Sharon Fries - Principal
Sharon was born in Australia and grew up in Valparaiso, Indiana. She attended Emporia State University and graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an area of concentration in health and physical education. Sharon completed the Lutheran Teacher Colloquy program through Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska and has her Master of Science in School Leadership degree from Baker University. Sharon taught at Grace Lutheran School in Kansas City, Kansas for seven years. When Bethany Lutheran School opened in 2000, Sharon was one of the founding teachers and taught first grade. She has since served in many roles including kindergarten aide, athletic director, coach, PE teacher, music/choir teacher, piano accompanist... and now principal. Sharon and her husband, Martin, have two boys, Jacob and Luke, who attended all the way through Bethany and then the Lutheran High School of Kansas City. Sharon enjoys playing, coaching and watching sports of all kinds, including competing in several triathlons every summer. See Sharon's favorite things here!

Rev. Mark Croucher- Director of Student Services
Mark was raised in the Kansas City area and has served as a parish pastor for over 13 years. Pursuing his pastoral education, he earned a Bachelors in Theology from Concordia University - Seward, NE and then a Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary - St. Louis, MO and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Ministry in Leading Change. Mark is passionate about Lutheran education and helping families connect to Christ. Mark currently lives in Raymore, MO with his son, Zeke. See Mark’s favorite things here.

Erin Bickel - Administrative Assistant
Erin grew up in Paola, Kansas. She attended Concordia University- Nebraska where she graduated with a BS in Secondary Education (English concentration) and a minor in history. Prior to working at Bethany, Erin worked at Calvary Lutheran EEC, Lutheran High School of Kansas City, and Mid-Continent Public Library. Erin and her husband, Dan, have three children, Evelyn, Charlotte, and Micah, who attend Bethany. Erin enjoys reading, spending time with family, and watching movies with her husband. See Erin's favorite things here.

Debbie Carter - Kindergarten
Debbie grew up in Minnesota and Wisconsin, the daughter of a Lutheran school principal and Lutheran school teacher. She has attended Lutheran school from preschool through college when she attended Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin. She graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a minor in Psychology. Debbie has two beautiful daughters that are the light of her life. Debbie married her best friend, Gil, on October 28, 2022. Debbie loves serving the Lord at Bethany and is grateful for families here that are now dear friends! See Debbie's favorite things here.

Jen Peterson - First Grade
Jen was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from Lindenwood University with a degree in Elementary Education, and then got her Colloquy through Concordia-River Forest in Chicago. She has taught preschool, kindergarten, and fifth grade for about 20 years in different Lutheran Schools in St. Charles, MO, Hales Corners, WI, Sturgis, MI, and Overland Park, KS. Jen and her husband, Russ, have a son, Isaiah, who is in high school. As a family they enjoy the outdoors, camping, hiking, biking, traveling, and just spending time together. See Jen's favorite things here.

Molly Baker - Second Grade
Molly grew up in Wichita, KS. She attended Concordia University, Nebraska and graduated with a B.S in Elementary Education and Early Childhood with a Lutheran Teacher's Diploma. Molly previously taught 2nd grade in Oklahoma, 1st grade in North Carolina,  and 1st grade in St. Louis while her husband, Sean, completed seminary. Pastor Sean and Mrs. Baker have a one year old son, Noah. The Bakers are excited to have Bethany as their home, with Sean also serving as Pastor! See Molly's favorite things here.

Sarah Abramovitz - Third Grade
Sarah was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. She graduated from Concordia University Nebraska with a degree in Elementary Education. She received her first teaching call to Topeka, KS, where she taught Kindergarten for five years before coming to Bethany. She and her husband, Alex, live in Olathe. She enjoys singing, traveling, photography, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. See Sarah's favorite things here.

Amee Rosales - Fourth Grade/K-8 Spanish
Amee was born and raised in Emporia, Kansas. She attended Emporia State University and graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. In December of 2022, Amee graduated from Ottawa University with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She and her husband, Ruben have 3 wonderful children - Teo, Luc and Scarlett - who all attended Bethany. Amee enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and playing with Sweetie the family dog. See Amee’s favorite things here.

Karen Holland - Fourth Grade
Karen grew up in on a farm in WaKeeney KS where she was baptized, raised, and confirmed in the Lutheran Church. She graduated from Kansas State University where she received her Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education. Karen has taught 5th grade, science, K-5 technology classes, and has enjoyed subbing in middle school long-term sub positions in the KC area. She and her supportive husband Brian, of nearly 28 years, live in southern Overland Park and have 3 wonderful children: Reed, Blake and Kenzie. Karen feels blessed each day with an incredible God, family, friends, and an amazing health journey. God is Good ALL the Time! Karen enjoys exercising, gardening, being with her family, and visiting her grown children. See Karen’s favorite things here.

Jana Grimm - Fifth Grade
Jana is a graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a concentration in mathematics. She has completed the Lutheran Teacher Colloquy Program. Jana has taught fifth grade at Bethany since 2004. She and her husband, Brian, have three amazing children, Brianna, Reagan, and Evan. See Jana's favorite things here.

Kevin Kuske - Middle School
Kevin was born in Detroit and grew up in Frankenmuth, Michigan. He attended Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska and graduated in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in history and minor in music. Kevin completed his Master of Science degree in Education at Concordia University, NE in 1988. Kevin has taught for 40 years at various schools in Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Iowa. He has served schools and congregations teaching and leading in the areas of administration, music, athletics, and youth. Kevin and his wife, Janice, have three grown children, Matthew, Stephen, and Gina and four grandchildren. Kevin enjoys just about every sport, reading, and traveling. See Kevin's favorite things here. 

Jane Limback - Middle School Language Arts/Student Support
Jane was raised on a farm in Missouri. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Concordia University - Nebraska and a Master of Education from Wichita State University. She has served in education ministries as both a classroom teacher and administrator. See Jane’s favorite things here.

Dave Owens- Middle School Science
Dave Owens was born in St. Louis, MO, but grew up in the Kansas City area. He attended Rockhurst High School and Regis College in Denver. He was an English major at first, but went back to get a teaching degree. He has taught in several capacities. Besides elementary school, he has taught at Wildwood Outdoor Education camp and English as a Second Language to Laotian refugees at Donnelly College. He taught PE for two years in Denver and has taught first and 6th grade in Pleasant Hill, MO. For 31 years, he taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grades in the Shawnee Mission school district. He has two grown children, Allie and Daniel. He enjoys fishing, remodeling homes, and spending time with his wife, Gerie. Teaching science at Bethany is pure joy. See Dave's favorite things here.

Ann Arndt - Pre-Algebra, Algebra and Geometry
Ann was born and raised in Ainsworth, Nebraska. She attended Concordia University in Seward, NE, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Instrumental Music and Math. She has her Master’s Degree in School Leadership from Baker University. She began her teaching career at St. John, Seward, NE. She also taught for 30 years at Messiah Lutheran School in Independence, MO; 15 years as math and science teacher for middle school, and 15 years as full time principal. Recently she has served as interim principal at Calvary Lutheran and Martin Luther Academy, two years in each location. She and her husband, John, enjoy spending time with their seven grandsons, and are avid dog lovers. See Ann's favorite things here. 

Lauren Kirsch - 6th Grade Math
Lauren grew up in Springfield, IL where she attended Trinity Lutheran School and Springfield Lutheran High School. She went on to Concordia University Nebraska to earn her teaching degree and then to Concordia University Wisconsin to complete her Master’s Degree in Reading Education. She taught middle school for 10 years, and has been a full-time stay at home mom for the last 11 years. She has also enjoyed being back in the classroom as a substitute teacher for the last two years. Lauren and her husband, Adam, and their three kids love playing games and sports together, and are looking forward to exploring the Kansas City area. They are new to Overland Park, just moving from Wisconsin in July. Lauren enjoys reading, sports of all kinds, and spending time outside. See Lauren’s favorite things here.

Beth MacLeod - Choir and Band
Beth grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Music Education. At Bethany, Beth directs the adult handbell choir, as well as plays strings. When not at Bethany, she teaches violin and viola, plays viola in the Westwood Ensemble, and gigs with her string trio. She is currently serving on the Emerging Leaders Board of Band of Angels. Previously, she taught middle and elementary orchestra in the Hickman Mills School District. Beth, and her husband, Jason, have four kids, Derick, Alex, Anna, and Jack. She enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, gardening, cooking, camping, watching the Huskers, and volunteering. See Beth’s favorite things here.

Jen Peters - PE Instructor: Upper Grades
Jen grew up in Kansas City and Lindsborg, KS. She played basketball at Sterling College before moving on to graduate from Washburn University with a degree in Mass Media. She has worked in radio for over 25 years, and currently hosts the morning show on KC 102.1. In high school, Jen played volleyball, basketball, track, tennis and cheerleading, and that love of sports has turned into teaching PE and helping coach at Bethany! Jen and her husband Kyle have two daughters, Bethany, who attends Lutheran High, and Grace, who is in 8th grade at Bethany. See Jen’s favorite things here.

Rick Borkowski - PE Instructor: Lower Grades
Rick was born and grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania. He attended Gannon University in Erie, where he graduated with a BA in Communications. Rick and his wife Lynn, have a son Trey, who attended 9 years at Bethany then went onto graduate from The Lutheran High School of Kansas City. When he’s not teaching PE, Rick works for The Nielsen Company, most commonly known as the "TV Ratings". He also serves on the School Ministry Action Team and has done so for the past several years. When he was younger Rick loved to play soccer, but now he prefers to ride his mountain bike. He and some other Bethany members started the Bethany Bike Club in 2014 and host many rides throughout the year. Growing up Rick liked the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Indians, of course now he roots for the Royals, Chiefs and Sporting KC. See Rick's favorite things here. 

Lynn Rasmussen - PE Instructor: Lower Grades
Lynn grew up in Sutton, Nebraska. She attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, where she graduated with a BA in Journalism/Public Relations. She and her husband, Eric, have two wonderful children, Abby and Eli. In addition to teaching PE, Lynn also works as a Preschool teacher at Bethany’s Preschool program. Lynn enjoys hanging out with her family, playing volleyball, reading, and watching the Wildcats, Chiefs and Royals. See Lynn’s favorite things here. 

Elita Merker - K-6 Art
Elita is originally from Wisconsin and attended college at Concordia University- Mequon, majoring in K-12 Lutheran Art Education. She enjoys teaching art at both Bethany Lutheran and Calvary Lutheran. She has a deep love for art that is reflected in student artwork and the beautiful displays she creates. Elita is the youngest of six children and enjoys singing, going to concerts, painting with watercolors, and line dancing. Among her favorite things are iced coffee, ice cream, chicken tenders, Green Bay Packers football, and exploring thrift stores with her mom. As an art teacher, Mrs. Merker loves witnessing students grow in their individual artistic style. One of her favorite things about teaching is receiving cards and artwork from her students: "My students always know how to put a smile on my face!” See Elita’s favorite things here.

Morgan Early- Library/Student Support/Extended Care
Morgan grew up going to Lutheran school at St. Paul Lutheran in St. Joseph, MO. She has a degree in fine arts. She is currently working on her BA in elementary education. She taught preschool at St. Paul Lutheran before coming to Bethany. Her favorite thing about her job is getting students excited to read. Morgan has a son named Harper, who attends Bethany. She likes to spend time reading, painting, and gardening. Morgan also likes to spend time relaxing at home with Harper, her dog, and her cats! See Morgan’s favorite things here.

Megan Darby- Testing/Student Support
Megan grew up in the Wichita area. She graduated from Concordia University in Nebraska with a BS in Elementary Education and a BA in Mathematics, along with a Lutheran Teacher's Diploma. She previously taught K, 2nd, and 4th grades here at Bethany for 16 years. Now that she's a mom, she aides, tutors, and subs part time. Megan and her husband Josh have a young daughter Kayla. As a family they enjoy hiking/biking, spending time w/extended family, and going out to get ice cream. See Megan’s favorite things here.