Meet the Staff

Each one of our staff members has received at least one teaching degree, regularly attends continuing education seminars and classes, and meets regularly with other teachers in the area to improve teaching. We are a licensed facility and are constantly working to focus on the learning of each individual child. Each staff member would be willing and happy to go the extra mile to make sure that your student is a successful learner.

  • Justin Vilski, Middle Grades Teacher & Principal

    Justin Vilski has a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Martin Luther College. He also holds a Master's of Education degree in Curriculum & Instruction: Teacher Leadership from Concordia University. Mr. Vilski began serving at Shepherd of the Valley in 2024. He has 13 years of teaching and administration experience. Mr. Vilski is always excited to serve the students and families in the school, and he enjoys being a part of a loving Christian community. Mr. Vilski has been married to his wife, Veronica for 18 years and they have three children, two dogs, and a bearded dragon. 

  • Jenny Nelson, Preschool Teacher/Director

    Mrs Nelson has a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Colorado and an Elementary Teaching License from Metro State College of Denver. Mrs. Nelson has over 20 years of experience working with early childhood aged children. She is married and has two children who currently attend SVL. She and her family enjoy learning about God's love together and Mrs Nelson is excited to teach her students how much God loves them too. In addition, Mrs. Nelson likes to hike, read and spend time with friends.

  • Karen Luehring, Lower Grades Teacher

    Miss Luehring serves as the lower grade teacher at Shepherd of the Valley. She graduated from Martin Luther College with her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and is entering her 14th year of teaching. She loves seeing her students grow in their love for learning and Jesus. Along with seeing family and friends, she enjoys exploring Colorado through hiking, running, and backpacking.

  • samantha paul, Upper Grades teacher

    Miss Paul graduated from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. This will be her second year teaching. She was born and raised in the Twin Cities in Minnesota and attended Lutheran Schools from preschool through high school. She enjoys being the 6th -8th grade teacher here at SVL. She enjoys being outside, going on adventures and loves playing and watching sports, especially volleyball and basketball. 

  • Phil Kieselhorst, Pastor

    Pastor Kieselhorst has a Masters Degree in Divinity from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. He has been a pastor for over 20 years and has served congregations in Europe, Oklahoma, and now Westminster, CO. Pastor has been serving SVL since 2008. He is married and has 2 children. He enjoys basketball, baseball, and soccer.

  • Cari Ranger, Church & School Secretary

    Mrs. Ranger has been working at SVL for over 23 years. She is the glue that holds the school and church together! She has an AA degree in Business from Cerritos Community College and a BS in Accounting from CA State University in Long Beach. She is an invaluable part of the school, assisting all teachers as needed. She has been married to husband Len for 27 years and their two children are graduates of SVL and RMLHS. She loves all the kiddos at Shepherd!

  • Sharon Presser, Release Time Teacher

    Mrs. Presser taught the middle grades for over 35 years. She currently serves as the Principal Release Time Teacher. She has experience in teaching grades 1-8. Mrs. Presser holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education.  She is also a facilitator for the Parenting with Love and Logic curriculum. She is married and has 3 grown children. She enjoys every aspect of teaching, especially the uniqueness of each of God's children. In her spare time, she enjoys CU football and her Leadville cabin.