Meet Our Faculty & Staff
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Psalm 32:8
The dedicated members of our Faculty and Staff are here to guide, inspire and support students. This makes each of us a Teacher.
Stephen Becker, Ph.D.
Church & School Pastor
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Pastor Stephen Becker joined us here at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in February, 2021. A “second-career” Pastor, he was ordained in 2011 and served a congregation in Sacramento, California during that time. Pastor Becker also served the California Army National Guard as a Battalion Chaplain, but with his move to Hawaii, has transferred to the Hawaii Air National Guard as a Staff Chaplain with the 154th Fighter Wing at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. He currently holds the rank of O3/Captain. Pastor Becker received his Ph.D. in Christian Education in 2010 and is very involved with our school. He and his wife Vanessa have been married for twenty-eight years and are parents to three adult children, Stephen, Ingrid and Ryan.
Kyle D. Klemp
Principal
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Mr. Klemp began his teaching ministry in 1999. He loves building relationships with his students and families through the many educational and extra-curricular activities he participates in. He has earned a BA in Secondary Education with a major in Broadfield Social Sciences and a minor in History. He has also earned an MA in Educational Leadership from Concordia University - Portland. As Principal, Mr. Klemp hopes to inspire his staff to be great educators and instill a love of learning in their students! And of course, being from Wisconsin, Mr. Klemp is a huge Green Bay Packer fan!
Alissa Baligad
Business Manager
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Mrs. Baligad feels so very blessed to be a part of the Trinity ‘ohana once again. As a former student, she enjoyed her younger elementary years here at Trinity Lutheran School and has many fond memories. She enjoys hearing the students making memories of their own while they learn in a safe and nurturing environment. She and her husband are blessed with a daughter who loves attending Trinity as well. Mrs. Baligad enjoys quality family time while traveling, camping, relaxing during staycations, and playing taiko. She is grateful to be able to witness first hand all the wonderful things Trinity Lutheran Church and School has to offer our community and beyond!
Carol Flores
Office Manager
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Mrs. Flores says one of the best parts of her role at Trinity is being able to connect with each family, as well as helping new families learn and get acquainted with Trinity's Crusader ʻOhana. She and her husband are proud parents of two sons, who keep them busy with school, sports, and hula. Mrs. Flores enjoys reading, just about anything Disney, and traveling/staycationing with her family. Mrs. Floresʻ favorite treasures of Trinity are its warm ʻohana environment and seeing children deepen their relationship with Jesus. ​
Maureen Tengbergen
Preschool Teacher
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Mrs.Tengbergen (Mrs. Maureen) loves teaching Preschool because she enjoys seeing the children discover the world around them. She has earned a BA in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Mercyhurst University Erie, PA. This is her 29th year in education; Ms. Maureen has taught Preschool at TLS for the last 23 years. She loves Trinity Lutheran because of our Ohana feeling and, most importantly, because she can share the love of Jesus with her students and their families.
Marie Lairsey
Preschool Teacher & After School Care Supervisor
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Marie Lairsey is from Wahiawa, Hawaii and has been in the Early Education field for 12 years. This will be Ms. Marie's second year at Trinity helping with preschool and ASC for the littles, while also serving as Trinity's Preschool Director.
Lani Carson
PreKindergarten Teacher
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Dr. Carson has been teaching PreKindergarten at Trinity Lutheran School for 20 years. Prior to that she taught with the Hawaii DOE for 11 years in Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades, as well as for the University of Hawaii. She has earned a BA in Italian, PD in Elementary Education, MA in Elementary Ed Science, Colloquy in Lutheran Theology, and her PhD in Education with an emphasis in Learning. She loves the excitement the PreKindergarten children have for learning and enjoys learning new things too! She is thankful for the opportunity to be part of the Trinity Lutheran 'Ohana!
Kristina Everline
PreKindergarten Aide
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Mrs. Kristina Everline grew up in Colorado and tries to go back as often as possible to visit her family. She & her husband moved to Hawaii 12 years ago. They love the ocean and the North Shore. Their two daughters, Ella and Alana, attend Trinity. Mrs. Kristina has worked with children in many different roles since she was young. She led kids camps, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, tutored, and has been a professional nanny and pre-school teacher. When shes not at Trinity you can find her playing with her children at the beach & taking care of their dog Malia & the chickens. She’s very excited & feels blessed to be working with the little ones this year & to share God's word & love.
Elizabeth Brose
Kindergarten Teacher
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Ms. Brose became a teacher because it is the Calling that's been on her heart from a very young age. She has earned a BA and Lutheran Teaching Credential from Concordia College, NY and has 14 years of experience teaching in early childhood, including Prekindergarten through 2nd grades. She loves to share Christ, make crafts, build Lego, bake treats, and takes special requests for uniquely decorated cupcakes. This will be Ms. Brose's 7th year at Trinity. She's excited about the adventures that Trinity Lutheran and the islands have to offer!
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Kristen Prado
Kindergarten Aide
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Kristen Prado is a new resident from Southern California, eager to contribute to the local school community. With a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, she brings a passion for health and wellness to her role as an aspiring PTA student. In her free time, Kristen enjoys staying active through running and exploring the beach, while also indulging in a good book. A lover of both dogs and cats, she looks forward to becoming involved in the local church community and discovering the ways in which she can make a positive impact.
Michelle Callahan
First Grade Teacher
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Mrs. Michelle Callahan started her teaching career 20 years ago. She holds a BA in Elementary Education from Michigan State University and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Wesleyan University. She is a twice National Board Certified Teacher in Early and Middle Childhood Literacy. Mrs. Callahan and her husband Shawn are members of Trinity Lutheran Church and their children, Liam and Claire, attend TLS. In her spare time, she enjoys discovering local treasures such as museums, markets, and trails. She is excited to join the Trinity family to help students understand their intrinsic value and support them along their faith and academic journeys.
Blythe Harlan
Second Grade Teacher
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Mrs. Harlan is an enthusiastic educator driven by her Christian values and a passion for teaching. Graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, concentrating in Neuropsychology, and a minor in Criminal Justice, she brings a unique understanding of cognitive development to her classroom. Her drive for education led her to also earn a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education, again graduating with a 4.0 GPA. With over 100 hours of training in Orton Gillingham literacy instruction and 30 hours of training in Multi-sensory Math instruction, she strives to ensure every child's learning needs are addressed. Grounded in her Christian faith, Mrs. Harlan finds her calling and joy in fostering a nurturing environment where children thrive spiritually, academically, and emotionally.
Shannon Lynn
Third Grade Teacher
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Mrs. Lynn is most passionate about developing the minds and hearts of her students. She is entering her 14th year of teaching and has taught elementary and middle school. She earned her B.S. in Chemistry from Cameron University and her M.A.T from Armstrong Atlantic State University. Mrs. Lynn is an Army wife, and she and her husband have three daughters and two pets. When she is not at school, she loves to explore the beautiful outdoors of Hawaii with her family. She is very excited to be a part of the Trinity Lutheran 'Ohana and to develop her 3rd graders while walking alongside of them on their journeys of faith through the mountains and valleys of life.
Tiyana Fao
Fourth Grade Teacher
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This is Ms. Fao's first year at Trinity. She feels truly blessed to be given the opportunity to join the Trinity 'Ohana. Born and raised here on O'ahu, Ms. Fao grew up in Mililani, attended small private schools from preschool to high school, played volleyball and basketball and has lived in Wahiawa since 2008. She has 3 beautiful and amazing children who also attend Trinity. Ms. Fao earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Hawai'i - West O'ahu and is currently working on her Master of Arts in Teaching Elementary Education degree through Western Governors University. Ms. Fao developed a passion for education and a calling to teach while she worked as a paraprofessional educator in 3rd grade for 9 years at Helemano Elementary. During this time, she also worked as a substitute teacher for Kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade. The best part about being an educator for Ms. Fao is witnessing the growth and progress of each student. In her free time, Ms. Fao enjoys reading, playing pickleball, going to the beach with her family and watching her kids play sports!
Heather Klemp
Fifth Grade Teacher
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Mrs. Klemp has been teaching for 16 years. She is passionate about teaching because she loves learning and hopes to share that love with others. She especially enjoys teaching 5th graders because of their enthusiasm for school. Wednesday chapel is her favorite at TLS because she loves hearing the promises of God's Word. Trinity Lutheran is a special place to her because everyone looks out for one another. Mrs. Klemp holds a BA in Elementary Education with a minor in Adaptive Education, and has also earned an MA in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Biblical Literacy.
Carissa Wittig
Sixth Grade Homeroom & Middle School Social Studies Teacher
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Ms. Wittig is so excited to join the Trinity Lutheran School 'Ohana. After attending Trinity from 3rd to 8th grade, she is thrilled to be back as a teacher! Ms. Wittig earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and completed her Master’s Degree in Learning and Technology from Western Governors University. She has spent the last six years teaching in Las Vegas, NV. Growing up in a home where both parents were teachers, she has always had a passion for teaching. In her free time, Ms. Wittig loves traveling, hiking, and backpacking. Ms. Wittig is most excited to share the love of Jesus with each of her students and for the opportunity to watch them grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually throughout the school year!
Justice Lee
Seventh Grade Homeroom & Middle School Language Arts Teacher
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An alumnus of Trinity Lutheran, Mr. Lee now returns to campus as a teacher for the Debate and Esports electives. He graduated from Concordia University-Irvine with a B.A. in English and is currently working on an M.A. degree at Arizona State University. Mr. Lee has worked for the last four and a half years in the esports industry as a coach and general manager for various teams and organizations, while occasionally teaching on the side. In his free time, he enjoys for weight lifting, video game playing and reading. He is excited to make teaching a bigger part of his life and spend more time working with students.
Delaney Lynn
Eighth Grade Homeroom & Middle School Science Teacher
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Ms. Lynn is incredibly blessed to be returning for her second year of teaching at Trinity. She hopes to share her love for science and exploring God’s creation with her students. Ms. Lynn earned her Bachelor's of Science with a focus in biology, chemistry, and psychology at the University of Alabama, Roll Tide! As a military kid, her family moved to Hawaii in the summer of 2021. Ms. Lynn enjoys surfing, playing sports, and beach time with her family, including her dog! She is so excited to be a part of her students' academic and faith journey!
Simona Gronic
Music Director
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Simona Gronic has been playing violin since she was 5. A native of Moldova, Simona has traveled to Europe, Russia, Middle East, and the United States of America, performing solo and in orchestras.
Simona holds a Bachelor degree in Violin Performance from the Academy of Music in Moldova, and a Master degree in Violin Performance from Southeastern Louisiana University. She has played with the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra (Biloxi MS), Chamber Orchestra of the Springs (Colorado Springs, CO), currently Simona plays with Symphonies from the neighbor islands and subs for the Hawaii Symphony as well; Simona is also a freelance musician while maintaining a private studio.
Molly Serrano
Physical Education Teacher, K-8
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My name is Molly Serrano. I’m married to Derick, an Army soldier at Schofield. I’m the mother of three boys, Brock (9), Ridge (6), and Crew (2). I have 2 bachelor’s degrees, one in kinesiology and the other in nursing. I’ve worked as a labor and delivery nurse for 15 years. As the new PE teacher, I’m going back to my roots as an athlete. I grew up playing sports and went to college on a full ride athletic scholarship for volleyball. My team came to O'ahu to play the University of Hawaii in a tournament; I’m now thrilled to be back 20 years later! I’m excited to teach the students to honor God through physical education. “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
— 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)