My name is Sheryl Grobelch, and I am the preschool director! I have worked at Light of Christ Preschool since 1988, first as a teacher’s aide and then as a teacher, and in 2010, I was asked to become the director of the preschool. During my years working as an aide, I decided to go back to school, where I earned my BA from Concordia University Irvine.
I live in Irvine with my husband, Michael, who pastors two churches and owns his IT business. We have two daughters, Melanie and Natalie, both of whom are married, and three grandchildren: Isabelle, Jackson, and Jenson. God has blessed my family in many ways, and being here at Light of Christ Preschool is just one of them.
My name is Brenda Ruehs, and I am the two's/ young three's teacher and preschool co-director! I have been at Light of Christ Preschool since 2012, first as a teacher’s aide, then as a teacher. 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. I love to teach and express myself through music! Whether math or writing, you’ll often hear me singing a happy tune that helps teach our lesson. What a blessing to be part of the L.O.C. family!
My name is Hannah Siekmann, and I am the NEW 2025-2026 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 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 his teaching career 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 Cindy Johnson, and I am the Transitional Kindergarten teacher! I grew up in a wonderful Christian family in Ft. Wayne, IN. I have had a passion for teaching for as long as I can remember – just ask my stuffed animals and dolls way back then! So, it was a natural step to obtain a BA degree from Concordia Teachers College, Chicago. I have enjoyed teaching many grade levels throughout my career, but when my husband and three children entered their preschool years, I fell in love with early childhood education and have remained with the little ones ever since. What a blessing to be able to observe their enthusiasm and love of learning on a daily basis!
My classroom frog, Lilypad, is equally excited about being with children. Her natural lifespan of 5 years has turned into 15! As well as putting children at ease as soon as they enter my classroom, she serves as the mascot for our classroom motto- Fully Rely On God! The Lord has been faithful to that promise as He led our family to Irvine in 2007. I am extremely grateful to be a part of His plan and this amazing Light of Christ family all these years! May you feel that love and experience the specialness of this place when you visit us here at L.O.C.!
My name is Melyssa Ilten, and I am the NEW 2025-2026 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 be able 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 each and every day. I cannot wait to see where God leads us this upcoming school year.
Laurie Felts - This is my 34th year at LOC—I aide in the TK class. I love dogs, and I have 12 grandchildren…6 of whom have gone to LOC!
Katia Guittard - This is my 4th year at LOC—I aide in the 3's and 4’s classes. I love music, and you can often hear me humming a tune.
Katie Gwaltney - This is my second year at LOC—I aide in the 2’s class and aftercare program. I love anything film-related.
Kelsey Vanhorn - This is my 6th year at LOC—I aide in the 4's class. I love reading, writing, and watching musicals.
Barbara Robison - This is my 15th year at LOC—I aide in the 3's class and aftercare program. Our daughter attended Light of Christ back in 1997! I love riding my bike from home to the school.
Talene Stone - This is my 23rd year at LOC—I aide in the TK class. I like to read and do puzzles.
Tina Bliss - This is my 16th year at LOC—I aide in the aftercare program. I love God and my family. I have a puppy, a turtle, and two daughters.
Rebecca Kadera - This is my 1st year at LOC-I aide in the aftercare program. 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.
Tenley Sitze - This is my 1st year at LOC-I aide in the four’s class. I love Jesus, my family, friends, and a good rainy day. I am currently studying at CUI to become a Lutheran elementary school teacher.