Mrs. Kitty Murphy kmurphy@slhs.com
Interim Principal
Dean of Students & Staff Affairs
B.S. Business Education/P.E., M.A. Literacy Studies
Kitty Murphy was born and raised in North Dakota and moved to Carson Valley 33 years ago. She received her BS Degree from Minot State University and later earned her Master’s Degree in Literacy Studies from UNR. After 30 of teaching in Douglas County Public Schools, Kitty has enjoyed teaching in a Christian school where Jesus is the focus of the everyday environment. Outside of work, Kitty enjoys hiking, reading, singing, working out at the gym, and spending time with her granddaughters. She currently teaches freshman health, and her administrative duties include teaching, mentoring and development, student academics, and discipline.
Ms. Tracey Cornell tcornell@slhs.com
Business Manager, School Registrar
Tracey Cornell was born and raised in Southern California. She was blessed to be raised by parents that love and serve the Lord. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Tracey moved to Northern Nevada in 1995 with her two small children and parents. She loves the beauty of the Carson Valley which is a reminder of the awesome Lord we serve. She’s grateful the Lord brought her to Sierra Lutheran to serve the students and families. Tracey has two grown children and six grandchildren.
Coach Charlie Berger cberger@slhs.com
P.E. Teacher, Girls/Boys Golf, Asst. Girls Basketball
LC MIN, AA
Coach Charlie comes from a military family and spent much of his childhood in Okinawa, Japan. His interests include sports, attending church, listening to 80’s music, watching movies, and spending time with his family. He has been coaching in some capacity at Sierra Lutheran since 2014. Coach Charlie strives to encourage our students to pursue discipline, excellence, and perseverance.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
Mrs. Susie Berger sberger@slhs.com
Parent Liaison/Marketing Associate
LC MIN
Susie Berger was born in Roseburg, Oregon, and grew up as a PK (Pastor’s Kid). She spent a considerable part of her childhood traveling with her family’s singing and preaching ministry. She is licensed in ministry and has a rich history in music, community events and administration. Susie is passionate about giving back to the school that has invested so much in her family’s life. She has been married to Coach Charlie Berger for 27 years and they have four children together. Three of their kids are SLHS graduates, while the youngest one is currently a student at SLHS. She enjoys playing music, writing and making others laugh.
Psalm 112:1-2 Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in
His commandments the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Mrs. Kallie Carpenter kcarpenter@slhs.com
Teacher
(B.A. Elementary Education, Minors in Music and Bible)
Kallie Carpenter grew up in Fallon, NV, and graduated from Churchill County High School in 1998. She went on to attend Biola University in Southern California where she received her B.A. in Elementary Education with minors in Bible and music. She met her husband at BIOLA and they were married in 2003. She has enjoyed an adventurous life raising their four children, serving in youth ministry, planting churches, serving on the board of Cowboy’s Rest Christian Camp, and being PTO President of Pinon Hills Elementary School. She enjoys riding horses, boating, and camping in the great outdoors with family and friends. Mrs. Carpenter teaches Worship Leadership.
Mrs. Tiffany Colonna tcolonna@slhs.com
English Teacher
(B.A. in English – Creative Writing Emphasis)
Tiffany grew up in Saratoga, California, in the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Westmont College, where she fell in love with comparative literature and creative nonfiction writing. Published in both short fiction and poetry, as well as educational writing, Tiffany loves inspiring her students to find deep meaning in words, and to learn to communicate effectively using the unique voice God has given each of them. Tiffany first taught high school English at Christian Life Academy in Roseville, California, and then Survey of English Literature, British Literature, and Honors Creative Writing at Forest Lake Christian High School in Auburn, California. In addition to teaching, Tiffany has been a professional voice actor and audiobook narrator for over a decade, and she has had the joy of voicing characters for commercials, apps/video games, and audiobooks. Also a vocalist and musician, Tiffany feels very blessed to be able to serve in worship, prayer, and women’s ministries at LifeChurch – Carson City, which will officially open its doors in December of this year. Tiffany and her family live in Washoe Valley, where they own and operate a Wagyu cattle ranch. Along with her twin son and daughter, Gabe and Abby (both freshman this year at SLHS), and her husband, Nick, Tiffany loves to get out and explore the natural world. Hiking, running, snowboarding, gardening, horseback riding, and martial arts training keep Tiffany geared up and ready to handle the high-energy high school world! She strives to share her joy and her hope for the future with her students, pointing everything back to the God who loves them beyond imagination, and who has such good and intentional plans for each and every one of them.
1 Corinthians 2:9 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what
God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Mr. Allan Gosselin agosselin@slhs.com
Geometry and Spanish Teacher
(MAEd Teaching, B.A. Spanish and History)
Mrs. Dawn Hammer dhammer@slhs.com
Science Teacher, Volleyball Coach, Basketball Coach
(CSUN- BS Public Health, Colorado Christian University – MED Curriculum Design & Development, Clemson University – MS Biology)
Mr Kerry Klubben kklubben@slhs.com
Success Advocate
(B.S. Elementary Education K-8, Minor in P.E./Coaching, M.A. Literacy Studies)
Ms. Hannah Krenz hkrenz@slhs.com
Math, Physics, Astronomy(B.A. Physics Education/ M.A Math Secondary Education)Ms. Krenz grew up in rural North Dakota. She received her B.A. from Concordia University Nebraska and her M.A. from Concordia University Portland.
While in college, she played basketball and was on the track team. She started teaching in 2003 at Kansas City Lutheran High School. Ms. Krenz will be teaching math, physics, and astronomy. She will also be coaching the track team. She enjoys sewing, biking, hiking, cooking, traveling to new places, and singing in the choir. She does not eat chocolate.
Mrs. Rhiannon Latragna rlatragna@slhs.com
Photography
Mr. Bill McHenry bmchenry@slhs.com
Teacher, Coach, and Athletic Director
(AA Georgia Southern College, BA Mercer University, Teaching Certification Sierra Nevada College)
Billy McHenry was born and raised into a loving Christian family in the hills of Georgia. He grew up in a tight-knit community and came to love sports, animals, and the outdoors. In High School, he was a 3 sport athlete lettering in Football, Wrestling, and Track. He went to Georgia Southern on a Football scholarship but a neck injury ended his career his freshman year. At Mercer University he lettered in Soccer. Mr. McHenry has taught and coached for over 30 years in Nevada and Georgia. From 2002-2022 he worked at Carson High School where he was a Math and Business Teacher, Head Freshman Football Coach, Head Alpine Ski Team Coach, Future Business Leaders of America Advisor, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes Advisor. Outside of work, he enjoys backcountry skiing, water skiing, lifting weights, and hiking. Billy lives in Minden with his 2 daughters and greatest blessings in his life Riley and Annie and his trusty dog Milo. “You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s Gold eternally.” 1st Corinthians 9:24-25 MSG
Mrs. Dani Miller dmiller@slhs.com
Intro to Art
Mrs. Danika Neal dneal@slhs.com
College and Career Counselor & English Teacher
B.A. History & Political Thought Originating from Napa Valley, Danika Neal obtained her B.A. in History & Political Thought and Lutheran Teaching Certificate from Concordia University Irvine. While in college, Mrs. Neal spent a semester studying history and literature at Oxford University. She also had the opportunity to spend a month studying more history in Rome, Italy, where she met her future husband, Brandon. This will be Mrs. Neal’s sixth year at SLHS, and she is excited to continue serving in her role as College and Career Counselor. She also teaches Cornerstone, English I, and H/R English IV. She and Mr. Neal welcomed a baby into the family this year, so Mrs. Neal spends most of her time outside of school with baby Bryce (and Hunny the rambunctious Goldendoodle, of course).
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
Mrs. Lauren O’Neill loneill@slhs.com
Student Assessment for Growth and Accountability Director (SAGA)
B.S. Special Education K-12 College of Charleston, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction Lesley University, Library Science endorsement
Mrs. O’Neill was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and raised throughout the western states. Mrs. O’Neill was a Navy wife for 25 years and has been a teacher for 30 years. She has 2 children and 7 grandchildren. She enjoys hiking, reading, camping, and spending time with her family.
Psalms 47:1~Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
Mark Phillips mphillips@slhs.com
BA Communication, Pacific Union College
As an award-winning video producer and marketing specialist with 25 years of experience, Mark has created over 50 distinct and diverse productions—ranging from films and commercials to adventure documentaries (including a Noah’s Ark expedition!). Mark has received certificates and/or technical training in editing, screenwriting, short-fiction film, lighting, and stand-up comedy. His theater experience includes acting, directing, producing, and writing musicals for the stage. In addition to teaching theater, Mark will be leading an SLHS Screenwriting Club, with the hope of starting a Film class for the ’24-‘25 school year. Mark and his wife, Becky, have been married for 21 years and have 4 children together: Faith (17), Class of ’24, Soren (16), Class of ’26, Selah (10) and Autumn (7). In his spare time, Mark enjoys camping and traveling with his family, skimboarding, surfing, and snow skiing.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” Proverbs 9:10
Zach Reineke zreineke@slhs.com
Math, Comp Sci., Tech
(BA in Secondary Education and Math. Minor in Theology)
Mr Reineke is excited to continue his teaching career at Sierra Lutheran High School! Married now for over a year, Mr. Reineke enjoys being outside, reading, sports, and playing music. He is very excited to be a part of the ministry at Sierra Lutheran! Romans 5:6-8 – For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Dr. Tami Seddon tseddon@slhs.com
Director of STEAM, Math and Science Teacher
(Ph.D. Chemistry, M.E. Administration)
Tami Seddon was raised in Carson Valley on her family’s fifth-generation ranch. She graduated from Douglas High School in 1985 and attended the University of California, Davis where she received a B.S. in chemistry. She then attended Stanford University where she received a Ph.D. in inorganic chemistry. She returned to Carson Valley and started her family as she worked as a research chemist. She obtained her teaching credential from Sierra Nevada College and was blessed to help Mr. Norm Brauer open Sierra Lutheran High School in 2002. She obtained her colloquy through Concordia University, Irvine in 2011 and a Master’s in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University in 2017. She currently serves as the Director of STEAM, chemistry and math teacher, and Academic Olympic Coach. She is the proud parent of three children – two former Falcons and a current Falcon. She enjoys sharing the gospel with teens, her family, and helping on her family’s ranch and loves to watch the ways that God blesses the SLHS community. Proverbs 3:5-6~Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths
Mr. Dave Stuckwisch dstuckwisch@slhs.com
Director of Faith Development
(BA in Director of Christian Education)
Born in Texas, and raised in Arkansas. Graduated from Concordia University Texas in Austin. Worked in parish ministry for the last 9 years developing children’s and youth ministries from Stuttgart, Arkansas to Appleton, Wisconsin.
“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not from yourselves it is the gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10
Mr. Shane Thomas sthomas@slhs.com
PE Teacher, Head Varsity Football Coach, and Maintenance Manager, Shane was born in Carson City and grew up in South Lake Tahoe. He graduated from South Lake Tahoe High School in 1989. Shortly after high school, Shane joined the United States Marine Corps where he served as a Deep Reconnaissance Marine during the Persian Gulf War (two tours). After completing a career in the banking profession, while actively serving as an Elder at Hilltop Community Church, he accepted the opportunity to serve at Sierra Lutheran High School in February 2020. Shane has been coaching football for twenty-one years and is currently establishing a new college recruiting platform within Sierra Lutheran High School for athletes. He is focused on character building guided by biblical morals and principles and hopes to encourage a competitive mindset of hard work that leads to success on and off the field. Shane enjoys coaching all sports, fishing, camping, and sharing the Gospel. Lamentations 3:22-23 ~The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Mr. Brian Underwood bunderwood@slhs.com
Head of Mission Outreach & Development
BA – Communication Arts; MS – Education; LCMS Colloquy
Brian Underwood is a seasoned educator with 38 years of combined experience on the collegiate and secondary school levels. After beginning his career in college athletics with 16 years as a coach, broadcaster, and administrator, he heard the Lord’s call to transition his experience to Christian education and joined the staff at Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, CA, leading to his call in 2006 to become part of the founding team of Crean Lutheran High School in Irvine, CA. In 2011, Mr. Underwood was called to serve as Sierra Lutheran’s Executive Director, before returning to Crean Lutheran as its Executive Director. However, it was his and his family’s abiding love for the people and God’s majesty of the Eastern Corridor of the Sierras that prompted the Underwoods to retain their residence in the area, with the prayer of one day returning to the area. That prayer came to fruition, and Mr. Underwood rejoined SLHS as its Executive Director before retiring from full-time ministry in 2022. He continues to serve the Lord on a part-time basis, teaching Government, Economics, Speech, and Career Development for SLHS on an adjunct basis. He is also an adjunct professor for Western Nevada College. As a member of the local Carson City Christian Ministerial Fellowship, Mr. Underwood is a guest columnist for the Nevada Appeal. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Arts from California Lutheran University, a Master’s Degree in Education from National University, and he completed his LCMS colloquy program through Concordia University, Irvine. His prayer for all students and parents comes from 3 John 1:4,~“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (ESV)
Mr. Matthew Wahlers mwahlers@slhs.com
English, US History, and World History Teacher
(B.A. Secondary Education/Social Science – Concordia University, Nebraska)