Steven Ferber
Pastor | CONFIRMATION TEACHER

952.473.5356 ext. 211
pastorferber@redeemerwayzata.org

Pastor Ferber was called to Redeemer in January of 2014 after 25 years of pastoral ministry in northern California and central Minnesota. Before he became a pastor, he worked in the area of sports medicine as a physical therapist and a certified athletic trainer. Pastor Ferber's highest vision is a united, repentant, joyful body of believers who know the Lord and make Him known to the world.

ANDREA CACKA
School principal

952.473.5356 ext. 219
acacka@redeemerwayzata.org

Andrea is honored to be the Principal at Redeemer. Prior to becoming Principal, Andy was our Middle School Math and Science Teacher for two years. She grew up in the LCMS Church in Spooner Wisconsin, then moved to Minnesota where she attended a Lutheran grade school and St. Croix Lutheran High School. She is a graduate of MSU-Mankato with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education (K-6), and licensure in Special Education (K-12/EMH).

God has given her a wide range of classroom teaching experience, and she knows she is exactly where He wants her to be.

Heather Bielec
Preschool/PreKindergarten Director

952.473.5356 ext. 221
hbielec@redeemerwayzata.org

Heather Bielec is a graduate of the University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls, SD with a degree in Elementary Education. In 2007, she received her Commissioned Minister of Religion Certificate from Concordia University, St Paul. Heather has spent her entire career teaching preschool in LCMS Early Childhood Centers and Schools around the metro. In 2020, she became a preschool director. Heather has such a passion for working with the youngest children and is so thankful she can share the love of Jesus with all who enter her classroom. She and her husband, Brent, are proud parents of two children, both of whom are students at RCA.

Tracy Bates / RCA ALUM
Kindergarten

952.473.5356
tbates@redeemerwayzata.org

Tracy is an RCA Alum who graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with degrees in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. Tracy and her husband, Shawn, have three boys that keep them very busy. She is excited to share her faith and love for Jesus with all the students and families at Redeemer.

Kinlin Schultz
First Grade

952.473.5356 ext. 225
kschultz@redeemerwayzata.org

Kinlin has a K-6 Elementary Education degree from Concordia University, St. Paul and also holds licensure in K-12 Instrumental Music Education. She has teaching experience in music education (several prior years here at Redeemer), K-5 elementary education, and children’s ministry at her home church. Kinlin and her husband Dan, a pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Hopkins, have three children, one of which is an RCA alum! Kinlin and her husband have always loved Redeemer for its high-quality education, its mission as a church and school, and especially the sense of family felt here. She is grateful to be a part of Redeemer’s wonderful, Christian education ministry. 

Sarah Janda
Second Grade

952.473.5356 ext. 229
sjanda@redeemerwayzata.org

Sarah Janda graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been blessed to teach a variety of ages in a variety of school settings throughout the years. She loves being around the energy, curiosity and passion of young children. Sarah is excited to share the love of Jesus with her class and to have her son at the school!

charlotte penn / RCA ALUM
third GradE

952.473.5356 ext. 228
cpenn@redeemerwayzata.org

Charlotte Penn is a graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul, MN, and has taught Pre-K through grade 6. She is excited to be teaching at Redeemer, where she grew up attending church and school. Being able to point everything to Jesus during the school day is her favorite part of teaching.

Stephanie Schrupp
Fourth Grade

952.473.5356 ext. 230
sschrupp@redeemerwayzata.org

Stephanie Schrupp is a graduate of Concordia University, St. Paul, MN, and has been teaching since 1993. She has previously taught at Central Lutheran School in Rochester, MN and St. Peter's Lutheran School in Edina, MN.

David Gesch
Fifth Grade, AtHLETIC DIRECTOR

952.473.5356 ext. 231
dgesch@redeemerwayzata.org

David Gesch is a graduate of Milwaukee Lutheran High School and Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. He has taught at Redeemer since 1987. Prior to that he taught for two years at Gospel Lutheran School in Milwaukee.

DARLA RANWICK / RCA ALUM SEVENTH & EIGHTH GRADE HOMEROOM

952.473.5356 dranwick@redeemerwayzata.org

Darla Ranwick graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of MN, with a B.A. in English Literature. She has a Master’s of Education degree from Augsburg University, and holds a MN teaching license in 5-12 Communication Arts and Literature. Darla attended RCA for 7th and 8th grade, and her daughter, Dorothy, has attended RCA since preschool. Darla is honored to join the staff at RCA, and is excited to teach and learn with her students through a Biblical lens and a Christian worldview that points to Jesus as our Rock and our Redeemer!

Dan Oie
Music Director

952.473.1281 ext. 209
doie@redeemerwayzata.org

Dan Oie joined the staff of Redeemer Christian Academy in 2015. Dan also has the unique perspective of teaching 6 years at Redeemer back in the 80s. Dan received his ministry training at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and completed his BFA in piano performance and his MFA in choral conducting at the University of Minnesota.

NATALIE BLACKWELL / RCA ALUM
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT  

952.473.5356
schoolsecretary@redeemerwayzata.org

Natalie is another RCA Alum and a parent of two Redeemer students. Natalie is a blessing to us in many ways! She manages our lunch program through Agra Foods, fills the role of Administrative Assistant in the afternoon hours, and is the Director of our Extended School Care (ESC) program.

Tammy Melton
Part-Time School Secretary
Nurse Para

952.473.5356 ext. 202
health@redeemerwayzata.org

Tammy Melton is a part-time secretary and nurse para. She is also on duty at the school entrance welcoming our students and families with a morning smile! She delights in her husband, five children and daughter-in-law.

DAVID MORLEY
Business manager

952.473.1281 ext. 215 dmorley@redeemerwayzata.org

David Morley has a Business Administration degree from Saint Leo University as well as twelve years experience in church business. Like many who work in ministry, he has worn many hats, such as Radio Station Manager, head of Ushers, Bible study leader, head of Security, Benevolence Administrator, and HR Director. Outside of the office, David enjoys hiking, kayaking, billiards, camping and technology. I’m very thankful for this opportunity to serve the people of Redeemer, and I look forward to ministering together. God is good!

Jim Menzel
Custodian

952.473.1281

Jim Menzel began as the church and school custodian in 1986. For more than 30 years, Jim has seen many changes at Redeemer, but one thing remains the same; the smiling faces of the students. Jim enjoys his job and is thankful for the many friends he has made while at Redeemer.