Paul Berger – Principal
Educational History
M.S. Ed – Professional Development – Cardinal Stritch University – 1995
Wisconsin State Certification (42-118) through Wisconsin Lutheran College – 1993
B.S. Ed – Dr. Martin Luther College – 1980
Teaching History
Mr. Berger began his ministry in 1980 when he was assigned to teach grades 3-4, at Trinity Lutheran School in Watertown, WI. After serving in Watertown for 4 years he accepted a call to teach grades 5-6 and serve as athletic director of St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Cudahy, WI. In 1993 he accepted a teaching position at University Lake School (ULS), Hartland, WI, where he taught 6th Grade.. From ULS, Mr. Berger went to work in Milwaukee at Hope Middle School, which became HOPE Christian School – Fortis, where he served 7 years. Since then, Mr. Berger has served Word of Life, Milwaukee, Christ-St. Peter, Milwaukee, and Christ Alone, Thiensville. Mr. Berger enjoyed his time working in Milwaukee schools and welcomed the opportunity to do it again.
Personal History
Mr. Berger was baptized and confirmed at Salem. His parents were teachers here for 30 years each. He attended school at Salem from 5K – Grade 8. He is married to Rebecca Berger and they have 3 grown children and 4 grandchildren. In his spare time Mr. Berger loves to golf and attend Bucks and Brewers games.
Favorite Bible Passage
John 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.
Mr. Steve Carlovsky – New Family Coordinator
Paris Liddell – School Secretary & Food Service Director
Personal History
Ms. Liddell was born and raised here in Milwaukee, WI. She has 10 years of childcare experience working with children of all ages. She enjoys working with children, watching them grow and helping them feel confident about themselves. Ms. Liddell enjoys motherhood and has 5 children, 4 of which attend Salem and a one-year-old who will eventually attend Salem in his future. She is currently expecting a 6th child and couldn’t be happier. In her spare time she loves to bake, spend time with her family, and enjoys creating art.
A Prayer for our Students
Dear Lord Jesus. Thank you so much for all the precious children in this world. We know they mean so much to you. We pray you would help us do all we can to protect and give them the start in life they deserve. We pray that you would bless every pair of hands that works for you. Increase and bless their efforts in Jesus name, Amen.
Pastor Paul Meier
Educational History
STM from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary – Mequon, WI (in progress)
M.Div. from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary – Mequon, WI (1999)
B.A. from Northwestern College – Watertown, WI (1995)
Pastoral History
Upon graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Pastor Meier began his public ministry when he was assigned as pastor to Christ Redeemer Lutheran Church in Trumbull, CT. He served there from 1999-2010.
Pastor Meier then accepted a call to serve as pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Neenah, WI. He served there from 2010-2022.
In spring of 2022, Pastor Meier received and accepted a call to serve as Lead Associate Pastor at Salem Lutheran Church and School. Pastor Meier was installed on June 26, 2022.
Personal History
Pastor Meier hails from Waukesha, WI (specifically Genesee Depot), where his father served as a pastor during Paul’s formative years.
Pastor Paul is married to Angela (nee Rupnow) of Lake Mills, WI. While they are not blessed with any children, they do have three cats – Hermione, Maggie, and Rudy.
While at his church in Neenah, Pastor Paul also served the community as a volunteer firefighter, chief elections inspector, and county sheriff’s chaplain.
Pastor Paul is an accomplished organist, a classical music buff, and is known to randomly quote famous movie lines (especially from the ‘80s). Both Pastor and Angela are Green Bay Packer and Milwaukee Brewers fans.
Favorite Bible Passage
John 8:12 – Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (Pastor’s confirmation verse)
Pastor Jeremy Wosje – School Pastor
Educational History
M.Div. – Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (2014)
B.A. – Martin Luther College (2010)
Pastoral History
Pastor Jeremy has had the opportunity to serve congregations in various settings. Over his vicar year (pastoral internship), Pastor served congregations in Kokomo, IN (Peace Lutheran Church) and Tucson, AZ (Redeemer Lutheran Church & School). After graduating from seminary, Pastor Jeremy was assigned to serve Zion Lutheran in Akaska, SD & St. Paul’s Lutheran in Mound City, SD. In December of 2018, Pastor Jeremy was installed as associate pastor/school pastor of Salem.
Personal History
Pastor Jeremy grew up in Minnesota, just north of Minneapolis. Pastor enjoys living in Milwaukee and exploring what our city has to offer. He enjoys biking, golf, breweries, sporting events, and tinkering with computers in his spare time.
Favorite Bible Passage
Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I am now living in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Kurt Maciejczak – Dean of Students & Athletic Director
Education History
Class at University of Wisconsin – La Crosse
B.S. in Educational – Dr. Martin Luther College
Graduate Classes in Education Administration – Concordia Texas
Teaching History
Mr. Maciejczak was assigned to St. John’s in Wood Lake, MN as the teacher for grades 5-8, principal, and athletic director. He served St. John’s from 1995 to 2000. In 2000 Mr. Maciejczak accepted a call to Our Savior in San Antonio, TX to teach grades 6-8 and begin an athletic program as the new athletic director. In 2004, Our Savior called Mr. Maciejczk to be the principal and give up the athletic director duties. In 2008 Mr. Maciejczak accepted a call to be principal, athletic director, and the upper grades teacher at St. John’s in Lake City, MN. In 2016 Mr. Maciejczak accepted a call to the 5th and 6th-grade teacher and athletic director at Salem in Milwaukee. In 2020 Mr. Maciejczak accepted Salem’s call to be the Dean of Students at Salem.
Personal History
Mr. Maciejczak is married to Mary Maciejczak. They have three children, Adam, Alex, and Alivia. Mr. Maciejczak grew up on farms in Southeastern Wisconsin and western Wisconsin. Mr. Maciejczak is an avid sports fan of all Wisconsin teams. In his spare time, he likes to read crime and thriller novels, golf, watch movies, and take trips to the family cabin on a lake in northern Wisconsin.
Favorite Bible Passage
Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Zachary Bork – Social Studies & 8th Grade
Educational History
B.S. in Elementary Education w/ Intermediate Mathematics Endorsement – Martin Luther College (2020)
B.S. in Social Studies Education – Martin Luther College (2020)
Teaching History
Mr. Bork completed his elementary student teaching at St. Mark’s Lutheran School in Watertown, Wisconsin with 6th grade in 2019. He completed his high school social studies student teaching at Evergreen Lutheran High School in Tacoma, Washington in 2020, splitting his time with in-person and distance teaching. Last school year, he taught at Our Savior’s Lutheran School in Zion, Illinois, teaching all subjects for grades 6th-8th in a multi-grade classroom setting. On May 15, 2021, he received the call to teach 8th grade and social studies at Salem Lutheran School, and he is excited to continue his teaching ministry here!
Personal History
Mr. Bork is married to Arianna Bork, who teaches 1st grade at Risen Savior Lutheran School’s East Campus. Mr. Bork was born and raised in California and loves warm, sunny weather (though not so much the humidity). Music is one of his favorite pastimes, as he plays piano, organ, and guitar. He also enjoys spending time with his wife, watching and playing sports (especially basketball and baseball), and playing games with friends and family.
Favorite Bible Passage
1 Peter 1:3-5 – Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
Rachel Hirsch – Reading & 7th Grade Homeroom
Mrs. Hirsch was assigned to Salem in May of 2022 after graduating from Martin Luther College. She teaches 7th-grade homeroom as well as departmentalized Reading for grades 6-8. She received a degree in Secondary (5th-12th grade) education with an emphasis on Communication Arts and Literature, so teaching reading for the upper grades is exactly what she loves to do! She is excited to serve Jesus through her call to Salem.
Personal History
Mrs. Hirsch is married to Joseph Hirsch. The two met at Luther Preparatory School and continued on to Martin Luther College together. Joseph now works in Menomonee Falls. The Hirsches live in Mequon and enjoy going for walks, trying lots of new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family.
Favorite Bible Passage
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?
Emily Seeber – English-6th Grade Homeroom/After-School Care Director
Educational History
B.S. in Education – Martin Luther College (2014)
Teaching History
Mrs. Seeber began hers ministry in 2014 when she was assigned to teach grades K-8 at Good Shepherd in Cedar Rapids, Iowa . After serving in Cedar Rapids for 4 years she accepted a call to teach departmentalized English for grades 5-8 as well as 6th grade homeroom at Salem. Emily loves being able to serve Salem as the English teacher as well as After-School Care Director.
Personal History
Mrs. Seeber married Justin Seeber in June 2014. They had their daughter Isabelle in June 2017. Mrs. Seeber grew up in Watertown, Wi and attended St. Marks and Lakeside Lutheran High School before attending Martin Luther College. In her free time, Mrs. Seeber enjoys writing stories, reading, Spanish, and visiting new places.
Favorite Bible Passage
John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends.
Julia Cross – 5th Grade
Educational History
A.A. – Bethany Lutheran College – Mankato, MN (1991)
B.S. in Education – Dr. Martin Luther College (1993)
Teaching History
Miss Cross began her ministry in 1993 when she was assigned to teach grades 2-3, as well as grow the school by a grade each year, at St. Johns School in Newark, DE. After serving in Newark for 4 years, she accepted a call to teach grades 3-4 at Trinity Lutheran Academy in Woodbridge, VA. After 7 year she then started teaching grades 4-6 at Cardinal Montessori School. After 12 years, in 2020, she received and accepted the call to serve as Salem’s 5th grade teacher and 5-8 Science teacher. Miss Cross looks forward to getting to know the families at Salem..
Personal History
Miss Cross grew up in Rochester, MN and belonged to Resurrection Lutheran Church. She attended Resurrection Grade School and Martin Luther Prep School in Prairie du Chien, WI. She has lived on the East Coast for 25 years and enjoyed living near Washington D.C. In her free time she enjoys kayaking, visiting art museums and cooking.
Favorite Bible Passage
Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Thomas Carmichael – 4th Grade
Educational Background
B.S. in Elementary Education-Martin Luther College (2013)
Teaching History
Mr. Carmichael graduated in 2013. After graduating, he went over to Asia to teach for 6 years. He came back to the states last year and accepted a call to teach 4th grade at Salem.
Personal History
Mr. Carmichael grew up in southern Minnesota with his parents and younger brothers. While growing up, he enjoyed the creativity of drawing. He also enjoyed the camaraderie and focus of playing sports such as baseball, basketball, and soccer. After high school, he went to college for and attained a degree in Graphic Arts. He then went to school for Elementary Education. While living abroad in Asia after graduation, he grew a love for travelling to different countries, learning the languages and cultures around him, and enjoying coffee shops. Nowadays, he enjoys being closer to family and playing ultimate frisbee with friends.
Favorite Bible Passage
I can do all things through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13
Martha Deibert – 3rd Grade
Educational History
Mrs. Deibert graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a minor in English in 1995. She completed coursework for Wisconsin licensure through Wisconsin Lutheran College.
Teaching History
Mrs. Deibert began her teaching ministry at St. John’s Lutheran School in Newark, DE where she taught a variety of grade combinations ranging from preschool through fourth grade. She has been teaching at Salem since 1999. She taught grades K-2 over the past several years and currently teaches third grade.
Personal History
Mrs. Deibert lives in Menomonee Falls with her husband, Dave, and daughter, Amy. She enjoys reading, traveling, and going for walks.
Favorite Bible Passage
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)
Brandi Bivens – 2nd Grade
Educational History
B.S. in Education – Martin Luther College (1999)
Teaching History
Mrs. Bivens first taught preschool at Zebaoth in Milwaukee from 1999-2001. When her husband vicared in Utah the following year, she was able to teach grades K-4 at Prince of Peace in Salt Lake City. During her husband’s senior year at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary she taught 4th grade at St. Marcus in Milwaukee. The next six years provided a unique opportunity to teach adults EFL (on and off while raising her young children) in Brazil where her husband served as a missionary. Mrs. Bivens officially returned to teaching elementary school in Houston, TX, at Sienna Lutheran Academy/Divine Savior Academy in 2012. She taught there until 2020. While at SLA/DSA she taught 3rd-4th grade for five years, Kindergarten for one year, and PreK3/PreK4 for two years. Mrs. Bivens has been teaching second grade at Salem since the fall of 2020.
Personal History
Mrs. Bivens is married to David Bivens and they have three girls. One is at Martin Luther College, one is at Luther Preparatory School, and one will graduate from grade school this year and will attend Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School next year. Mrs. Bivens grew up in Bay City, MI, and attended a WELS elementary school. She went to Michigan Lutheran Seminary for high school. Mrs. Bivens enjoys reading, traveling, and playing games with her family.
Favorite Bible Passage
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Sally Petersen – 1st Grade
Educational History
BS in Education Martin Luther College (1982)
BA in Teaching Saginaw Valley State (2005)
Teaching History
Ms. Petersen began her career in 1982, when she was assigned to teach Piano lessons and be a dormitory supervisor at Martin Luther Preparatory School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. In 1998, she accepted a position at Good Shepherd Lutheran School, in Midland, Michigan, where she taught grades 3-5. In 2003 she accepted the position of teacher/director at Pilgrim Lutheran School in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. In 1995 she taught k4 first at Sherman Park Lutheran School and then at Northwest Lutheran School both of which are part of the Lutheran Urban Mission Initiative here in Milwaukee. Ms. Petersen has a passion for serving the diverse population of children and families here in Milwaukee County.
Personal History
Ms. Petersen has three grown children. Her oldest lives in Phoenix and teaches science at our WELS high school. Her other two daughters work as administrative assistants at different offices here in the Milwaukee area. She also has one grandson who she enjoys spending lots of time with. Ms. Petersen grew up in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin and attended WELS elementary and high school. In her spare time, Ms. Petersen enjoys fishing, gardening, and teaching education classes at the MCZ.
Favorite Verse
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Mrs. Kris Christie – 5 Yr Old Kindergarten
Educational History
B.S. Elementary Education – Dr. Martin Luther College (1992)
Teaching History
Mrs. Christie began teaching at St. John’s, Fox Lake, WI teaching 3-5 grades for two years, while also serving as the girls’ coach for volleyball and basketball. She accepted a call to teach preschool and kindergarten at St. Matthew’s, Benton Harbor, MI for one year while her husband served as a vicar there. Her latest call is to Salem Lutheran School, where she taught first grade and now kindergarten and is in charge of the yearbook.
Personal History
Mrs. Christie is married to Pastor Aaron Christie, who serves as Dean of Chapel and Professor of Homiletics and Worship at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. They have three children, two sons who both got married in the summer of 2020 and are studying to become pastors, and one daughter who is an au pair in Ulm, Germany this year. Mrs. Christie likes to spend time with family and friends, travel, read and garden.
Favorite Bible Passage
Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Ms. Alexandria Heiman – 4 Yr Old Kindergarten
Educational History
B.S. in Early Childhood Education – Martin Luther College (2023)
Teaching History
Through assignment from the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) Assignment Committee, Mrs. Heiman began teaching at Salem! She is blessed to teach the youngest learners at Salem–the four-year-olds–, and is thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord in this way! She is trained in using the Highscope Preschool Curriculum, a curriculum designed to create authentic learning experiences through children’s play!
Personal History
Mrs. Heiman is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she was born and raised. In June 2023, she married her incredible husband, Alexander Heiman, who is continuing his studies at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon. God-willing, he will someday serve as a pastor in a WELS congregation! When she is not at school, Mrs. Heiman enjoys decorating her home, listening to Christmas music, going for walks, and singing!
Favorite Bible Passage
Philippians 2:5-11 – “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place, and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledges that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”