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Church Ministry Staffand Grace School Faculty
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Staff Profiles
Bruce Modahl, Senior Pastor
I have been senior pastor at Grace since September 1998. Previously I served churches in Tampa, Florida, Virginia Beach, Virginia, and St. Louis, Missouri. I received a doctor of ministry degree from Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia; a master's of theology in homiletics from Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, New Jersey; a master's of divinity from Christ Seminary–Seminex, St. Louis, Missouri; and an undergraduate degree from Concordia Senior College, Ft. Wayne, Indiana. I was named a pastor-theologian by the Center for Theological Inquiry in Princeton. I am married to Jackie Pearson. We have two adult children, Martin and Rachel.
Kelly K. Faulstich, Associate Pastor
In the fall of 2008, with much excitement, I accepted the call to serve as associate pastor at Grace. Born and raised in Wheaton, Illlinois, I have always considered Chicagoland home. I attended Valparaiso University (Valparaiso, Indiana), where I studied English, education, and theology. Following college, I entered the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, where I received my master of divinity degree and completed an internship at the International Lutheran Church in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Before coming to Grace, I served as pastor of a congregation in northeastern Ohio. I am a boastful aunt, a drinker of bold coffee, a fierce pinochle player, and an addicted knitter.
Michael D. Costello, Cantor
As the cantor at Grace, my primary job is to lead congregational singing. I do this by playing the organ, directing choirs, serving as an educator, coordinating music with other staff members, and working with others to lead the Bach Cantata Vespers. I grew up in a Lutheran church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I received my bachelor of arts in sacred music from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, and my master of divinity at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina, where I also served on the adjunct faculty in music and liturgy. I am a Lutheran pastor, have served congregations in Pennsylvania and the Carolinas as a musician, and also served as a pastor at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Columbia, South Carolina. I am married to Rebekah Weant Costello, also a musician and a graduate student in theology. We have one son, Andrew.
James Brooks, Youth Ministry Coordinator
"What's up, brothers and sisters in Christ?" I have been serving at Grace since August 2002. I am happily married to my beautiful wife, Jackie, and we have two energetic daughters, Jaylah and Janay. I earned a bachelor of arts degree in organizational management from Concordia University, where I graduated summa cum laude. In 2005 I completed my youth ministry certification at Princeton Theological Seminary, and I am currently enrolled at Luther Seminary, pursuing a master of divinity degree.
MaryBeth Buschmann, Parish Nurse
I am a registered nurse with special training in and a commitment to the healing ministry of the church. I have been a member of Grace since 1971. I graduated from Augustana Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago. I received a bachelor of science in nursing from Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois; a master's degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana; and a Ph.D. in anatomy from the University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago. I am board-certified in gerontological nursing and completed the Parish Nursing Institute, Wisconsin Model, at Marquette University. I worked as a gerontological and medical-surgical nurse at the College of Nursing at the University of Illinois, where I am now professor emeritus. I am married to Robert J. Buschmann, a scientist, and in my free time I read, crochet and knit, spend time with my extended family, and play with my cats.
Grace Lutheran School Faculty
Kendall Grigg, Principal
I joined the Grace School staff as principal in July of 2009. I am pleased to work with a team of outstanding educators who carefully guide students as they grow in faith, knowledge, and character. Before moving into my current role, I served as both an administrator and a reading specialist at the Chicago City Day School. Prior to that, I taught grades 7 and 8 at Holy Family Lutheran School and grades 6, 7, and 8 at John Walsh Elementary School, both in Chicago. I hold a bachelor's degree from Loyola University, a master's degree in curriculum from DePaul, and will finish a degree in school leadership at Concordia in May. I was contributing author to the book "Renaissance in the Classroom: Arts Integration and Meaningful Learning." My husband, Jeremy, and I live in Oak Park with our two children, Vaden and Jack.
Christie Pascavis, Preschool
I am the preschool teacher at Grace. Our three-year-old preschool program is new at Grace this year, and I am excited to have had a part in creating it. I have a B.A. in Spanish and a masters of science in education from Northwestern University. Prior to having my own children, I spent my professional hours teaching adults. I spent my free time, however, teaching young children in Lutheran schools and churches. After taking some time off to be at home with my three children, I decided to pursue a master's degree in early childhood education at Concordia University Chicago. Having witnessed the education process across the age spectrum, I believe that sound early childhood education sets the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. As a Grace member, I am also involved with the Children's Religious Education Committee (CREC) and the Discovering God's Grace committee.
Benjamin Chandler, Junior Kindergarten and Art Teacher
I spend my mornings teaching the junior kindergarten and afternoons teaching visual art to grades 1-8. I also oversee Grace's after-school day care program. After attending the University of Wisconsin, Madison, I taught elementary art in Milwaukee for three years and then moved to Chicago to complete a master of fine arts degree in interdisciplinary arts, focusing on the book and paper arts. Aside from my work at Grace, I teach at the Maywood Fine Arts Center, and I am an adjunct professor at Concordia University, Chicago. In my spare time, I like to write fiction, draw animals, read the New Yorker, and watch detective programs on television.
Ellie Schnack, Senior Kindergarten Teacher
I teach senior kindergarten at Grace each morning and a program for four- and five-year-olds in the afternoon. 2008-2009 marks my 25th year serving at Grace Lutheran School. Early in my career I taught first grade at St. Paul Lutheran School in Melrose Park, Illinois, and later created their program for three- and four-year-olds. I have been employed by District 97 in Oak Park, Illinois, working as a homebound tutor as well as a Title I reading specialist. In my first year of teaching in Wisconsin, I taught "big" kids--fourth-graders. I attended Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois, where I received a bachelor of arts and a master of arts in education. While in college I was active in children’s theater and the Concordia Players and participated in the synchronized swim team. I worked as a lifeguard and swimming teacher while in high school and college. I thank my sixth-grade teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in Davenport, Iowa, for encouraging me to become a Lutheran teacher! I have two grown children. Our daughter is an early childhood special education teacher and lives in Anchorage, Alaska, with her husband. Our son is a recent postgraduate with a master's degree in sustainable housing (architecture); he and his wife live in Phoenix, Arizona.
Paulette Reddel, First-Grade Teacher
I have taught first grade at Grace Lutheran School since 1990. In addition to my classroom role, I teach music in first and second grades and lead the children in choir for Sunday morning worship services. I attended Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, Illinois, where I majored in education. Later I received a master's degree in reading instruction from Concordia. In the past I have been employed at Mt. Calvary Lutheran School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where I taught fourth grade, and at St. Andrew’s Lutheran School in Park Ridge, Illinois, where I taught first and third grades. At Grace I am involved with the Children’s Religious Education Committee and lead worship in Sunday School. I also serve as a Stephen Minister.
Susie Calhoun, Second-Grade Teacher
I received my bachelor of arts from Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, Illinois, and a master's of education from National Louis University, concentrating in the teaching of science. Earth science is the science I love, although we learn a lot about insects and spiders in my second-grade class. During the school year I also teach science units in the third, fourth, and fifth grades and instruct some students after school in the SLANT (Structured Language Training) program. I have always taught in a Lutheran grade school and cannot imagine teaching without Bible stories, prayers, and daily conversations about how Jesus forgives and loves us. At Grace I am also involved in the confirmation program for our junior high children. I am in charge of the mentor program that connects our eighth-grade confirmands with adult members of the congregation. I have three grown children who attended Grace School and three wonderful grandchildren. I love to swim, jog, and hunt for rocks.
Jeff Glock, Third-Grade Teacher
I have been the third grade teacher at Grace since August 1979. Previously I served as youth minister and assistant to the pastors at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, Indiana. I received a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Loyola University of Chicago in 1986 and graduated from Concordia Teachers College, River Forest (now Concordia University of Chicago) as a director of Christian education in 1976.
Jo-Ellyn Dorsey, Fourth-Grade Teacher
I have taught school for 38 years and have taught groups of young people of all ages (3-21). I love providing an atmosphere in which children can learn. It is the children that inspire me and keep me young and growing. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago and did graduate work there too. I am certified in SLANT (Structured Language Training) and have taken specialized reading and math courses in the Lindamood-Bell Learning Process. I grew up in the Lutheran church but did not begin teaching in Lutheran schools until 1991. Before that, I taught special education in the Chicago Public Schools and in a private special education facility for children with multiple challenges. I feel that every child can learn and that all have special gifts and talents. I have been nominated for the Golden Apple Award and have received the Good News Award–Outstanding Lutheran Teacher given by the CLEFF Foundation. I have given numerous workshops and presentations for church groups and at the university level. I enjoy serving others and volunteering in various ways in the community and internationally. I have been a foster parent for 16 young people and am an assisting minister and lector for Sunday morning church services. I also enjoy sewing, beading, and knitting and especially love spending time with my husband.
William Thompson, Fifth-Grade Teacher
I grew up in a loving family with parents who wanted their children to receive a Christian education at St. John's Lutheran School in Elgin, Illinois. That experience led me to become a teacher. I attended Concordia University, River Forest, Illinois, where I received bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees. As I enter my 41st year of teaching, I still believe in providing quality education through the lens of a Christian perspective. My love for teaching has provided me with a world of opportunities, including teaching assignments in a variety of grade levels and school organizations. Living in a foreign culture and teaching in an international school broadened the lens I now look through as I prepare students to enter today's much smaller and more accessible world. The greatest gift a person can receive is the love of learning. Combine that with caring Christian teachers, and you have the essence of Grace Lutheran School.
Laura Clauss, Sixth-Grade Teacher
I am a long-time Grace member and a graduate of Grace Lutheran School. My three children are also graduates of the school. I attended Walther Lutheran High School, where I met my husband, and then attended Concordia College, River Forest, Illinois. My first teaching job was in Chicago at Grace English, where I taught kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. I took time off to have children and then returned to teaching at Concordia’s Early Childhood Center, where I taught for five years. I started the extended day care program at Grace and taught in the gifted program before becoming the sixth-grade teacher in 2003. Sixth grade is a fun year--we share stories about our lives and support each other through interesting times. I am the school’s athletic director and a faculty representative to the Grace Parent Teacher Organization. I have also served as a confirmation mentor. When I am not at Grace, I enjoy watching sports on television and reading.
Brian Schultz, Seventh-Grade Teacher
I am the junior high math, science, and physical education teacher, as well as the seventh-grade religion teacher. Aside from teaching the students about the wonders of the mathematical world, I am the girls’ volleyball coach, fifth- and sixth-grade boys’ basketball coach, and a track and field coach. I received a bachelor of science in business administration from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, and recently graduated from Valparaiso's LEAPs program with a master's in education. Before coming to Grace, I taught for two years at a Lutheran school in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago, and I spent half a year substitute teaching at a high school in Valparaiso. Outside of teaching and coaching, I enjoy watching and playing any sport and just enjoying the wondrous experiences of life.
Lisa Wolfanger, Eighth-Grade Teacher
I have been a teacher in Lutheran schools for more than two decades. Before coming to Grace, I taught in Lutheran schools in Pittsburgh and New York City. I received a bachelor's degree in education from Concordia, River Forest, Illinois, and a master's in education from Nazareth College, Rochester, New York. At Grace I teach English-language arts, American history, and religion. In addition to my classroom duties, I direct the Grace School bell choir as well as the church's youth and adult bell choirs.
Maureen O'Connor, Special Education Coordinator
I have been a teacher at Grace Lutheran School since 1984, when I was asked to start a program to address the needs of students with learning difficulties. Before coming to Grace, I had taught primary grades at Mercy Elementary School in Burlington, Iowa, and had also taught in Oak Park Public Schools. I received my bachelor of arts degree from St. Xavier University, Chicago, and a master of science in learning disabilities and a master of arts in educational administration from Dominican University, River Forest, Illinois. Believing that children learn best when they are totally engaged in the learning process, I have become certified in and trained in several multisensory, structured language programs. I have been an active member of the Illinois branch of the International Dyslexia Association, have served on their board of directors, and will serve as president in 2009 and 2010. When I began teaching at Grace, I was the mother of five children, all of them under the age of 10. They are now all adults, and I am a grandmother. In 2008 my granddaughter began first grade at Grace. During my journey at Grace I have been supported by a uniquely gifted professional staff. Together we have touched the lives of many children and helped them realize their own gifts and strengths and become successful students.
Carolyn Douma, Resource Teacher
Christa Holm, Library Media Specialist
I have been the library media specialist at Grace since 2001. In addition to promoting reading and helping students learn to do effective research, I work with students and staff on technology education and provide language arts enrichment opportunities. Prior to that, I served as the church's Web master for two years. I have a master's degree in library and information sciences and am currently studying educational technology.
Nancy Tabb, German
I came to Grace School from Walther Lutheran High School where I taught German I-IV for 9 years. I also regularly tutor high school
students in German. I graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with
a major in music and minors in both German and Business. I received a Master’s in Piano Performance from Northwestern University and have taught private lessons, directed church choirs and praise teams, participated in musical revues, music-directed community music theatre productions, and taught classroom music from pre-school through the community college level.
Gwen Gotsch, School Music Teacher, GLCS Communications Coordinator
I direct the choir for grades 5-6 and 7-8 and teach music classes in junior and senior kindergarten. I also lead Grace's Joyful Voices, a choir for children in grades 1-4 that rehearses on Wednesday evenings. At Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, I majored in music and theater and studied piano and voice. I went to graduate school in theater at Indiana University in Bloomington and studied voice with Anne Porayko at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. I grew up in Lutheran schools and have been singing in choirs for most of my life. Before becoming a children's choir director, I worked for La Leche League International, writing and editing books on parenting and breastfeeding. I have three children, one who is a teacher and two still in high school. When I'm not at Grace singing or working on communications projects, I like to knit, read, and direct plays for Tuesday's Child, a drama group based at Grace.
Janel Dennen, School Music Teacher
I direct the choir for grades 3-4 and teach general music to grades 3-6. I work with the children in other subjects as well, including computer keyboarding, reading, and math. I have a bachelor of arts in vocal music education from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, and love to play the piano, dance, drum, and bake. I have a 10-year-old son. One of my husband’s many talents is his cartoon “Shrubtown,” which appears in the Wednesday Journal.
