We are thrilled to welcome a talented and passionate group of educators to the LuHi family this year. Each brings a heart for their students and dedication to Christ-centered education. Get to know them below!
Pam Winkler joins our Social Studies department with a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Stanford University and a Master of Education from UCLA, along with ACSI teaching credentials. After 17 years of teaching middle school, Pam is excited to return to the high school classroom. She is passionate about making history come alive, helping students think critically about the past, and applying those lessons to the present through a biblical lens.
Pam and her husband recently moved to Colorado to be closer to their growing family, including one grandson and twin grandbabies on the way! She also loves to read, travel, and enjoy concerts and plays—and she can’t wait to share her love of history and storytelling with our students.
A 2020 LuHi grad and a 2024 graduate of Concordia University Nebraska, McKenna holds a degree in Secondary Social Science Education with a Music minor and a Christian Teacher’s Diploma. Her passion is loving students for who they are and who they are becoming. In her classroom, she’s looking forward to teaching both content and life skills like confidence, communication, and critical thinking.
McKenna is thrilled to dive back into the LuHi community, teaching subjects she loves while learning from her colleagues. She wants students to know that there’s no other place she’d rather be and can’t wait to walk alongside them as they grow in faith and knowledge.
Kacey Lowe brings a wealth of experience and passion for literature, theatre, and history to our English department. She holds a BA in Theatre from Point Loma Nazarene University and two master’s degrees: one in Secondary English Education and another in Shakespeare and Education. She loves helping students find their own stories through literature and is excited to build a community of curious, lifelong learners at LuHi.
Kacey describes herself as a “super nerdy” crafter and board game enthusiast with an impressive colorful pen collection for grading. She loves to travel, watch movies, and design costumes and makeup for theatre. She is eager to share her love of words, creativity, and learning with her students this year!
Scott Bickers joins LuHi’s science team with 19 years of teaching experience and a passion for connecting science to faith. He earned his degree in Secondary Education (Physical Science & Life/Earth Science) from Abilene Christian University and holds a Colorado Secondary Science Certification. Scott’s goal is to help students see the wonder of God’s creation and prepare them to face the challenges of secular scientific environments with a strong, informed faith.
In addition to teaching, Scott brings extensive industry experience, including leading drone inspections for utilities, working in the oilfields of Texas, and contributing to Amazon Prime Air’s drone delivery program. He’s also a licensed private pilot. With four adult children and four grandchildren, Scott is eager to build meaningful connections with students and inspire the next generation of scientists.
Gabriel Jaramillo joins the math department with a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Education from Rocky Mountain Bible College and a Master’s in Practical Theology from Regent University. He is passionate about helping students gain confidence both in their math skills and in their identity in Christ.
Gabriel loves Jesus, his wife, and their three children. He is excited to see how God will work in the classroom this year as he walks alongside students in their studies and faith journeys.
William Kretzer is joining LuHi’s music program, teaching Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Southwest Baptist University and a Master of Arts from Denver Seminary. William loves watching students experience “ah-ha” moments in music and strives to help them grow into confident, passionate musicians who embrace personal responsibility and collaboration.
A father of four (two LuHi alumni and two current students), William also enjoys smoking meats, BBQing, and cooking for others. He is excited for a year of music-making that inspires students both in skill and in spirit.
Alma Palacios brings warmth and enthusiasm to our Spanish program. She earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Universidad Regiomontana and loves building strong relationships with students.
This year, Alma’s goal is to settle into the LuHi community, learn all she can to provide an excellent classroom experience, and ensure her students feel loved and respected. She describes herself as “tremendously grateful,” and her joy for teaching and faith shines through in everything she does.
A 2025 graduate of Colorado Christian University, Madeline earned her degree in English with a specialization in Secondary Education. She loves sharing her passion for English while walking alongside students in their academic and spiritual growth.
Madeline’s goal is to cultivate impactful relationships and ignite a love for literature in every student, no matter their starting point. She wants students to know that she cares deeply for them as children of God first, and students second.
Brandon Schoening holds a Bachelor of Science in English with a minor in Education from Colorado Christian University. He enjoys guiding students through literature and writing, while helping them grow in their faith.
Brandon is eager to immerse himself in LuHi’s vibrant culture and hopes his students always know he is fully “in it” for them—their learning, success, and spiritual growth. Brandon was recently married to Reyana, another new LuHi teacher joining the English Department.
Reyana Schoening, also a Colorado Christian University graduate, is excited to join the English department alongside her husband, Brandon. Her passion lies in engaging with students, inspiring meaningful discussions, and encouraging spiritual growth.
Reyana wants students to know that she values their faith journeys deeply and hopes her classroom is a place where they can grow both academically and spiritually. She and Brandon were married in July and are excited to begin their first year at LuHi together!
Pastor Bobby Walston joins our theology department with a BA in Christian Education from Concordia University Texas and an M.Div. from Concordia Seminary St. Louis. His passion is helping students grasp who God is and take hold of His promises in Christ.
Bobby’s goal this year is to meet students where they are in their biblical understanding and help them grow in knowledge and faith. Fun fact: he’s a scratch mini-golfer! He’s excited to dive into the LuHi community and share God’s Word with our students.
Rosalba Gonzalez Hill brings a wealth of experience and a heart for students to LuHi. She earned her BA in Spanish Literature and Latin American and Iberian Studies from the University of California and holds a Master’s in Counseling Education, as well as California counseling and administrative credentials.
Rosalba loves seeing students’ eyes light up when they feel successful in class. Her goal this year is to get to know the LuHi community and walk alongside students with genuine care and encouragement. She is thrilled to join a school where Christ is at the center of everything.
Dr. Dave Rueter brings extensive experience in youth, family, and discipleship ministry, having served in multiple congregations as well as on the School Ministries staff for the Pacific Southwest District. He also spent years as a professor and program director at Concordia University Irvine, where he poured into the next generation of church leaders. Dr. Rueter holds a BA in Religious Studies from Concordia University Irvine, a Master’s in Faith & Culture from Trinity International University, and a PhD from Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology.
Dr. Rueter is a certified Growing Young speaker, consulting with LCMS congregations and districts on strategies that help young people discover and love their church. He is also an author of numerous publications, including Teaching the Faith at Home: What Does This Mean? How Is This Done? One of his greatest joys as an educator is teaching apologetics courses—challenging students to examine how the claims of the Christian faith stand up against the counter-claims of culture and equipping them to think deeply about their own beliefs.
Thanks for helping us welcome all these new faces to our staff!