Staff

Matt Pankow - Principal

Principal Pankow arrived at Zion in the fall of 2015. Principal Pankow has been working in the field of education since 1982, including 20 years at Milwaukee Lutheran High School. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from the University of Notre Dame, a Bachelor’s Degree in Science Education from the University of Wisconsin, and a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Concordia University – Wisconsin. Principal Pankow’s wife Rosemarie is a teacher at Brookfield Academy. They have five children: Jacob, Rebecca, Angelina, Daniel, and Sarabeth. His personal mission is to serve God by serving others. Principal Pankow teaches Bible Study for our middle school students.

REV. MICHAEL PFINGSTEN - Pastor

Pastor Pfingsten came to Zion in November, 2012, but has been serving in the ministry since his ordination in 1988. He and his wife, Diana, have two sons who are now graduated from college. Originally from Racine, WI, he says that coming to Zion has been a challenge, but it is also a great joy … and the best part of all has been being around the children, seeing their joy and excitement, and watching them put their faith into practice.

Pastor Pfingsten teaches Bible Study for our middle school students.

CAROLYN KRUSCHEL - Church and School Secretary

A few years ago, a child asked Mrs. Kruschel if she was the Church Principal. It stuck! Mrs. Kruschel is the first voice you hear at Zion if you call on the phone. She is the person every child with a boo-boo will go to for a band aid or ice. Mrs. Kruschel takes care of all of us, teachers included.

BETH EUBANK - 4 Year Old Kindergarten Teacher (4K)

Mrs. Eubank teaches because she wants to help children develop a love for Christ and learning. Mrs. Eubank is a graduate of Kendall College. Mrs. Eubank is married to her husband Michael and together have two grown children Ethan and Rachel. Rachel attended Zion during her middle school years. Mrs. Eubank loves to read, garden, walk and listen to music.

SARA WOLFF - 5 Year Old Kindergarten Teacher (5K)

Mrs. Wolff teaches because she likes to demonstrate Christ’s love to all students, loves to help children know and love Jesus as their Savior and help students grow to the best of their God given abilities. Mrs. Wolff is married to Brian, a Zion graduate. Together they have two children Caleb and Sophia. Mrs. Wolff is a graduate of Concordia University-Wisconsin.

JENNY MC CARTHY – 1st Grade Teacher

Mrs. McCarthy loves kids and seeing how much they grown in faith and knowledge each year. Mrs. McCarthy is married to her husband Dan, and they are the proud parents of Harrison and Ben. A graduate of Concordia University-Wisconsin, Mrs. McCarthy taught in 6th grade prior to coming to Zion. Mrs. McCarthy likes to go for walks with her dog Tucker, camping and anything Disney.

MELISSA MULLIKIN – 2nd and 3rd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Mullikin is a graduate of Concordia University - Wisconsin. She is married to her husband Tyler, together they have a daughter Eloise who attends our child care program. Mrs. Mullikin feels God’s call to spread the word of His Son. She loves the challenge and diversity that teaching offers. She also thinks children are fun!

ADRIENNE BUDNIK – 4th Grade Teacher

Mrs. Budnik has attended a Lutheran school all of her life. She knew that God wanted her to work with His precious lambs. A graduate of Concordia University-Wisconsin, Mrs. Budnik is also a graduate of Zion. Married to her husband Leo, together they have two daughters who also attend Zion. In her free time, Mrs. Budnik likes to bowl, play volleyball, softball and golf, camp, waterski and wakeboard.

Emilie Blanck – 5/6th Grade Homeroom Teacher

Ms. Blanck is at 2019 graduate of Concordia University – Wisconsin. She attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Oconomowoc and Lake Country Lutheran High School. She teaches science and English for our middle school students. Her interests include choir, dance, theatre, volleyball, softball, swimming, Girl Scouts, baking and cooking.

Peter Lorenz – 7/8th Grade Homeroom Teacher

Mr. Lorenz is a graduate of Zion Lutheran School who has been blessed to be Called to return here to teach. He has a passion for Lutheran Education and sees it as an amazing ministry opportunity for the church. Mr. Lorenz earned his teaching certificate from Concordia University – Wisconsin and has been teaching since 2006. He teaches math and social studies for our middle school students. In his free time Mr. Lorenz enjoys time with his wife and children, and loves watching all Wisconsin sports teams.