Meet Our Staff
Pastors
Rev. Daniel Speckhard
Contact: speckhard@stpeternorthjudson.org
Pastor Speckhard graduated from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Classics (Greek and Latin culture/literature) in 2011, and earned his M.Div at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, graduating in 2015. He served his Vicarage at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln, Nebraska in 2013-14. His first Call into the ministry was to Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, where he served as sole pastor for five years. He then accepted the Call to North Judson and was installed at St. Peter in September of 2020.
Pastor Speckhard grew up the oldest of four with his family in Valparaiso, IN. He met his wife Erika while attending Valparaiso University. They have three wonderful children (Jane, Madeline, and Thomas). In addition to faith and family, Pastor Speckhard is passionate about reading, writing, and all things related to sports. Pastor Speckhard’s favorite color is red, and his favorite Bible verse is: “For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.” — Ecclesiastes 5:20
Pastor Speckhard’s special school memory is: “Without question, my favorite school memory is playing football with my friends at recess — the competition, the fun, the rivalries, and the friendships that were formed during those 15-30 minute breaks in the school day have left a lasting impression upon my heart and mind.”
Rev. Garry Wickert
Contact: (812) 528-2607
Pastor Wickert joined the St. Peter staff as our Visitation Pastor Emeritus in 2021 after retiring from full-time ministry. Pastor Wickert’s time is focused on visiting many of our home-bound members.
In his free time Pastor WIckert enjoys hiking and spending time with his family. His favorite BIble verse is 1 Peter 3:15, “but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”
Faculty
Miss Rhonda Reimers-Principal
Contact: reimers@stpeternorthjudson.org
Miss Reimers graduated from Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska, and then received a call to be the First Grade teacher at St. Peter. She received her Masters Degree from Purdue University, and completed coursework for her Administrator’s License through Ball State University. Miss Reimers’ favorite colors are aqua blue, lime green, and yellow. Her favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13 – “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. ‘
Miss Reimers’ special school memory is: “I remember having my picture taken with three other classmates folding the flag we received after writing to our U.S. Senator. The flag flew at the White House. We were in 4th grade and the picture was put in the local paper.”
Mrs. Joyce Malecki- Preschool
Contact: malecki@stpeternorthjudson.org
Mrs. Malecki attended Purdue University where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree for Elementary Education Grades 1 thru 6, Non-departmentalized Gr. 7 & 8, and Endorsements in Kindergarten & Reading. Mrs. Malecki and her husband have four grown children and eight grandchildren. Mrs. Malecki likes to garden, work in her kitchen, read, bike ride, and spend time with her grand kids. Her favorite color is purple. Her favorite Bible verse is, “The Lord is my Shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.” Psalm 23:1
Mrs. Malecki’s special school memory: ” I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. As a senior in high school, I cadet taught at a local elementary school in the afternoon. I loved doing that. It confirmed in my mind that I wanted to be a teacher and teach children to learn as much as possible!”
Mrs. Rochella Ludlow – Kindergarten
Contact: ludlow@stpeternorthjudson.org
Mrs.Ludlow graduated from Purdue North Central and then came to teach at St. Peter. She and her husband, Chris, have been blessed with two sons. Mrs. Ludlow enjoys scrapbooking, photography, reading, and spending time with her family. Her favorite color is orange. Her two favorite Bible verses are Jeremiah 29:11 –“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” and Philippians 4:6 — “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Mrs. Ludlow’s special school memory: “Winning 3rdplace in the Spelling Bee when I was in 2nd grade.”
Mrs. Julie Heise – First Grade
Contact: heise@stpeternorthjudson.org
Mrs. Heise graduated from Purdue North Central in 2010. She is married with four children. Mrs. Heise’s favorite color is pink.
She enjoys reading and spending time with her kids (we like to walk and swim). Mrs. Heise’s favorite Bible verse: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
She enjoys reading and spending time with her kids (we like to walk and swim). Mrs. Heise’s favorite Bible verse: Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Mrs. Heise’s special school memory: singing in the Christmas programs in grade school.
Mrs. Stormi Surma – Second Grade
Contact: surma@stpeternorthjudson.org
Mrs. Surma attended college at the University of Indianapolis she graduated in May of 2019 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Mild Interventions. A few hobbies that Mrs. Surma enjoys include: reading, swimming, and singing. Her favorite color is orange! Mrs. Surma’s favorite bible verse is Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Mrs. Surma’s special school memory: “A special school memory that I can recall from when I was in school was attending a field trip in the 2nd grade. My class went to the aquarium and each of us was assigned to make a poster about an exhibit and include pictures to go along with the report. I chose to make a poster about Dolphins and got to include a picture of my second grade self petting a dolphin– that is a memory that I will never forget!”
Mrs. Becca Wenzler – Third Grade
Contact: wenzler@stpeternorthjudson.org
Mrs. Wenzler graduated from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She began teaching at St. Peter in 2014 and is also in charge of the library. She and her husband Matt have three children. Mrs. Wenzler enjoys walking, watching movies, reading, spending time with family and friends. Mrs. Wenzler’s favorite color is pink and her favorite Bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Mrs. Wenzler’s special school memory: “My fourth grade teacher was teaching us about making good predictions. He had us predict when we thought the first snow would be that year based on the weather patterns we had been observing. It snowed on the day I had predicted. As a reward, my teacher took me to McDonalds for lunch.
Mrs. Vera Gillum – Fourth Grade
Contact: gillum@stpeternorthjudson.org
Mrs. Gillum attended Ball State University and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She has a Kindergarten endorsement. She enjoys spending time with her family and her two dogs, hiking, kayaking, camping, and singing. She is married to her husband, Vernon, and they have two children named Garren and Myriah. Garren lives in Buffalo, New York and he is a mental health counselor. Myriah lives in Indianapolis and she has a biology degree. They have two dogs named Libby and Parker. Mr. & Mrs. Gillum live at Tippecanoe River State Park and have lived at several state parks within the state of Indiana. Her favorite color is blue. Mrs. Gillum’s favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Mrs. Gillum’s special school memory is: “I love music, so for me my special school memory was being in the high school fall musicals, Band, marching band competitions, and in Orchestra. I enjoyed every minute of it!”
Mrs. Amy Bope – Fifth Grade
Contact: bope@stpeternorthjudson.org
Mrs. Bope attended Manchester College in Manchester, IN to earn her K-6 teaching degree. She also attended Ball State University to earn a degree in special education. Her husband, is the pastor at Global Harvest Church and also farms in Starke County. Together they have two children, Caleb and Hannah. Their children are members of the Indiana High School Rodeo team which involves traveling and competing against other high schoolers throughout the Midwest. Mrs. Bope enjoys reading, horseback riding, and camping. Her favorite color is red, and her favorite memory verse is Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purposes.”
Mrs. Bope’s special school memory: being a part of the high school girl’s basketball team that won the very first sectional in her school’s history.
Mrs. Annette Skibbe – Sixth Grade
Contact: skibbe@stpeternorthjudson.org
Mrs. Skibbe attended Concordia College in Ann Arbor, Michigan for her undergraduate work and Purdue North Central to complete her Master’s Degree. She has been teaching at St. Peter since 1991. She also coordinates the technology program at St. Peter. She and her husband, James, are the Youth Leaders for the congregation. She has a daughter, Kimberlyn, who recently got married and is working as a physical therapist. Her family has hosted four foreign exchange students, one from China, Germany, Norway and Australia. She enjoys gardening, reading, and bike riding. Her favorite color is blue. She said her favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Mrs. Skibbe’s Special School Memory: “Winning the spelling bee in first grade and then stopping at the store with my teacher to buy ice cream for the rest of the class.”
Mrs. Gail Zmierski – Seventh Grade
Contact:zmierski@stpeternorthjudson.org
Mrs. Zmierski received her Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University (Bulletin K-6, 7/8 Non-Dept. and Kindergarten endorsement). Mrs. Zmierski and her husband live in Chesterton Indiana. We have two children and two grandchildren that keep us busy. We love to travel to historical locations and hike with our dogs, Chewy and Wrigley. Mrs. Zmierski shared, “It is hard to choose just one or two hobbies. I love to read mysteries and go hiking with my husband and dogs. Quilting and sewing allows me to be creative.” Mrs. Zmierski said she does not have a favorite Bible verse, but she does like to open the Bible to any page and letting a verse speak to her.
Mrs. Zmierski’s special school memory: “In my junior year of high school the drama department put on Jesus Christ Superstar. My job was to create and sew the costumes and help with the sets. We did over twelve performances and I can still remember how that was my favorite musical that I worked on through high school and college.”
Miss Noelle Heise – Eighth Grade
Contact: nheise@stpeternorthjudson.org
Miss Heise went to Indiana University in Bloomington. She has a Bachelor of science in math education. Her mom is Mrs. Heise and she teaches first grade here at St. Peter. She’s very close with her brother, Austin, and they are always going on fun adventures together. Miss Heise likes to read and play the ukulele. She also likes to play the Pokemon card game, video games, and playing board games with friends. She always love trying new places to eat. Her favorite foods are Tom Kha Gai and Pho. Miss Heise’s favorite color is aqua. “Her favorite Bible verse always changes based on what she needs spiritually. One that she always keeps at the front of her mind is Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Miss Heise’s special school memory: “I just always remember being with my best friends in almost every class. We would always do projects together. We had to film some videos together and they were always so funny. We would love coming up with ideas together and we would laugh so much. It didn’t seem like homework because we were having so much fun.”
Mrs. Amanda Ness – Music and P.E.
Contact: ness@stpeternorthjudson.org
Mrs. Ness received her Bachelor’s Degree from Ball State University. Mrs. Ness has been teaching at St. Peter since 2009. In addition to teaching music class Mrs. Ness leads the choir, directs the annual Christmas Service, and the Spring Special (Fine Arts Fair / World Fair / Musical). Mrs. Ness and her husband have two school age children that they enjoy spending time with. She enjoys all sorts of crafts and reading. Her favorite color is teal. Mrs. Ness’ favorite Bible verse: Psalm 96:1 “Sing a new Song to the Lord, Sing to the Lord all the world!”
Mrs. Ness’ special school memory: My first solo performance was in 1st grade and I was costumed in a big, wrapped box and sang “Good Things Come In Little Packages” for our Christmas Program.
Mrs. Ashley Sievers
Art Director & Paraprofessional
Mrs. Sievers teaches our Art classes and works with our Third Grade class.
Mrs. Sievers and her husband Brad have four children, three dogs, 2 barn cats, and their daughter has a horse. Mrs. Sievers enjoys spending time with her family and traveling. She also loves creating Art with the kids at St. Peter. She loves playing games, having campfires, bike riding, and she loves all holidays. Mrs. Sievers favorite color is green. Her favorite Bible verse is Hebrews 11:1, “Faith is the substance of all things hoped for, it’s the evidence of things unseen!”
Mrs. Sievers’ special school memory is, “I really enjoyed playing house in Kindergarten.”
Mrs. Amber Berg
Paraprofessional
Mrs. Berg works with our Pre-K class as well as helping in our Art classes.
Mrs. Berg and her husband have two children. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, swimming, gardening, and playing cards. Her favorite color is green. Mrs. Berg’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Mrs. Berg’s special school memory is, “My grandma worked in the cafeteria at the elementary school and on nice days she would walk to work. I remember being out at recess and my friends and I would wait for her to walk across the filed so we could say “hi”.”
Mrs. Ellie Johnston
Paraprofessional
Mrs. Johnston works with our first, second, and fifth grade classes.
Mrs. Johnston and her husband have four married children and seven grandchildren. They enjoying being with their family and babysitting when they can. Mrs. Johnston also enjoys reading, walking, playing piano, shopping, and traveling. Her favorite color is blue. Mrs. Johnston’s favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean no on your own understanding.”
Mrs. Johnston’s special school memory is, “In sixth grade I won the Spelling Bee. I was runner up in fifth grade. In sixth grade I also got to direct and cast a play for our school! I was the main character, a queen. My boyfriend was the King. My reading teacher knew I enjoyed reading so much, she gave me this sweet gift.
Mrs. Keelia Young
Paraprofessional
Mrs. Young works with our Kindergarten, fourth, and fifth grade classes.
Mrs. Young is a wife and mother of two boys. Mrs. Young enjoys traveling with her family, swimming, drawing and painting, reading, riding 4-wheelers, legos, crafting, and spending time with her family. Her favorite color is green. Mrs. Young’s favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Mrs. Young’s special school memory is, “My favorite part of school was always the field trips. In third grade all the third graders from or area got to go to the Mizpah Shrine Circus together. It was a very long day but I made so many great memories that day!
Administrative & Support Staff
Ms. Cheryl Tellman
Church Administrative Assistant
Contact: church@stpeternorthjudson.or
Cheryl has served as our Church Administrative Assistant since 2012. She assists our Pastor, and congregation in general, by handling various office duties including the preparation of worship materials and maintaining the membership database and official records. Prior to joining our staff Cheryl has volunteered as a Sunday School teacher and on the Board of Evangelism. She continues to be involved with LWML and Artisans and participates in choir and handbells.
Cheryl is single and has no children. Her closest relatives are her mom and sister who live in Columbus, Indiana. She enjoys reading, NASCAR and the Indianapolis Colts. Cheryl’s favorite color is red. Her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make straight your paths.”
Cheryl is single and has no children. Her closest relatives are her mom and sister who live in Columbus, Indiana. She enjoys reading, NASCAR and the Indianapolis Colts. Cheryl’s favorite color is red. Her favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make straight your paths.”
Cheryl’s favorite school memory is of her first grade teacher who introduced her to LWML and of learning the Bible story about the 10 plagues while in her class. It was exciting to learn about one plague each day for two weeks.
Mrs. Kathy Lambert
School Administrative Assistant
Contact: school@stpeternorthjudson.org
Mrs. Lambert is our school Administrative Assistant. She supports our Principal by helping with administrative tasks and keeps our school running smoothly. Before taking this position, in 2008, she was a Paraprofessional.
Mrs. Lambert enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and baking, gardening, and reading. Her favorite color is blue. Mrs. Lambert doesn’t have one favorite Bible verse; she likes to find passages that pertain to what she has going on in her life at that moment.
Mrs. Lambert’s special school memory is, “I was part of an art class my Senior year of high school that painted a mural in the teacher’s lounge.”
Mrs. Jennifer Korous
Director of Finance
Contact: finance@stpeternorthjudson.org
Jennifer serves as our Director of Finance. She works directly with our church and school leadership in the operating and capital budgeting processes, human resource & employment benefits, and the day to day financial operations of the church and school. Before joining our staff in 2022 Jennifer was the congregational treasurer for the past 5 years and has volunteered on various boards and committees over the past twenty-five years. Jennifer has a bachelor’s degree in Business and Accounting from Indiana University and a master’s degree in Accounting and Financial Management from Keller Graduate School of Management.
Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband Mike and children, Hannah & Levi. Her hobbies include reading, yard work, and shopping. Jennifer’s favorite color is lavender. Jennifer’s favorite Bible verse is found in Isaiah 41:10. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
One of Jennifer’s special school memories would be from high school. My accounting teacher in high school went to the school board to request special permission in order to teach me advanced accounting and business classes that the school was not offering while she was teaching her regular classes. I had this teacher for four of my seven classes my senior year. Her sacrifice to my education will be something I will not forget.
Mrs. Robyn Lambert
Director of Admissions & Assimilation
Contact: admissions@stpeternorthjudson.org
Robyn serves as our Director of Admissions & Assimilation. She assists our Principal and Administrative Assistant in welcoming new students as well as overseeing our online presence and helping our families know that our congregation cares about them. Before joining our staff in 2022 Robyn volunteered as part of our Outreach Team managing our website and Facebook page. She and her husband also volunteered as the high school youth group leaders for seven years. Robyn graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Communication.
Robyn and her husband Chris have three children. In addition to spending time with her family Robyn enjoys traveling, scrapbooking and reading. Robyn’s favorite color is teal. Her favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 2:10 “For we are Christ’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”
Robyn’s special school memory is: I can’t really narrow it down to one specific memory, but starting a new school for high school felt difficult at the time, but God had a plan. I met a great group of lifelong friends who welcomed me into their circle. We had so much fun during those four years and beyond. We still make time to get together every year and catch up.
Mr. Bryan Ness
Cantor
