GRACE LUTHERAN
CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Lancaster, CA
856 W. Newgrove Street Lancaster, CA 93534
(661) 948-1018
school@gracelancaster.org
A Christ-Centered
Education for Today, Tomorrow, and Eternity
Our Staff... Sharing The Gospel message with families
Michael Hall
Pastor
pastor@gracelancaster.org
Pastor Michael Hall is originally from Orange County California. He graduated from Concordia Seminary St. Louis in 2008 and has been serving as a pastor ever since. Prior to Grace he served Trinity in Exeter Ca and Faith in Vista Ca. He met his wife Stephanie at their alma mater, Concordia University in Irvine Ca, and they were married right here at Grace in 2008. They have 5 sons including twins. His favorite Bible verse is Romans 1:16. He loves watching and following the Angels.
Mrs. Chris Calvert
Administrative Assistant
church@gracelancaster.org
Ms. Chris, as many of the children call her, has served at Grace Lutheran since 1993. Mrs. Calvert has three adult children, all whom attended from preschool through 8th grade at Grace. Hobbies/pastimes/enjoyments include sports, gardening, animals, reading, sewing, quilting, crocheting, watching old movies and spending time with family.
Mr. J Gynther
Principal
principal@gracelancaster.org
Mr. Gynther received his B.A. from Concordia University, Portland. He served as a teacher and principal at St. John's Lutheran School in Oxnard, CA for 27 years before joining us. He and his wife, Tina, are blessed with three children and seven grandchildren. Mr. G is passionate about Lutheran schools and the life long advantages they provide for their students. He is a fan of the Portland Trailblazers, Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Cardinals and the U of O Ducks.
Mrs. Kim Smith
School Secretary
school@gracelancaster.org
Mrs. Kim has worked for Grace Lutheran since 2019, her first two years were spent working in the before and after school care program. She then took on the school secretary position in 2021. She is married and has two little girls.
Ms. Claudia Baker
Preschool, Child Care
cbaker@gracelancaster.org
Ms. Claudia has attended Antelope Valley Community College and University of California Los Angeles to earn her Early Childhood basic and advanced certificates. Ms. Claudia has taught for over 17 years, and has been at Grace for more than 15 years. Hobbies include cooking and scrapbooking. Her passions are teaching the kids cooking and she loves to sing. Ask her about her Betty Boop collection!
Mrs. Franer has been connected to Grace Lutheran since 1990, and teaching for more than 19 years. Both of her daughters attended Grace from 4 year old pre-school through Grade 8. She is a native Californian, graduated from the University of Cal Poly SLO. She likes tole painting, crafts, sewing, and baking. Mrs. Franer likes being around animals and enjoys riding horses and training dogs.
Mrs. Olivia Ayon
Prekindergarten, Child Care
oayon@gracelancaster.org
Mrs Ayon has been working in education since 2019. She has a unique work history serving in the Weapons Department of the US Navy onboard the aircraft carrier, CVN-68 USS Nimitz. She has a fun loving spirit and always had a passion for working with children. She‘s currently completing her Masters Degree of Education & Leadership. She’s married to her husband John, and they have a son, Odin. Her favorite thing about teaching Pre-K is the unpredictability, messy yet creative and fun busy days! Mrs Ayon loves animals, arts & crafts, Pinterest & Amazon!
Mrs. Donna Visokey
Grade 1 Teacher
dvisokey@gracelancaster.org
Mrs. Visokey has been teaching and working in the education field for over 30 years. Her educational background is in early childhood education and special education. She taught Kindergarten for 19 years and first grade for 4 years. She has worked in special education, taught Sunday school and was a leader in Cub Scouts. She was born and raised here in the Antelope Valley where she met and married her husband of 40 years. They have 3 grown children. Mrs. Visokey enjoys reading, hiking in the mountains and spending time with her family.
Mrs. Heidi Cross
Grade 2 Teacher
hcross@gracelancaster.org
Mrs. Cross was born and raised in Michigan and Wisconsin. After graduation from Concordia University, Seward, she taught in South Dakota, then moved to Lancaster. Her three children attended Grace. Mrs. Cross has been teaching for over 30 years. She can often be found volunteering around the school and church. Besides teaching, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, watching sports and doing crafts.
Mrs. Denise Baldridge
Grade 4 Teacher
dbaldridge@gracelancaster.org
Mrs. Baldridge was born and raised in California. She attended Antelope Valley College and California State University Bakersfield. She has been involved in education for over 36 years as a classroom aid, school administrator, and has taught grades 3rd - 5th. She raised 3 beautiful children and has 2 step-daughters, and 5 grandchildren. She is passionate about Christian education and family. Besides teaching, she enjoys art, decorating, and refinishing furniture.
Ms. Jensen was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin, went to Lutheran schools most of her life, and graduated from Concordia University - Wisconsin in 2007 with a BA in elementary education and a minor in English. She taught for 10 years in Oxnard, CA before moving to Texas for two years to teach and be technology director. She got her Master's in Educational Design and Technology in December of 2016. She has two dogs, Ollie and Rowan, who enjoy watching Green Bay Packers and Chicago Cubs games with her.
Mrs. Erika Nolte
Middle School Teacher
enolte@gracelancaster.org
Mrs. Nolte was born and raised in Southern California. She graduated in 2007 from Cal State University of Northridge with a Bachelor's degree of Science. An emphasis on Physical Education. She was a personal trainer for the last 15 years. Helping people get healthy and changing lives. She is married with three children, two boys, and a girl. She enjoys time with her family and exploring the great outdoors.
Mr. and Mrs. Markin
Middle School Teachers
jmarkin@gracelancaster.org
kmarkin@gracelancaster.org
Jerry and Karen Markin are Concordia Seward graduates. Both have Master’s degrees plus additional classes as life-long learners. Nearly 90 years combined teaching experience in 4 states and 2 international countries. Jerry is a USMC Vietnam veteran. Family comes first and travel is enjoyed. Coaching and watching sports is shared.
Mrs. Erica Serrao
Middle School Teacher
eserrao@gracelancaster.org
Mrs. Serrao graduated in 2011 from Adelphi University (New York) with a Bachelor's in Biochemistry with a concentration in education and genetics. She has a passion for athletics, music, and photography. She is married with three little girls.
Mr. Mark Welsh
Middle School Teacher
mwelsh@gracelancaster.org
Ms. Nicol
Elementary Spanish
Mr. Welsh has been teaching in the Antelope Valley for 17+ years. He has taught 4th through High School and enjoys multiple subject areas. Music is a passion, and he likes to play the guitar. Mr. Welsh and his wife Trudy have two children.
