Our Staff

Director

Beth Marquardt, BS

Water of Life School is blessed to work under the direction of Mrs. Beth Marquardt. Her extensive experience in education, most of which has been in early childhood, make her an invaluable asset for the Water of Life teaching team. Beth has been a classroom teacher for over 30 years. 23 of those years she was also an early childhood director. She has served schools in Montana, Wisconsin, and Arizona. Beth also serves as our 3-year-old preschool teacher.

Her early childhood philosophy is grounded in current research and best practices. Beth holds a Bachelor of Science in Education, has done post-graduate work in Early Childhood Education, and continues to seek professional growth opportunities. She places high importance on staying current in her field and providing the best education for the children in her care.

She currently serves as one of two Early Childhood District Coordinators for the AZ-CA District of the WELS. In this capacity she supports and promotes early childhood ministries and organizes Early Childhood conferences within the district. She is a member of NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children). She is a published author with articles in “Sowers and Seeds,” a WELS educational magazine and the Mailbox (a magazine for teachers). She served as an editor for Christlight, the WELS Early Childhood Bible Study curriculum.

Beth shares her life with Dale Marquardt, her husband of over 40 years. The Marquardts have four grown children, one son-in-law, and one granddaughter. Their oldest daughter also works in Early Childhood Education in jacksonville, Florida.

Beth is a loving, cheerful person who radiates joy in everything she does. She attributes her joyful, tireless service to staff, children, and families to the love she has in Jesus. (Photo by Jennifer Shepherd, JennLynn Photograpy)

Teachers
We are very excited about the talented teaching staff at Water of Life Lutheran School! Together, we have a combined total of over 40 years of experience as educators. We have a passion for teaching, and are looking forward to nurturing the intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual growth of your child. All of our staff have had thorough FBI background checks and have a Sheriff's Card clearing them to work with children.

Sue Heinitz, M.S.Ed.

Mrs Heinitz is an experienced educator with both a Bachelor's degree and Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Martin Luther College, the teacher preparation college for the WELS. In addition to being a gifted educator, she has a great deal of music background- she has extensive experience in leading and directing children’s choir, has additional training in working with children and music, and as a piano teacher. Mrs Heinitz plays piano, organ, and trumpet. She also serves as a church organist.

Sue is a published author; click here to read her article that appeared in the August 2014 issue of Parent's Crosslink, a publication of the Northwestern Publishing House.

Sue is a warm and caring teacher who absolutely loves children! She brings an energy and creativity to her class that instills a love for learning in her students. She is excited to be a part of a ministry that gives her the opportunity to share God’s love with her students and their families.

Mrs Heinitz and her husband have four children who are 16, 14, and 10 year-old twins. (Photo by Jennifer Shepherd, JennLynn Photograpy)

Sarah Burgess, BS

Mrs. Burgess is an experienced teacher with a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Martin Luther College. She has had experience teaching everything from PreK to 6th grade in a variety of settings including public and private school as well as mixed age classrooms and Special Education classrooms. She has taught in Illinois, Wisconsin, Florida, and Nevada. Sarah is a creative teacher who believes that children learn best while having fun. She believes that every student deserves a loving environment to explore and grow in the talents and gifts that God has given them where they can be the best they are meant to be.
Sarah enjoys reading and crafts. She and her husband, Pastor Dan Burgess, have 3 children. They enjoy outdoor activities and playing games as a family.

Note- WELS refers to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, our church's national governing body. Water of Life, Shepherd of the Hills, and Mount Olive are all members of the WELS. Other WELS churches in Las Vegas include Summerlin Lutheran Church, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, and Green Valley Lutheran Church.