Mark Edmiston

Principal, STEAM Teacher

I graduated from Concordia in Nebraska with a degree in Elementary Education. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and three boys, and 3D modeling & printing.

I have served as the principal at ELS since 2020. I first served as a Middle School Science and Social Studies teacher at St. John's Lutheran School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I stepped into the Principal position at St. John's in 2015 and served there until taking a Call in Asheville at ELS. I have also served on 4 National Lutheran School Accreditation Validation Teams in the past.

Denise Ball

Assistant Principal, MS English/Literature Teacher

I have been involved in Christian education for over fifteen years. I earned a BS degree in Interior Design and a minor in Marketing from Western Carolina University and then later received my K-6 Elementary Education certification from the University of Louisiana, Lafayette. I graduated from Western Carolina University with my Masters in School Administration.

In my free time I love playing tennis and being outdoors.

Emily Leatherwood

Director of Admissions

I graduated from Western Carolina University with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in History. After spending several wonderful years teaching first grade, I joined the ELS family as the Admissions Director, which I now consider home and genuinely love.

When I'm not at ELS, you can find me curled up with a good book, snuggling with my dogs, sharing laughter and silly moments with my two boys, or enjoying a cozy Hallmark movie with my husband.

Kimberly Noel

Kindergarten

I have been an early childhood educator at Emmanuel for twenty years; this is my fourteenth year teaching kindergarten and I love it! I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Birth through Kindergarten Education from East Carolina University and am a called teacher for the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

I enjoy crafting, reading, hiking, cooking, and researching new trends and theories in education. I also cherish the time I spend with my husband, Bryan, and our children, Benjamin and Caroline.

Leigh Weaver

Second Grade

I graduated from East Carolina University in Elementary Education in 2012. Go Pirates! I have been teaching for eight years, the majority of those years were teaching 4th grade. This will be my first year teaching 2nd grade and I could not be more excited. I was Teacher of the Year in 2020 at Black Mountain Elementary. I am an Asheville native and just recently moved back with my son Riley who is one. We love being back in the mountains! In my free time I love to bake, spend time with friends and family, and work on DIY projects.

Kiara Studer

3rd Grade, Curriculum Coordinator

I graduated from Concordia University Chicago in 2011 and have spent over a decade in education, teaching for eight years in Peachtree City, Georgia, and five years in Dallas, Texas. I received my Masters of Science in Curriculum and Instruction in 2022. In the summer of 2024, my husband and I moved to Asheville, where I continue to pursue my passion for education by teaching 3rd grade and assisting Emmanuel as our Curriculum Coordinator. I love traveling with my husband, getting lost in a good book, and snuggling with our sweet dog, Parker. We're also excitedly preparing to welcome our first baby in September!

Chelsey Towery

Fourth Grade

I graduated from Mars Hill University with a BA in Elementary Education. I then completed my Masters in Minor to Moderate Special Education from Western Carolina University. I've taught fourth grade at ELS for over 10 years and truly love their age and the curriculum. I am a wife and a mother to three beautiful children. I'm a native to Asheville, so spending time with lifelong friends and family is usually how I spend time outside of school. As a former student of Emmanuel Lutheran School, this place definitely feels like a second home.

Emily Lundquist

Fifth Grade

A Georgia native, I am excited to be back in the South once again. I graduated with a BS in Elementary Education from Concordia University Chicago and maintain an elementary teaching certification with endorsements in middle school language arts and social studies. This is my seventh year teaching. I strive to engage my students in learning through unique, memorable learning experiences that appeal to their own interests.

Outside of teaching, I love to spend time with my husband and our energetic toddler, Emmett. We attend church here at Emmanuel. I enjoy hiking, reading, and playing board games in my spare time.

Mindy Stackhouse

Sixth Grade Homeroom, MS History, Tutor

I attended Concordia University Chicago and graduated in 1995 with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education. I have been teaching for 30 years, and this will be my ninth year at Emmanuel. I am excited to be moving into the middle school as the 6th-grade homeroom teacher and social studies teacher. I am also looking forward to working with students individually or in small groups as the in-house tutor. I have been married to my husband, Ed, for nearly 30 years. We have two adult children and one daughter who is a senior in high school. We also have two grandchildren.

Leigh Ann Conner

Middle School Science

I have two beautiful girls, Eden (13) and Ashlyn (15), and am a WNC OG! I grew up in Haywood County, attended UNCA, and feel like I have lived in every part of Asheville all my life. I have 20 years of teaching experience from Buncombe County Schools, NC Virtual Public School, and Asheville Christian Academy. God has shown me that teaching is a calling and a ministry. Through the years I have been so blessed by my amazing students.

I love to be outdoors—hiking, fishing, running, or playing tennis with friends and family. I also love being an entrepreneur selling my own brand of children's clothing and being a Brand Ambassador for an outdoor company. I am looking forward to seeing what God is going to do in my life and in the lives of my students at Emmanuel Lutheran. God is so good!

Jenelle Lanham

Eighth Grade Homeroom, MS Math

In 2005, I graduated from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois, with a degree in Elementary Education and a concentration in mathematics. I started my teaching career at a Lutheran school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and joined the Emmanuel faculty in 2020.

Tammy Reilly

Art

I grew up in Asheville, then graduated from Western Carolina University, where I met my husband. We have six children and eight grandchildren. I began my career at the Juvenile Detention Center, then taught at Oakley Elementary for 27 years before retiring in 2013. During this time, I earned National Board Certification. I was blessed to teach STEAM at ELS for one year before starting my absolute dream job, teaching Art here!

Jen Jenkins

Physical Education, Athletic Director

I am a graduate of the University of Maryland and have been working in the health and fitness industry for years. I have also been involved in logistics and management for sporting events ranging from the Olympics to triathlons to local 5k's.

I love spending time with my husband Taylor and 2 amazing kids, Tucker and Lorelei, who are my reason for wanting to stay healthy and active and help other kids find their passion to do the same.