School Staff
Sarah Arnold – Secretary
Mrs. Sarah Arnold started working at Trinity in 2016. She started over at the daycare, then in 2019 went to be the Church Secretary. She currently serves as the School Secretary. She was born and raised in Greenville, IL. She received her Associates degree in Computer Programming / Specialist. She met her husband Wayne in January 2000 and married in January 2007. She has two children named Alivia and Avery. She enjoys watching her son play sports at Trinity. The Arnold family lives in the country along with her chickens, cats and along with three turtles. When she isn’t taking her son to sport activities, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her favorite scripture is Proverbs 16:24 “Kind words are like honey sweet to the soul.”
Dave Klein – Junior High Teacher
Mr. Klein received his BS from Concordia Nebraska in 1984 and his MS from Concordia Mequon in 1995. He has taught various grades in Florida, Wisconsin and Illinois. He also served as a Principal in Louisiana and Illinois. He has served at Trinity in Centralia since 1999. He is married with two grown children and one grandchild.
Christina DeBoard – 3rd & 4th Grade Teacher
Mrs. Christina DeBoard has been at Trinity Lutheran School since August of 1994. She taught 3rd grade until they combined classes. Then, she taught 3rd and 4th grade. In 2019, Mrs. DeBoard was asked to be principal. Currently, she is teaching 3rd and 4th grade along with other various classes including technology classes for all students. She also leads the Kids of Praise (KOP).
Mrs. DeBoard’s husband, Jeff, is a math teacher at Woodlawn High school. They have 2 daughters and they are also teachers. Cassie and her husband, Shawn Hill in the Centralia area. Cassie teaches 4th grade at Willow Grove. Corinne is a high school Math teacher at Centralia High School.
Melissa Conner – 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher
Hi, my name is Melissa Conner. I’m super excited to be the 1st/2nd Grade teacher here at Trinity Lutheran School. Many years ago, I decided to become a teacher, primarily because my past teachers had been wonderful influences for me as a child, I was also a young mother and I felt that I was already a teacher of sorts. That journey took me almost five years to accomplish & by then I had children in my home regularly so I felt satisfied with my career choice.
After graduation at RLC and SIU-C, I substitute taught for a year before I found my first teaching position. I worked as a 7th grade science teacher for four years. After that I worked as a 2nd grade teacher for four years, then taught 2nd & 4th grade for Math & Reading. I’ve also worked as a daycare teacher/director for almost six years, along with a variety of jobs in different areas and all across the occupation spectrum. I am very versatile and have had a variety of occupations that eventually led me here.
I am the mother of two wonderful daughters, ages 31 and 33. I’ve also been blessed with a granddaughter who will be six years old on the 31st. Most recently on my birthday, I got a new puppy. My puppy’s name is Gypsy Jane and she’s a Yorkshire terrier. I have waited my whole life to get her.
Tarra Persing – Kindergarten
Tarra Persing comes to Trinity with a degree from Greenville University and a great heart for children! Tarra has experience in Early Childhood Education and creates a welcome learning environment for her students!
Ashley Thompson – Preschool Teacher
Mrs. Thompson has years of experience an an incredible talent for working with young people. Her love for kids shines though and we are blessed to have her at Trinity!
Summer Crunk – Jr. High Teacher
Tony Starr – Custodian
Mr. Anthony Starr is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and serves currently as the custodian for Trinity Lutheran School. He has been with Trinity since October 2011. He was born and raised in Centralia. Tony’s favorite thing he likes about working at Trinity is Lunch Time. His favorite hymn is “Do Lord”. His favorite scripture is John 3:16 and Psalm 117:1-2. His favorite food is chicken but he enjoys any kind of food.