Meet the FLS Staff
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​Administration

Mr. David Birnbaum, Principal David Birnbaum, was born and raised Lutheran on a farm in Central Texas. He went to a two room Lutheran school from 1st thru 8th grade and then a small public (mostly Baptist) high school. Graduated with a Bachelors degree from Concordia Austin in 1990 and Master's in Administration from Seward Nebraska in 2000. He taught in Miami-Florida for 7 years, 4 years in Dallas and 12 years in Central Texas.

Pastor Joseph Highley - Pastor Joseph Highley took a roundabout route to the pastoral ministry, having worked at Expedia.com and also selling leather supplies at Tandy Leather, both in Springfield, MO, before finally going to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis for pastoral education in 2016. 
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After graduating from Concordia Seminary in 2020 with his Master's of Divinity (MDiv), he then spent another year at the seminary making progress on his Master's of Sacred Theology (STM). In April of 2021 he received his first call to First Lutheran. He was ordained and installed at First Lutheran on June 26th, 2021. 

Joseph is married to Rachell Highley who has a degree in Spiritual Care and Deaconess Studies from Concordia Seminary. She currently works remotely for Coalition for Life - St. Louis. Joseph and Rachell have been married since 2015 and are blessed to have three little kids, James, Elisa (Ellie), and Mia. They are also expecting a fourth child in May. 

A jack of all trades, master of none, Joseph has a variety of interests. He enjoys all things athletics, both playing them (poorly) or following as a fan. The Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, and Missouri State Bears make up his world of fandom. Joseph also enjoys all things Lord of the Rings and rarely meets a board game or card game that he doesn't enjoy. The outdoors, with a special nod to fishing are also up his alley. Joseph loves being a dad and spending time with his wife and kids. Above all this, even above his love of being a husband and dad, Joseph has a passion for the Word of God and sharing its truth with others, that Jesus died for you and saves you from your sin.

Pastor Joseph is always eager to meet you and get to know you. He is happy to discuss our Lutheran-Christian beliefs with anyone and is excited to be serving the people of First Lutheran in Ponca City

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​Teachers

Mrs. Lori Kelly - Pre-K teacher,Lori was born in Hobbs, New Mexico and moved to Ponca City when she was 4. She attended Ponca City Schools and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1985. Lori earned two AA degrees from Northern Oklahoma College and a BA degree in ECE from Northwestern Oklahoma State. Lori has been with First Lutheran School since 2007. Lori is married and has 4 children, 4 stepchildren and several grandchildren who call her Nana. 

Mrs. Melissa Colvin - Pre-4th Teacher. Melissa was born in Hobbs, New Mexico and moved to Oklahoma when she was 2. She attended Wayne Schools and graduated from Wayne High School in 1986. Melissa has earned her Child Development Associate and has been teaching for 17 years, the last 7 being at First Lutheran. Melissa is married and has 1 grown son. She also has 2 dogs that are spoiled rotten.

Ms. Elaine Miller - Kindergarten - Kindergarten is served by Elaine Miller. She was born in Germany and grew up moving all over the United States with her dad's Army career. She earned her Bachelor's degree and her Master's of Science degree in Curriculum and Instruction specializing in Early Childhood Education from Oklahoma State University.  She has taught at First Lutheran for 27 years. ​

Ms. Charity Felton - Grade 2 Second Grade teacher - Charity Felton grew up with her four brothers in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She attended Concordia University - Ann Arbor, Michigan, and graduated in May 2021. She earned her Bachelor's degree in elementary education with a focus on teaching English as a second language. She loves traveling, quality time with people, trying new things, and any outdoor or athletic activity, especially Ultimate Frisbee and Tennis.

Mrs. Jessica Steichen - Grade 3 - Jessica Steichen is starting her 15th year teaching. Her degree is from Seward and completed her Master's in Curriculum in the Spring of 2015.

Mrs. Megan Sibley -  Grade 4 - Megan Sibley and her husband, Doug, moved here from Jacksonville-Florida. Megan grew up in a small rural farming town in rural northeast Nebraska, and attended a small public k-12 school. Graduated from Concordia University Seward NE in 2006, and taught in Nebraska and Florida in 2013. She holds a Nebraska Teaching License.

Mrs. Sarah Brey - Music teacher - Sarah Brey grew up in a small town in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area.  She attended Concordia University, Nebraska, and graduated in 2021.  She received her bachelor's degree in K-12 Vocal and Instrumental Music Education as well as her Lutheran Teacher's Diploma.

Mrs. Krista Harbeson - 5th grade teacher, grew up and attended school in Ponca City.  She graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1992 with a Bachelor's of Science degree in secondary education, language arts.  She completed 12 years at First Lutheran as the middle school language arts teacher, served 2 years as assistant principal, and now serves her 1st year as 5th grade teacher.  Krista maintains her Oklahoma Teaching License.

Mr. Jeremy Brey - Middle school social studies and 8th grade homeroom teacher / Middle school basketball coach.  Jeremy Brey is serving his first year as our middle school social studies teacher.  He grew up in Watertown, South Dakota and graduated with his bachelor's degree from Concordia University, Nebraska. ​

Ms. Tane Kester- Middle-school English Language Arts and 6th grade homeroom teacher - Tane Kester is our middle-school English Language Arts teacher and has a Master's degree in Christian Apologetics as well as Tec21 certification.

Mrs. Amanda Porter- Cain - Middle School Science/ 7th grade home room - Athletic Director/ head coach of girls Basketball and current PE teacher for grades 5-8. I grew up in the Kildare area. I graduated from Ponca City high school. I hold a current certification with the NREMT and recently completed my AA in elementary education! I love having the opportunity to give back to kids in our community in a positive way. 

Mrs. Susie Manning - Computer/Librarian Susie Manning has been serving our school since 2015 and is passionate about the library and computer technology.
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​Cardinal Care Staff

Peggy Peters - Cardinal Care Assistant Director. A life long resident of Ponca City, she grew up in the First Lutheran Church. Peggy married Tim Peters September 1988. From this union came two daughters Lexie and Kenzie. She had the honor of becoming "Lolli" to a beautiful granddaughter in September of 2022 and currently anticipating the arrival of grand baby number two in October 2024. Peggy began her career in childcare in May 2023 at First Lutheran. As of May 2024, she will obtain her Master Teacher certification from Pioneer Technology.

Heidi Daley - Cardinal Care Director. Born and raised in Ponca City, OK. Heidi grew up in the First Lutheran Church. She has four children, Katelyn, Kennon, Carson, and Addyson, as well as two grandchildren, Olivia and Eden. Heidi has been working in Child Care for the last 23 years. Heidi graduated from Ponca City High School in 2000. She received her Directors Credential in 2017 and earned her Associates in Child Development from Northern Oklahoma College in 2018.

Hannah Dixon - Cardinal Care and Early Elementary Aid

Jessica Barnard - Cardinal Care Teacher Assistant

Mikaela Cordova - Teacher, Infant

​Karee Wine - Master Teacher, Infants

​Katherine Brown - Master Teacher, 1 year olds

Kiersten Knerl - Master Teacher, 2 year olds

Taelor Konell - Teacher, 2 year olds

Karen Herard - Early Childhood Librarian

Mrs. Michelle Daine - Pre 3's 

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Support Staff

​Lori Whitford - First Lutheran School Secretary

Elizabeth Patterson - Cardinal Care Curriculum Coordinator. Elizabeth graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2016 with a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education. Elizabeth has taught three year olds, worked in child care, and am now able to help with paperwork at First Lutheran. Elizabeth has two daughters, Kateri and Elani. She loves spending time together with her family, being outside and being crafty!

Michelle Patrick - Custodian

Paula Cargal - Early Childhood Teacher Assistant and Cafeteria Assistant

Not Pictured

Mrs. Julie Birnbaum - Grade 1 - Julie was born in Iowa and attended a 2 room Lutheran school from 2nd - 8th grade. She attended Concordia College in Seward, NE where she earned a BS degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education in 1994. Over those years, she taught in Springfield, MO, Dallas and Central Texas. She and her husband have three children. Julie holds a Texas Teaching Degree.

Elizabeth Stewart - Middle School Math Teacher

Sandi Lyons - Food Program Manager

Tomi Faulkner - Elementary/Middle School Teaching Assistant

Volunteers - We couldn't serve our school and community without the help of our volunteers! Thank you to all who volunteer their time and efforts. PTL, Board of Parochial Education, Chris Mudd, Kathy Brockhoff, Barb Mayer and the First Lutheran Church Willing Workers, and many more.