Our Team

William “Buzz” Lance, Head of School

William “Buzz” Lance serves as the Head of School at Emmanuel Christian School. He brings with him a deep commitment to Christian education and decades of experience in teaching and leadership. Buzz holds a Bachelor of Arts from Pacific Christian College in Fullerton, California, where he majored in both Bible and Secondary Education, and a Master of Education in Social Sciences with an emphasis in Secondary Education from Milligan College in Johnson City, Tennessee. His career has included roles as a teacher, assistant principal, secondary principal, head of secondary school, and adjunct assistant professor.

In addition to his school leadership, Buzz founded Our Heritage Tours, an educational travel company that designs customized academic trips for schools, and he serves as a fellow with The Clapham Circle, a consultation company partnering with schools, churches, and organizations.

In 2023, Buzz and his family moved to Indiana to launch Emmanuel Christian School, following God’s call to help build a school community where faith and learning flourish together. They are grateful to call Fort Wayne their home and are excited to continue serving families through Christ-centered education.

Mrs. Pam Culbreth, Principal

Mrs. Culbreth holds a Bachelor of Science from Liberty University in Interdisciplinary Studies, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Colorado Christian University, and a Master of Arts in Educational Technology and a Certificate in Educational Psychology, both from Michigan State University. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation degree from Purdue Global University. Throughout her career, Mrs. Culbreth has faithfully served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, equipping both students and faculty to thrive in Christ-centered learning environments.

Known for her servant leadership and relational approach, Mrs. Culbreth is passionate about helping students discover their God-given potential and guiding teachers as they create classrooms where faith and academics work hand in hand. She has a heart for mentoring, a love of Christian education, and a strong belief that schools flourish when families, churches, and educators partner together.

In 2025, Mrs. Culbreth joined Emmanuel Christian School as Principal, excited to be part of a growing community that is shaping the next generation with clarity of faith, confidence to stand, and courage to act.

Amy Baker, Front Desk & Volunteer Coordinator

Amy Baker serves as the Front Desk and Volunteer Coordinator at Emmanuel Christian School. She and her husband, Tyler, have been married for 16 years and first met at Emmanuel Community Church when they were just 12 years old. Their family has grown up within the church community, and today they enjoy life in Roanoke with their two children who attend ECS.

Amy is passionate about creating a welcoming atmosphere for students, families, and guests. She loves helping volunteers discover opportunities to serve where they can use their God-given gifts and enjoys the daily busyness of the front office. Her heart is to connect people with one another and with the mission of ECS.

Outside of school, Amy enjoys being outdoors, relaxing in her hammock, biking, walking with friends, reading, and having movie nights with her family. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve the ECS community and looks forward to seeing how God continues to grow and bless the school.

Angela Vincenti, Director of Financial Aid & Communications

Angela Vincenti serves as the Director of Financial Aid and Communications at Emmanuel Christian School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Ministries from Huntington University and brings a unique blend of creativity and administration to her work. Over the years, Angela has served in ministry leadership as a Children’s Pastor, guided communications and marketing for Christian schools, and supported global ministry through website management, social media, and administrative leadership.

Angela is passionate about taking vision and turning it into reality. At ECS, she oversees financial aid programs and directs school communications, helping families stay informed and engaged while ensuring the school’s mission is clearly communicated. She values strong connections with parents and staff and is committed to building systems that serve the school community well.

Angela and her husband live in Huntington with their four children—two attending Huntington University, one in high school, and one at ECS. She enjoys time with her family, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to use her gifts to serve both the school and the broader community.

Ashley Emerick, Director of Admissions

Ashley Emerick serves as the Director of Admissions at Emmanuel Christian School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, where she enjoyed competing as a high jumper. After graduating, she and her husband, Bradley, settled in northeast Indiana, where they are raising their three boys, all of whom attend ECS.

Ashley has a heart for connecting with families and helping them find a place to belong. Her background includes years of coordinating ministry programs for mothers and young children, serving on the ECS school board, and now guiding prospective families through the admissions process. She considers it a privilege to welcome new families into the ECS community and to share the story of what God is doing at the school.

Outside of her role, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family, supporting her boys in their activities, and being part of the continued growth and impact of ECS. She is grateful to serve in a community where faith and learning work hand in hand.

Brandy Shutt, Director of Special Projects

Brandy Shutt serves as the Finance and Project Coordinator at Emmanuel Christian School. Originally from the East Coast, she came to Indiana to attend Indiana Wesleyan University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy—and, more importantly, where she came to know and love Jesus. It was also at IWU that she met her husband, and together they have built a family that now includes six children and grandchildren.

Brandy brings gifts of organization, multi-tasking, and warmth to her role, helping to create an atmosphere of both joy and focus. She is passionate about serving in a setting where her professional skills meet her heart for Christian community, and she counts it a blessing to work in the same place where her youngest child is learning and growing.

Outside of ECS, Brandy enjoys spending time with her family, celebrating the gift of being both a mother and grandmother, and building fellowship within her church and community. She is grateful to be part of what God is doing through ECS and looks forward to the continued growth of the school.

Nikki Fingerle, Director of the Homeschool Resource Center

Nikki serves as the Director of the Homeschool Resource Center at Emmanuel Christian School. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communications and brings both professional experience in social services and years of involvement in the homeschool community to her role. Since 2016, Nikki has been active in the Fort Wayne area homeschool network, serving as a state representative, leading a thriving co-op for seven years, and teaching a variety of classes, with a special love for communications, writing, speech, and drama.

Nikki is passionate about supporting families in finding educational paths that fit their children best. She values the opportunity to come alongside parents in the homeschool journey, offering encouragement, resources, and a strong community. At ECS, she is excited to help shape the Homeschool Resource Center and to build a program where families can thrive during the teen years.

Nikki and her husband, Ben, live in rural Roanoke with their four teenagers. She enjoys spending time with her family, working on home projects, and continuing to use her gifts of organization and leadership to strengthen families and the ECS community.

Kelley Donnelly, School Nurse

Kelley serves as the School Nurse at Emmanuel Christian School. She earned her Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) from Ivy Tech Community College in Fort Wayne. Her professional background includes experience in the Transplant ICU at IU Hospital in Indianapolis and in the Surgical, Neuro, and Trauma ICUs at both Parkview and Lutheran Hospitals. She also worked in Orthopedics at Parkview Ortho Hospital, providing pre- and post-operative patient care.

She is grateful to serve at ECS, where she can combine her medical background with her faith. She counts it a privilege to care for students and to share the love of Jesus in everyday interactions. She values the opportunity to pray with students, encourage them in moments of need, and help them look to Christ for strength and healing. She describes ECS as a community marked by positivity, encouragement, and genuine support—a true family atmosphere that is both rare and special.

She and her husband have been married for over a decade and have two children who bring lots of joy and energy to their home. They also share life with their family dog, Opie. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, baking, and relaxing at the beach. Family is a central part of her life, and she treasures their weekly Sunday dinners, where nearly 25 family members gather to share food, laughter, and time together.

Brooke Lyons, Kindergarten Teacher

Brooke Lyons serves as a Kindergarten Teacher at Emmanuel Christian School. A Fort Wayne native, she graduated from Huntington University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Kindergarten Endorsement. Brooke has more than 20 years of teaching experience in kindergarten, first, second, and third grades. In addition to her classroom experience, she is a Colson Fellow, having completed the program in 2024.

Brooke believes teaching is both her gift and calling. She finds great joy in working with young learners, especially in helping them build a strong foundation in both academics and faith. At ECS, she is excited to partner with families to cultivate a love for Jesus and a joy for lifelong learning in her students.

Brooke and her husband live in Southwest Allen County with their two children—one in college and one in high school—and their energetic mini Aussiedoodle. As a family, they enjoy traveling, exploring new cuisines in big cities, hiking in the mountains, and cheering on their kids in concerts and sporting events.

Wendy Rodocker, Kindergarten Teacher

Wendy Rodocker serves as a Kindergarten Teacher at Emmanuel Christian School. A Fort Wayne native, she graduated from high school in the Southwest area and went on to spend 30 years teaching first, second, and third grades in public schools. In 2025, she completed the Colson Fellows program in Biblical Worldview, further deepening her passion for integrating faith into education.

Wendy has always seen teaching as a calling and is grateful for the opportunity to now serve in a Christ-centered environment. She feels a deep peace and joy in this new season and is excited to share her love for learning and her love for Christ with her students. Her heart is to help kindergartners see God’s goodness in everyday life and to encourage families as they walk in faith together.

Wendy and her husband, Jeremy, have been married for 29 years and have three adult children. At home, they enjoy the company of their two dogs, a 17-year-old puggle and a 6-year-old St. Bernard. Wendy treasures time with her family, finds joy in her community, and looks forward to all that God is doing through ECS.

Christy Emrick, First Grade Teacher

Christy Emrick serves as a First Grade Teacher at Emmanuel Christian School, where she has been teaching since 2023. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, she studied Elementary Education at Taylor University and later earned a Master’s degree in Education. Christy has over a decade of teaching experience in Christian and public schools, including first and second grades, before joining ECS. In 2024, she completed the Colson Fellows program in Biblical Worldview, which further strengthened her passion for integrating faith with learning.

Christy is excited to partner with parents in guiding young learners as they grow in their reading skills and in their walk with Christ. She loves helping children discover the joy of learning and finds great purpose in pointing students toward God’s truth in everyday classroom experiences.

Christy and her family have lived in New Jersey and Michigan, and are grateful to now be back home in Indiana. She and her husband have three teenage daughters. In her free time, Christy enjoys exploring God’s creation, hiking, kayaking, gardening, and cooking.

Megan Arent, First Grade Teacher

Megan Arent serves as a First Grade Teacher at Emmanuel Christian School. Originally from Michigan, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Huntington University in 2013 and her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction for Early Childhood Education from Liberty University in 2021. She has taught in a variety of settings and grade levels, including Pre-K, Kindergarten, third grade, and as an adjunct instructor at the college level. In 2025, Megan completed the Colson Fellows program in Biblical Worldview, further deepening her passion for teaching from a Christ-centered perspective.

Megan believes teaching is her calling and counts it a blessing to be able to use her gifts to help students grow both spiritually and academically. She loves creating a classroom environment where children feel cared for, engaged, and excited about learning. At ECS, she is especially grateful for the opportunity to partner with families in nurturing each child’s faith and education.

Megan and her husband live in Huntington with their two young sons. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, serving in children’s ministry and on her church’s worship team, and cheering on the University of Michigan.

Mairy Zent, Elementary Teacher

Mairy Zent serves as an Elementary Teacher at Emmanuel Christian School. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University Fort Wayne. With a strong background in teaching and a heart for Christian education, Mairy is committed to creating engaging learning experiences that inspire a lifelong love of learning. In 2024, she completed the Colson Fellows program in Biblical Worldview, further equipping her to integrate faith into every aspect of the classroom.

Mairy counts it a joy to partner with families in helping students grow both academically and spiritually. She is passionate about encouraging children in their walk with Christ and sees her role as a calling to nurture not only minds but also hearts.

Mairy and her husband have been married for over 21 years and have twin daughters in college. As a family, they enjoy playing games, walking their dog Daisy, and traveling together. One of her favorite verses is Deuteronomy 6:5: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

Alyse Hurst, Elementary Teacher

Alyse Hurst serves as an Elementary Teacher at Emmanuel Christian School. She graduated with her teaching degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2014 and has been teaching since then with a passion for Christ-centered education. In 2025, Alyse completed the Colson Fellows program in Biblical Worldview, which further equipped her to integrate faith into learning and to help students see the world through a biblical lens.

Alyse considers teaching both her gift and calling. She is passionate about partnering with families to provide an excellent education rooted in Christ, and she looks forward to investing in her students academically, spiritually, and personally.

Alyse was born and raised in Columbia City and has been married since 2015. She enjoys spending time outdoors—exploring the country in a Jeep, hiking, biking, and camping—as well as baking, gardening, watercolor painting, and reading. She also co-owns a home-based bakery with her sister and treasures time with her large extended family.

Kari Mahara, Elementary Teacher

Kari Mahara serves as an Elementary Teacher at Emmanuel Christian School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Bethel University and has experience teaching both elementary and preschool, directing preschool and daycare programs, running church summer camps, and serving as a substitute teacher. In addition, she has faithfully taught Sunday School for more than 15 years. In 2024, Kari completed the Colson Fellows program in Biblical Worldview, further strengthening her ability to integrate faith and learning in the classroom.

Kari is passionate about creating a classroom where students can grow in their knowledge of the Bible, ask hard questions in a safe environment, and learn how deeply they matter to God. She loves engaging children in their learning through creativity, questions, and real-life experiences, always with the goal of helping them develop both academically and spiritually.

Kari and her husband have been married for more than two decades and have three children—a son in high school and twin daughters in middle school. Their family enjoys spending time together and being active in their local church community.

Brent Greuter, Elementary Teacher

Brent Greuter serves as an Elementary Teacher at Emmanuel Christian School. Born and raised in the Fort Wayne area, he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne. Brent taught in Fort Wayne Community Schools for 34 years, with the majority of his career focused on fourth and fifth grade. After retiring in 2020, he spent several years working in remodeling and handyman projects. In 2024, he completed the Colson Fellows program in Biblical Worldview, further preparing him to integrate faith into his teaching.

Brent is passionate about guiding students both academically and spiritually. He counts it a privilege to weave God’s truth into the classroom each day and considers it an honor to help raise up the next generation of young men and women who know and follow Christ.

Brent and his wife have been married for more than 35 years and are blessed with three adult children and three grandsons. He is grateful for the opportunity to return to the classroom and to serve as part of what God is doing through ECS.

Angie Bauer, Elementary Teacher

Angie Bauer serves as an Elementary Teacher at Emmanuel Christian School, bringing more than 30 years of teaching experience. Over the course of her career, she has taught everything from Kindergarten to middle school reading, writing, and special education across several districts, including 20 years at Covington Elementary before retiring in 2023. Her wealth of experience and love for teaching are evident in the way she engages her students each day.

Angie is passionate about weaving a biblical worldview into every subject, whether through classroom discussions, music, or science examples that highlight God’s intricate creation. She counts it a joy to help students develop a strong foundation of faith at an early age and to watch them grow in both knowledge and confidence.

Outside of the classroom, Angie treasures time with her family. She especially enjoys “Memaw days” with her grandchildren, cooking with and for her kids, camping in a tent with family, and attending car shows with their 1966 Corvette and 1969 Coronet.

Graduated college in 2011 with a BA in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Tech.

Working through ITeach transition to teaching program, having received my teaching

license in August 2025. Began as a teacher’s assistant at Emmanuel Christian School

and progressed to classroom teacher. Colson’s fellow graduate in 2025.

Rebecca is married to her husband Justin of 15 years. They have three sons, Noah, Eli

and Titus. They keep them very busy with their many sports. As a family they enjoy

summers at the lake on the water. Rebecca enjoys running, hiking, cooking and

spending time with her family and friends.

Rebecca has a passion for teaching children God’s great love and cultivating a deeper

understanding of education through a Biblical worldview. A love for teaching grew

through her years in children’s ministry and working as a teacher’s assistant at

Emmanuel Christian School. Rebeca is grateful for the amazing support and community

at Emmanuel Christian School and seeks to cultivate that community and support in the

classroom.

Darci Bloomfield, Elementary Physical Education Teacher

Mrs. Bloomfield serves as the Elementary Physical Education Teacher at Emmanuel Christian School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University Bloomington and began teaching in 2007 with Northern Wells Community Schools, where she served at Lancaster Elementary for 18 years. After teaching first grade for eight years, she transitioned into physical education, where she discovered a passion for helping students grow not only in physical ability but also in character. She is currently participating in the Colson Fellows program in Biblical Worldview to further strengthen her integration of faith into her teaching.

She loves seeing every student each day and finds joy in building relationships across all grade levels. Her goal is to help students learn to demonstrate good sportsmanship, teamwork, and perseverance—showing Christlike character even when competition arises. She is grateful for the warm welcome she has received from ECS students, staff, and families and values the opportunity to openly share her faith through her teaching.

Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, swimming, hiking, gardening, and sledding in the winter. She also loves playing games, working on puzzles, canning, and creating healthy, delicious recipes for her family to enjoy.

Nancy Disbro, Librarian

Nancy Disbro serves as the Librarian at Emmanuel Christian School. A Roanoke native, she graduated from Huntington University with degrees in Educational Ministries and Theatre before earning her Master of Library and Information Science from Rutgers University. Nancy has more than 25 years of experience in library services, beginning as a media clerk at Roanoke Elementary, serving as a children’s librarian in New Jersey, and later working for many years as the Director of the Andrews–Dallas Township Public Library.

Nancy is passionate about helping students become lifelong readers and learners. She desires to see children grow in their ability to think deeply, renew their minds, and discern God’s will, reflecting the call of Romans 12:2. Her library is a place where curiosity is encouraged, imagination is celebrated, and learning is rooted in truth.

Nancy and her husband live near Markle. They are blessed with a growing family that includes two adult children, a son-in-law, a grandson, and two younger boys who both attend ECS. She treasures time with her family and counts it a joy to serve the ECS community.

Michaela serves as the Middle School Health and PE teacher for both ECS and its

Homeschool Resource Center. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University

with majors in Physical Education and Health Education. She previously taught PE for

five years in a K-8 school before stepping away to spend time at home with her son. She

returned to her calling as an educator in 2023 when she joined the faculty at ECS.

Michaela is passionate about helping students grow both physically and spiritually. She

believes athletics and physical education provide valuable opportunities to teach

discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, while also pointing students to God’s Truth in

how they use their gifts and in how they encourage one another.Michaela lives in the Fort Wayne area with her son, a third grader at ECS. She enjoys

spending time outdoors, staying active, and creating meaningful memories with family

and friends.

Nate Arrowood is an enthusiastic music educator and a 2021 graduate of Franklin

College. For the past five years, he has been teaching K–8 music, directing bands, and

staging musicals in the Indianapolis area. For Nate, teaching is more than a profession;

it is an opportunity to share his faith and inspire a lifelong love of creativity in his

students. He now looks forward to bringing that same passion and experience to this

new community.

Outside the classroom, Nate remains an active musician, frequently performing on the

tuba with his community band and serving on his hometown praise team. His dedication

to music and worship has remained a constant since his college days. In his downtime,

Nate enjoys the quiet of the outdoors, whether he’s fishing or working on his swing on

the golf course.

Ashton McCune currently is a Special Education Teacher and Department Chair at

Marion High School. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Generalist Math and Science

(Intermediate Education) from Purdue University Fort Wayne and has completed the

Special Education Transition Program through Indiana Wesleyan University. He values Christ-centered education and enjoys building relationships with students

while helping them grow academically and personally. He is passionate about

encouraging responsibility, perseverance, and strong character.

Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his family and being involved in his

church and community. He is actively involved in farming and raising livestock. He also

enjoys coaching and being involved in athletics, especially wrestling, and he values the

opportunity to teach teamwork and discipline through sports.

Jane Hanes is excited to join the ECS team as the Middle School ELA and History

teacher. She graduated from Taylor University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary

Education and Special Education. She has been teaching for four years with experience

in both Christian school and public school. She is thrilled to return to a Christian school

where she can integrate faith and learning in the classroom. Jane is passionate about Christian education, and committed to fostering both a love for

the Lord and a curiosity for learning in her students. Middle school is a fun age to dive

deeper into material and ask good questions. She is looking forward to exploring history

and great stories through a biblical worldview, helping students grow a deeper

appreciation for God as the perfect author and sustainer of all things. Being part of ECS

provides the opportunity to help students develop into individuals with an eternal

perspective that is exciting.

Outside of school, she loves to play pickleball with her friends, travel with family, explore

parks with her two year old nephew, and bake sourdough bread. Jane is a member of

and attends Headwaters Church where she serves as a youth group leader, building

connections and getting to know others which brings her great joy

John Ragan will serve as the Middle School Science and Computer Science Teacher at

Emmanuel Christian School. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics and

Mathematics Education from Taylor University. John has been teaching for 5 years at

the high school level, developing an engineering program at his alma mater. In 2026,

God opened every door at ECS, making the easy choice to step through them.

John is passionate about science and believes the far-reaching implications of God's

intentional design should influence every area of our lives. He knows that science is the

faithful handiwork of our loving Father and can be studied without fear, and that its

impact on students' spiritual, academic, and professional growth can be very profound.

John lives in the Fort Wayne area with his wife and baby girl. He loves taking walks with

his family in the neighborhood, chasing his daughter around, and spending quiet time in

the evenings with his wife. He also enjoys music, writing, and inventing.

Katie Landin will serve as the lead Middle School Teacher as well as teaching Life Skills,

Home Economics, and Art. Beyond teaching, she will be helping provide needed support

for our budding youth, helping them build independence. She earned her Bachelor of

Science in Education from Indiana University, Bloomington. Katie is a highly qualified

educator with over 9 years in the classroom, as well as more years in leadership roles.

Katie strives to create an environment that allows each student to thrive both spiritually

and academically. Every day is a gift in her eyes, so she strives to help each student

grow rigorously on their own learning path. She seeks to know each student personally

and help them each reach new levels.

Outside of school, Katie enjoys spending time with her husband of 15 years and their

two children. She enjoys traveling, watching movies, reading books, creating art, and

volunteering. She loves to support the growth and development of disciples, both within

ECS walls and in her home church. If she can’t be at the beach, she's happiest teaching

or serving others. She is grateful to be part of the ECS team, where she can disciple and

lead the next generation through Christ-centered education.

Michelle Story brings more than 25 years of experience to her role. She graduated

Summa Cum Laude from Ball State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary

Education and a Bilingual/Bicultural Endorsement in Spanish. She began her teaching

career in first grade where she spent 13 years, followed by two years in a first/second

grade class. She then transitioned to teaching 5th/6th grade where she has served more

than a decade.

Over the years, she has also taught Spanish for grades three through six and has

contributed her leadership through school boards, curriculum adoption committees, and

teacher mentoring.

She is passionate about using her gifts to draw students closer to Christ while

equipping them to grow academically and spiritually. She loves instilling in students a

love of learning that lasts a lifetime and guiding them to reach their fullest God-given

potential.

Michelle and her husband have four children, all of whom she had the privilege of

teaching during her career. She is grateful for the opportunity to partner with families in

shaping the next generation of Christian leaders.

Mikel Fischer serves as the Middle School Math Teacher. He graduated from Huntington

University with a Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries and a minor in Bible and

Theology. He also attended seminary for a year, completing coursework at Trinity

Evangelical Divinity School while pursuing a Master’s in Theological Studies. He is

currently finishing his Indiana Transition to Teaching license, following God’s leading

into teaching, where he finds joy in combining academics with discipleship.

He is passionate about helping students grow not only in their academic skills but also

in their faith. He especially values opportunities for faith conversations in the

classroom. He desires to help young people grow in their walk with Christ.

Mikel and his wife live in the Fort Wayne area with their energetic dog, Eddy. In his free

time he enjoys being outdoors hiking, kayaking, and exploring nature. He also enjoys

reading, playing games, and spending time with family and friends.