Christ the Life Lutheran Church & School
Our Staff
Pastor Christopher Bushre was born in Wiesbaden, Germany, to a military father (Air Force) and a mother who was a lifelong Registered Nurse, now retired. He also lived in Denver, CO, and St. Louis, MO, growing up, but considers the Detroit, MI, area his hometown.
Pastor Bushre attended college at Concordia University, Ann Arbor, Michigan, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree and double major in Biology and Religious Studies, in 1998. He also met his wife, Julie, while attending there. He then attended seminary at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, graduating with a Master of Divinity in 2003. He served as Pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lyons, Nebraska, for five years, and St. John’s Lutheran Church, Geneseo, Illinois, for ten years, before being called to Christ the Life.
Pastor Bushre and Julie have been married for 24 years and have three children: son, Aidan, 22, daughter, Allison, 20, and son, Declan, 15.
In his spare time, Pastor Bushre plays the drums and guitar a bit, enjoys reading, watching football, and is an avid griller - Charcoal only! Never gas! :)
Mrs. Julie Bushre
Early Childhood Director
Director of Christian Outreach
I was born in Springfield, OH, and raised in Troy, OH. I graduated from Troy High School in 1995, and attended Concordia University in Ann Arbor, MI. I graduated from Concordia in April of 2000 with a BA in Elementary Education, Music Education with my Lutheran Teacher Diploma. I began my educational ministry career in St. Charles, MO in January of 2000. In June of 2011, I graduated from Western Governors’ University with a Master’s Degree in Education, Biological Sciences, grades 5-12.
I have been blessed to serve all age levels in the classroom from kindergarten through seniors in high school – and now I am adding preschool. I love working with children, and love seeing them learn through exploring and hands on activities. However, MOST of all I LOVE watching children grow in their faith life through God’s word and singing His praises. That is a joy that we are blessed to experience in a Lutheran Christian school.
I am excited to be part of the CTL team, working with our staff and supporting the work we do together. I have been Called to serve as Director and Preschool Teacher, so you will see me in the office, in the classroom, and helping out, wherever I can, in the STEAM Lab. One of my favorite things about Christ the Life is our Nature Center and trails! I'll continue to work at expanding and enriching the learning that is happening out there.
And, yes, Pastor Bushre is my husband. We met in college and were married in September of 2001. We have 3 children: Aidan (7/31/03), Allison (10/14/05), and Declan (10/20/10).
Ms. Colleen Duero
STEAM Lab Teacher
Colleen originally joined the Christ the Life team in 2013 when she worked part time in various teaching roles. As the program grew, we were blessed to bring her on as our full time Lead STEAM Lab Teacher starting in 2020. Colleen’s dedication to teaching our little ones and her love for God’s creation make her a huge asset to CTL.
Colleen enjoys spending time with her family and friends including her cat (Kittie) and tortoise (Pickles). Her free time is usually spent enjoying the outdoors.
Miss Jaelynn EagleBoy
Preschool & STEAM Lab Assistant Teacher
I recently graduated from high school in 2026 and am continuing my education at WCTC, where I am working toward my goal of becoming an elementary teacher. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, being outdoors, and listening to music!
I have always had a love for working with children, and I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to learn and grow with our preschoolers. Most importantly, I love being able to teach my students about Jesus and everything He has done for us! Christ the Life has an amazing team that feels like family, and I’m so excited for all the learning, laughter, and memories to come!
Mrs. Mollie Gengler
STEAM Lab Assistant Teacher
I am so excited to be the assistant teacher in the STEAM lab! I heard about Christ the Life from one of my daughter’s friends who attended when she was younger. She spoke so highly of the wonderful staff, outdoor exploration area, and Christ-centered focus, and I quickly fell in love with the school as well.
As a mother of two little ones, I know how important these early years are as children’s brains are constantly making connections, exploring, and learning new things. While my teaching experience is primarily in math, I am eager to bring my love of learning and enthusiasm for hands-on exploration in the STEAM lab to help your children learn, discover, and grow!
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, baking, walking outside, doing Zumba classes, and being the co-leader of my daughter’s Girl Scout Troop.
Mrs. Amy Harrell
Preschool Teacher
Mrs. Suzie Prittie
Preschool Teacher
I joined the Christ the Life team in September of 2021 as a substitute teacher/teacher's assistant. With my youngest child off to kindergarten, I was eager to get back into the education world. My daughter attended preschool at CTL, where I fell in love with the close-knit community, nature-based curriculum and beautiful property. I knew working here would be a great fit and it would continue to grow my love for working with children. I am passionate about the idea that each child learns in different ways, and I love how the Christ the Life preschool program offers a multitude of ways for children to grow their faith, knowledge, imagination, social skills, and love of nature. It is incredibly rewarding.
I grew up in the Waukesha area all of my life. I graduated from Kettle Moraine High School and attended college at UW-Whitewater, where I earned a bachelors degree in Elementary Education with a Child Psychology minor. I currently live in Waukesha with my husband Bryan and two daughters, Hailey and Jordyn. In my free time, I enjoying baking with my daughters, getting lost in a good book, watching Packers games, and going for family walks with our dog.
Miss Cordelia Reinfeldt
STEAM Lab Assistant Teacher
I am a second-year student at WCTC, furthering my education so I can become a preschool teacher. In my free time I love to do arts and crafts, spend time with my family, and bake.
I have always enjoyed working with children. As a homeschool student I was able to volunteer in an art classroom where my love for teaching flourished. I can’t wait to work with your kids this year!
Mrs. Van Allen joined the team at Christ the Life in August 2019. She brings with her many years of experience in early childhood – both in teaching and administrative roles. In fact, her first teaching position was at Christ the Life in 2002! She now enjoys working ‘behind the scenes’ to keep things running smoothly for both the church and early childhood programs.
Becki earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from UW-Milwaukee and more recently completed the Early Childhood Administrator Credential. She currently lives in Waukesha with her husband, Jeff, and their dog, Dexter. Together, they enjoy camping, fishing, boating, and gardening.