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Homeschool Resource Center: Registration for spring classes is open now until Jan. 3rd. Grades 6th -12th: Click here to find out more.
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Our Team

Meet Our Team

Teaching Staff

God has brought us an amazing group of experienced teachers. Click on the picture to read their biography. It's going to be a great year!

The Clapham Circle

Emmanuel Community Church is pleased to partner with The Clapham Circle in the formation of Emmanuel Christian School. The Clapham Circle is a missional consulting group, partnering with organizations to enhance visibility, influence and impact. Its goal is to inspire a global movement of service and generosity through collaboration between individuals, businesses, and institutional partnerships. They believe the best way to change the world is by serving world-changers.

Learn more about The Clapham Circle at engageclapham.org

School Board

This group of distinguished individuals have volunteered to serve Emmanuel Community Church by providing policy governance for ECS. This founding board is made up of ECC church members who are passionate about kingdom education in the Fort Wayne area.

Buzz Lance2
William Lance
Head of School
Buzz Lance2
William Lance
Head of School

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.

Angela
Angela Vincenti
School Assistant
Angela
Angela Vincenti
School Assistant

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.

Nikki Fingerle headshot WEB
Nikki Fingerle
Homeschool Resource Center (Secondary Students)
Nikki Fingerle headshot WEB
Nikki Fingerle
Homeschool Resource Center (Secondary Students)

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!

Brandy
Brandy Shutt
ECS Coordinator
Brandy
Brandy Shutt
ECS Coordinator

Mrs Lyons
Brooke Lyons
Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs Lyons
Brooke Lyons
Kindergarten Teacher

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.

Nancy Disbro
Nancy Disbro
School Librarian
Nancy Disbro
Nancy Disbro
School Librarian

Christy Emrick
Christy Emrick
1st Grade Teacher
Christy Emrick
Christy Emrick
1st Grade Teacher

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!

Mrs Zent
Mairy Zent
2nd Grade Teacher
Mrs Zent
Mairy Zent
2nd Grade Teacher

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. I’ve been married for 20 years and have twin daughters who are 16. We love to play games together, walk our dog Daisy, and go on vacations to the Rocky Mountains or Florida beaches.  I have taught for 19 years at SACS in grades first, second, and fourth. I’m so excited to be joining the team at Emmanuel Christian School to provide a Christ-Centered education. I’m looking forward to partnering 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.”

Michelle
Michelle Story
3rd Grade Teacher
Michelle
Michelle Story
3rd Grade Teacher

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.
 

Mr G
Brent Greuter
4th & 5th Grade Teacher
Mr G
Brent Greuter
4th & 5th Grade Teacher

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. 

Kari
Kari Mahara
Teacher's Assistant
Kari
Kari Mahara
Teacher's Assistant

Leah
Leah Mutton
Art Teacher
Leah
Leah Mutton
Art Teacher

Hi! Leah Mutton here. I have a degree in art education and taught art for six years at EACS until I decided to stay home after having my daughter, and then twin boys 18 months later! Along with being the official chauffeur and activities coordinator for my family, I have also been working at our company, subbing at my children’s school, and teaching a homeschool art class. I am very excited to add art teacher at Emmanuel Christian School to my resume! I look forward to molding little artists with the creative talents God has given me! “We are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand.” Isaiah 64:8

Michaela Roth
Michaela Roth
Gym Teacher
Michaela Roth
Michaela Roth
Gym Teacher

Brent Stringer
Brent Stringer
Chairman of the Board
Brent Stringer
Brent Stringer
Chairman of the Board

Executive Pastor of ECC

Board mem 4
Drew Enderle
Board Member
Board mem 4
Drew Enderle
Board Member

ECC Church Member; Middle School Principal at Norwell Middle School

Board mem 5
Ashley Emerick
Board Member
Board mem 5
Ashley Emerick
Board Member

ECC Church Member; Mothers of Preschoolers Director and PreK mom

Board mem 3
Lisa Guthrie
Board Member
Board mem 3
Lisa Guthrie
Board Member

ECC Church Member; 25 Year educator in Indiana Christian Schools

Lowell
Lowell Griffin
Board Member
Lowell
Lowell Griffin
Board Member

Former ECC Elder; Retired Educator

Board
Shandra Hathaway
Board Member
Board
Shandra Hathaway
Board Member

ECC Elementary Children's Pastor; Former Elementary School Teacher

Board mem2
Meredith Marquell
Board Member
Board mem2
Meredith Marquell
Board Member

ECC Church Member; Homeschooling Parent

Craig Sloan 2
Craig Sloan
Board Member
Craig Sloan 2
Craig Sloan
Board Member

Financial Planner; Former School Administrator

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Bible: Building on the Rock
Holiness, Self-Control, Obedience, Trust, Peace, Forgiveness, Dependability, Confidence, Loyalty, Friendliness, Reverence, Joy, Kindness, Compassion.
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Bible: Building on the Rock
Holiness, Self-Control, Obedience, Trust, Peace, Forgiveness, Dependability, Confidence, Loyalty, Friendliness, Reverence, Joy, Kindness, Compassion.

At ECS, the Bible curriculum is not a supplement; it's the essence of our educational mission. By valuing the teachings of Jesus, we strive to empower our students not just with knowledge but with a profound understanding of their identity as followers of Christ. It's an investment in shaping not just academic achievers but compassionate, principled individuals who carry the light of Christ into the world.

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Literacy: Upwards Reading
Foundational Literacy Establishing a love of reading
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Literacy: Upwards Reading
Foundational Literacy Establishing a love of reading

Alphabetic principle, letter-sound correspondence for all consonant letters, short vowel sounds and consonant digraphs | Decode and encode words phonetically to read and spell through effective multi-sensory activities and engaging decodable readers | Sight recognition for reading and spelling over 40 necessary non-phonetic sight words | Strengthens the student's foundation in listening comprehension | Phonological awareness skills necessary for strong reading skills.

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Writing
IEW
Courtney kirkland AN Tg A Zjxh Gk unsplash
Writing
IEW

IEW's unique approach provides the structure that students need to develop confidence in the writing process, while gradually guiding them toward greater independence and creativity. They will learn nine structural models (note taking, writing paragraphs, stories, simple reports, writing from pictures, research reports, creative writing, essays, and critiques) to help them organize any type of composition. Additionally, stylistic techniques (strong verbs, quality adjectives, sentence openers, and more) are taught incrementally to gently move students from the basics into more sophisticated writing.