Elementary K-5 Faculty

Allen Mengis – Kindergarten

I was born and raised in the beautiful north woods of Minnesota. I love spending my time outdoors, enjoying God’s amazing creation!

I am a graduate of Black Hills State University, SD. I have taught school in three states and have truly enjoyed working in the primary grades. A favorite past time of min is to jump on my Harley and take it for a long run. I believe all children can learn and that learning can be fun. I thank God for the opportunity to work and worship here at St. Paul’s!

amengis@spls-pl.org

Cindy Bauder-1st & 2nd Grade

It is a privilege and an honor to be your first and second grade instructor! I have been a Lutheran grade school teacher since 1986, ranging from first grade through eighth grade. I’ve taught in inner city Chicago, Oconomowoc, WI, Bloomington, MN, and Prior Lake, MN. In my earlier years I coached girls’ sports. I’ve also served as an adult and youth choir director. I’ve had several student teachers over the years, and I’ve presented several workshops to other teachers. I have my Masters in Curriculum & Instruction/Teacher Leadership as well as my Minnesota license. My undergraduate studies took place at Martin Luther College in New Ulm.

I live in Savage with two adorable dogs-Jasmine and Benji. I have a very small family. My parents and grandparents are with Jesus in heaven. I have one brother who is married (Illinois) along with one nephew who is married with a wife and son (Texas) and one niece (Illinois). My hobbies include singing/playing the guitar, photography, working in my yard, searching educational sites on the computer/learning new things, and playing with my dogs.

I’m very excited to meet each and every one of you. I’m especially excited to meet the children and start a remarkable relationship with them. Teaching is my life! You can rest assured that I will love your children and give them my very best each and every day. I’m thankful to be a part of the St. Paul’s family!!

cbauder@spls-pl.org

Anne Neilitz – 3rd/4th/5th Grade

I have been at St. Paul’s since 2004 and have taught grades 2 through 6 at various times. I love working with children and watching them grow, especially in their faith walk. I have been a teacher for over 13 years and have been blessed to be in a Lutheran school the entire time. I graduated with my degree in Elementary Education from Concordia University, St. Paul, in 2000. I completed my Master’s degree in June of 2009 in Classroom Instruction with a K-12 Reading License from Concordia University.

aneilitz@spls-pl.org

Jennifer Hart – Resource Teacher

My name is Jennifer Hart. I have been teaching at St. Paul’s since 1984. I have taught at a variety of grade levels. Sine 1989 I have been in grades 1-3 but changed to only first grade in 2005. My husband, Gary, and I have two children — both graduated from college and entering that wonderful world of full-time jobs. First grade is an exciting time as children grow and experience independence in learning. Much is expected of them but much is also accomplished by them. My missipn is to keep that spark alive and help each child grow as a child of God in academic, spiritual, and physical ways.

jhart@spls-pl.org