Meet Our Team
Dedicated to nurturing faith & education.
Tom Plitzuweit
Principal
Tom Plitzuweit
Principal
When I think about St. Matthew’s, one of the first things that comes to mind is that it is a church and school that cares. First and foremost, it cares about being faithful to the Word of God. It cares about sharing the precious truths of God’s Word with children and families. It cares about reaching out to families, the community, and the world. It cares about doing all things to the glory of God. I am looking forward to being a part of this vibrant and exciting ministry for years to come!
I graduated from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education in 1997. I was assigned to St. Paul’s Lutheran in Plymouth, Nebraska, where I was blessed to serve for 18 years as principal and upper grade teacher. In 2015, I accepted a call to serve as the Associate Director for the Commission on Lutheran Schools. While there, I also served as the Executive Director for our synod’s accreditation agency, WELSSA. In the fall of 2019, I accepted the call to serve as the full-time principal here at St. Matthew’s. The 2020-2021 school year marks my first year in this role.
I am married to Beth, and we are blessed to be parents of four daughters – Madelyn, Grace, Kayla, and Elise. We live in Oconomowoc, and we love being part of this great community. Our family loves spending time together, and you’ll often catch us at our girls’ events or enjoying the great outdoors.
Favorite Bible Passage: John 14:6
Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Jason Dahl
Dean of Students & Athletic Director
Jason Dahl
Dean of Students, Athletic Director
I graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College in 2008 and began my teaching career at Oconomowoc High School that fall. From 2008 to 2025, I taught Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, College Algebra, and AP Statistics, while also serving as the varsity girls’ and boys’ golf coach. In 2012, I earned a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology from Marian University. Most recently, I completed the coursework for my state licensure as Principal and Director of Instruction through Wisconsin Lutheran College.
I am excited to join St. Matthew’s as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director, where I look forward to serving students and supporting their growth not only academically and athletically but also in their faith. Working with young people has always been a rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help guide them in God’s Word both in the classroom and on the field.
Favorite Bible Passage – Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Beth Plitzuweit
Early Childhood Director, 3K
Beth Plitzuweit
3K, Early Childhood Director
I received my Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education from Martin Luther College in 1997. Following graduation, I taught one year of Kindergarten -4th grade in Valentine, Nebraska. In 1998 I got married and moved to Plymouth, Nebraska where I taught preschool for 17 years. In 2018 St. Matthew’s called me to teach 3K and be the Early Childhood Director for the school. I feel very blessed to be serving at St. Matthew’s and working with the children and families entrusted to our care.
My husband Tom and I have been blessed with 4 girls, Madelyn, Grace, Kayla and Elise. We have lived in Oconomowoc since 2015. We keep busy going to all our girl’s events. We love doing things as a family and enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities.
Favorite Bible Passage – Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Elizabeth Schmidt
4K
Elizabeth Schmidt
4K
I have a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from Martin Luther College. I taught K-3rd grade before starting my family. I took time off from the classroom (I don’t say teaching because being a parent is full time teaching) when my kids were younger. Since then, I have taught 4K, done home childcare, and have worked as an aide in Kindergarten and 1st grade and as a childcare provider at First Steps.
My husband is Pastor Schmidt. We have 6 children – 4 sons and 2 daughters. We like to watch sports, especially when our kids are playing. We like to travel, and hang out with family and friends.
Favorite Bible Passage – Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Becky Aldinger
Kindergarten
Becky Aldinger
Kindergarten
I received my Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education from Martin Luther College in 1996. Following graduation, I taught Kindergarten at Beautiful Savior in Milwaukee, WI. Two years later, I received a call to teach at Star of Bethlehem in New Berlin, WI, where I taught until 2023. During my years at Star of Bethlehem I taught a wide variety of grades due to varying class sizes and needs of the school. While I enjoyed teaching each grade level that I taught, I spent my last seven years there teaching Kindergarten. I found teaching Kindergarten to be exciting as you get to witness tremendous growth in each child’s academic abilities, such as reading and math skills, and also see the joy that they have in their Savior each day. I also enjoyed serving as worship music coordinator at Star of Bethlehem and getting to work with a wide variety of musicians as we prepared for worship each week. In 2023, I accepted the call to teach Kindergarten at St. Matthews. In addition to my Kindergarten duties, I have enjoyed getting involved in various music related activities at St. Matthews, including directing the school musicals.
My husband, Joel, and I were married in 2002 and have been blessed with one son, Nathaniel whom we adopted from China in 2010. He is currently attending WLC where he is pursuing a degree in nursing. We enjoy being involved in various ways in the congregation at St. Matthew’s. In our free time we enjoy doing things as a family and love to travel and explore national parks.
Favorite Bible Passage – Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Amy Dahl
Kindergarten
Amy Dahl
Kindergarten
Throughout my years in education, I’ve had the opportunity to teach in a variety of schools and across multiple grade levels. I began my career as a preschool teacher for four-year-olds and later served as a reading and math interventionist for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. I stepped away from the classroom to stay home with our two youngest children.
One Bible passage that has remained close to my heart since childhood is Proverbs 22:6. I still remember making a poster with that verse to hang in my mom’s classroom as she set up her very first room—it’s been meaningful to me ever since.
It is such a blessing to now be teaching at St. Matthew’s and to share God’s love and message of salvation with my students and families each and every day!
Favorite Bible Passage – Psalm 121:1-2
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
Aleah Dovnik
First Grade
Aleah Dovnik
First Grade
I’m excited to be teaching first grade at St. Matthew’s! Having been a member of St. Matthew’s Church for most of my life and attending all of grade school here, it’s truly a blessing to now be part of this amazing staff.
I graduated from Martin Luther College in 2015 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I spent four years in North Mankato, MN, as the lead teacher in the Toddler Room and helped open their Infant Room, where I taught as the lead for a year. In 2019, I began teaching 4K in Sun Prairie, WI, and stayed for a year. In 2020, I moved back to Oconomowoc and became an instructional assistant, working with various age groups and classes at both First Steps and St. Matthews.
I feel incredibly happy and blessed to be here at St. Matthews. I look forward to teaching and watching my students grow in their relationship with God, their friends, and learning.
Favorite Bible Passage – 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.”
Karlie Habermann
First Grade
Karlie Habermann
First Grade
I am so blessed to be teaching first grade at St. Matthew’s. I look forward to teaching God’s children every day and watching them grow spiritually and academically.
I graduated from Martin Luther College in 2017 with degrees in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. My first call was to serve as Assistant Director and Teacher at Holy Trinity Lutheran Academy in New Hope, MN. We lived there for four years until my husband, Paul, got his call to teach 7th grade at St. Matthew’s in 2021. I started teaching First Grade at St. Matthew's in 2022.
I enjoy baking, hiking, exploring God's creation in nature, and spending time with family. I am a proud parent of 3 children. Being a parent has shown me how much of a blessing each of God’s little lambs are. I feel so privileged to teach children God’s Word every day at home and at my job.
Favorite Bible Passage: Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Kessia Boche
Second Grade
Kessia Boche
Second Grade
I am very excited to start teaching second grade at St. Matthews! Our children started attending St. Matthews in 2018. We have felt very welcomed and we love the strong Christ-centered atmosphere of the school. I am so thankful God has blessed me with the opportunity to join the staff in sharing the love of Jesus with the students at St. Matthews.
I graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran College in 2001 with a degree in Elementary/ Middle Education. I met Jon just before graduation and we were married the following summer. We have been blessed with five children, Brynn, Claire, Juliet, Josie, and Wil.
After college, I taught children with special needs for three years, and then I stayed home raising our children for the next ten years. I taught K4 at St. Marcus in Milwaukee for a year and then coordinated the Foster Support program at Kingdom Workers.
I am so happy to be teaching again and am excited to see Jesus work in the hearts of my students this year every year!
Favorite Bible Passage – John 13:34-35
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Cynthia Lange
Second Grade
Cynthia Lange
Second Grade
What a blessing to have the opportunity to serve as a second-grade teacher at St. Matthews! It is a privilege to partner with parents to help their child grow academically, socially, emotionally, and most of all, spiritually.
I have both a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Masters in Education from Martin Luther College. I’ve been teaching for over 30 years and most of my ministry has been in K-2 multi-age, multi-grade classrooms and early elementary is my true love. However, I’ve also had a 4K classroom, classrooms with various configurations of grades 3 through 6, and substitute experiences in K-4 and 5-8th grade classrooms. In other words, I have many sweet and funny memories and stories to tell about students and classroom experiences.
My husband, John, and I met at school when MLC was DMLC. We’ve served at Abiding Word in Houston, TX and at St. Luke’s in Vassar, MI. We have two children. Our daughter and her family live in Fort Atkinson and our son and his family live in West Bend. We’re very excited to finally be closer to our grandchildren!
Favorite Bible Verses – Ephesians 2:8-9
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Katie Schlomer
Third Grade
Katie Schlomer
Third Grade
I teach Third Grade at St. Matthew’s. I’m involved with our after school program and coaching Forensics. I’ve been a teacher at St. Matthew’s since 2013 and prior to that, I taught 2 years in Houston, TX. I have a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN.
After graduating 1993, my husband Larry and I spent a year in Puerto Rico and then 9 years in the Dominican Republic where he was serving as a missionary. During those years overseas, I had the opportunity to be involved in our church’s mission work. The next 9 years were spent in Houston, TX at a bilingual congregation.
We have been blessed with 6 children; Jacob, Jonah, Luke, Isaiah, Abraham, and Dakota. When I’m not at school, you will most likely find me at one of my children’s sporting events.
God has blessed me with so many opportunities to share his word in very different settings. For many years it was as a stay-at-home mom and a missionary/pastor’s wife. Now that my kids are older, I’m thrilled to be in the classroom at St. Matthew’s teaching and preparing children for future lives of service for God.
Favorite Bible Passage – Jeremiah 29:11
“’For I know the plans I have for you’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
Beth Wittig
Third Grade
Beth Wittig
Third Grade
Coming soon...
Favorite Bible Passage – Ephesians 3:20-21
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Joy Elowski
Fourth Grade & Music Director
Joy Elowski
Fourth Grade, Music Director
I am the Fourth Grade teacher, Worship and Music Coordinator, YOUth Praise and Church Choir Director, and head organist. I am so blessed to be able to use the talents and abilities God gave me in the areas of ministry that I truly enjoy serving! I love sharing Jesus with my students and seeing them show their faith in their words and actions.
I graduated from Shoreland Lutheran High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and (Dr.) Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota. I also hold a Masters in Church Music degree from Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin.
I began teaching in 1982 and have taught at Bethel Lutheran School in Bay City, Michigan, Our Savior’s Lutheran School in Zion, Illinois (my home congregation), and St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Muskego, Wisconsin. I’ve been here at St. Matthew’s since 2002. Most of my career has been teaching in grades 3, 4, or 5, though I have taught K-3 in a two-room school, and Language Arts and Music in a departmentalized grades 6, 7, and 8. During a three and a half year retirement after my daughter was born, I subbed in all grade levels. At each congregation, I also played organ and directed adult and youth choirs.
When I’m not busy with church or school responsibilities, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family.
My husband, Dale, is retired. Abbie graduated from St. Matthew’s in 2011 and from Luther Prep in 2015. She now attends Martin Luther College. We are excited to be in Oconomowoc and be part of the ministry here at St. Matthew’s.
Favorite Bible Passage – Jeremiah 29:11
“’For I know the plans I have for you’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Amy Vannieuwenhoven
Fifth Grade
Amy Vannieuwenhoven
Fifth Grade
It is such a privilege to share God’s Word and world with the 5th graders of St. Matthew’s Lutheran School and to serve the families of the Oconomowoc area!
I graduated from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. I am married to Pastor Charlie Vannieuwenhoven, and we are blessed with 4 children. I served as adjunct faculty teaching Communications and helping in the English department at Martin Luther College; taught 5th grade at St. Paul’s, New Ulm; worked several years as an aide/substitute while my children were young in our growing school in Tampa, FL; and taught as 5th-6th homeroom teacher (with some departmentalization in upper grade math and religion) at Northdale Lutheran School (now Northdale Lutheran Academy) in Tampa, FL, until 2020, when my husband accepted a call to Luther Preparatory School and moved our family to this area.
Favorite Bible Passage – II Corinthians 4:14,15
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”
Tim Torgerson
Sixth Grade
Tim Torgerson
Sixth Grade
I look forward to teaching 6th grade, 7-8 grade social studies, and coaching at St. Matthew’s Lutheran School. I hope to be able to use some of my previous experience in teaching to guide the students both spiritually and physically as they develop their God-given talents to serve Him.
I am a 1983 graduate from Martin Luther College (DMLC back then) and have taught for 38 years in our Lutheran Schools. I enjoy teaching and coaching various sports. I am married to Sandy and have 2 step-daughters, two sons, and five grandchildren. My wife recently retired from her longtime job at Jefferson County Human Services Department. I enjoy coaching most sports, particularly basketball, soccer, and softball or track in our grade schools. I enjoy hitting the golf course myself, following Wisconsin sports teams, and doing some casual bike riding. We reside in Watertown on the west side by Heritage Homes. Our older son, Micah, is currently on a mission trip with an organization called World Race, where he is out of the country doing activities and mission work. Our younger son, Griffin, will be a 4th-year student at UW- Oshkosh, where he is studying criminal justice. Step-daughter Heather and her husband, Nate, live in Jefferson with their three children, Lora, and twins Wyatt and Nolan. Melissa teaches school in Philadelphia and resides there with her two children, Ava and Pierce.
Favorite Bible Passage – Romans 5:19 (Confirmation verse):
“For through the disobedience of one man the many became sinners, so also through the obedience of one man the many will become righteous.”
Paul Habermann
Seventh Grade
Paul Habermann
Seventh Grade
I am excited to be teaching seventh grade and begin serving here at St. Matthews. God has blessed his children in many ways, and I pray that I can be a faithful servant that brings many blessings to you as well.
I graduated from Martin Luther College in 2017 with degrees in Elementary Education and Secondary Life Sciences. My first call was to serve at Holy Trinity in New Hope, Minnesota. There I served for four years as 7-8th grade homeroom teacher, as well as departmentalized science.
My wife Karlie and I welcomed our son Jonah to our family in 2020. Having a child of my own has broadened my views on the students that I serve. Parenting has drawn me closer to my Father in heaven as well as teaching patience and sacrifice.
Favorite Bible Passage – Psalm 139:16
“Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
Jon Ziesemer
Eighth Grade
Jon Ziesemer
Eight Grade
The first sixteen years of my teaching career were spent teaching in elementary schools in Minnesota at St. John’s Lutheran in Sleepy Eye and Bloomington Lutheran in Bloomington. I remained in Minnesota and taught for another sixteen years at Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School in New Ulm. While at the high school level, I served as choral conductor, head of the fine arts department, religion instructor and guidance counselor,
From 2014 until 2025 I served as the Coordinator of Clinical Experiences for the School of Education at Wisconsin Lutheran College. During that time, I assisted education majors, especially education majors as they completed their fieldwork and student teaching experiences in schools throughout the Milwaukee area.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving as a guest clinician for regional and national WELS Choral Fests.
My wife, Doreen, and I have been blessed with three children, their wonderful spouses, and seven grandchildren. We love spending time together cooking, walking, and supporting our grandchildren
at their sporting and music events.
Education
- S., Education, Dr. Martin Luther College, New Ulm. MN
- A., Education – Instructional Technology, Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, WI
Favorite Bible Passage – 2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”
Allison Chan
Learning & Behavior Strategist
Allison Chan
Learning & Behavioral Strategist
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Learning and Behavioral Strategist at St. Matthew’s. It is truly a blessing to support our students and partner with teachers to help every child thrive. As a former WELS student and lifelong WELS member, Christian education is something I hold near and dear to my heart.
I have over 12 years of experience teaching special education within the public school system, supporting students from kindergarten through 12th grade. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education from Bradley University and a Master’s degree in Special Education from Illinois State University. I also hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis and am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
In recent years, I have transitioned from the classroom into a consultative role. In this role, I support and guide the implementation of targeted academic and behavioral interventions, support program compliance, and collaborate with educators to implement best practices that meet individual learning needs. I am excited to use my experience and faith-based approach to support students while partnering with families and staff to meet individual learning needs.
Favorite Bible Passage:
Matthew 19:14: Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Patty Logan-Ott
Speech Therapist
Shawna Perry
Speech Therapist
Sara Hendricks
Instructional Assistant
Claire Hirsch
Instructional Assistant
Amanda Kaepernick
Instructional Assistant
Mariah Kneser
Instructional Assistant
Robin Koltz
Instructional Assistant
Shirleen Maertz
Instructional Assistant
Danica Rupnow
Instructional Assistant
Chris Shaw
Instructional Assistant
Beth Ziel
Instructional Assistant
Julie Nehr
Administrative Assistant
Jenny Hillmer
Office Receptionist
Jenny Gnewuch
Kitchen Manager
Steve Backus
Facilities Manager
