Meet Your PrincipalNathaniel Schmidtke

I have a passion and fire for Lutheran Education that was instilled in me by my parents at an early age. As I got older, my Father opened my eyes to the love and drive that goes into being a Lutheran Educator.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8

I’m proud to be joining the Lutheran education tradition here at CLS. As we prepare for the 2023-2024 school year we are looking forward to a great year as the students, faculty, and staff grow in the love and grace of Jesus Christ. I am one of a few changes here at CLS, so please visit our faculty page.

Here is a little information about myself:

Family: I have been married to my wife Paola for 5 years. I have four children which are my two older sons Jesus (20), Jose (18), my daughter Marilyn (2), and my youngest son Noah (5 months).

Previous Experience: I began teaching at King of Kings in Fall of 2016. This was my first call and I was blessed to serve there for seven school years.

Education: I graduated from Concordia St.Paul Minnesota in Spring of 2016. My degree is K-6 Elementary Education with a minor in Lutheran Theology. I played football as well during my years at Concordia.

Meet Your PastorPastor Eckhoff

Born and raised in the Springfield area, Pastor Eckhoff returned to Central Illinois to serve as Pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in September of 2005. Pastor can be seen at CLS teaching Confirmation, leading chapel, serving as a substitute or a field trip driver/chaperone.

Meet Your School SecretaryStephanie Belvery

I joined the staff of Christ Lutheran School in 2018 as the school secretary. I bring a wealth of experience gained over the years from a variety of jobs. I have been an office manager, a department manager at a large outdoor retailer and have served as an MP in the United States Army. My husband and I are members of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in East Peoria, IL where I currently chair the church council.

I have three children who all attended Christ Lutheran School with my youngest child graduating in 2008. I am very proud of my children who all faithfully serve God in their vocations. My oldest grandchild attends Christ Lutheran Preschool where he loves learning about Jesus.

I enjoy working with the staff and students at Christ Lutheran, as well as our many parents and volunteers.