OUR AWESOME STAFF
Mr. Rocky Sandcork - Principal/Teacher/Activities Director
Rocky Sandcork was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. He graduated from Concordia St. Paul in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education K-12. He played 4 years of college football and was captain of the CSP basketball team his junior and senior year. While at CSP he met his wife Deanna. They were married in June of 1997 and went to Poland where they taught English as a Second Language and served as volunteer missionaries for LCMS World Mission. They returned to the states and Rocky taught in Austin, TX for three years. In 2001 they moved to Winona, MN and Rocky taught at St. Martin's Lutheran school as the 7/8 grade teacher, PE for K-8, and athletic director from 2001-2010. Rocky has coached gymnastics, tennis, football, soccer, basketball, softball, and track. Rocky completed his principal training through the Missouri Synod Leadership program in 2003. He finished his masters in Educational Administration in 2015. Rocky has been Administrator at Hope since 2010. He has also taught PE, Health, Math, Art, Multimedia, Broadcasting, Spanish, US History, English, Geography, and Religion. He has farmed the past 27 years part time, 2 full time (dairy) with his wife's family. In his spare time Rocky likes to farm, play cards, camp, BBQ, and wrestle with the kids. He is the dedicated husband of Deanna, and father to their eight amazing children.
Confirmation Verse: Psalm 121:8 "The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."
Confirmation Verse: Psalm 121:8 "The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."
Cherie Johnson- English |
Cherie Johnson is a graduate of University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, earning a double major in Secondary Education and English with a writing emphasis. She started school in the pre-PA (physician’s assistant) program at UW-Madison. One day while doing an English assignment for a required college course, she took a break to pray, and she instantly felt the Lord call her to become an English teacher instead. She changed her major immediately and followed God’s calling.
She finished out her college career at UW-L, and then got a long-term subbing position at a La Crosse high school in their at-risk program. After completing her sub position, she got a full time teaching job at Winona Middle School and taught 7th grade Language Arts for five years. During this time, she had a student who was in foster care, and saw the desperate need for more foster parents. Cherie and her husband became foster parents during her fifth year teaching in Winona, and so she took an online job for a few years so she could work from home while caring for youth in foster care, as well as their other kids. Cherie and her husband have officially adopted two children from foster care and are in process of their third adoption. God is so good and caring!
Cherie then taught English for one year at Winona Senior High School during the pandemic, and is very excited to continue teaching English and getting to know students at Hope! She loves teaching high school because teenagers really are awesome, and classroom discussions are never boring!
Her passions outside of teaching include being a mom, writing, running, lifting weights, and all things equine (horses!). She loves any moment spent in God’s creation and often writes poetry about it. Above all, she hopes to glorify God in all she does, and prays to be a blessing to students, as she knows they will certainly bless her.
She finished out her college career at UW-L, and then got a long-term subbing position at a La Crosse high school in their at-risk program. After completing her sub position, she got a full time teaching job at Winona Middle School and taught 7th grade Language Arts for five years. During this time, she had a student who was in foster care, and saw the desperate need for more foster parents. Cherie and her husband became foster parents during her fifth year teaching in Winona, and so she took an online job for a few years so she could work from home while caring for youth in foster care, as well as their other kids. Cherie and her husband have officially adopted two children from foster care and are in process of their third adoption. God is so good and caring!
Cherie then taught English for one year at Winona Senior High School during the pandemic, and is very excited to continue teaching English and getting to know students at Hope! She loves teaching high school because teenagers really are awesome, and classroom discussions are never boring!
Her passions outside of teaching include being a mom, writing, running, lifting weights, and all things equine (horses!). She loves any moment spent in God’s creation and often writes poetry about it. Above all, she hopes to glorify God in all she does, and prays to be a blessing to students, as she knows they will certainly bless her.
Dave Chapman- Counselor
Hello, my name is Dave Chapman and I am entering my sixth year as your school counselor at Hope Lutheran High School. I am .90 assigned to Jefferson Elementary School and .10 assigned to Hope Lutheran High School. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience and look forward to school year 2022-2023. This will be my 41st year in education in both the Secondary and Higher Education levels. I have an earned Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, in Psychology (teaching certified) and a Women’s Studies minor. I earned my Master’s Degree from Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) in Springfield Missouri. I have worked at six different colleges/universities, both private and public for 15 years. My primary work was with college student housing but I also worked for three years in a college counseling center and coordinated internship placements for college students in their majors. I have counseled at all three secondary levels; elementary, middle and high school. I have served Sibley East Junior High in Gaylord Minnesota, Cannon Falls Middle School and now the Winona Areas Public Schools. I did complete training for administration and served as an Assistant Principal for 10 years, but found my first love to be counseling. I am a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where I served as a Personnel Administrator and an Instructor at Officer Candidate School at Quantico Virginia. I was honored to receive three meritorious promotions, during my active service time, to Lance Corporal, Corporal and Sergeant. I was able to achieve the rank of Sergeant in 25 months of my 36 months of duty. Truly, I would not be where I am today without that experience and what it showed me I could accomplish. I am married to Ruth Bolstad for 37 years and have two grown sons, Drake and Quinn. My home is in Northfield Minnesota but I live in Winona during the school weeks and year. As an educator, my central belief is that every moment matters and we can not discount the fact that every interaction we have with people not only changes them, but also changes us. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve Hope Lutheran High School.
Hello, my name is Dave Chapman and I am entering my sixth year as your school counselor at Hope Lutheran High School. I am .90 assigned to Jefferson Elementary School and .10 assigned to Hope Lutheran High School. I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience and look forward to school year 2022-2023. This will be my 41st year in education in both the Secondary and Higher Education levels. I have an earned Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, in Psychology (teaching certified) and a Women’s Studies minor. I earned my Master’s Degree from Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) in Springfield Missouri. I have worked at six different colleges/universities, both private and public for 15 years. My primary work was with college student housing but I also worked for three years in a college counseling center and coordinated internship placements for college students in their majors. I have counseled at all three secondary levels; elementary, middle and high school. I have served Sibley East Junior High in Gaylord Minnesota, Cannon Falls Middle School and now the Winona Areas Public Schools. I did complete training for administration and served as an Assistant Principal for 10 years, but found my first love to be counseling. I am a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where I served as a Personnel Administrator and an Instructor at Officer Candidate School at Quantico Virginia. I was honored to receive three meritorious promotions, during my active service time, to Lance Corporal, Corporal and Sergeant. I was able to achieve the rank of Sergeant in 25 months of my 36 months of duty. Truly, I would not be where I am today without that experience and what it showed me I could accomplish. I am married to Ruth Bolstad for 37 years and have two grown sons, Drake and Quinn. My home is in Northfield Minnesota but I live in Winona during the school weeks and year. As an educator, my central belief is that every moment matters and we can not discount the fact that every interaction we have with people not only changes them, but also changes us. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve Hope Lutheran High School.
Thomas Johnson- Music
Thomas Johnson was born and raised LCMS Lutheran in small-town Nebraska. He participated in bands, choirs, and musicals all throughout his growing up. After graduation, he attended Concordia University Chicago and Concordia University Nebraska studying K-12 Vocal and Instrumental Music Education. Thomas spent his last two years teaching choir and young bands at Staples-Motley high school in North Central Minnesota and now is beyond excited to be teaching at Hope Lutheran High School and assisting at the feeder schools! In his spare time Thomas is a composer and hobbyist woodworker. He loves the Lord and believes that music is one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind. Thomas and his wife, Julia, live with their dog, Sasha, and Cat, Viktor. They are the proud parents of a teeny tiny yet-to-be-born baby girl!
Tori Ritzma- Social Studies
Ms. Ritzma was born and raised in Concordia, Missouri where she attended St. Paul’s Lutheran Elementary School and Saint Paul Lutheran High School. Ms. Ritzma then attended Concordia University, Nebraska where she was a member of the Luke Scholars Program, Bulldog Softball Team (2 yrs), Peer Ministry Team, and other academic and extracurricular groups. Upon graduation from CUNE in 2023, she accepted the call to teach at Hope Lutheran High School.
“For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5
“For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.” 2 Corinthians 4:5
Mrs. Becky Lewis - English/Business/Multimedia
Becky Lewis graduated from Winona State University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and a Bachelor of Science in Music Business. She first gained an interest in teaching after working for WSU as a music theory tutor. Upon graduating, she integrated her love of writing into a successful marketing career, which included viral Amazon.com product pages and multiple blog posts with views in the hundreds of thousands. Her career at Hope LHS began as the 2019 spring play director, and she leaped at the opportunity to teach 9th and 10th grade English soon after, in fall 2019.
Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be frightened nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be frightened nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Mrs. Angie Littlefield - Office Manager/Secretary
Angie Littlefield grew up in Minnesota. She graduated from St. Charles High School in 1999, where she met her husband Jeff Littlefield. They have 3 beautiful children. Through the years she has grown in her faith with her husband by her side. She is a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church-Silo, in Lewiston MN. She has spent time raising her 3 children and creating memories with them, before that she was gaining life experience in many different positions. Her most memorable life experiences so far have been, being a mom, working for Hope LHS, and being a Nanny. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and cooking. She knows that life here on earth is short and enjoys every moment of this precious life.
Angie Littlefield grew up in Minnesota. She graduated from St. Charles High School in 1999, where she met her husband Jeff Littlefield. They have 3 beautiful children. Through the years she has grown in her faith with her husband by her side. She is a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church-Silo, in Lewiston MN. She has spent time raising her 3 children and creating memories with them, before that she was gaining life experience in many different positions. Her most memorable life experiences so far have been, being a mom, working for Hope LHS, and being a Nanny. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and cooking. She knows that life here on earth is short and enjoys every moment of this precious life.
Angela Meyer - Dean of Students/ Assistant Principal/ Science/ Health/ Resource Teacher
Angela Meyer graduated from Winona State University with a degree in School and Community Health Education in 2007 and she is a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church - Silo in Lewiston. Her teaching career began at Hope Lutheran from 2006 to 2011 when her family moved to Michigan where she worked at Valley Lutheran High School for a year. Upon returning to Minnesota, she worked at Hawthorne Education Center in Rochester from 2012 to 2022 as a Instructor in the Bridges to Careers program. The position allowed her to build curriculum and teach multiple classes preparing students for college. Angela has been married to Kevin (Principal/teacher Immanuel Lutheran School - Silo) for 34 years, They have two grown children (both graduates of Hope Lutheran High School). Daughter Felicia and son Brady (Audrey). Angela was blessed to “rejoined” the Hope staff in 2022 and currently teaches, American and World History, Health, Anatomy and Physiology, Computer Applications, Psychology, Choir, Economics, and Government. “I truly appreciate the blessing God has given me to share His word and truth while assisting students in reaching their education potential”.
Psalms 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears”.
Angela Meyer graduated from Winona State University with a degree in School and Community Health Education in 2007 and she is a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church - Silo in Lewiston. Her teaching career began at Hope Lutheran from 2006 to 2011 when her family moved to Michigan where she worked at Valley Lutheran High School for a year. Upon returning to Minnesota, she worked at Hawthorne Education Center in Rochester from 2012 to 2022 as a Instructor in the Bridges to Careers program. The position allowed her to build curriculum and teach multiple classes preparing students for college. Angela has been married to Kevin (Principal/teacher Immanuel Lutheran School - Silo) for 34 years, They have two grown children (both graduates of Hope Lutheran High School). Daughter Felicia and son Brady (Audrey). Angela was blessed to “rejoined” the Hope staff in 2022 and currently teaches, American and World History, Health, Anatomy and Physiology, Computer Applications, Psychology, Choir, Economics, and Government. “I truly appreciate the blessing God has given me to share His word and truth while assisting students in reaching their education potential”.
Psalms 34:4 “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears”.
Pastor Moore - Christianity/Religion
Pastor Richard Moore is the senior pastor of St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has been teaching as part of his pastoral responsibilities in the church for 30+ years including classes at the Elementary, High School and Seminary levels. He attended Concordia College, Bronxville, NY graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Music/English/Classical Languages and Theology. He received his Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and has
done class work toward a Doctor of Ministry Degree. Pastor Moore has taught religions classes including: “This We Believe, Teach and Confess,” “The Reading
and Understanding of Scripture,” The Gospel of John”, “Ephesians,” “Genesis,”
“Contemporary Issues in Christianity,” and “Paradoxes of Scripture” as part of the
Hope Lutheran High School Curriculum. Pastor Moore has been teaching
Christianity at Hope beginning in 2006. He is married with two grown daughters and
seven grandchildren.
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith—and this is
not of yourselves it is a gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast.”
Pastor Richard Moore is the senior pastor of St. Martin’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. He has been teaching as part of his pastoral responsibilities in the church for 30+ years including classes at the Elementary, High School and Seminary levels. He attended Concordia College, Bronxville, NY graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Music/English/Classical Languages and Theology. He received his Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and has
done class work toward a Doctor of Ministry Degree. Pastor Moore has taught religions classes including: “This We Believe, Teach and Confess,” “The Reading
and Understanding of Scripture,” The Gospel of John”, “Ephesians,” “Genesis,”
“Contemporary Issues in Christianity,” and “Paradoxes of Scripture” as part of the
Hope Lutheran High School Curriculum. Pastor Moore has been teaching
Christianity at Hope beginning in 2006. He is married with two grown daughters and
seven grandchildren.
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith—and this is
not of yourselves it is a gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast.”
Mac Threinen- English
Mac Threinen is a graduate of Winona State University (BA History) and Bethel Seminary with a Master's in Divinity. His concentration in Seminary was Christian Thought, which he now uses to train the next generation to engage a secular culture. He enjoys reading, writing and teaching on how following Jesus is integrated into our everyday lives - living out Mark 12, "...you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
He has been married to his wife Tracey for nearly 25 years and together they have two sons and two daughters. Along with reading, Mac enjoys strong coffee with chocolate chip cookies, and works out to be able to eat more cookies. He loves to be outside - preferring golf in the summer and snow-boarding in the winter.
He has been married to his wife Tracey for nearly 25 years and together they have two sons and two daughters. Along with reading, Mac enjoys strong coffee with chocolate chip cookies, and works out to be able to eat more cookies. He loves to be outside - preferring golf in the summer and snow-boarding in the winter.
Tracey Threinen- Resource Teacher
I have the privilege of being married to Pastor Mac and the mother to Rylan, Alek, Kada, and Elianah. It is my passion to walk along side students in their journey of faith, to fulfill the great commission to Go and make Disciples of all nations!. Tracey leads a college ministry called, The Bridge, which serves St. Mary's University, Winona State University and Southeast Tech. She also helps with BOLD, the Youth Ministry at Radiant Church. Her life motto is Moving Everyone, Everyday, Closer to Jesus! She also enjoys spending time with her fun and crazy family, working out, eating chocolate, and being with people!
Tracey’s other passion is fitness. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Winona State University (1997). She is also a Fitness Nutrition Specialist, trained in Stott Pilates for Mat and Reformer. Over the past 18 Years, Tracey has trained in multiple facilities, owned her own training business, and has helped many people of all ages and abilities to better health and fitness.
Tracey can not wait to be on the Hope Team, bringing hope to the students and helping them to be all that God created them to be!
Tracey’s other passion is fitness. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Winona State University (1997). She is also a Fitness Nutrition Specialist, trained in Stott Pilates for Mat and Reformer. Over the past 18 Years, Tracey has trained in multiple facilities, owned her own training business, and has helped many people of all ages and abilities to better health and fitness.
Tracey can not wait to be on the Hope Team, bringing hope to the students and helping them to be all that God created them to be!
Mrs. Tammy O'Laughlin - Math/Science
Mrs. O’Laughlin has 26 years of classroom teaching experience in grades 7-12. She is a graduate of Concordia, Nebraska with a secondary education degree and dual majors in math and biology. Mrs. O’Laughlin has taught at Kinnick High School on the U.S. Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan, St. John Lutheran School in Seward, Ne, and Hope Lutheran High since 2003. She was also a stay at home mom for 14 years. Currently she teaches Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, Advanced Mathematics, Pre-Calculus, Physical Science, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Mrs. O’Laughlin’s family includes her wonderful husband Sean and five beautiful grown daughters and their families.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things in Him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things in Him who gives me strength.
Dr. Danelle Larson – Biology
Danelle Larson grew up in Winona with a passion for God’s wondrous gifts of the Mississippi River and its plants and wildlife. She has multiple degrees in statistics, mathematical ecology, and conservation biology, including a PhD in Biology. She now lives along the river with her husband Chris and young children, Evelyn, Isabel, and Theodore. In addition to teaching biology, Danelle is a Research Scientist & Ecologist with the federal government to guide restoration of the Mississippi River.
Danelle Larson grew up in Winona with a passion for God’s wondrous gifts of the Mississippi River and its plants and wildlife. She has multiple degrees in statistics, mathematical ecology, and conservation biology, including a PhD in Biology. She now lives along the river with her husband Chris and young children, Evelyn, Isabel, and Theodore. In addition to teaching biology, Danelle is a Research Scientist & Ecologist with the federal government to guide restoration of the Mississippi River.