Dr. Cary Stelmachowicz

Executive Director

cstelmac@oursavioracademy.eduk12.net

I have been involved in Lutheran education for over 40 years. My experience is as an English teacher, basketball and golf coach for both men and women and an administrator of schools in Mich., Wis., and Missouri. I have taught at the university level and high school level. I am a teacher of literature and writing. I am a Concordia University Chicago graduate, An Oakland University graduate, and a Western Michigan graduate. (also a Johnnie)

I love to read authors like Lehane, DeMille, Coben, Grisham, and others. I am a film aficionado, especially enjoying film noir. I love to golf and enjoy watching movies and sports. My wife and I have four adult children and three grandchildren.

Favorite Bible verse John 10:10 where Jesus said "I came that you would have life, and live it to the full."

Years with OSCA ~ 1st Year!

My Favorite Color ~ Black/Silver

My Favorite Food ~  Steak (ribeye) and Potatoes
 

Lori Albright

Principal/Elementary Social Studies

lalbright@oursavioracademy.eduk12.net

Mrs. Albright's Chalkboard

I've been blessed to use my Bachelor's degree in Ele. Ed. at OSCA. I was home with my children for ten years after working in public schools. Mrs. P asked me to serve as a Para in a PreK classroom then slowly added responsibility/training so I was able to serve as a classroom teacher and now Principal/Teacher. We have an incredible staff of dedicated professionals who want their students to know Christ. We know this is the foundation for students to face the challenges life brings.

Years with OSCA ~ 15 

My Favorite Color ~ Yellow

My Favorite Food ~ Chocolate

Gayle Abbett

Student Services

gabbett@oursavioracademy.eduk12.net

This will be my 16th year at Our Savior Christian Academy.  I love that during my time at OSCA I have gotten to work with students from Preschool to High School.  I’m originally from Nebraska and moved to the Kansas City area after college.  I enjoy traveling, reading and crafting.

Years with OSCA ~ 17

My Favorite Color ~  Green

My Favorite Food ~  Popcorn

Cynthia Bird

Art Instructor

bird@hopelutheran.org

Mrs. Bird's Chalkboard

Cynthia Bird has a passion for art and sharing it with others, especially children. A mother of 4, her interest in enlightening students began with the development of a voluntary art program in her daughter’s school in 2010. This led to teaching art classes in the Turner Recreation Center and completing a Visual Arts Associate at Kansas City Kansas Community College in 2011. Her original pathway began with an Interior Design degree in 1994 from Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, Co and working for Design Lines, Inc., a model home interior design firm. Drafting, murals and painting on everything led to another pathway; back home to Kansas City to begin a family with her husband in 1997. Working independently, she painted murals residentially as well as exploring other avenues of illustrating books and fine art painting.

From fall of 2011-spring of 2022, Cynthia was given the opportunity to work with an upstart virtual school located in Andover, KS. She facilitated the existing virtual middle school 2D art class and in the years following, she developed a high school curriculum for the virtual students including Drawing, Advance Drawing, Intro to Painting, and Elements of Art. Also in 2012, another opportunity for teaching k-8 art presented itself for her through a teaching position at Hope Lutheran School. From the fall of 2019-spring of 2024, another opportunity to teach art in the homeschool community to teach art at Brighton Academy arose; she taught 3 combination classes of elementary ages and 3 combinations of middle school and high school classes. Focuses included elements of art, drawing, painting, sculpture, and global art studies for elementary. In August of 2024, Cynthia began teaching art for combined grades at Our Savior Christian Academy.

In the summer of 2024, an opportunity to teach painting to the community presented itself through Painting with a Twist, a paint and sip studio.

In her spare time, Cynthia volunteers as the Wyandotte County 4H shooting sports coordinator since 2011 to present.

Cynthia says that the reason she teaches is to see the light bulbs come on. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a face light up when a child gets a concept and takes pride in their accomplishment.” She believes that art is an important outlet for expressing creativity. Art is like any skill, it takes practice to master, but a student doesn’t have to be a master to enjoy art.

Years at OSCA ~ First year!

My Favorite Color ~ Red

My Favorite Food ~ Cashews

Stacy Braden

Math Instructor/Communication

SBraden@oursavioracademy.eduk12.net

Mrs. Braden's Chalkboard

Hello! I hale from the Northland area, growing up in Platte Woods and finishing at West Platte. I attended UCM and graduated with a Computer Information Systems degree and was a member of the dance team. My husband and I have been married for 27 years and raised our 4 children in Liberty. During my years here at OSCA, I have taught a variety of classes and subjects. Most recently leading Math, which I love. I am a numbers gal! Some of my years here at OSCA were part time while I owned a dance studio, Elite Dance Co., for 18 years. I love to be active, being outside, being around young people, and sharing my experiences with those around me. My husband and I recently became empty-nesters, which is an adjustment for us after many years following and shuttling our kiddos to their various sporting events and activities :)

I look forward to working with our students this year. My desire is to instill confidence, the ability to try even if it means we might fail first, to overcome adverse situations, and to enjoy their Math class experience.

Years with OSCA ~ 15? :)

My Favorite Color ~  Grays, Blues, and Deep Greens

My Favorite Food ~  Pizza, Chinese, & Sweets!

Megan Campbell

K-8 Reading Teacher

Mcampbell@oursavioracademy.eduk12.net

Mrs. Campbell's Chalkboard 

I graduated from Concordia University in Mequon, WI with a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Special Education. Upon graduating I worked in the public sector as a second grade teacher in Leavenworth for 5 years. Then I was blessed to stay home and be a stay at home mom for 6 years. I've taught at OSCA for 7 years. I am certified in Orton Gillingham and use it across the board to teach all children to read. I am passionate about creating an environment where children feel comfortable and willing to try when it comes to reading. My desire is to have all students build confidence in their ability to read and write.

Years with OSCA ~ 7

My Favorite Color is ~ Orange & Purple

My Favorite Food is ~ Chinese

Courtney Dame

K-8 Science Teacher

cdame@oursavioracademy.eduk12.net

Mrs. Dames Chalkboard 

I am so excited to jump back into the classroom at OSCA! Before my youngest son was born, I spent 7 years working in special education and teaching 2nd grade. I have a bachelor’s degree in intercultural business and an associate’s degree in theology from Lincoln Christian University. I attended Indiana Wesleyan University to obtain my master’s degree and licensing in elementary education.

I have a heart for Platte City. Serving on the board for the Downtown Platte City Association, I spend a great deal of time encouraging business owners, planning events downtown, and creating partnerships to grow our small town.

I have 2 boys: Aiden is 16 and Liam is 5. Both of my boys play hockey so any free time is spent at the rink. We frequently attend Sporting KC and Chiefs games!

Years with OSCA ~ 1st Year

My Favorite Color is ~ Yellow

My Favorite Food is ~ Tacos

Deb Hall

PreSchool Lead Instructor

DHall@oursavioracademy.eduk12.net

Mrs. Hall's Chalkboard

This will be 16th year teaching Preschool at Our Savior Christian Academy. I am a long time resistant in Platte County. I graduated from Park Hill and graduated from University of Central Missouri. I am married with three kids and two grandchildren. I enjoy being with family and friends, summertime, traveling, and our lake house at Lake of the Ozarks.

Years with OSCA ~ 16

My Favorite Color ~ Green

My Favorite Food ~ Mexican

Maggie Johnson

Public Relations, Human Resources

mjohnson@oursavioracademy.eduk12.net

This is my first year working in a school setting. Before this, I worked at St Luke's Hospital for 10 years as the ER Admitting Supervisor. I have two daughters that also attend OSCA. I love getting to know the kids and see them grow through out the year!

Years with OSCA ~ First year!

My Favorite Color ~ Pink

My Favorite Food ~ Pasta

Carol Layton

PreSchool Instructor

CLayton@oursavioracademy.eduk12.net

Mrs. Layton's Chalkboard

I’ve been married for 39 years. My husband was in the military so we traveled the world, living in 2 different countries and 6 states. I have worked in schools for the past 17 years. I worked as a Science Lab assistant, Librarian assistant and a Para before starting at Our Savior. I love working with children and enjoy seeing the excitement in their faces when they learn new things.

Years with OSCA ~ 8 years

My Favorite Color ~ Red

My Favorite Food ~  Spaghetti Carbonara

Sheri Reineke

Music Instructor K-8

SReineke@oursavioracademy.eduk12.net

Mrs. Reineke's Chalkboard

I am excited to be starting my 3rd year teaching music at OSCA. I am retired from the Platte County R-III School District after teaching 13 years of vocal music at both the middle school and high school level. I also taught 2 years of music K-12 both instrumental and vocal at a small school in the state of Missouri.

I am a graduate of Platte County R-III school district. I hold a Bachelor’s of Education (Vocal/Instrumental) Music degree from Missouri Western State University. I also hold 2 Masters Degrees from Webster University; a Masters of Arts in Finance and a Masters of Business Administration.

I am an active member of the following affiliations: National Association for Music Education, American Choral Directors Association, National Educator Association, Sigma Alpha Iota Alumni, Missouri Music Educators Association, and Missouri Choral Directors Association.
My last 2 years of teaching at Platte County R-III district, it was my honor to be the Assistant Director of Choirs at Platte County High School co-teaching with Mr. Brian von Glahn (Director of Choirs). While teaching at the high school the Concert Choir had the honor of singing at the Missouri Music Educators Conference. Teaching duties while at the high school have included Director of the Women’s Choir, co-teaching Men’s Choir, Concert Choir, Freshman Honor Choir and Sound Express Chamber/Show Choir. Other High School teaching assignments in teaching online classes. Platte City Middle School teaching responsibilities included: Prelude Choir (Select 6th grade choir), PCMS Honor Choir (Select 7th/8th grade choir), 6th Grade Choir, 7th Grade Choir, 8th Grade Choir and Music Appreciation classes at the middle school level. I also teach private music lessons in voice, flute and saxophone.

I have received awards from the American Red Cross for volunteer hours, I have been recognized in Who’s Who in Music in 1982, and the award of Senior First Class in Girl Scouts (the highest award for a Girl Scouts), with a letter of congratulations for receiving the award from President Jimmy Carter. I was honored to receive an American flag flown at the White House presented to me by the Honorable Judge Jack Hansel. The flag was presented to me for the service of singing the National Anthem at many Platte City/County events.

I spent many years singing and playing flute for the First Baptist Church of Platte City. I sang in a worship service the first time in high school, and sang solo’s and participated in Cantatas at church throughout my life in Platte City. I have led Children’s Choirs for Christmas programs and additional songs during service times for several years while at the First Baptist Church in Platte City. I also led the children’s music for vacation bible school for 2 years.

I spent 12 years singing and performing with The Black Label Band, out of Northwestern Missouri. My duties with The Black Label Band included: Lead Singing, Backup Singing, Keyboardist, Playing Flute, and Saxophone as well as setting up and tearing down equipment. I traveled with the group all over the 4 State Area of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska, while always maintaining full time employment, with fortune 500 companies. These years of dedication to practicing and performing taught me great self-discipline and expanded my musicianship.

I currently sing in the Canto Chorale of Platte County. Canto Chorale is a community choir dedicated to bringing special Christmas and Easter cantatas to small and local churches. I also play an Electronic Wind Instrument (EWI) to cover the Oboe part, in the Platte City Community Band. I get many questions about the instrument that I play. The instrument looks like a toy, but It is not. It is an instrument made by Roland, a company that has been making keyboards for many years. The EWI uses saxophone fingerings, which I also play, and a mouthpiece to blow through to produce sounds. It produces sounds of up to 128 different instruments.

I reside in Platte City sharing a home with my mother Peggy Reineke.

Favorite Quote:
Those who wish to Sing will always find a Song. - Proverb
 

Years with OSCA ~ 3

My Favorite Color ~ Purple

My Favorite Food ~ Mexican Food

Maren Roper

PE Instructor

mroper@oursavioracademy.eduk12.net

Mrs. Roper's Chalkboard

I am an RN and I work 2 days a week at a clinic. I have experience in working at a pediatric office so I know a good deal about kids' health. I love exercise and sports. I played volleyball in college at Park University. We won the National Championship in 2018 and I was All-American. I love CrossFit and all things active; anything outdoors, riding bikes, playing games, hiking, swimming, and running.

Years at OSCA ~ First year!

My Favorite Color ~ Sky Blue

My Favorite Food ~  Twisted Fresh's fish tacos or burger, or chocolate

Kathy Schlimm

Religion Instructor

kschlimm@oursavioracademy.eduk12.net

Mrs. Schlimm's Chalkboard

I was raised in Alexandria Virginia, a suburb of Washington D.C.  My father was a career army officer, and I followed in his footsteps to the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY where I graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and All-American honors in Division II swimming.  I met my husband while serving in Germany and we have three daughters.  After getting out of the Army in 1999, I have worked as a financial advisor, a swim coach, an upholsterer, but mostly a stay at home mother.  

I am a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church where I serve on the Church Action Board.  It is my pleasure and privilege to teach Religion at Our Savior Christian Academy.  I want my students to:

1. Love and trust their Bibles as God’s word.

2. Know God and His attributes.

3. Use the Holy Spirit.   

4. Understand Christian doctrine (Lord’s Prayer, Apostles Creed).

5. Memorize and understand key scripture (one verse a week).   

I teach from the Lutheran Study Bible and Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.

Years at OSCA ~ 2

My Favorite Color ~ Blue

My Favorite Food ~ Eggs

Mary Beth Sharpe

Comptroller

msharpe@oursavioracademy.eduk12.net

Jo Walitalo

K/1 Associate Teacher, Student Worship

JWalitalo@oursavioracademy.eduk12.net

Mrs. Walitalo's Chalkboard

I am a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church where I serve on the Church Action Board. It is my pleasure and privilege to teach Religion at Our Savior Christian Academy. I want my students to:

Love and trust their Bibles as God’s word.

Know God and His attributes.

Use the Holy Spirit.

Understand Christian doctrine (Lord’s Prayer, Apostles Creed).

Memorize and understand key scripture (one verse a week).

I teach from the Lutheran Study Bible and Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.

Years at OSCA ~ 4

My Favorite Color ~ Blue

My Favorite Food ~ Shrimp