Bio

After teaching 4th grade for 5 years in the Mounds View School District, Nathan felt called to Athletic Administration. That seed was planted and pruned out of his experience as the Director of Crossfire Boys Basketball, a position he held for 4 years, as well as his 3 years on the coaching staff of University of Northwestern Women’s Basketball team. Nathan is excited to use his role as Athletic Director as a discipleship opportunity to reveal the God-given talents in our student-athletes.

Nathan’s purpose statement, his WHY, is summed up in these words, “I lead to help students develop a passion for pursuing their best selves, committing to character and providing a sense of belonging in a Christ-centered environment. I am committed to helping students and coaches to become better leaders for their families, communities, and churches.”

Nathan and his wife Krista have been married for 4 years and they have two young children. Their family lives in Blaine and attends Horizon’s Church in Ham Lake.

Bio

Lynda’s roots at Legacy are deeply rooted and the families that meet her through PreK and the admissions process immediately feel her passion for what happens within our walls. First as a student herself, then a parent, then an employee in 2005, Lynda has experiences that speak to almost every situation.

Under Lynda’s leadership the PreK program at Legacy has been voted “Best Preschool in Anoka County” for four out of the last five years. In 2014, Lynda and her colleague Kristin Zelin, were awarded a Grant for Teachers Needs from the Legacy Parent Association which allowed the PreK classroom to get an amazing new playhouse built in large part by Lynda’s husband Mark, also an MCCS/LCA graduate! In 2016, the Grant for Teachers Needs Program also awarded Lynda a “Buddy Bench” for the playground so all students have a chance to feel loved and included. This year, having the same passion to keep each PreK classroom with a cap of 10 students, the program has grown to almost 80 students. It is obvious God has been blessing the school as well. With an enrollment of 534 students, Lynda is excited to see what God has in store for each of them. After all, no student is here by mistake. It is our prayer to have God bring the students to Legacy that He wants here.

“I work at Legacy because I love God and I love people. As a teacher, I knew my students  would not remember everything I taught them, but I wanted them to remember how I made them feel – loved! As PreK Director, I still feel that way. I always tell the families of my students that once they are a part of my program, they are always a part of my heart. As an Admissions Director, I want people to see that Legacy is different, that we are a family who truly love each other and want to honor God in all that we do. I want to invest time building relationships with people as we build the Legacy community – and God’s kingdom.

Bio

Sue received her undergraduate degree from UW Stout and went on to attain a Master’s in Education from St. Mary’s.  

Since her hire in 1997 Sue has worn multiple hats: teaching, supporting, and now advancing the mission of our school. As both a parent and an employee, Sue has the unique ability to see our school and it’s mission from multiple perspectives.

Sue and her husband Mike have four children, (three of which are MCCS/LCA graduates), and three grandchildren.

“I believe in the mission of this school with all of my being and the absolute need for it in our society today. I am so grateful God has blessed me with this job … the opportunity to share my passion for LCA with others, and help build a connected community here.”

Bio

Sarah obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Health from St. Cloud State University and studied Counseling and Student Personnel at Minnesota State University Mankato before finding a home in education-based athletics.  

Prior to joining the Lion Pride, Sarah embraced being a Washington Wildcat, Faribault Falcon, St. Cloud Husky and a Blake Bear! Being a part of each of those team identities has built a foundation for being both a team player and a team leader. Sarah believes strongly that involvement in activities outside the classroom enrich and balance the student experience.

Sarah is an active member at the YMCA enjoying time in the pool, on the bike, and around the track; completing her first SuperSprint Triathlon with the YWCA in August 2015. She shares her love of an active lifestyle with her husband Kyle, an avid hockey, broomball, tennis, and volleyball player. Their two young children are enrolled at Legacy and look forward to contributing to Legacy Lions teams in the future.

“My purpose is to teach others that they are gifted just as they were meant to be and that embracing their true self gives them the opportunity to be a strong leader. I hope to instill a sense of family and community on my teams by teaching that we all have unique perspectives on any given situation and that by striving to be empathetic with our teammates we build a strong sense of cohesiveness. Romans 12: 6 “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them …” Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Bio

Dr. Lohse joined the LCA Administrative staff in 2016 after a stretch of time outside the United States as the K-12 Principal at the Inter American School in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Her multiple degrees include a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, Masters in International Business, and a Doctorate in Education.

Dr. Lohse was drawn to Legacy as she recognized that LCA offers students the opportunity to be engaged and challenged with rigor, consistently building knowledge and skills in their core subjects, approached from a biblical worldview.  She joins the staff at Legacy in their deep commitment to developing the whole student by fostering strong relationships while refining the creativity, critical thinking, research, and problem-solving skills students will need to find success.

“I believe that an education is the most powerful tool we can give children. This begins by teaching students how to learn and providing them with opportunities to explore and fall in love with the learning process. Educational leaders carry a heavy responsibility when it comes to leading staff and students. The Bible speaks of training up a child in the way they should go; to me, in Christian education, it looks like providing students with a biblical worldview, strong Christian character, and the tools they need to offer their God-given passions and talents to the world.”

Micah 6:8

Bio

Jake has walked through the halls of LCA in every pair of shoes possible (student, teacher, coach, chaplain, parent, principal) so when he says that “LCA and its community is special because it is investing personally in each student in a way that helps them know and love God and be prepared to live life and influence culture,” you can trust he knows what he’s talking about.

When Jake graduated from MCCS in 1999 he headed to the University of Northwestern and attained undergraduate degrees in Social Studies Education and Bible before securing a Masters in Theological Studies. He has traveled to over 25 different countries leading mission trips, discipleship trips, or biblical history trips for high school students. In 2014 and 2015 he was honored by receiving Anoka County Shopper Reader’s Choice “Best Principal of the Year.”

“I exist to intentionally and passionately know and love God and help others do the same. I strive to live out and accomplish (what I believe to be) the three “greats” in life: The Greatest Accomplishment: To know and love God. The Greatest Lifestyle: To intentionally and passionately live like Christ. The Greatest Legacy: To live in light of eternity. It is an honor to partner with parents in their journey to educate and disciple their children.”

Bio

Joel holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from University of Northwestern and a Master’s in Educational Administration from St. Mary’s. Prior to joining the LCA Administration in 2012, he taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade in the White Bear Lake School District for 10 years, earning Teacher of the Year Finalist honors 2009-2011. As the Elementary Principal at LCA, it is Joel’s passion to help students and families experience learning surrounded by the wisdom and love that only comes from Jesus Christ.

Joel’s family of girls, wife Mandy and four daughters, Salomae, Brielle, Elliana and Audrey, receives the honor of selecting from over 250 board games in Joel’s collection on family game night and most likely contributed to his earning the “Most ties worn in a school year” award in 2015. His future aspirations include using the gifts and talents he has been blessed with to be the best husband and loving father to them that he can be while being a humble and servant leader.

“I love LCA because the staff, teachers, students, parents, and grandparents come together as a family. When there is a feeling that you are safe and loved, the learning that can take place is a wonderful experience.”