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Meet our Faculty & Staff

Mr. Nate Otto
Principal

For we walk by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9

Nate Otto serves as the Principal of Trinity Lutheran School, bringing more than 30 years of combined experience in education, coaching, and ministry leadership. With a heart for Christ-centered service, Nate has devoted the past 13 years to Christian education leadership at Saint Peter Lutheran, following 18 years as a college instructor at both Vanderbilt University and Gustavus Adolphus College.

He holds a Master of Fine Arts, a Bachelor of Arts, and a degree in Computer Electronics. His broad academic and professional background supports a dynamic and creative approach to educational leadership, curriculum development, and student mentorship.

In addition to his role as principal, Nate is deeply involved in athletics and youth development. He currently is the assistant coach of volleyball at Martin Luther College during the fall, leads the coed basketball program at Trinity Lutheran during the winter, and serves as the Head Coach for the MVL girls’ softball team in the spring. His passion for teamwork and mentorship shines through his commitment to nurturing student-athletes both on and off the field.

Beyond the classroom and court, Nate’s ministry focus over the last three years has centered on youth and men’s discipleship. He provides leadership with Youth for Christ’s teen ministry and is the founder of HALO, a men’s ministry dedicated to spiritual growth, accountability, and Christian brotherhood.

Nate’s leadership is rooted in his desire to point others to Jesus and equip students to grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally. He is committed to fostering a school environment where Christ is central and every child is supported in their walk with the Lord.

Mr. Alex Ritter
5th-8th Grade Teacher

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
2 Chronicles 15:7

I have been in the Lutheran school system my entire life. I attended Preschool through eighth grade at St. Paul’s Lutheran in Stevensville, Michigan. I then went on to Michigan Lutheran High School. Finally, I attended Martin Luther College, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Education with a focus on Secondary Life Science.

Students of all ages need strong Christian role models in their lives, and being that role model and guide for them as a teacher is the most important aspect of education. I also value critical thinking and problem-solving. It is always my goal to push my students towards independence.

Coming Soon

I enjoy all things outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and playing church league softball. I also watch a lot of movies and love to play any type of game, whether that be video games, board games, etc.

  • alex.ritter@trinitynicollet.org
Mrs. Catherine Biedenbender
2nd – 4th Grade Teacher

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13

Education:
B.S. in Education (1985)

Experience: 
Grades 1-2 – St. Stephen’s Luth. School, Adrian, MI
Grades K-3 – Mt. Calvary Luth. School in Town Forest, WI
Teacher – Trusting Hearts Preschool in Manitowoc, WI
Kindergarten Teacher – Sienna Lutheran Academy in Missouri City, TX
Director; Preschool, Infant & Toddler Teacher – MLC Early Childhood Learning Center in New Ulm, MN.

I will strive to instill a love for learning with my students, love for Jesus their Savior and love for their fellow classmates.

Coming Soon

Spending time with family, traveling, gardening and being outdoors.

  • catherine.biedenbender@trinitynicollet.org
Mrs. Lin Gronholz
1st – 2nd Grade Teacher 

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.
Psalm 28:7

Wife of Jim for 52 years, mom of 5, grandma of 15, great-grandma of 1 Back to MLC and graduated in 1995; obtained Master of Science Degree in Education: Early Childhood and Director Credential while director and teacher at Jesus Loves Me Learning Center in North Mankato, MN; retired in 2020; substitute at various centers, preschools, and schools until present, and now part-time 1st and 2nd grade teacher at Trinity for 25-26 school year.

At Trinity Lutheran School, my teaching philosophy is rooted in God’s Word. As I teach first and second-grade children each morning, the curriculum will encourage their minds and bodies to learn and grow in every way. Above all, God’s Word will integrate all areas to nurture children’s souls, to prepare them for lives of service.

Coming Soon

We enjoy time with children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We also spend time doing garden work, canning, hiking, and thrifting. Chevys from the ’50s are another avenue of enjoyment.

  • linda.gronholz@trinitynicollet.org
Mrs. Julie Schmudlach
K – 1st Grade Teacher

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

I was born and raised in Wisconsin. I graduated from DMLC with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1986 and married my husband, Scott, that summer. We were blessed with three children: Benjamin, Joseph, and Maggie. Ben is a pastor, is married with 4 children, and lives in Kenai, AK. Joe is a Spanish Teacher at Evergreen Lutheran High School in Tacoma, WA. Maggie is a teacher married with 2 children and lives in Colorado Springs, CO. I have taught different grades from preschool to 8th grade. I taught at St. Paul’s in Howards Grove, WI. I also taught for 12 years at Good Shepherd in Downers Grove, IL. Since moving to MN in 2013, I have taught at Trinity in Nicollet, MN.
I have worked many jobs, but teaching has always been my first love.

Make each child feel loved and valued in my classroom. Help them grow in their knowledge of Jesus and help them to shine their light. Instill in each child a desire to learn and see the beautiful world God has given us. Learning is so fun together!

  • Traveling Pet Reading Buddies
  • Classroom Parties
  • Singing in Church
  • Xmas Service
  • Field Trips
  • Flashlight Friday
  • 100th Day
  • Show and Share
  • Opening a child’s eyes to the world of Reading!

Travel whenever I can, herb gardening, baking, playing games, camping, going out for coffee, being in the sunshine, and spending as much time as I can with my grandkids on the phone, since they all live far away!

  • julie.schmudlach@trinitynicollet.org
Mrs. Cari Kelly
Preschool Director

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7

Hello! I am happy to join the team at Trinity. I have a Bachelor’s degree in human development and psychology from the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay. I worked in the field of psychology for several years, was a stay-at-home mom for about a decade, and then finally became a teacher! I have a WELS certification in early childhood education from MLC. I have taught multiple grades in different capacities, from Preschool through 8th grade, for about 23 years. Now I am happy that the Lord has led me to return to where my teaching career began–in Preschool.

My husband, Jack, is a pastor at St. Peter Lutheran. We have three married children–two daughters and a son–and three beautiful granddaughters.

I love that Trinity offers a multi-age setting for Preschool. Younger kids can learn so much from their older classmates, like more advanced and imaginative play, academics, and “school skills” like taking turns, walking in line, etc. Older children, in turn, learn to be leaders and nurturers and set the tone for the classroom.

I am looking forward to a busy classroom where Jesus’ love is always evident. We will be busy learning in small and whole groups, singing, playing, and growing together.

My husband and I enjoy hiking and birdwatching. I also love singing and playing my flute.

  • carolyn.kelly@trinitynicollet.org
Mrs. Amber Finken
Administrative Support

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
Psalm 103:2

I grew up in the area and have been blessed to have a Christian education, which has been a huge part of my life from pre-K through college. I have a BA in Psychology from Bethany Lutheran College. Peter and I have been married since January 2018 and have two children (three coming this winter).

Camping at MN State Parks, adventures with the kids, running Main Street Bakes out of my home.

  • amber.finken@trinitynicollet.org