MEET THE FACULTY
PASTOR MICHAEL (MIKE) GEHL
HEAD PASTOR AND FIFTH THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE CATECHISM TEACHER
Pastor Gehl lives in Wrightstown with his wife, Aura Lee, their son Zaine, their daughters Miranda and Matteah, and their dog Cooper. He joined St. John in 2015 and currently serves as head pastor of St. John and circuit pastor of the North Valley WELS Circuit.
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TIMOTHY (TIM) RADDATZ
PRINCIPAL
FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADE TEACHER
Mr. Raddatz grew up in Kaukauna, WI. He graduated from Martin Luther College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and took up post-graduate studies through both Winona State University and St. Mary State University. Prior to joining St. John in 2014, Mr. Raddatz served as an upper grade teacher and administrator at St. John in Goodhue, MN, an upper grade teacher at HOPE Christian in Milwaukee, WI, and an upper grade teacher and administrator at JOY Academy in St. Paul, MN.
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Mr. Raddatz lives in Appleton with his wife, Abby, their daughter, Cecelia, their son, Owen, and their dog, Gus. He enjoys playing and officiating sports, camping, watching college football, reading, hosting and participating in community events, hunting, and spending time with his family.
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Mr. Raddatz shares, "It is truly an honor and privilege to serve families and their children, being able to teach them about the saving grace of Christ."
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DILLON SOLOMON
SIXTH THROUGH EIGHTH GRADE TEACHER
Mr. Solomon grew up in Troy, MI. He graduated from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and in Secondary Mathematics. After graduating, he was assigned as a Tutor at Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, MI for one year. In 2021, he was reassigned to serve as the fifth through eighth grade teacher at St. John.
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Mr. Solomon, his wife, Gabrielle, and their son, Leo live in Fox Crossing. The Solomons enjoy hiking and the outdoors, reading, and all things sports. He shares, "Every day in school is a learning opportunity, both for the kids and me. It's a great blessing to be able to share my love for learning with my students and an even greater blessing that we get to do so in the context of God's Word."
REBECCA WICKS
SECOND AND THIRD GRADE TEACHER
Mrs. Wicks grew up in Neenah and Menasha, WI. She graduated from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with a Mathematics Concentration. After graduation, she spent several years as a teacher and assistant director in WELS early childhood centers. She joined St. John’s faculty in 2013, initially serving as the preschool and preK teacher before moving up grade levels as enrollment increased.
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Mrs. Wicks and her husband, Jason, live in Kaukauna. Together they have a son, Arlen, who keeps them busy attending wrestling matches and baseball and football games. Mrs. Wicks also enjoys biking, reading, and decorating cakes.
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Mrs. Wicks states, “I love teaching young children. They show eagerness for God’s Word and a simple but strong faith. They learn very quickly--they have a new skill, accomplishment, or piece of knowledge almost every day and are always excited to share their stories.”
JAMIE BUSS
EARLY CHILDHOOD DIRECTOR
KINDERGARTEN AND FIRST GRADE TEACHER
Miss Buss grew up in New London, WI. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Green Bay in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and received a WELS synod certification from Martin Luther College in 2014. She joined St. John’s faculty in 2015, initially serving as the preschool teacher before moving up as enrollment increased.
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Miss Buss currently lives in DePere with her cat. She enjoys a wide variety of hobbies, including reading, writing, photography, painting, hiking, and camping. She says, "I love working with the kids and watching them grow, learn, and achieve new things that they didn’t think they could do! My favorite thing about teaching little kids about Jesus is seeing how they love him and trust him so sincerely and I love introducing them to the same God that I know loves me, and all of us, so perfectly."
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Miss Buss' favorite Bible passage 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."
LEAH GAMBOA
PREK TEACHER
Mrs. Gamboa spent her early years in New Franken, but spent most of her life in nearby Morrison. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in December 2022 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has since spent time substitute teaching in the Kimberly school district, working mainly with elementary students.
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Mrs. Gamboa and her husband, Luis, currently live in Little Chute. Her spare time often is spent with family or headed outdoors for swimming, biking, walking, and other adventures. She shares, "My favorite passage that I have always turned to is Isaiah 40:31, 'But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.' It is truly a blessing to know that the Lord is our hope and strength in every moment of life. As I take on a new role as the PreK teacher I will refer to this passage to be uplifted while going through this journey with my students, sharing the same message with them."
MADELYN (MADIE) OTTO
PRESCHOOL TEACHER
Mrs. Otto grew up in Maribel, WI. She earned her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education with an Adaptive Education minor from Wisconsin Lutheran College in January of 2023. St. John serves as her first full-time teaching experience.
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Mrs. Otto lives in Wrightstown with her husband, Jonathan, and their cat, Sugar. She enjoys hiking, spending time with family, camping, and watching baseball with Jon. She says, "I am so excited to begin this new adventure at St. John and to teach little lambs about Christ, sharing his love everyday through the fun in Preschool!"
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When she thinks about teaching these little lambs, the Bible passage that comes to mind for her is 3rd John 1:4, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."
CLAUDIA PUENTE
STUDENT SERVICES SUPPORT
Miss Puente grew up in Shiocton, WI. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay in 2014 with a bachelor's degree in Spanish and Psychology with a Human Development minor. She joined St. John in 2023, initially serving as a substitute teacher for preschool and preK classrooms before moving to her new position of Student Services Support.
Prior to joining St. John, Miss Puente worked as an Advanced Behavioral Therapist in northeast Wisconsin specifically working one-on-one with kids, teens, young adults, and their families to help with the autism spectrum, ADHD, anxiety, and oppositional defiant disorders. Miss Puente strives to build a good rapport with kids of all ages, coming up with creative ways to help them learn and achieve their own individualized goals!
Miss Puente currently lives in her hometown of Shiocton. She enjoys numerous activities and hobbies such as hiking, kayaking, biking, singing, football, volleyball, baseball, boating, the fine arts, penguins, and traveling. Miss Puente also loves spending her time with her family and friends, especially her nieces and nephews. One fun fact Miss Puente would like to share is that her last name, Puente, means bridge in Spanish.