FACULTY AND STAFF
ADMINISTRATION
Mr. Michael Nelson
Principal
Mr. Michael Nelson, Principal
I am here because HE sent me. The Lord has been working on my heart to be in Lutheran Education from a small age. He provided me with so many examples of what it means to be a servant leader, that it would be impossible to name them all. My ministry revolves around students and teachers and helping them find ways to grow in their love for Jesus.
​
While I am new to this position at Peace, I have been a member for the past five years. My children all attend this school and my wife is the Director of Family Ministry. I have a heart for the people of Peace and I know that we will be great partners as we support these children in their faith walk.
​
I have been in education for 18 years and have been a part of large schools and small schools. I am excited for the growth opportunities here at Peace. I also acknowledge the family atmosphere that has been created here and I look forward to keeping that in place as we look to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with as many children as we can.
​
I have been a teacher, athletic director, High School Administrator, and now I am ready to lead here at Peace. Concordia Nebraska gave me the degrees to open the door, and my 18 years of experience has given me the tools to be successful. I covet your prayers as we continue to serve our Awesome God and partner with YOU to serve each and every student.
Mrs. Suzette Quail
Mrs. Suzette Quail, Early Childhood Director
I am blessed to oversee an outstanding preschool program and a team of early childhood educators who love children and are dedicated to academic excellence, Christian leadership, and who strive every day to be an inspiration to students and families of God’s grace, mercy and love.
​
My boys are graduates of Peace Lutheran and Lutheran High School North. Our positive experience in the preschool program and the loving, caring, gifted teachers are what made us stay for K-8. I am grateful that I was led to be the Early Childhood Director after serving Peace as an Office Administrator and preschool teacher.
I enjoy visiting the preschool classrooms each day! The laughter, the smiles, the hugs, and hellos warm my heart. I feel like a rock star when I walk in the room and the children shout “Mrs. Quail!” I love to watch the children learn, grow and develop into strong Christian boys and girls. The progression from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is amazing!
​
I welcome you to join our Peace family. Peace is home and where you are accepted and welcomed as you are. Here you and your children will feel loved and cared for.
Mr. Myril Wilks
Athletic Director
Mr. Myril Wilks, Athletic Director
​
Mrs. Jennifer McCoy
Lunch Coordinator
Mrs. Jennifer McCoy, Lunch Coordinator
Hi, I’m Jennifer, your Hot Lunch Coordinator/ Preschool Aide. My long career in the restaurant business, passion for food, menu planning. and organization makes me a perfect fit for the job! Last year I was blessed with an amazing opportunity to become a Preschool Aide, which I accepted and I love working with the Young 3s. Doing both jobs keeps me busy but I absolutely love doing both.
My time with Peace goes back quite a while. I was baptized and became a member of the church around 2000. My daughter also attended 2nd-5th grade, which helped us build a strong relationship with the church. We were offered a great job opportunity which resulted us moving out of state for a while. Then we ended back home and here I am back where I belong.
I love to travel, attend concerts and see as much as possible with my husband, grandchildren, dogs, family and friends.
Mrs. Rebecca Polchowski
PM Latchkey
Mrs. Rebecca Polchowski, PM Latchkey
​​I’m very excited to meet new and see returning kids in Latchkey!
I have 3 kids (ages 12,5,3). This is our third year attending Peace Lutheran. My family has met some of the most welcoming, caring and amazing families and teachers here.
Some of my favorite things:
Fresh air, hermit crabs, improving my grilling skills on the BBQ, and reading.
Mrs. Diane Dawson
Financial Secretary
Mrs. Diane Dawson, Financial Secretary
My name is Diane Evanson and I feel blessed to be a part of the Peace staff. I am a lifelong Lutheran, attended St John Fraser Lutheran School and Lutheran High School North. My husband and I are members of St. John Lutheran Church in Rochester. Previously I worked at Trinity, Utica for 19 years in the church office. I am excited about my new role at Peace and I look forward to meeting the students and families.
Mrs. Kim Domerese
Office Assistant
Mrs. Kim Domerese, Office Assistant
I am excited to join the staff at Peace! My husband and I discovered this community in the summer of 2020 while exploring alternative education options for our younger daughters. When the office position opened, I jumped at the chance to work where my girls now spend most of their days. My career experience is mainly in veterinary medicine as a licensed veterinary technician, but I welcome the change.
​
We are a military family. My husband was an active duty Marine for almost 15 years. We have been married for nearly 2 decades and we have 3 beautiful and headstrong daughters. The oldest followed in her dad’s footsteps and is currently an active duty Marine.
​
I grew up in Warren and attended East Detroit Public Schools. My husband is from Florida, but somehow, after our many moves to several different (and warmer) states, I convinced him to settle here in Michigan when he finished his active duty service several years ago. We love spending time with friends and family, and after so much time living long distances away, it feels good to be home!
​
Mrs. Sarah Johnson
Office Assistant
Mrs. Sarah Johnson, Office Assistant
​
​
Mrs. Talayna Redford
Office Assistant
Mrs. Talayna Redford, Office Assistant
​
​
Ms. Jessica Franckiewicz
Media Liaison
Ms. Jessica Franckiewicz, Media Liaison
Growing up, I am blessed to have been raised in a supportive Christ-centered family, and I am also blessed to have been raised in the Christian community of Peace Lutheran Shelby. Peace has been my second home since the age of 4, when my parents and I became members and I started Preschool. I attended Peace through 8th grade, went on to high school at Lutheran High School North and I am now finishing my education at Michigan State University. When I think of Peace, I think of family. I love that I have been given the opportunity to continue to share the family aspect of Peace and the love of Christ everyday through my work, all while continuing to grow in my faith.
​
Mr. Carmelo Ferrante
Mr. Carmelo Ferrante, Maintenance
I grew up in a very small town in Italy called Messina, where I played soccer and attended barber school at age 11. I came to America and worked for Chrysler for 35 years. In fall of 2007, my family and I found Peace, and Mr. I began working for Peace in 2012. I enjoy gardening and repairs and remodeling of my home. “At Peace, everyone is like a one big family. My faith is strengthened more each and every day seeing how Christ moves in everyone.” – Mr. Carmelo Ferrante
Mrs. Judith Franckiewicz
Mrs. Judith Franckiewicz, Custodian
Peace Shelby was the answer to prayers for a house of worship starting in 2004, when our child entered preschool.
After retiring from 20 years with the Kmart Corporation, it made sense to me to give back to our Peace community when there was an opening position for the part- time custodian.
During my time here at Peace, I have made wonderful connections through the years. I look forward to many more years of support and fellowship serving at Peace Shelby.
Kindergarten
Ms. Megan Willemsen
Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Megan Willemsen, Kindergarten Teacher
After working for four years in the public school district, I felt a very strong pull from the Lord to go in a slightly different direction. Working with children has always been my calling however being able to share God’s love with them while helping them learn how to walk in His Word is my passion.
I have been a member of Peace Lutheran since I was 7 years old. I attended Sunday School, worshipped with my family, was confirmed in middle school and much later, my child was baptized here as a baby. Having the opportunity to come to Peace and share my love for God with my students feels like coming home. Being a part of a Lutheran family goes beyond just attending school at Peace. It is a journey that goes on into eternity.
I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary education from Oakland University. I taught for 4 years in Utica Community Schools before finding my home at Peace Lutheran Church and School where I have taught Kindergarten for 5 years. I love to work in the church nursery on Sunday mornings and as a VBS leader in the summer.
Mrs. Erin Olsen
Kindergarten
Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Erin Olsen, Kindergarten Teaching Assistant
The last two years my twin boys attended 3 and 4-year preschool at Peace and it has made a huge impact on our family. The outpouring of love from the teachers, Pastor, and staff not only had me wanting my kids to be a part of this community long term, but also had me praying for an opportunity to get involved on a deeper level. My mission is to help spread the love and light of our savior to precious young minds, as the previous teachers did for our family.
Mrs. Gail Willemsen
Kindergarten
Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Gail Willemsen, Kindergarten Teaching Assistant
I have been a member of Peace Lutheran, along with my family, for over 25 years. During my time at Peace, I have served as a Sunday school teacher, catechism teacher, Family Night dinner set up and server and a VBS volunteer.
My passion has always been teaching. I received my bachelors and master's degree in education from Oakland University, and taught in Utica Community Schools for many years.
In the past five years I have served many hours volunteering in the kindergarten class at Peace, where my daughter, Megan, is the teacher. I feel truly blessed that God has put a call in my heart to return to the classroom as the kindergarten aide. I will have the opportunity of not only serving as my daughter's aide, but the privilege of assisting the kindergarteners at Peace on their journey in faith and their growth in the love of our Lord.
Grade 1
Mrs. Erin Geffert
Grade 1 Teacher
Mrs. Erin Geffert, 1st Grade Teacher
My childhood consisted of church camps, Wednesday Night Live programs, VBS, and more. I remember the joy and excitement I experienced from attending each of these opportunities. Then as a youth it turned into watching children grow in their love for the Lord through my experiences as a helper in VBS and summer camp counselor. Working with children has always been my calling from the start. I know God was planting seeds introducing me to various leadership opportunities my whole life. These are the reasons why I became a teacher.
After graduating college I always thought I would teach in a public school and become a shining light in the public classrooms. However God quickly led me to my first teaching position in a private school. I was hooked and it became very clear my work was to teach God’s word along with education. Five years into teaching a new door opened and led me to Peace. I love the family environment Peace shares, and how we all belong. Each day brings new adventures in my life and the lives I get to impact each year in the classroom. I thank God daily where I am now and look forward to the amazing opportunities He has for my future.
I have a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Oakland University and a Master’s in Early Childhood Education from Saginaw Valley State University. I have been teaching for 15 years in Kindergarten and First Grade.
Mr. Mel Sledzinski
Grade 1
Teaching Assistant
Mr. Mel Sledzinski, 1st Grade Teaching Assistant
​After high school, I attended Wayne State University. During that time, I began working as a custodian for the Troy School District where I would remain for some years. In the early 90’s I took a military leave of absence from Troy and served in the US Army where I was a crewman in a mobile rocket field artillery launcher. After that, I returned to Troy and worked as the Head Custodian at Wass Elementary School until 2009. I worked there during the days, and enjoyed the staff and students very much. During this time I also coached youth baseball in Shelby Township for ten years. Eventually, I returned to school at Wayne State and earned my Masters of Education in Instructional Technology. Then from the years 2010-2021, I was employed as the Director of Facilities at Baker College.
There I oversaw all maintenance, custodial, and grounds operations, and also all construction and renovation projects at both the Clinton Township and Port Huron campuses. In 2021, both these campuses permanently closed and I returned to public schools in Utica where I worked as an elementary school Teacher’s Aide until I retired in June, 2023. After a few months went by, I realized I was really not suited for retirement. In October, 2023, God opened the door for me at Peace Lutheran School, where I thoroughly enjoy being every day. I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
Mrs. Karin Sparks
Grade 1 Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Karin Sparks, 1st Grade Teaching Assistant
I grew up in the metro Detroit area and attended Peace Lutheran Church in Warren. When my husband and I moved to Shelby Township, I visited the area churches looking for one to call home. When I visited Peace, I felt that the people of Peace were friendly and welcoming. Peace felt like home. I got involved in teaching Sunday school and that fostered my love of working with children. When my son was older and I was looking for an alternative to public school education, we decided to enroll him at Peace and I have been a member of the Peace family ever since.
I have been on staff at Peace for 20 years. I have worked in the Early Childhood Department and now have an opportunity to work in the elementary grades as a teacher aide. I have a passion for working with children and helping them to grow in knowledge and in their faith. Being a mom of three unique children has taught me that we do not all learn the same way. God made each of us different in the way we learn, process, and show our knowledge. I enjoy working with children and finding the way that they learn best!
As a member of Peace, I have served as a Sunday school teacher, Stephen minister, VBS leader, and a prayer partner. I have a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Oakland University. I am also certified in Early Childhood through Macomb Community College.