Faculty and Staff

Mr. Chris Francik – Principal

About: Mr. Francik was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and moved to Escondido, California when he was six months old. After a childhood in California, Mr. Francik attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and completed his bachelor's degree in education at Concordia University, Nebraska. He earned two master's degrees: Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University, Irvine, California and Educational Administration from Concordia University, Nebraska. Mr. Francik has been married to his wife, Sue, since 2002. They have two teenage sons, Ben and Sam, who are Lutheran school graduates.

Favorite Bible Verse: "I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." – Psalms 121:1-2

Q: What is the most inspiring part of your job?: A: "I enjoy building relationships with the students and their families. These relationships which often span many years allows me to see the work of Jesus in the lives of these individuals over many years."

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Mrs. Blythe MacKinder - Preschool Director

About: Blythe Mackinder is an alumnus of St. Paul School and member of the church. She completed her bachelor's degree in fine arts from Wayne State University. She has completed the 20 Early Childhood Educational credits required to be lead teacher and program Director in the Preschool. She is currently working on completing her master's degree in Curriculum Instruction at Concordia Ann Arbor/Wisconsin. She has been a preschool teacher for over 7 years and the preschool director for 2 years.

She has twin daughters and a son who are currently enrolled at St. Paul. They all enjoy and benefit from being in Christ center classrooms.

Blyth and her husband share a love of baseball, hockey, and spending time together as a family which includes their two dogs Honeysuckle and Trumbull. They all love traveling and going on adventures!

Proverbs 3:10, 25-26, …She is worth far more than rubies…25-26 She is clothed in strength and dignity she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction on her tongue.

What is the most inspiring part of your job? The most inspiring part of her job is watching the children in her class grow. This includes their vocabulary, actions, emotions, and especially love of Jesus!

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Julie Hansen – Administrative Assistant and Admissions Counselor

About: Julie grew up in the Detroit area and has also lived in Pennsylvania and traveled back and forth frequently as a child and young adult. As both a staff member and a proud St. Paul parent, Julie understands the importance of finding the right school for your child. She combines her Bachelor of Nutrition Science degree with over 20 years of administrative and office management experience in healthcare to support families through every step of the admissions process. Julie's goal is to make each parent and student feel welcomed, valued, and part of the St. Paul family from day one. A mom of two St. Paul students, and a proud St Paul PTL leader, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys, caring for her two dogs, and exploring the outdoors.

Favorite Bible Verse: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." – James 1:2-3

Q: What is the most inspiring part of your job? "The most inspiring part of my job is seeing children grow, learn, and thrive here at St Paul, and knowing I can play a role in supporting both them and their families along the way. I love being a part of their journey and helping create a place where they feel safe, valued, and encouraged every day."

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Sue Francik – Church Office Manager

About: Sue grew up in the Detroit area and has since lived in California, Kentucky and Kansas. She has a degree in Business Management and has been working in various business and/or management roles for over 25 years. Most recently, Sue has worked in universities (financial aid and business office) and churches (bookkeeper and business manager). She is passionate about organization, finances, streamlining processes and supporting and helping others whenever and wherever possible. Sue is married to the current principal, Chris Francik, and they have 2 sons in college.

Favorite Bible Verse: "And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age." - Matthew 28:20

Q: What is the most inspiring part of your job? I have the privilege to help people in so many various ways. I love to find a way to brighten someone's day - every day!

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Mrs. Miranda Lorence – Kindergarten

About: Mrs. Lorence was born in Eastpointe, Michigan. She earned her Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education from Baker College and has started working towards her graduate degree at Oakland University.

Favorite Bible Verse: "He who took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." – Mark 9:36-37

Q: What is the most inspiring part of your job?: A: "The most inspiring part of my job is that I get to impact the lives of children and mold the foundation of their education."

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Mrs. Christina Eising – 1st Grade/ Teacher Resource

About: Mrs. Eising was born in Flint, Michigan but moved to Royal Oak when she was five. She received her B.A. in Education from Concordia, Ann Arbor, and her Master's in Learning Disabilities from Wayne State University. She and her husband, Chip have three children who have graduated from our school.

Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

What is the most inspiring part of your job? I love getting to know each child as a person, as a student, and as a child of God, (and, of course, their families, too,) and then helping them imagine the possibilities of what they might do.

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Mrs. Jaclyn Moelich – 3rd & 4th

About: Jaclyn Moelich grew up in Plymouth-Canton. She attended MSU earning a bachelor's and master's degree in special education. After college Mrs. Moe first taught at Eton Academy in Birmingham as a middle school teacher then onto Plymouth-Canton as a middle school resource room teacher. Most recently, she was a program teacher for students impacted by their Autism in Troy. Mrs. Moe has a husband, Rob, who she married here at St. Paul Royal Oak Church! They have two daughters, Mayla and Kenna who attend the preschool here at St. Paul Lutheran School!

Favorite Bible Verse: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you." Matthew 7:7

Q: What is the most inspiring part of your job? A: I enjoy being the students' first experiences with school! I am passionate about instilling a love of learning and an eagerness to participate.

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Mr. Kurt Schmidt – Middle School Grammar & Spelling, Religion & Band

About: Mr. Schmidt was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and was baptized at home two weeks later! After earning his Bachelor of Science in Education degree at Concordia University, Nebraska, he accepted a call to teach band in Lutheran schools throughout metropolitan Houston, Texas. After completing his second year there, Mr. Schmidt was called to serve the congregation of St. Peter's, East Detroit, teaching 6th Graders and band. However, his longest call served was at St. John, Fraser, where he taught 5th Graders, bands, and led the church's brass choir for 16 years. There are other schools among his experiences, including a year at a classical Lutheran school where he taught beginning Latin to his 3rd and 4th Graders, and even online school with middle school and high school students. Mr. Schmidt has three grown daughters, three wonderful sons-in-law, and five grands: Reese and Lewis, Micah (who shares a birthday with his grandpa), and Thomas with his little sister, Piper. Mr. Schmidt, a Type 1 Diabetic, has interests that include classical and jazz music, baseball at any level, college football, and U.S. Presidential history.

Favorite Bible Verse: Cast all your cares upon Him, for He careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Q: What is the most inspiring part of your job?: A: "Hearing a student say something like, 'ooohh, I get it now', especially during a Bible lesson, keeps bringing me back to school confident that the joy in my heart is affecting students, whether they proclaim it aloud or not."

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Miss Julie Thomas – 5th and 6th Grade

About: Miss Thomas grew up in Royal Oak, MI and attended St. Paul as a child. She graduated from Oakland University with her Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education, completed her Colloquy classes through Concordia University's online program, and has started her graduate degree at Concordia Mequon (online program). In her free time she enjoys baking, singing with the choir, spending time with friends, and playing with her pets.

Favorite Bible Verse: "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." – Psalm 46:1

Q: What is the most inspiring part of your job?: A: "The most inspiring part of my job is seeing students live out their faith. I love watching the older students step up and encourage the younger ones. I learn just as much from them as they do from me!"

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Mr. Greg Paul – 5th and 6th Grade Science, Choir, Band

About: Mr. Paul began his college studies at Concordia University, Ann Arbor then transferred to Concordia University, Seward, NE, where he received his B.S. degree in Education with a concentration in church music. Mr. Paul earned a Master's in Organ Performance from Wayne State University in 2003. He serves St. Paul Church and School by playing the organ for worship, directing various choirs and ensembles, and teaching in the middle school.

Favorite Bible Verse: Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:11-13

Q: What is the most inspiring part of your job?: A: Coming Soon

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