Pastor Esget, Superintendent
The Reverend Christopher S. Esget has served as Immanuel's Pastor since 2001. He is married to Kassie, and they have one son, James.
Before coming to Immanuel, Pastor Esget served at Bethel Lutheran Church, DuQuoin, IL, where he was ordained in 1998. He attended Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne, IN) where he earned the Master of Divinity degree (1997) and the Master of Sacred Theology degree (2005). His STM thesis was a comparison of the doctrine of original sin in Patristic and contemporary Eastern Orthodox theology.
Pastor Esget is the Fifth Vice-President (East-Southeast Region) of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. He also currently serves on the Missouri Synod's Sanctity of Human Life commission and is the District Life Coordinator for the Southeastern District of the LCMS. He has presented papers at Concordia Theological Seminary's Good Shepherd Institute, the Concordia Catechetical Academy's annual symposium, the Rocky Mountain District's convocation on woship, the Higher Things youth organization, the St. Michael Liturgical Conference, the LCMS Institute on Liturgy, Preaching, and Church Music, and the Infertility Ethics Symposium at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He has served as chaplain/worship leader for the LCMS Life Conferences, Lutherans for Life annual March for Life events, Higher Things, and the LCMS Worship institute. His sermons and exegetical work have been published in several periodicals. He is a 2015 Washington Fellow of the National Review Institute.
Born and raised near Minneapolis, MN, Pastor Esget pursued his love of music with classical piano studies at Augsburg College and the University of Minnesota, acquiring his undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Music, summa cum laude) from the Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) in 1993. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and playing the piano.
Kara Parker, Interim Headmaster
Kara Parker graduated summa cum laude from Olivet Nazarene University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in History and Political Science and a minor in Theater. After a stint in a U.S. congressional office, she earned an M.A. in Arab Studies from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in 2004. Mrs. Parker subsequently worked as an intelligence analyst for the Department of Defense for just under nine years.
As the parent of four current ILS students and one ILS graduate (Class of 2021), Mrs. Parker has witnessed first hand the deep spiritual and intellectual benefit of a classical Lutheran education. She previously taught 1st grade at Immanuel.
Mrs. Parker has been a member of the Immanuel Church and School community since 2011.
Kathryn Friddle, Interim Assistant Headmaster
Mrs. Kathryn Friddle is serving as the 2023-2024 Interim Assistant Headmaster. Mrs. Friddle is committed to ensuring that every ILS student cultivates a deep love of truth, beauty, and goodness. A graduate of Baylor University (B.A.) and Texas Wesleyan School of Law (J.D.), she brings considerable experience as a practicing attorney, a human resources manager, and an entrepreneur. She and her husband Cody have four children, two who are ILS alumni and two who currently attend the school.
Becca Benson, Aftercare Teacher
Meredith Blankenstein, 7th Grade Homeroom & 6-8th Grade English
Mrs. Meredith Blankenstein will be joining the faculty as our 7th grade homeroom and 6-8th grade English teacher. She has a B.A. from the University of Virginia and is an M.A. candidate at the Reformed Theological Seminary. She has experience teaching in both private and public schools at the middle school age, is fluent in French, and also has taught private piano and voice lessons. Mrs. Blankenstein has most recently been working as an assistant business administrator at Trinity School at Meadow View. Her true love is being in the classroom, and she is delighted to be returning teaching.
Anastasiya Camp, Art Teacher
Anastasiya Camp teaches Art to students in Jr. Kindergarten through 8th grades at Immanuel. Miss Camp previously served as Immanuel’s 2nd grade teacher.
Miss Camp earned a double major in Biology and Art from Concordia University Chicago with a minor in Graphic Arts. She was a recipient of the Steinbeck Scholarship and served as an Art Department Student Assistant. Miss Camp has served as an Advantage Leader and Program Instructor at YMCA Camp Bernie, a Marine and Media Conservation Intern at the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation in Greece, and a Wildlife Conservation Intern at Aquila Private Game Reserve in South Africa.
The daughter of a Lutheran Pastor, Miss Camp grew up in Russia where her father served (and currently serves) as an LCMS missionary and then directly under the partner church of the LCMS, the Ingrian Lutheran Church of Russia. Being fluent in Russian allowed Miss Camp to assist in translating during English Bible Camps as well as help with English language services at St. Anne's in St. Petersburg.
At Concordia University, Miss Camp enjoyed attending chapel and participating in a number of school clubs. She shared her musical talents with the community as a part of the University's distinguished musical ensembles, including the Wind Symphony.
Outside of the classroom, Miss Camp is an artist who loves photographing wildlife.
Diane Curcio, PE Teacher
Ms. Diane Curcio serves as Immanuel's PE teacher, teaching students in Kindergarten through 8th grade, with a focus on helping students develop a beginning knowledge of sports and an understanding of their body in the context of their ability to perform basic athletic movements. With both a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Louisiana Baptist University and certification as a personal trainer through the National Federation of Personal Trainers, Ms. Curcio has applied her knowledge and experience in health, fitness and wellness in education for 30 years, serving in schools and church programs as a Physical Education Teacher, Summer Camp Director and Assistant Director of After School Programs. Additionally, Ms. Curcio serves as a personal trainer, counseling clients on their fitness goals and developing exercise and nutrition guidelines to help clients achieve their wellness goals.
Semegne Dinku, School Assistant
Katherine Dubke, Kindergarten Teacher
Katherine Dubke serves as Immanuel's Kindergarten Teacher. Miss Dubke earned her Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Fine Arts from Concordia University Irvine, and was awarded her Masters of Arts in English Literature and Letters, with an emphasis in Children's Literature from Kansas State University.
As an undergraduate, Miss Dubke served as the literary editor for The Aerie and as a consultant at the Concordia Writing Center. In addition to her studies, she sang with the Concordia Choir and played flute for the Concordia Wind Orchestra. While completing her Master's Degree, Miss Dubke was a graduate teaching assistant and served as an intern for The Alcott Society. Miss Dubke is both a published poet and hymn writer.
Before joining the Immanuel faculty, Miss Dubke served as an undergraduate admissions counselor for Concordia University Irvine, and worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Kansas State University teaching English composition.
Miss Dubke is excited to share her deep love of the learning journey with her students and the Immanuel community. She enjoys discovering the extraordinary hidden within the ordinary and seeks to guide her students toward a life-long love of learning and a love of our Lord. She believes that a classical education can offer young people a strong foundation for cultivating their God-given gifts, talents, and abilities to serve His kingdom.
Abram Egger, Upper School Lead Teacher, 5th Grade Teacher
Abram Egger teaches 5th grade at Immanuel and serves as Upper School Lead Teacher. Mr. Egger graduated Summa Cum Laude from Concordia University Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Biblical Languages. A Presidential Honors Scholar, Mr. Egger also studied at Westfield House at Cambridge and was also recognized as a Theological Languages Honoree.
While at Concordia University, he enjoyed serving as a Senior Representative in the Honor's Council, participating in the Concordia Youth Ministry, Prayer Offices and Honors Club. Mr. Egger was also a member of the Concordia University Kapelle touring choir.
Mr. Egger is excited to join the Immanuel community and share a classical Lutheran education with his students this year.
Christina Egger, Manager of Operations
Christina Egger serves on the Immanuel staff as Manager of Operations. She previously served as 1st grade assistant teacher.
Mrs. Egger graduated from Concordia University Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, and a minor in Biblical Languages. Mrs. Egger also studied for a semester at Westfield House at Cambridge. While at Concordia University, she enjoyed serving as a Concordia Youth Ministry Team Leader, a College Conference Volunteer for Higher Things, and a Proctor for Christ Academy: Phoebe School. She has volunteered as a Lutheran Braille Worker, with Feed My Starving Children, and with Jr. Higher Things. Mrs. Egger participated in a number of musical performance groups at Concordia University, including the Kapelle Touring Choir, Laudate Women's Choir, Schola Cantorum Chapel Choir, and the CUC Handbell Choir.
Mrs. Egger, and her husband, Abram Egger, are both excited to serve the Immanuel community.
Email: christina.egger@immanuelalexandria.org
Grace Egger, Teaching Assistant
Mrs. Grace Egger serves as one of Immanuel’s Teaching Assistants. Mrs. Egger earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hillsdale College, where she majored in English and minored in Classical Education, studying topics including philosophy of education, master teachers of the western tradition, and communication and management skills.
While at Hillsdale, she served as a Student Ambassador in the Admissions Department and was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota, women's national music fraternity.
Mrs. Egger served as a summer teacher for the Youth Leadership Foundation, as well as a substitute teacher at Granite Classical Tutorials in Columbia, MD. She was also employed as a Youth Intern at Presbyterian Church of the Atonement, working with middle and high school students, teaching Bible study and Sunday school, and developing course studies.
Mrs. Egger previously served as Kindergarten Teacher at Immanuel. She loves working with young students and especially loves reading stories and teaching poems. She seeks to inculcate a knowledge and understanding of truth, goodness, and beauty in her students.
Mrs. Egger and her husband, Andrew Egger, are members of Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Email: grace.egger@immanuelalexandria.org
Karen Gorr, 2nd Grade Teacher
Karen Gorr returns to ILS to serve as the 2nd grade teacher. Mrs. Gorr grew up in Michigan.
After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish and Russian, she went on to complete a Master of Arts in Teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages at American University and an Education Specialist Degree in Reading Education at the University of Virginia. Along the way, she taught in Prince William County Public Schools as an English as a Second Language teacher for a couple of years before teaching at Immanuel from fall 2008 to spring 2016. In 2011, Mrs. Gorr completed the LCMS teacher colloquy program. After teaching at ILS for 8 school years, she left to stay home with her children for several years.
Mrs. Gorr is thrilled to be returning to Immanuel this school year and to have the opportunity to experience the wonders of learning with the 2nd grade class.
Josef Hageman, Upper School Teacher
Josef Hageman is part of Immanuel's Upper School faculty, serving as the 8th-grade homeroom teacher as well as the Latin teacher for 5th through 8th grades and History teacher for 6th through 8th grades.
Mr. Hageman grew up in Montana and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Classics and Economics from the University of Notre Dame. He also studied in Corinth, Greece, and at the Intercollegiate Center for Classical Studies in Rome, Italy. A talented musician, Mr. Hageman was also a part of the University of Notre Dame Drumline, performing for football games as well as grade schools and private audiences across the country. After graduation, he joined the faculty of Great Hearts Academies: Anthem Preparatory School in Phoenix, Arizona, where he taught 7th and 10th grade Latin.
Mr. Hageman is a practicing Missouri Synod Lutheran and the son of an LCMS pastor. He holds classical Christian education in high esteem and enjoys guiding students to a deeper knowledge of God and His Creation, especially through the study of language and history.
In his spare time, Mr. Hageman can be found playing tennis with friends and family or composing and recording music.
Cheere Helton, 4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Cheere Helton serves as Immanuel’s fourth grade teacher. She holds a B.A. in history from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. A recent Dallas, Texas transplant, Mrs. Helton previously taught sixth grade humanities for five years at Providence Christian School of Texas. She and her husband, Colby, have three children attending ILS.
Laurie Honig, Lower School Lead Teacher, Jr. Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Laurie Honig is Immanuel's Junior Kindergarten teacher and serves as the Lower School Lead Teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from Longwood College. With previous experience as a preschool teacher, Mrs. Honig is noted for her natural warmth and sincere care for the students, staff and families of Immanuel. She is known for daily encouraging young minds and strong collaboration with parents. Mrs. Honig and her husband are the proud parents of four children, all of whom are ILS graduates.
Mrs. Honig consistently enjoys a course of self-study in classical education, and excels at helping students love their neighbors.
Sasha Kandybin, Music Teacher
Mr. Sasha Kandybin will be joining the faculty as our music teacher. He is an accomplished violinist and conductor with a B.M. from the Cleveland Institute of Music and just completed his M.M. from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music. He has experience conducting and teaching music in the public schools as well as teaching in private lessons.
Fiona Lacey, 3rd Grade Teacher
Fiona Lacey serves as Immanuel’s 3rd grade teacher. Miss Lacey joined the Immanuel faculty in the spring of 2023 as an Assistant Teacher.
Miss Lacey graduated from Grove City College with degrees in English and Political Science. While attending Grove City, Miss Lacey was involved with both The Collegian newspaper and the school's Cogitare Magazine. Additionally, she served as a Koch Marketing Fellow for the Institute for Faith and Freedom, a communications intern at Judicial Watch, and a summer intern at First Things Magazine. Miss Lacey joins the Immanuel staff following substitute teaching in the Frederick County Public Schools, including teaching 9th grade English. Miss Lacey has been published in The American Conservative and Crisis Magazine.
Erin Lallinger, Office Assistant, 3rd & 4th Grade Latin Teacher
We are pleased to announce that Miss Erin Lallinger has joined the front office staff and serves as 3rd and 4th grade Latin Teacher. Miss Lallinger has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Spanish, and Medicine, Health, & Society from Vanderbilt University and a Masters of Art in Humanities from Ralston College. She has previous experience working as a business analyst for Fairbanks, LLC.
Abby Leithart, Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Abby Leithart returns to the ILS faculty after serving from 2020 -2022 as Kindergarten Assistant Teacher, and then teaching Kindergarten at Peace Academy in Sussex, Wisconsin for the 2022-2023 school year.
Miss Leithart brings to the classroom five years teaching and ten years of professional dance company experience. Miss Leithart has taught youth and adults at City Dance Conservatory (Rockville, MD), Ballet Nova Center for Dance (Arlington, VA), Joy of Motion Dance Center (Washington, DC) and Born2Dance Studio (Vienna, VA).
Miss Leithart received her BFA in dance from Wright State University and has continued her training with additional summer intensives. She was recognized with the Regional Dance America's Northeast Josephine Schwartz Award for best emerging choreographer (RDA) in 2015, and has choreographed a variety of solos and group performances. She has performed around the world, including in Azerbaijan, England, Cuba, Russia, and Ukraine, as well as locally at the Kennedy Center in DC.
Ashley Palmer, 1st Grade Assistant Teacher
Ashley Palmer serves on the Immanuel faculty as our 1st Grade Assistant Teacher. She previously served as Jr. Kindergarten Assistant Teacher.
Mrs. Palmer graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Eastern University (Pennsylvania), where she also served as a Teacher's Assistant and interned at a foster family care agency. She was a legislative assistant in the U.S. Senate for a number of years, handling energy, environmental and financial issues for Senators Rick Santorum and Bob Corker.
Mrs. Palmer has been an active volunteer at ILS since 2014. She is also an active member of Cherrydale Baptist Church, where she assists with various children and youth activities.
Mrs. Palmer and her husband have two children currently enrolled at Immanuel. She is excited to provide instruction and guidance to Immanuel's youngest students and finds great joy in this age group's eagerness for learning and their developing desire for purpose and independence.
Josh Pautz, Upper School Science and Math
Mr. Joshua Pautz is returning to Immanuel to teach Upper School Math and Science! Mr. Pautz has a B.A. in mathematics and fine arts from Hillsdale College and an M.A. in humanities from Ralston College. He previously taught second grade at ILS. Mr. Pautz is excited to share a classical Lutheran education with his students this year, fostering love of God, neighbor, and study.
Kirstin Pfundstein, Tutoring Coordinator & Teaching Assistant
Kirstin Pfundstein serves as Immanuel’s Tutoring Coordinator and teaching assistant after previously serving as 1st grade teacher. Mrs. Pfundstein was raised in Austin and graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. At SMU, Mrs. Pfundstein was an Engineers as Leaders scholar, allowing her to be mentored through the National Science Foundation. She graduated with Bachelor of Science degrees in Management Science and Mathematics and a minor in Business Administration and received the Magna Cum Laude distinction on the American Classical League's National Latin Exam.
Mrs. Pfundstein is excited to share her faith and the joy found in the resurrection of our Savior with students, and she desires to use her gifts in direct service to Christian families wanting a parochial education for their children.
Mrs. Pfundstein and her husband, Mark, welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2020. They are members of Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Crissy Stubbs, 1st Grade Teacher
Mrs. Christina Stubbs serves as Immanuel’s 1st grade teacher. She holds a B.A. in Elementary Education from Alliant International University and a Master of Fine Arts from The George Washington University. She previously taught first grade at Fayetteville Christian School in North Carolina. She and her husband John have one daughter, Emma, who just completed seventh grade at ILS. Mrs. Stubbs has been a member of Immanuel since 2019.
Beth Warner, Jr. Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Mrs. Beth Warner joins the Immanuel faculty serving as Jr. Kindergarten Assistant Teacher.
Mrs. Warner earned her Bachelor of Arts in Lay Ministry from Concordia University Wisconsin and her Master of Arts: Deaconess, from Concordia Theological Seminary - Fort Wayne. Mrs. Warner has been teaching at Hope Academy in Virginia Beach since 2020.
Whitney Work, Director of Advancement
Mrs. Whitney Work earned a Bachelor’s degree in Government from the University of Virginia and was a fellow at UVA's Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. She serves as Immanuel's Director of Advancement, responsible for student recruitment and admissions, fund-development, and community relations, along with the marketing and public relations activities necessary to support these priorities.
Previously, Mrs. Work served on federal, state, and local political campaigns and led two statewide nonprofit advocacy organizations focusing on education and tax policy issues, as well as assisting on the Virginia Governor's transition team on K-12 education.
Mrs. Work and her husband, Ryan, live in Alexandria with their children. They are members of Immanuel, where she has enjoyed serving the congregation as a Sunday School teacher and the co-chair of the Growing in Grace campaign.