School Staff

Mr. Tery Hoeft – Principal (Minister to the Day School), 7th & 8th Grade

Mr. Terry Hoeft is the principal at St. Paul Lutheran School. A local boy, he was born and raised here in the Detroit area. He and his wife of 39 years, Karen, now live in Livonia. Their three sons are all married and live in the Detroit area. The Hoefts also have four grandchildren. A commitment to Lutheran education runs in the family, as Terry's wife, one son and two daughters-in-law teach in local Lutheran schools. Terry received his Bachelor of Science degree from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska, where his major was math and his minor was English. Terry developed a deep love for children and teaching math as a teacher for nine years at St. Paul's in Farmington Hills. He was principal there for two years. He was also with E&L Transport Company for 29 years as Senior Vice President of Administration. In his spare time, Terry enjoys golf, fishing, Fantasy Football and all sports — especially hockey and basketball.

Ms. Joanne Bierwirth – Preschool/Extended Care Director

Joanne Bierwirth was born in Detroit and has lived in Berkley all her life. She received her BSN with a minor in Developmental Psychology in 1975 from WSU. She finished her Colloquy classes at Concordia, Ann Arbor. She enjoys gardening, painting, swimming, traveling, reading, and time with her grandchild.

Mrs. Barbara Costakes – Kindergarten

Mrs. Costakes graduated from Michigan State University with a dual major in Child Development and teaching. She has taken graduate courses at MSU and has completed the Colloquy Program at Concordia University. She has four grown children and three grandchildren. Her hobbies include family activities, reading, walking, and swimming.

Mrs. Christina Eising – 1st Grade

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 attend our school.

Miss Courtney Wahl – 2nd Grade

Courtney Wahl was born in Scottsdale, Arizona. She attend Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan where she received a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a Major in Kinesiology, a Minor in Integrated Science and a Lutheran Teaching Diploma. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hiking, kayaking, reading, photography, traveling, playing many sports and coaching.

Mrs. Jackie Brooks – 3rd Grade, Part-time

Bio coming soon...

Mrs. Rita McClatchey – 3rd & 4th Grade

Mrs. McClatchey was born in Melrose Park, Illinois, outside of Chicago. She attended Concordia, River Forest with a teaching degree in elementary and secondary education. She has done further studies at Wayne State and Saginaw Valley State College. Mrs. McClatchey has three grown children who all went to school here at St. Paul.

Miss Valerie Winston – 5th & 6th Grade

Miss Winston was born and raised in the city of Detroit. She graduated from Holy Cross Lutheran School and Lutheran High School West, both in Detroit. She received a BA in Elementary Education from Concordia University in River Forest, IL. She has taught at schools in Long Beach, CA, Chicago, IL and in Detroit. Her hobbies include reading, cooking, writing, and visiting northern Michigan whenever possible.

Mr. Richard Mahler – 3rd-8th Grade PE & Computer Classes

Mr. Mahler was born in Chicago. He attended Concordia, Seward, Nebraska, where he earned his B.S. in education. He has taken graduate courses at Wayne State. Mr. Mahler has served congregations in Detroit and Flint. His hobbies include woodworking, refinishing furniture, and making things from stained glass.

Mr. Greg Paul – Choir & Band

Mr. Paul began his college studies at Concordia University, Ann Arbor for two years and then transferred to Concordia University, Seward Nebraska where he received his B.S. degree in Education with a concentration in church music in 1984. Mr. Paul Completed a Masters in Music in Organ Performance from Wayne State University in 2003. He serves as Minister of Music for St. Paul Church and School playing the organ for worship and directing various choirs and ensembles. Mr. Paul's hobbies include running and playing a variety of musical instruments.

Mrs. Sandy Gostiaux – Kindergarten Aide

Mrs. Gostiaux grew up in Sterling Heights. She moved to Royal Oak with her husband in 1992. She has many years experience working with children. She has been involved with PTA, worked as a lunch monitor, and subbed for the secretary and Para-professional at Oakland Elementary in Royal Oak. Sandy enjoys reading, relaxing at her cabin, and watching her boys' sporting events.

Miss Marianne Gorbold – Preschool Aide

Bio coming soon...

Mrs. Sue Trepanier – Administrative Assistant

Sue Trepanier started working at St. Paul in June of 1990. Sue is married with 2 grown children, Michael, and Grace, who both attended St. Paul Lutheran School. When not in the office, Sue enjoys gardening, reading, crocheting, spending time with family and friends, and vacationing with her husband.

Mr. Kevin Cavanaugh – Custodian

Kevin Cavanaugh was born and raised in Michigan. He married his wife Tonya in 2009. They have two daughters, Biasa and Tyra who now takes up most of their free time. When he can get away, he enjoys playing drums at his church and with his band. He also enjoys riding his Harley and fishing.