love of Jesus with her class and to have her son at the school!
BAILEY DORE
THIRD GRADE TEACHER
Bailey Dore is our newest addition to the Redeemer family! She is a graduate of Concordia University St Paul with a background in 5 -12 Social Studies. She has served as a Sunday School teacher for 8 years at Zion Lutheran Church in Hopkins, and a Community Education Assistant for the past 4 years where she worked with students in grades Kindergarten to 6th grade. We are so excited to have her on our team!
Stephanie Schrupp
Fourth Grade & Algebra 1
Stephanie Schrupp is a graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul, MN, and has been teaching since 1993. She has previously taught at Central Lutheran School in Rochester, MN and St. Peter's Lutheran School in Edina, MN.
sarah theis Art, PE & Intervention
Sarah Theis teaches Art and Physical Education for Grades 1-4 and provides academic support for students above and below grade level. She pushes into classrooms to work along side classroom Teachers, as well as works with students in small groups.
David Gesch
Fifth Grade homeroom, AtHLETIC DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT: Social Studies, Geography, US & World History
dgesch@redeemerwayzata.org
David Gesch is a graduate of Milwaukee Lutheran High School and Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. He has taught at Redeemer since 1987. Prior to that he taught for two years at Gospel Lutheran School in Milwaukee.
DARLA RANWICK / RCA ALUM SIXTH & SEVENTH GRADE HOMEROOM
DEPARTMENT: LITERATURE & LANGUAGE
Darla Ranwick graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of MN, with a B.A. in English Literature. She has a Master’s of Education degree from Augsburg University, and holds a MN teaching license in 5-12 Communication Arts and Literature. Darla attended RCA for 7th and 8th grade, and her daughter, Dorothy, has attended RCA since preschool. Darla is honored to join the staff at RCA, and is excited to teach and learn with her students through a Biblical lens and a Christian worldview that points to Jesus as our Rock and our Redeemer!
CHARLOTTE PENN / RCA ALUM EIGHTH GRADE HOMEROOM
DEPARTMENT: Math & Science
Charlotte Penn is a graduate of Concordia University in St. Paul, MN, and has taught Pre-K through grade 8. She is excited to be teaching at Redeemer, where she grew up attending church and school. Being able to point everything to Jesus during the school day is her favorite part of teaching.
Dan Oie
Music Director
952.473.1281 ext. 209
doie@redeemerwayzata.org
Dan Oie joined the staff of Redeemer Christian Academy in 2015. Dan also has the unique perspective of teaching 6 years at Redeemer back in the 80s. Dan received his ministry training at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and completed his BFA in piano performance and his MFA in choral conducting at the University of Minnesota.
OUR SUPPORT STAFF
NATALIE BLACKWELL / RCA ALUM
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
952.473.5356
schoolsecretary@redeemerwayzata.org
Natalie is another RCA Alum and a parent of two Redeemer students. Natalie is a blessing to us in many ways! She manages our lunch program through Agra Foods, fills the role of Administrative Assistant in the afternoon hours, and is the Director of our Extended School Care (ESC) program.
Tammy Melton
Part-Time School Secretary
Nurse Para
952.473.5356 ext. 202
health@redeemerwayzata.org
Tammy Melton is a part-time secretary and nurse para. She is also on duty at the school entrance welcoming our students and families with a morning smile! She delights in her husband, five children and daughter-in-law.
DAVID MORLEY
Business manager
952.473.1281 ext. 215 dmorley@redeemerwayzata.org
David Morley has a Business Administration degree from Saint Leo University as well as twelve years experience in church business. Like many who work in ministry, he has worn many hats, such as Radio Station Manager, head of Ushers, Bible study leader, head of Security, Benevolence Administrator, and HR Director. Outside of the office, David enjoys hiking, kayaking, billiards, camping and technology. I’m very thankful for this opportunity to serve the people of Redeemer, and I look forward to ministering together. God is good!
Jim Menzel
Custodian
952.473.1281
Jim Menzel began as the church and school custodian in 1986. For more than 30 years, Jim has seen many changes at Redeemer, but one thing remains the same; the smiling faces of the students. Jim enjoys his job and is thankful for the many friends he has made while at Redeemer.
SALLY CHINN
KITCHEN manager
952.473.1281
Sally is a blessing to Redeemer, as she proudly manages our school Kitchen and ensures our students have a warm meal for lunch. Her favorite part of the day is being able to interact with our students each and every day. Sally is ServSafe Certified.