Steven D. Warren was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He grew up in the Auburn-Gresham community and attended Chicago Public Schools. He is a United States Marine Corps veteran. He has been a musician for 47 years, and his primary instrument is the drums. He is married to Debra Warren. They have two dogs, Solomon (an English Cocker Spaniel) and Mia (a Toy Poodle). He is a novice bowler. He has been a Lutheran all of his life and a pastor since 2010. He has served the congregations of Zion Lutheran Church in the Roseland community, Zion Lutheran Church in the Washington Heights Community, and Faith Lutheran Church in the Auburn-Gresham Community. He presently serves as Pastor of St. Paul Austin.
Ashley Strong, PreSchool & Kindergarten
Ashley Strong was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She received her B.S. in Biological Science with a minor in chemistry from Northern Illinois University in 2013. She has been teaching at St. Paul since 2015. She became the Preschool teacher at the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year. Her hobbies include reading, going to museums, and traveling. Her favorite Bible verse is Ecclesiastes 9:11, “Again I saw under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all.”
Dr. Tracey Brim, 1st & 2nd Grades
Dr. Tracey Brim was born and raised in the Garfield Park Community on the West Side of Chicago, IL. She earned her B.A. in Business Administration from Dominican University in River Forest, IL. She also has a Masters of Divinity from Midwest Christian College & Seminary and PhD in Biblical Studies from North Carolina Theological Seminary. In 1988, she began teaching in the Chicago Public Schools system at Leif Ericson Scholastic Academy where her four children attended. She also has a certification from the State of Illinois as a Domestic Violence Counselor. She has taught grades K-8. She currently teaches 1st and 2nd grades and believes she has been called to St. Paul in this season. She is committed to "doing life” with her students and their families.
One of her favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:6-7 “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Tamara McClain, 3rd & 4th Grades
Ms. McClain has 15 years of experience teaching at the elementary level. She has taught in private schools and in the Chicago Public Schools. Ms. McClain has taught all the grades from Kindergarten through Eighth grade. Ms. McClain always wanted to be a teacher; and has always felt called by God to the profession. After a great deal of soul searching, Ms. McClain pursued her passion, and went on to receive a Master's Degree in Elementary Education.
When Ms. McClain has found herself lost and confused in life, one of the Bible verses she relies on to give her the strength and courage to move forward is:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."
Glen Kuck, 7th & 8th Grades
Glen Kuck was born and raised on a farm in Michigan. He received his BA degree in 1972 and MA degree in 1973 from Concordia University in River Forest. He began teaching in 1973 and came to St. Paul in 1980. He served as the principal of St. Paul for 31 years.
His favorite Bible verse in Micah 6:8, "This is what the Lord requires of you: to love mercy, to work for justice, and to walk humbly with the Lord."
Mark Bersie, Principal, 7th & 8th Grades
Mark Bersie was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. He received a B.A. in elementary Education from Concordia University in River Forest, IL in 1978. He has taught at St. Paul ever since. He has taught in grades 3 and 4 and is currently teaching in grades 5-6 and 7-8. Math is his favorite subject. He is also the Athletic Director and coaches volleyball, basketball and track. His hobbies include reading, computers, visiting with family and friends, and taking naps. His favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:31, “…but they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings like eagles; they shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
