My name is Brenda Ruehs, and I am the Preschool Director! I have been at Light of Christ Preschool since 2012, first as a teacher’s aide and then as a teacher, and in 2025, I was asked to be the preschool director. I live in Irvine with my husband, Jonathan, who serves as the assistant pastor at Light of Christ Church and teaches theology at Concordia University Irvine. We have three children: my daughter Taylor, my son Noah, and my son Sam.
I earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management from Concordia University Irvine and completed my early childhood education at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. It's a blessing to be a member of Light of Christ Lutheran church and be a part of this wonderful preschool family!
My name is Hannah Siekmann, and I am the two’s/ young three’s teacher! I have been at Light of Christ Preschool since 2021. I grew up in Orange, CA, and now live in Irvine with my family. I have completed my Certificate of Proficiency in Early Childhood Assistant Teaching at IVC and am currently pursuing an associate's degree there. I plan to transfer to Concordia University Irvine to get my degree in Early Childhood Education.
When I first started working here, I was unsure what I wanted to do. In my time here, I have found that my passion is teaching. It is amazing how God works everything out! I love teaching children about God and His great love for them. I also love going to the beach, reading, and spending time with my family. I am so thankful to be a part of the L.O.C. family, and I am excited for the new school year!
My name is Sierra Gwaltney, and I am the three’s teacher! I have been at Light of Christ Preschool since 2022, with those first two years being as an aide. I live in Irvine with my family and have attended Light of Christ Church since I was two years old! I graduated from Irvine Valley College with an associate's Degree in American Sign Language and completed my early childhood education there. I will attend Cal State Long Beach in the fall, studying ASL Linguistics and Deaf Culture.
Becoming an early childhood teacher is my perfect example of how God’s plan always prevails. Sharing the love of Jesus with the children and seeing them grow into who He wants them to be is my greatest joy. I’m so proud to be a part of the L.O.C. family and can’t wait for a great year together!
My name is Kathy Vick, and I am the four's teacher! I have been at Light of Christ Preschool since 1983. I graduated from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, with a Bachelor of Science in Education and an Early Childhood Major. My husband, Michael, also began teaching in 1983 at Abiding Savior Lutheran School in Lake Forest. He teaches 8th-grade homeroom, 7th and 8th-grade history, boys' PE, coaches various sports, and is the Athletic Director for the school. Our oldest son, Christopher, is the IT Director at Abiding Savior. Our son, Andrew, is a Recreation Specialist for the City of San Clemente Recreation Department.
I love to do a variety of crafts, go camping with friends at Newport Dunes every summer, go to the beach, and shop (I love a good bargain!). I love teaching the children about Jesus and how much He loves them. I feel very blessed to be a part of the Light of Christ family.
My name is Melyssa Ilten, and I am the transitional kindergarten teacher! This will be my first year serving as a teacher at Light of Christ. I graduated from Concordia University in 2019, and I spent two of my college years as an aide here at L.O.C. For the past three years, I have worked as a Pre-K & TK teacher. Prior to that, I served as a home educator and early behavior specialist. I am so grateful that God’s plan has led me back to L.O.C.
I live in Tustin with my husband, Jonathan, and my dog, Bella. I love praising the Lord with the children, as it is such a blessing to witness their excitement for and love of God every morning! My goal is that each child who steps into our preschool knows God and feels His love every day. I cannot wait to see where God leads us this upcoming school year.
Teacher Aides
Laurie Felts - I have been at LOC since 1991! I love dogs, and I have 12 grandchildren…6 of whom have gone to LOC!
Katia Guittard - I have been at LOC since 2021! I love music, and you can often hear me humming a tune.
Katie Gwaltney - I love anything film-related.
Kelsey Vanhorn - I have been at LOC since 2019! I love reading, writing, and watching musicals.
Barbara Robison - I have been at LOC since 2010! Our daughter attended Light of Christ back in 1997! I love riding my bike from home to school.
Talene Stone - I have been at LOC since 2002! I like to read and do puzzles.
Tina Bliss - I have been at LOC since 2009! I love God and my family. I have a puppy, a turtle, and two daughters.
Rebecca Kadera - I have been at LOC since 2024! I am currently studying at CUI. I am passionate about teaching children about Jesus and guiding them in their spiritual journey. I love all things Disney and theatre. I enjoy reading, crafting, and baking.
Kayla Rick - I have been at LOC since May 2025! I am a current student at CUI studying History and Political Thought with a double minor in secondary education and Lutheran teaching. I love anything history related, documentaries, and sports!