Administration/Staff

I graduated from Concordia in Nebraska with a degree in Elementary Education. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and son, and 3D modeling & printing.

I have been involved in Christian education for over twelve years. I earned a BS degree in Interior Design and a minor in Marketing from Western Carolina University and then later received my K-6 Elementary Education certification from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette. I am currently a graduate student at Western Carolina University working on my Masters in School Administration.

I graduated from Western Carolina with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in History. I taught first grade for many years before joining the ELS family, which I LOVE. In my spare time I enjoy reading, snuggling with my dog, being silly with my two boys and watching Hallmark movies with my husband.

I have been an early childhood educator at Emmanuel for over fifteen years; this is my ninth year teaching kindergarten and I love it!  I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Birth through Kindergarten Education from East Carolina University and am a called teacher for the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

I enjoy crafting, reading, hiking, cooking, and researching new trends and theories in education.  I also cherish the time I spend with my husband, Bryan, and our children, Benjamin and Caroline.

I am thrilled to be teaching First Grade at   Emmanuel Lutheran. I am from Asheville and graduated from UNCA in 2006. I taught 7 years for Asheville City Schools before taking several years off from teaching when my children were very young. During this time I worked as a social worker at Buncombe County.

For the past five years, I have taught in Buncombe County Schools day treatment. I am married and have two sons who attend Emmanuel — both in middle school. We attend Biltmore Church. I love animals and have three dogs. I also enjoy gardening and anything outdoors.

I attended Concordia University Chicago. I graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education. I have been teaching for 25 years. I am married to my husband, Ed, and three children, Chris, Becca, and Rachel. I also have a granddaughter, Aurora and grandson, Asher.

In my spare time I like to read, take walks and find new places to explore around Asheville.

I have been teaching fourth grade at Emmanuel for the last nine years. I graduated from Mars Hill University with a Bachelors of Art in Elementary Education. I then completed my Masters at Western North Carolina in Mild to Moderate Special Education. I am the happy wife to Will Towery and have two precious children, a son named Henry and a daughter named Lilly.

I have been teaching fourth grade at Emmanuel for the last nine years. I graduated from Mars Hill University with a Bachelors of Art in Elementary Education. I then completed my Masters at Western North Carolina in Mild to Moderate Special Education. I am the happy wife to Will Towery and have two precious children, a son named Henry and a daughter named Lilly.

A Georgia native, I am excited to be back in the South once again. I graduated with a BS in Elementary Education from Concordia University Chicago and maintain an elementary teaching certification with endorsements in middle school language arts and social studies. This is my seventh year teaching. I strive to engage my students in learning through unique, memorable learning experiences that appeal to their own interests.

Outside of teaching, I love to spend time with my husband and our energetic toddler, Emmett. We attend church here at Emmanuel. I enjoy hiking, reading, and playing board games in my spare time.

I earned a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Arizona State University and a Master's Degree in Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary in California.  I have taught several subjects to elementary students for years, including science and history.  I was both a pastor and a counselor for many years as well. I have three children of my own, but they are now grown up and starting to have their own kids. I was not born in a Christian home and had no idea of who God is, what the Bible teaches, and what Jesus accomplished by his life, death and resurrection during my youth.  God radically changed my life when I was 23 years old by making me aware of the existence of God, the truth of the Scriptures, my guilt before God, and the way to be saved and have a relationship of love with my Creator forever. I am a truth seeker and I have a passion to see my students learn what is true and valuable so they can live good lives to the glory of God. 

In 2005, I graduated from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois, with a degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in mathematics. I started my teaching career at a Lutheran school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and joined the Emmanuel faculty in 2020.

I accepted the position of Music Director at Emmanuel Lutheran Church after relocating to Asheville two years ago. I'm thrilled to be the newly appointed Music Teacher! My formal education began at the Univ. of WI. I love learning the latest teaching/conducting techniques. I continued graduate studies at the Univ of Miami, Salzburg College, Univ of MI, MI State, Univ. of GA, San Jose State, Westminster Choir College, and Eastman School of Music. I've performed with the Asheville Symphony Choir/Orchestra, and recently sang solos at Southwark and Canterbury Cathedrals in England. When I'm not making music, I love whitewater kayaking and hiking!

I am a graduate of the University of Maryland and have been working in the health and fitness industry for years.  I have also been involved in logistics and management for sporting events ranging from the Olympics to triathlons to local 5k's. I have 2 amazing kids, Tucker and Lorelei, who are my reason for wanting to stay healthy and active and help other kids find their passion to do the same.

I grew up in Asheville, then graduated from Western Carolina University, where I met my husband. We have six children and five grandchildren. I began my career at the Juvenile Detention Center, then taught at Oakley Elementary for 27 years before retiring in 2013. During this time, I earned National Board Certification. I was blessed to teach STEAM at ELS for one year before starting my absolute dream job, teaching Art here!

Hi, My name is Jaime Werthem and I’m excited to be here at ELS. I have a background in early child education. I graduated from Western Carolina University in 2016 with my Bachelors in Birth through Kindergarten. I was a preschool teacher/assistant for over 8 years and love working with kids! I’ve been very active within Buncombe County school system as being a substitute and volunteer for my son’s schools.  I have a 14 year old son, Malakai, who is going to be a freshman this year at Erwin High School. As far as outside of school, my hobbies are hiking, photography, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.