Our Staff

Tawny DK - 4th/5th Grade Teacher / Acting Principal

Mrs. DK has been teaching for over a decade, and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia Nebraska. She considers it a privilege having a "full house" with her husband, daughter, father, sister, nephew, niece and aged, overweight American Bully.

Favorite Bible Verse: Jonah 2:1–6
Favorite Restaurant: Cafe Kalawe (during live music)
Favorite Subject: Hawaiian History
Desired Super Power: Breathing underwater

Erin Woods - 2nd Grade Teacher

I truly believe that children are a gift from God, so I do my best to be kind and fair. I enjoy all sports.

Favorite Bible Verse: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Favorite Restaurant: Lei Leis
Favorite Subject: PE
Desired Super Power: Shape shifter

Emily Wolfe - 3rd Grade

Teaching is truly my passion, and with 7 years of experience, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and two Master of Arts degrees in Teaching, specializing in Elementary and Special Education. As a child of God, loving wife, and proud mom, I enjoy staying active, reading, and spending time with my family.

Favorite Bible Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Favorite Restaurant: Jersey Mike’s
Favorite Subject: Math
Desired Super Power: Teleportation

Stacie Justus - PreSchool

As a Nebraska native and military spouse, I am so grateful to call Our Savior Lutheran our church home and the school where my two daughters grow and learn. I strive to create a warm, creative space for my students, fueled by a love for my family, sunny days at the beach, and the simple joy of a good loaf of bread.

Favorite Bible Verse: Lamentations 3:22–23 – The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
Favorite Restaurant: Hau Tree
Favorite Subject: Art
Desired Super Power: Teleportation

Ashlyn Kersten - Art Teacher

I have two children, one of which attends school here at Our Savior Lutheran School. I have a long background in health and safety and caring for the education of children. In my off time I love to bake, enjoy the outdoors, and all things art. 

Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 55:12 For you shall go out in joy, and be led back in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. 
Favorite Restaurant: Manuel’s
Favorite Subject: Art & Science
Desired Super Power: Teleportation

Becky Brown-Velhuis - Kindergarten

When I am not teaching I enjoy traveling, reading and learning new things.  My favorite thing to do in Hawaii is to watch the sunset at the beach. 

Favorite Bible Verse: My favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28 (NASB) And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Favorite Restaurant: Starbucks!
Favorite Subject: My favorite subject is school was history, mostly because I had really great history teachers. 
Desired Super Power: Teleportation. Why?  Because I love to travel and who wants to sit in traffic? 

Mr. Steven Coaty - Middle School

My North Star and my pledge is to my God, my family and my country. I am a grand-father of three; a father of four; and a husband of one.

Favorite Bible Verse: "Be not conformed to this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is good and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Favorite Restaurant: My home's kitchen, ruled by "foodies" Max and Katie,  which challenges the best restaurants anywhere. 
Favorite Subject: History
Desired Super Power: Wisdom and understanding - as Solomon received from God. (1 Kings 3:9-10).

Anuhea DeLude - Middle School / Bookkeeper

Proud to be a Native Hawaiian born and raised on the West-Side (Makaha). Committed to advancing STEM careers and Indigenous STEM knowledge in Hawaii. 

Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 51
Favorite Restaurant: Any Thai Food
Favorite Subject: Science
Desired Super Power: Teleportation

Ms. Pearl Doran - 1st Grade

I love Jesus.  A proud mom of an HawaiiAirNationalGuard Pilot.

Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 1:9-11- And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to glory and praise of God.
Favorite Restaurant: Any Italian Food
Favorite Subject: Reading/Language Arts, and Social Studies
Desired Super Power: COURAGE like Esther

Kayla McGowan - Youth Director (DCE)

Kayla graduated in 2016 from Concordia University Chicago with degrees in Christian and elementary education and with her Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Concordia University Irvine’s Townsend Institute in 2022. She is married to Isaac, mama to Lewis, and loves to share about Jesus with a cup of green tea in hand.

Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 43:1
Favorite Restaurant: Chick-fil-A
Favorite Subject: Social Studies
Desired Super Power: Omnilingualism

Mitchell Gowen - Pastor

Pastor Mitch graduated from Concordia Teachers College, Seward, Nebraska in 1986 (B.A.) and from Concordia Seminary, Ft. Wayne in 1988 (MDiv).  He is married to Nancy (retired teacher from OSLC) and father of 3 and grandfather to 8.   Iced Tea and Jesus are the best way to start the day.

Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 15:20
Favorite Restaurant: In-N-Out
Favorite Subject: History/Theology
Desired Super Power: Truth