Our Team

William Lance

My name is William “Buzz” Lance, most of the time I just go by Buzz. I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Pacific Christian College in Fullerton, California with majors in both Bible and Secondary Education and a Master of Education from Milligan College in Johnson City, Tennessee in Social Sciences with an emphasis in Secondary Education. Previously I have served as a secondary principal, head of secondary school, assistant principal, teacher, and adjunct assistant professor. I am also the founder of Our Heritage Tours, an educational tour company that works with schools to design customized academic trips, and a fellow with the Clapham Circle, a consultation company serving schools, churches, and other organizations. I am currently living in Alabama but am excited to bring the family back to Indiana and make Fort Wayne our new home.

Amy Baker

Hi! My name is Amy Baker, my husband, Tyler, and I have been married for 16 years this summer. We met at ECC when we were both about 12 years old. We have had the privilege of growing with the church! We live in Roanoke and absolutely love our small town and are proud to call it home. We have 2 children who are attending ECS in the Fall. Our oldest is Alaythea (11) who will be in 5^th grade and our youngest is Judah (9) who will be in 3^rd grade. We love to be outside anytime we can – we belong in the country!

To relax and recharge I like to lay in the hammock, go on bike rides (alone or with my daughter), take walks with friends, read a good book, be in nature, and have movie nights with my family. I am very much a people person, but I also need time alone to recharge.

When my youngest went to kindergarten I went back to work part-time at ECC, as a receptionist. This fall I will begin working full-time for the school as the secretary and volunteer coordinator. I love the busyness the front office brings and connecting people together while finding pockets of areas they belong to using their God-given gifts. I am very excited to start this role!

Angela Vincenti

Hi, my name is Angela Vincenti. My unique personality blends creativity with administration. I enjoy taking a vision and figuring out the steps that will take it from being a dream to becoming a reality. I carry a Bachelor of Arts degree from Huntington University in Educational Ministries. In addition to being a pastor’s wife and full-time mom to our four children, I spent three years as a Children’s Pastor coordinating volunteers and creating an after school program, served as Director of Online Operations for Christian School Consulting where I created websites & a social media marketing plan for a start-up company, and most recently worked for UB Global where I oversaw the website, social media, and administrative tasks. My husband and I reside in Huntington where we enjoy being with our four kids. Our kids are currently in college, high school, middle school, and elementary school.

Ashley Emerick

I hold a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana University where I like to tell people I majored in high jump. Upon graduating, I settled back in NE Indiana with my husband, Bradley. We have been married for 13 years and have three boys; Britain, Lachlan, and Wells, who are the joy of our lives. Our oldest two boys attend ECS.

During my early years of motherhood, and for most of the last decade, I co-coordinated the MOPS program at Emmanuel Community Church. That led to time spent on the ECS school board and eventually to my current role as the admissions director at ECS.

As the admissions director, I thrive on connecting with prospective families and allowing them the opportunity to experience ECS for themselves. It is an honor to welcome new faces into the building and into the ECS family. I am a dreamer, and I am excited to be a part of the growth and impact at ECS!

Brandy Shutt

Hello, my name is Brandy Shutt and I am so excited to be a part of what God is doing here at Emmanuel Christian School!

I am from the East Coast, but met my Midwest man at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, IN. I received my bachelor’s degree in art therapy from IWU, but more importantly, it is where I came to know and love Jesus. My husband and I got married after graduating and have been married for almost 26 years and have six beautiful children. They are now 25, 24, 21, 19, 17, and 9. The Lord has recently blessed us with a grand baby and another on the way as well!

After being a stay-at-home and home-schooling mother for 17 years, I went back to work. Using my gifts of organization, multi-tasking, and friendliness to create an atmosphere of joy and focus, all while working where my youngest is learning, is such a blessing. I am looking forward to building community and fellowship with the staff and families here at ECS!

Nikki Fingerle

Hello! I am Nikki and I live in the rural Roanoke area with my husband, Ben, and our four teens - Alyssa, Olivia, Cooper, and Dylan. I am excited to be leading the Homeschool Resource Center as the new program begins to take shape with ECS. I have been part of the Fort Wayne area homeschool community since 2016, serving two years as the Northeast Indiana State Representative for IAHE, beginning and leading a thriving co-op group for nearly seven years, and teaching several classes along the way (my favorites being communications related– writing, speech, and drama). I have a bachelors degree in Psychology and Communications and a professional background working to promote multiple social service organizations. After becoming a stay-at-home mother with four kids close together in age, I relished the social aspect of working part-time as a Professional Organizer, bonding with clients to tackle various home projects. My focus shifted into the unexpected world of homeschooling when I learned first-hand that not every child/family fits into the traditional course of education. God has taught us just as much as our children in the journey. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue organizing program details and encouraging fellow homeschool families through the teen years!

Brooke Lyons

My name is Brooke Lyons. A Fort Wayne native, I graduated from Homestead High School in 1996. Not long after, I met my college sweetheart at Huntington University. In 2000, I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a Kindergarten Endorsement, landed my first teaching job, and got married. I taught 17 years in Huntington County Community Schools-12 years in kindergarten, 3 years in second grade, and 2 years in third grade. From there I was led to teach first grade at Deer Ridge Elementary in SACS, where I enjoyed being in the same school as my children. Now, five years later, I have been called to teach kindergarten once again-only this time in the Christ-centered setting of Emmanuel Christian School. Teaching is my gift and passion. I get a kick out of children of all ages-especially the littlest ones. I am beyond thrilled to have the honor of partnering with you to help your child cultivate a strong relationship with Jesus and a joy of life-long learning. My husband and I live in Southwest Allen County with our two high schoolers and energetic mini Aussiedoodle. Most of our free time is spent cheering on our teenagers at concerts and sporting events. As a family we enjoy traveling, especially trying new cuisines in big cities and hiking in the mountains.

Wendy Rodocker

Hello! I am Wendy Rodocker, and I feel so blessed that God has given me this new opportunity at Emmanuel! I was born and raised here in Fort Wayne-specifically in the Southwest area. My husband Jeremy and I have been married for 29 years and we have three adult children, two boys and one girl, ages 23, 22, and 21. Our only “children” left at home now are our 17 year old puggle and our 6 year old St. Bernard. I just retired from Southwest Allen County Schools where I taught grades 1, 2 and 3 for 30 years-10 years at Whispering Meadows and 20 at Covington. I have been a Christian my entire life, and I always felt like God’s work for me was in the public schools. However, a few years ago, I started to feel as though God was leading me down a new path as possibilities and doors started to open. God has blessed me greatly in this new direction! I have felt an incredible amount of peace since being chosen to teach here, and I have felt a huge amount of joy at the thought of teaching, learning and sharing with kindergartners! I cannot wait to share that joy with my students and their families and to teach and model just how great God really is in our lives! Romans 15:13 ~ May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Christy Emrick

Hello! I'm Christy Emrick, and I'm excited to teach first grade at Emmanuel Christian School. Born and raised in Ft. Wayne, I graduated from Homestead High School. From there I studied Elementary Education at Taylor University. I followed God's lead to teach at a Christian school all the way in New Jersey where I met my husband, Tyler. We have lived in New Jersey, Michigan, and are finally back in Indiana again! I taught ten years and earned my Masters in Education before I chose to stay home to raise our three daughters. They are now 13, 15, and 17! I reentered teaching by subbing at my daughters' elementary school. Then, I took a teaching position in Fort Wayne Community Schools where I taught both first and second grade for the past three years. In my free time, I enjoy being outside exploring God's creation, hiking, kayaking, gardening, and cooking. I'm looking forward to partnering with parents and helping children grow into great readers!

Megan Arent

My name is Megan Arent, and I am so excited to teach 1st Grade at Emmanuel! I am originally from Michigan, but I currently live in Huntington with my husband, Ryan, and our two boys, Rowan (15 months old) and Hudson (3 months old). I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Huntington University in 2013 and my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction for Early Childhood Education from Liberty University in 2021. I have taught in a variety of different settings and grade levels, including Pre-K, Kindergarten, 3rd grade, and as an adjunct instructor at the college level. Teaching is my passion, and I’m so grateful that God has given me the opportunity to use this passion here at ECS!

In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, travel, read, and volunteer in the Children’s Ministry and on the Worship Team at my church. I am also a huge University of Michigan fan (Go Blue!).

I look forward to working together with you to help your child grow both spiritually and academically this year!

Mairy Zent

My name is Mairy Zent and I was born and raised in Fort Wayne. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Indiana University Fort Wayne. I’ve been married to Larry for 21 years and have twin daughters who attend PFW. We love to play games together, walk our dog Daisy, and take vacations together. It’s an honor to be part of the team at Emmanuel Christian School. I count it a joy to partner with families to provide engaging learning experiences and build a lifelong love of learning, all while encouraging a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. One of my favorite bible 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

Hi! I am excited to be a part of what God is doing here at Emmanuel Christian School. I graduated with my teaching degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2014. Teaching is my gift and passion, I am looking forward to being a partner in a Christ-centered education for families.I was born and raised in Columbia City. I was raised attending church and accepted Christ when I was 8. My husband, Richard, and I met in high school and were married in 2015. We enjoy almost all things outdoors! We spend much of our time exploring the country in our Jeep, hiking, biking, and camping. When we are home you can find us with our family. Combined we have 7 siblings and 34 nieces and nephews! Some of my favorite hobbies are baking, gardening, watercolor painting, and reading. In fact, my sister and I own a home-based bakery! I am looking forward to getting to know the families here at ECS!

Kari Mahara

My name is Kari Mahara, and I’m thrilled to be at ECS, working with our awesome students and families. My husband and I met at a Homestead High School basketball game (where I was playing) and are now celebrating 20 years of marriage this year. We have a high school boy and twin middle school girls. We are members of LifeWater Community Church, where my dad is the pastor. I attended Bethel University and graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education. I’ve taught elementary for five years, preschool for five years, subbed for SACS, and ran our church school-age summer camps, as well as directed our preschool and daycare programs. I've taught Sunday School for 15+ years, and VBS is one of my favorite times of the year.
But my heart is in the classroom, teaching children about God and the Bible. I love engaging students in their learning through questions, competitions, and real-life experiences. In my classroom, children will grow in their understanding of the Bible, experience a safe place to ask difficult questions and learn who God is and how deeply they matter to Him.

Lauren Witt

My name is Lauren Witt and I am excited to be a teacher at ECSFW. I went to Ball State University and graduated with a degree in elementary education. I have taught many different grade levels and enjoyed all of them! I taught here in Fort Wayne and in Muncie, Indiana. I have been married to my husband for 11 years and we have 3 amazing children. We are members at The Chapel and very involved with our church community. I worked as a children’s ministry coordinator for a few years while my kids were young.

In my free time, I like to read biographies and historical fiction novels. I also enjoy going to Disney World with my family. My family and I also enjoy having Disney themed movie nights. I am excited to use the gifts that God has given me to help students develop skills and become life long learners. I know God as great plans for each and every student this year. I feel very privileged to be a part of every student’s educational and spiritual journey.

Brent Greuter

Hi, my name is John Brent Greuter. You can call me Brent and your children can call me Mr. G. or Mr. Greuter. I was born and raised in the Fort Wayne area. I accepted Christ as my Savior at age 19. My wife and I have been married for 35 years and have three adult children and three grandsons. I earned my bachelors degree and masters degree at IPFW, teaching in Fort Wayne Community Schools for 34 years, with the last 25 years split between fourth and fifth grade. In 2020, I retired from FWCS and have spent the last three years doing remodeling and handyman work. I am excited to return to the classroom! Prayers are being spoken for my soon-to-be students. Weaving God's truth into every aspect of our classroom is both joyous and humbling. It is an honor to join you on your path to raise young men and women of God. I count it a blessing and privilege to serve and be part of what God is doing at Emmanuel Christian School.

Michelle Story

My name is Michelle Story, and I have been a teacher for 27 years. I graduated from Ball State University summa cum laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Bilingual/Bicultural Endorsement in Spanish. I started working at a small Catholic school right out of college. I taught first grade for thirteen years which afforded me the opportunity to teach all four of my own children. I then taught a first and second grade split class for two additional years. During that time, I became involved in working with middle school students in my church's youth group. This was God's way of preparing me to accept the position of 5th/6th grade teacher when an opportunity became available. I have taught this grade level for the past twelve years which again afforded me the opportunity to teach my own children. In addition to teaching all subject areas, I have also taught third through sixth grade Spanish. I have served in advisory and decision making capacities such as teacher representative on the school board, diocesan council of teachers, curriculum adoption committees, mentoring, and much more. My passion is to use the gifts God has given me to bring young people in closer relationship to Him, instill a love of learning that becomes lifelong learning, and to help students to grow and learn to their highest God-given potential.

Joy McGothlin

Joy McGlothlin received her BA in English with an emphasis on creative writing and a minor in social science from the University of North Texas. She has two decades of teaching experience and has taught many subjects in both private and public schools including; language arts, reading, creative writing, speech, and theatre arts. Most recently Joy has been teaching piano and voice lessons and has been a home educator to her three children but is now excited to be returning to the classroom teaching 5th and 6th grade at ECS where her three children will attend. Joy has a passion for teaching, enriching literature, writing music, telling stories, singing, raising chickens, and growing organic fruits and vegetables on their small family hobby farm.

Madison Freeman

My name is Madison Freeman and I’m excited to join the ECS community this year. I graduated from Taylor University Fort Wayne with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. With over 10 years of teaching experience, I’m excited to teach one of my favorite things- Art! My husband is a pastor, and we have 3 kiddos. Our oldest two will be joining ECS this year as well. See you in the Art Room!

Michaela Roth

Hi, my name is Michaela Roth. I have a Bachelor's degree from Purdue University with majors in Physical Education and Health Education. I have previously served as a PE teacher for 5 years in a K-8th grade school for Wawasee Community Schools. After taking some time to stay home with my son, I started teaching PE at Emmanuel Christian School and for the Homeschool Resource Center in 2023. I am looking forward to meeting your students and I can't wait to see what God has planned for this school year.

Nancy Disbro

Hi! I’m Nancy Disbro, and I’m thrilled to be the librarian for Emmanuel Christian School. I grew up in Roanoke and attended Huntington University, graduating with degrees in educational ministries and theatre. I have spent the past 27 years as a librarian, longer if you count stamping date due cards at the Roanoke Public Library as a child. I started as media clerk at Roanoke Elementary, then worked as a children’s librarian in New Jersey, where I obtained my MLIS from Rutgers University. I am currently the Andrews-Dallas Township Public Library director, and, through God’s planning, my schedule allows me availability to also be the ECS librarian. My husband and I live near Markle and enjoy busy days with two now-adult kids, one son-in-law, a grandson, and two younger boys, who will both be attending ECS. I am looking forward to building readers and learners as Paul describes in Romans 12:2, who can renew their minds and discern God’s will.

Sophia Slates

Sophia Slates graduated from Belmont University in Tennessee. She plays piano, guitar, sings, violin and so much more. Sophia is also a Worship Arts intern at Emmanuel Community Church.

Brent Stringer

Executive Pastor of ECC

Drew Enderle

ECC Church Member; Middle School Principal at Norwell Middle School

Lisa Guthrie

ECC Church Member; 25 Year educator in Indiana Christian Schools

Lowell Griffin

Former ECC Elder; Retired Educator

Shandra Hathaway

ECC Elementary Children's Pastor; Former Elementary School Teacher

Meredith Marquell

ECC Church Member; Homeschooling Parent

Craig Sloan

Financial Planner; Former School Administrator

Jeremy Gayed

Member of ECC

Mike Kramer

ECC Member