St. Mark's Lutheran Church & School
Our Faculty & Staff
St. Mark's Lutheran School
504 North James Street
Steeleville, IL 62288
(618) 965-3838
Kaitlyn Reel, Administrator
Hello! My name is Kaitlyn Reel. I am a Sparta native and a proud 2011 graduate of Sparta High School. I went on to receive my bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Lindenwood University where I was a member of the women’s golf team. I am currently in the final stages of my capstone to complete my master’s degree in Marketing from Western Governors University. My husband and I have been married for 10 years and are raising 3 wonderful children. I am excited to help strengthen the connection between our school, our families, and our community while sharing the incredible things God is doing at St. Marks and ensuring our school is a place where students will flourish for years to come!
Dana Warren, Secretary
Dana has been serving St. Mark's School as the secretary since 2023.
What does being “Rooted in Christ” mean to you?
My spiritual foundation is my root system, and everything else is stacked on top. As a Christian, I must attend to my root (faith) system in ordinary seasons so I will not collapse in the extraordinary seasons of my life. I must feed my faith by reading the Bible, praying and being faithful to serve Jesus everyday not just when I'm broken, but when I feel whole as well.
Samantha Comer, Pre-School Director/Teacher
Hello, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Samantha Comer, a wife and mother to four children. My family resides in Steeleville, Illinois. Last year, I accepted the position at St. Mark's Lutheran School as the Pre-School Director/Teacher and am thrilled for the school year to begin.
I graduated with my associates at Kaskaskia College and am working towards my bachelors in Elementary Education at Western Governors University. I have a passion for teaching young minds through play, exploration and hands-on activities.
We will stay busy in the classroom learning new things as well as growing in our faith in Christ. We will be focusing on love, kindness and God's presence in our lives while we prepare the students for Kindergarten.
Rhonda Hall, Kindergarten/1st Grade Teacher
This is my fourth year teaching at St. Mark's Lutheran School & I am looking forward to the new school year!
I am excited to teach the Kindergartener/First Grade essential skills and help them gain knowledge to succeed in their academic careers. I am eager to observe the children as they develop a wide range of academic skills in language, literacy, thinking and cognitive awareness. Along with the academic skills they will develop, they will also increase in their physical, social and emotional development.
My prayer for each of the children is that they grow not only in academic knowledge but also develop a love of Jesus to be carried with them throughout their lives.
Beth Sheldon, 2nd & 3rd Grade Teacher
I am the 2nd & 3rd grade teacher at SMLS. Before transistioning to 2nd & 3rd grade last year, I taught 5th - 8th grade math and some 4th grade curriculum.
I look forward to teaching second and third graders, as these are important years in a child's education. The children learn essential skills in language, reading, math, and social-emotional development. I love that by the time students begin second and third grade, school isn't new to them, but a continuation of skills they have developed.
It excites my teacher heart to observe and scaffold for these students the skills necessary to move forward in their education. I can't wait to see their academic growth as well as their learning to walk closer with Jesus.
Katie Daniels, 4th & 5th Grade Teacher
I’m Katie Daniels, and I am excited to join St. Marks as the 4th/5th grade teacher this year! I grew up locally in Sparta and recently made the move to Steeleville, and am looking forward to being a part of the community here at St. Mark’s. I earned my Associate of Arts and Associate in Fine Arts at Southwestern Illinois College and graduated last fall from Southern Illinois University with my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education.
I am grateful to begin working at a place like St. Mark’s where our shared faith in Christ is at the foundation of what we do and why. It is my goal that students will leave my classroom with not only the academic knowledge and tools that will help them be successful throughout life, but also with a strengthened understanding of the truth and love of Christ.
Bailey Mirilez, Cook
What does being “Rooted in Christ” mean to you?
To be rooted in Christ means placing all your trust in Jesus and building your life on Him. A believer stands firm through every season by following His Word and relying on Him in every circumstance. No matter what life brings, being rooted in Christ means holding on to Him tightly, trusting His plan, and allowing Jesus to guide every part of your life.
Patti Alms. Pre-School Aide / Administrator Assistant
If you were a tree, what kind would you be and why?
If I were a tree, I’d be a rainbow eucalyptus (it’s bark shines in ribbons of color)—deeply rooted in Christ, steady in His Word, and full of the color and strength. It is my hope that my life shows His love in bright, gentle ways. I pray that His love shines through me to everyone I meet.
And like the eucalyptus tree – never boring!
Mackenzie Meyer, Pre-School Aide
What’s your favorite classroom tradition?
I really enjoy show and tell. It brings out the personality side of kids and what they really enjoy and love. You see their eyes light up when they have their favorite object in hand.
Naomi Mehring, Pre-School Aide
What’s your favorite classroom tradition?
My favorite classroom tradition is celebrating the little wins. Whether it's recognizing hard work, birthdays, or just making learning fun with special theme days, I think those moments help kids feel seen and excited to come to class.