Melissa Lamkin, B.S.W, M.F.L.E. – Director of School Ministry
Melissa brings over fifteen years of experience in the field of education. Her passion for education is evident in her commitment to helping families understand and navigate the complexities of learning and development.
Melissa specializes in working closely with families, providing them with the tools and support they need to foster a positive educational environment. Her approach is centered around open communication and collaboration, ensuring that each family’s unique needs and goals are met.
Beyond her professional life, Melissa is a devoted wife and mother of five children. This personal experience gives her invaluable insights into the challenges and joys of parenting, further enhancing her ability to connect with and support the families she works with. In her free time, Melissa enjoys a variety of activities that keep her engaged and active. She loves spending quality time with her family baking, being outdoors, or playing sports.
Melissa is excited to get to know all the families better, fostering a community where everyone feels valued and supported. Whether it’s through workshops, one-on-one meetings, or community events, Melissa is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of the families she serves.
Jake Yatckoske- Dean of Students/ Science and Health Teacher
Jake brings over a decade of education experience to GSL. With a major in Health and Physical Education from Winona State University and completion of his Lutheran Colloquy program through Concordia, Jake’s academic credentials are impressive.
Jake pours his love for the Lord into everything he does, both inside and outside the classroom. He has a unique ability to connect with students by discovering their passions and strengths, working through their weaknesses, and helping them understand that they are fearfully and wonderfully made by God to accomplish great things in this world.
Outside of school, Jake and his wife are blessed with five beautiful boys. The family is very active and enjoys a variety of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and participating in all the sports a boy could find interest in!
In addition to his professional and family life, Jake has a few personal interests that keep him energized. He loves coffee, chocolate, and board games. And let’s not forget those perfectly delivered “dad jokes” that always earn eye rolls from his students!
Kelly Lamkin, MS Ed., MA English – Academic Plan Coordinator/ PSEO
English Teacher Kelly serves GSL as the academic programming director and PSEO/college planning advisor. With 24 years of experience in teaching and working with students from middle school through high school, she finds great joy in helping students seek God’s calling through vocation. Kelly also serves the ministry of Zion Lutheran Church/Crown Christian School where she and her husband, Pastor Tim Lamkin, live and serve. She most enjoys time spent with family, especially her nine grandchildren and three very spunky Schnauzers!
Heidi Lecy, B.S. – Vocal Music Education, M.M. Piano Performance and Pedagogy – Director of Music Ministry
Heidi has been teaching music for over 30 years, both in the classroom setting and as a private studio piano, flute, and voice teacher. Her greatest passion is church music ministry and has been involved with church music in many different capacities since she was 12 years old. She is so excited and thrilled to be able to combine teaching and music ministry in her position here at GSL! In her spare time, Heidi loves spending time with her fiancé, adult children and 2 young grandchildren and taking care of her hobby farm where she has 2 big horses, 2 miniature horses, 2 goats, 2 dogs and 4 cats.
Erin Rudolph, B.A. – English Teacher
Erin graduated with a BA in Language Arts & Literature Secondary Education from Concordia University, St. Paul. She has taught and worked with a wide range of ages and grade levels, but she especially enjoys teaching middle & high school students. The goal of her English classes is to help students make connections between their faith, the things they learn in school, and the world they experience every day. She considers it a blessing and a privilege to help grow and train new generations of Christian disciples. When she isn’t at school, Erin can usually be found reading something, writing something, creating something, or spending time with friends and family.
Lorena Matthews – Spanish Teacher
Lorana has worked in Christian schools in various positions for 18 years. She is originally from Guatemala, so Spanish was her first language. She and her husband are pastors, and they also minister in many other countries. Lorena enjoys traveling, eating new foods, and spending time with her family.
Joshua Orugboh- Strength Training/ Coach
Joshua Orugboh is a Lutheran Director of Christian Education (DCE), North American powerlifting champion, and powerlifting coach. He is passionate about blending physical strength with spiritual growth, and mentoring individuals both in the gym and in life. Joshua’s mission extends beyond personal achievements; he is deeply committed to supporting BIPOC communities through mentorship and development programs.
Currently, he is excited to be working on a podcast with his wife, Kate, where we explore the intersection of faith, sociology, and society. Together, we aim to create meaningful conversations that inspire and empower our listeners.
Jenni Paulsen – Math Teacher
Jeni enjoys teaching math at GSL High School and has been in the education industry for over ten years. She lives in the Twin Cities area with her husband, son, and three cats. Jeni’s hobbies include theatre, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. MA Special Education-Concordia University, St. Paul BA Elementary Education, Minor in Theatre-Concordia University, St. Paul
Kelsey Yatckoske – Athletic Director
Kelsey works with students in many different capacities and enjoys getting to know the families and helping students to have those eye-opening moments. She has five boys that keep her and her husband very busy with all kinds of activities and sports. Her favorite things to do is spending time with her family, playing games, and watching/playing sports.
Krista Jusczak – Marketing Coordinator
Krista holds an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radio/Television Broadcasting with an emphasis in Advertising and Communication from Brown Institute, Minneapolis, MN. With a deep understanding of the time investment required and the importance of consistency in branding an image, logo, and idea, she excels in her field.
Krista is married to the love of her life and is a proud mother of four children and grandmother of two. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, golfing, and spending quality time with family and friends.
