Staff
Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz – Pastor
E-mail: [email protected] | Phone: 253-218-4916
Pastor Samuel Schuldheisz was born in Mt. Clemens, Michgian, but grew up in Portland, Oregon. After graduating from Concordia University in Irvine, California in 2004, he began studies and preparation for the pastoral ministry at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. While at seminary he served as a fieldworker at Faith Lutheran Church in Roanoke, IN. He also served as vicar at Trinity Lutheran Church in Palo Alto, CA from 2006-2007. In April of 2008, he was called to Redeemer Lutheran Church in Huntington Beach, where he served for ten years following his ordination on June 29th, 2008. He began serving as pastor at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church on July 22nd, 2018.
On July 23rd, 2005, Pastor Schuldheisz and Natasha were married in San Diego, CA. Since then, their family has been blessed with two beautiful children, Zoe and Jonah. In addition to the joys of family life, Pastor Schuldheisz enjoys reading and writing in the areas of The Inklings (C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien), Lutheran theology, Christian apologetics, and the intersection of theology, literature, and the imagination. Other favorite hobbies and activities include cycling, Lego building, board gaming, and watching hockey and soccer.
Melina Mantey – Office Manager
E-mail: [email protected] | Phone: 253-922-6977
Although born on the East Coast, Melina has spent the majority of her life in the Pacific Northwest. She graduated from Seattle Pacific University in 2008 with degrees in English Literature, Communications, and Professional Writing. Melina has had the opportunity to serve in a variety of office environments, ranging from her local pool, to the Washington State Bar Association, and now Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. In May of 2013 Melina married her husband, Rev. Matthew Mantey, and they grew their family with two furry, four-legged children: a cat named Jasper and a miniature schnauzer named Gatsby. In addition to her office-work, Melina also enjoys a career as a freelance writer. She is currently working on a couple of books that she hopes to find time to finish up soon. When not at work, you can find Melina out in her garden (rain or shine), behind the cover of a good book, or dragging her husband through the aisles of Joanne Fabrics, looking for craft and home decor inspiration.
Natasha Schuldheisz – Preschool Administrator
E-mail: [email protected] | Phone: 253-218-4918
Crystal Waetzig – Preschool Teacher (4/5 Class)
My name is Cristal Waetzig and I will be teaching the 4/5’s class this year. I have been married to my husband, Todd for 33 years. We have two grown daughters, Heather, 28 and Chelsea, 25. We have lived in the Milton/Edgewood area for the last 27 years. We have been members here at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church for 20 years. I am excited to be teaching preschool here at my home church!
I have a bachelors degree in elementary education, with a minor in early childhood education. I attended Concordia Lutheran College in Portland, OR. I also have a masters degree in early childhood education from PLU in Tacoma, WA. I have about 30 years of teaching experience at the early childhood level at various elementary schools and preschools in the local area. I have also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at various Lutheran churches since high school. I love working with little ones and helping them grow and learn to the best of their ability. I also love teaching them about our best friend, Jesus.
It is a privilege and honor to participate in the education of young children. I strive to provide a positive, loving learning environment where all the students feel safe and secure. Children thrive in such an environment. I look forward to getting to know all the children and their families. Thank you for entrusting us with your most precious treasure, your children. I look forward to a great year of learning and growing as we partner together for the good of the children.
Salina Young – Preschool Teacher (3’s Class)
I am blessed to be married to my husband Terry, for 19 years. We have a daughter, Madisyn and son, Jackson who will both attend Mount Rainier Lutheran High School in the Fall of 2018. We enjoy watching them play soccer and basketball, sing in the school choir and play in the school band. We also enjoy playing cards and board games, hiking, fishing and traveling to new places.
I have always enjoyed working with children and have been blessed with opportunities to work and volunteer with youth over the years. When I was in high school I was a counselor for students attending outdoor education camp. While our kids were younger, I worked at the Mel Korum YMCA, for six years teaching ballet, tap and jazz to children. For the past four years, I volunteered in the Beautiful Savior Preschool, teaching creative movement and subbed in the classroom. I began teaching the 3’s in August 2017 and truly feel this is what God has called and prepared me to do. I love teaching the children in our preschool and sharing with them and their families that Jesus loves them.