June 2025

Aloha, 'Ohana!

Emily Otten ’20 may soon be saying “Aloha” on a daily basis as she begins an exciting new chapter on the island of Oahu, Hawai’i. This fall, Emily will begin teaching junior high social studies at Trinity Lutheran School, where she will also serve as the coach for both the boys’ and girls’ volleyball teams.

Emily graduated from Concordia University, Nebraska, in December 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education, emphasizing Social Studies, and earning her Lutheran Teaching Diploma. Prior to attending Concordia, she played volleyball at Central Community College in Columbus, where she was part of a Regional Championship team. After earning her associate’s degree, she transferred to Concordia to complete her studies.

A proud alumna of Concordia Lutheran Schools of Omaha, Emily credits her high school experience with laying a strong foundation for her future. “Concordia prepared me by providing a foundation for my faith and values as exemplified and taught by various teachers and coaches, as well as building up my confidence as an individual,” she shared. Teachers like Mr. Oswald and Mr. Kulus were especially impactful, helping her understand the importance of strong student-teacher relationships. The Lutheran education she received at Concordia also equipped her to engage thoughtfully in conversations with those of different beliefs—conversations that have deepened her understanding of her own faith.

Emily has many fond memories from her time at Concordia High School. She played volleyball all four years and was part of a state championship team. She enjoyed the class History Through Film alongside close friends, traveled to Norfolk to support the One Act team as they competed at State and won, and proudly participated in back-to-back Lip Sync victories—an achievement that carries special significance at Concordia.

This past school year, Emily has been a frequent visitor at Concordia, gaining hands-on classroom experience by substitute teaching in both middle and high school during the second semester. “Some of the teachers are the same,” she noted, “but the building has grown and looks different now!” Walking the halls as an alumna has been a nostalgic and meaningful experience.

In her free time, Emily enjoys spending time outdoors, catching up with friends, trying local restaurants, and traveling—especially to visit her younger brother, also a Concordia alum, who works for the National Park Service. In the summer, she serves at her home church, King of Kings, by helping lead Wednesday Youth Nights and working with young children during Vacation Bible School.

Alumni Sightings at Graduation 2025

Londyn Alejandre '23 with her brother, Brayden

Vosika sisters, Kaitlin '16 and Brittany '17, with their younger sister, Rachael

Annabella '21 and Sophie Mosher '19 with their youngest sister, Adelaide.

Mark Your Calendars

Development Update

Alumni, update us with your special news and events!

If you would like to receive Concordia publications, please share your contact information!

The leadership of Concordia Lutheran School of Omaha is excited to welcome new members to the Concordia family and to appoint current staff to new roles, where they will excel and continue the growth of our students and community.

Administration Updates

Mrs. Sarah Harper

CEO

Mrs. Amy Schwarting

High School Principal

Mr. Preston Doerr

Middle School Principal

Mrs. Kayla Marty

Elementary Principal

Mr. Tyler Nicholas

School Counselor

New Staff

Mrs. Mallory Fink

Ignite K-1

Mrs. Kari Johnson

Middle and High

School Art

Ms. Michaella Barsell

Academy Ignite 4-5

Mr. Kevin Scheef

High School Business

Ms. Tera Bauer

Academy 5th Grade

Mrs. Krista Mollak

Special Education

Alicia Bowman

Administrative Assistant

Tina Kratz - Middle School Math

Sara Maxon - 6th Grade Math and Science

Diane Linkugel - Attendance and Data Assistant

Bekka Moritz - Communication and Lunch Assistant

Trina McCollister - Development and Administration Assistant

Mandi Ersland - Finance Assistant

Jennifer Rohde - Front Office Manager

Tammy Latimer - International Studies and Congregational Relations

Nicholle Blomenberg - Ignite K-1, is moving to Lincoln, where her husband will be doing his medical residency.

Lexi Burrow - Middle School Math, has accepted a call to Trinity in Jefferson CIty, MO, so she can be closer to family.

Jennifer Handke - Middle and High School Art, stepping away from teaching

Randy Holmes - Facilities Team, retiring after 14 years of service to Concordia Lutheran School of Omaha

Matt Mueller - High School Math, Engineering and Robotics, has accepted a call to serve as the K-8 Principal in Corcordia, MO.

Kate Mueller- OPS Special Education Contractor, will be moving with her husband and family to Concordia, MO.



Rebecca West - Guidance, is stepping away from education to pursue a career in clinical counseliong.

New Board Members

Sara Bressman

Nick Montague

Concordia Lutheran Schools of Omaha is pleased to welcome Sara Bressman as a new member of the Board of Directors. Sara brings with her 15 years of executive leadership experience in the healthcare sector, where she has consistently demonstrated a heart for service and strategic vision.

Sara and her husband, Aaron Bressman, are active members of GraceHill Church, where they are a founding family and where Sara served as a founding board member. Their deep-rooted faith and commitment to Christian community have shaped both their personal and family life.

The Bressmans are parents to five children. Their eldest daughter, Madison, graduated in 2018, while Kayla (10th grade), Leigha (8th grade), and Cam (6th grade) are all current Concordia students.

Sara is passionate about the mission of developing kingdom leaders and is excited to support Concordia’s Christ-centered approach to education and leadership development.

We are grateful for Sara’s willingness to serve and look forward to the insight and energy she brings to the Board.

We are excited to welcome Nick Montague to the Concordia Lutheran Schools of Omaha Board of Directors. Nick brings valuable expertise as an attorney and business owner. He is an owner of Smith Pauley, LLP, a law firm specializing in business and estate planning.

Nick and his wife, Malorie, have been married for 10 years and met at the College World Series. Malorie, a cosmetologist by trade, recently transitioned to staying home full-time with their three children: Colton (7, first grade at Concordia), Madison (4), and Mason (2).

The Montagues are members of Living Water Church, and are passionate about supporting Christ-centered education. Originally from Arkansas, Nick moved to Omaha in 2010 to attend Creighton Law School, while Malorie, a Papillion native, has always called Nebraska home.

We’re excited to have Nick’s insight, leadership, and commitment to Christian education on the board.

Alumni Updates

Congratulations to Alec Konz '15 and Sydney Peck-Konz on their marriage April 28, 2024. The happy couple splits time between MN where they live and NE where he works.

Megan Abbott '21 graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She will be attending Pharmacy school at UNMC this fall.

Congratulations to Josh Herout '19 and Cassidy Goss on their recent engagement. They have not settled on a wedding date at this time. Josh is currently attending University of Nebraska- Omaha for his MBA.

William Ludacka '21 graduated from Grand Canyon University this spring with a Bachelor's in Psychology and minor in Forensic Psyschology. He plans to pursue higher education while he gains experience in his field.

Congratulations to Gabby (Armour) Carlson '19 and her husband, Matt, on the birth of their son, Judah Thomas, on May 15, 2025.

Mackenzie (Sorenson) Kirchhoff '18 graduated from University of Nebraska Medical Center with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in May 2025. Kenzie and her husband will be moving to Kearney where she will work for New West Physical Therapy, specializing in women's health.

Hunter Burnham '21 graduated Summa Cum Laude in May 2025 from Colorado School of Mines with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. He is a Product Engineer for Texas Instruments in Dallas, TX.

Jacob Ludacka '19 graduated with an MBA from Grand Canyon University and is employed at Hansen-Mueller as a Staff Accountant.

Nick Johannes '24 led the Creighton Club Baseball Team to its first-ever NCBA Division 1 World Series appearance. He finished the regular season as the team's top pitcher.

Addyson Hergert '19 graduated from Creighton University with her Juris Doctorate. After she passes the BAR, she will be a lawyer at Hennessey and Roach P.C., handling workers' comp. and general liability cases.

Ashley Michels '21 graduated in May 2025 from Augustana University, where she double majored in Strategic Communication and Psychology. She will be staying in Sioux Falls, SD and begin looking for employment this summer.

Brendon Pribyl '16 graduated from Clarkson College in August 2024 with his MSN-NP degree. He is licensed as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Nurse Practitioner and board certified through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Brendon is working at Nebraska Medicine in the Cardiovascular ICU as a nurse practitioner.

Concordia Lutheran Schools of Omaha admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.