2025 Student Life Staff
LSM’s Student Life staff support students through their LSM experience by acting as role models, leaders, mentors, advocates, chaperones and residence assistants. Our Health staff care for the entire LSM student body by addressing health concerns and needs through the month. Simply put: this team of thoughtful and caring individuals will keep an eye out and help your students have an incredible experience! Our Student Life staff are led by our Student Life Director, Student Residence Director, Student Community Director, and Student Health Director.
Dr. Katherine Chung
Student Life Director
A music education advocate and a skilled pianist, Dr. Katherine Chung has led and taught various music programs in diverse settings throughout her teaching career, including choir, band, class piano, music theory, and general music, catering to students from pre-school to college and adult learners. Dr. Chung is deeply committed to music's role in enhancing young people's well-being and is passionate about research that aims to better music education. Her dissertation research titled "A Qualitative Analysis of the Perspectives of Experienced Instrumental Music Ensemble Directors on Today's Music Education and Social and Emotional Learning in Schools" showcases her dedication to this mission. Her research has also gained both national and international recognition at numerous educational conferences, including the National Association for Music Education Biennial Music Research and Teacher Education Conference, the Music Teachers National Association National Conference, the Asian Conference on Education and International Development, and the International Conference on Education and Psychology.
Dr. Chung recognizes music as "a basic human need" that unites communities. She previously served as the executive director of Good Hope Singers, a charitable organization that organized fundraising concerts in Hong Kong until 2019. Since relocating to the United States, she has been actively engaged in leadership roles with different music-educational organizations. She has also served as a federation judge for the Louisiana Music Teachers Association and as a clinician for the Music Teachers National Association Collegiate Chapter of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette). As a performing artist, Dr. Chung regularly collaborates with the music faculty at UL Lafayette. She also performed at the Lutheran Summer Music Faculty Recitals in the summer of 2021 and 2022.
Holding international credentials, Dr. Chung earned her Licentiate in Solo Piano Performance (LTCL) from Trinity College London and completed her Conducting Technique Certification from Hong Kong University SPACE. She holds a Master's degree in Performance Pedagogy (M.M.) and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) from the UL Lafayette, where she serves as adjunct faculty.
Chelsea Hook
Student Residence Director
Chelsea Hook (Yamin) is excited to return to LSM for her third summer as Student Residence Director. She also previously served at LSM as a Residence Counselor in 2019 and 2021.
A licensed Lutheran Classroom Teacher, Chelsea attended Lutheran schools her whole life, from elementary school all the way through college. She graduated from Concordia University - Chicago with a Music Education degree. She previously taught in Houston, Texas, as a Fine Arts and Band Teacher Lutheran North Academy, and at four different Lutheran middle schools. Last summer, she embarked on a cross-country move to begin a new position as a 5-8 band and K-8 choir teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in Janesville, MN. In addition to her teaching, Chelsea is an accomplished percussionist. In her free time, Chelsea likes to hang out with her friends, play video games, and do theater. This spring, she’s performing in the musical, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which will be her first time back on stage since 2017!
This summer at LSM, Chelsea is looking forward to meeting new students, seeing the returning ones, and creating new memories with the LSM community. (Although she will be missing her husband and two cats.)
Karl Segletes
Student Community Director
Karl Segletes currently teaches in the Manheim Central School District where he teaches 5th and 6th Grade General Music and co-directs the Middle School Band program including the 5/6 Concert Band, the 7/8 Concert Band, and the Middle School Jazz Band. Karl also serves as the Director of Music Ministries at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA where he conducts the Chancel Choir and Bell Choir and works with numerous ensembles including their Worship Band and various instrumentalists.
Karl earned his Master of Music in Music Education from Temple University, his Kodaly Level I & II Certification from Westminster Choir College at Rider University, and his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College. Karl has completed graduate work at The University of the Arts, St. John’s Seminary, and the Church Music Institute at Shenandoah University. Currently, Karl is working towards his Master of Divinity degree with a concentration in Systematic Theology from Luther Seminary and is in candidacy with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to become a Minister of Word & Service (Deacon).
Karl first connected with LSM through his attendance at the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians conference, and is excited to become part of the community this summer and connect with LSM students!
Cheryl Slack (DNP, RN, CNE)
Health Director
Cheryl is excited for her third year at LSM, to work with the fabulous faculty and staff, and the very talented students.
As a Clinical Assistant Professor Emeritus, Cheryl has been part of the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Valparaiso University for almost 20 years, and has been a Certified Nurse Educator by the National League for Nursing for 18 years. Cheryl earned her BSN from Valpo, MS in Parent-Child Health Nursing from Rush University in Chicago, and her Doctor of Nursing Practice from VU. Her nursing career started at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago (now known as Lurie Children’s) in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. She became a clinical nurse specialist and nurse educator at LaRabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago serving children with chronic illnesses and special needs. Her pediatric career expanded in both home care and a local PICU. Then the opportunities changed to adult care through the Visiting Nurse Association and Franciscan Health ER in Dyer, IN. She loved serving as an Asthma Camp Nurse for three summers for the American Lung Association camp in Lake Geneva, IL. In her career at VU, she has guided clinical student groups through their obstetric, pediatric, critical care, community/public health and practicum experiences at multiple clinical locations in Chicago and Indiana. Cheryl collaborated with five different community school corporations in NWI and rotated her students through the elementary and high schools paired with the school nurses.
As a Lutheran and a musician, Cheryl grew up in the Missouri Synod with strong examples from her parents and grandparents. Her grandfather was a church organist and Lutheran school principal. Cheryl took piano and organ lessons growing up, and she accompanied and sang in the Schaumburg High School choir in Illinois. A memorable VU experience was playing the Chapel organ during the weekly Friday organ practicum group.
Cheryl currently serves the community by volunteering as a driver for Meals on Wheels and volunteers as an Adult Group facilitator for the VNANWI Phoenix Center (serving children who grieve a loss). She has served as a Stephen Minister for seven years through her ELCA church at Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso. Her hobbies include gardening, cooking, attending music and theatre events, games, cards, puzzles with friends.
Cindy Bobcek
Nurse
Cindy is excited to return to LSM for a second year as a camp nurse!
Cindy earned her BSN from Goshen College. She has worked as a staff nurse on pediatric, medical-surgical, and obstetric hospital units and in a family practice office.
Cindy earned her MSN in Nursing Education from VU. She was an adjunct clinical instructor for pediatric rotations. Most recently, she worked as Nurse Educator for Mother/Baby and Pediatrics at Northwest Health Porter in Valparaiso from which she retired at the end of 2023.
Cindy loves music! She took piano lessons for many years and was spurred on to start practicing again after experiencing all the musical talent at LSM last year!
Angela Michaels
Nurse
My name is Angie Michaels. I have been a nurse for five and half years. For four years, I have worked as a school nurse in the Washington Township school district in Valparaiso, IN. I am also an American Heart Association CPR Instructor, and I have been leading certification classes and trainings for three years, including training the student life staff at Lutheran Summer Music. I enjoy going on adventures with my family. We love to be outdoors ,exploring whenever we can. I also enjoy hosting at my house and cooking for family and friends. I am outgoing and love trying new things and meeting new people!
Sophie Grube
Health Assistant
Musical background: I played clarinet for 5 years throughout middle school and high school. I did concert band, jazz band, and pep band as well as competed in Solo & Ensemble.
Nicknames: Soph : )
Hometown: West Lafayette, IN (Home of the Purdue Boilermakers)
Favorite snack: Ants on a log
Pets: 2 cats (Max & Ruby)
Hobbies: Tennis, arts and crafts, hiking, kayaking, reading, yoga, spending time with friends, volunteering/community service
Fun facts: I know how to make origami paper cranes. I am left-handed. I have submechanophobia (fear of man-made or mechanical objects underwater).
What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I am looking forward to returning to LSM this summer, seeing all the returning students, getting to know the campers and watching them perform and grow in their music skills!
Emilio Cantú
Residence Counselor
What’s your musical background, and what instrument(s) do you play? I come from a long line of Trumpet players, including my grandpa, dad, older brother, and twin brother. I started playing violin and trumpet in elementary school, but eventually just chose to focus on the trumpet when I got to middle school. In high school I was in my school's pep band, marching band, jazz band, Wind Ensemble, and orchestra while doing some instrumental work for the choir when needed. I am now currently a junior music education major at Valparaiso University, partaking in our Chamber Concert band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra.
Do you have any nicknames? N/A
Where are you from/what’s your hometown (city & state)? Munster, IN
What’s your favorite snack? Swedish Fish, but specifically the minis. Regular Swedish fish are inferior.
Do you (or your family) have any pets? N/A
What’s your favorite way to make or experience music? My favorite way to make and experience music is definitely in an ensemble setting. Successfully making music with like minded individuals can be one of the most accomplishing experiences someone can have in my opinion.
What hobbies do you have, or what do you like doing in your free time? I really like playing Bags/Cornhole. Love Hiking, even though I haven't got the chance to go to many national parks, but I definitely plan to in the near future! I also love playing Mario Kart!
Any random/fun/weird facts about yourself you’d like to share? I have a twin brother who is 3 minutes older than me.
What are you excited about/what are you looking forward to at LSM? I'm very much looking forward to creating long lasting memories and to build new friendships while also learning and growing with everyone else!
Blaise Cormier
Residence Counselor
Musical background: I began playing trombone in elementary school band in 5th grade and continue to play at the university level (at UL-Lafayette) today.
Do you have any nicknames? No.
Hometown: I am from Lafayette, Louisiana.
Favorite snack: Cheese sticks.
Pets: I have a dachshund Jack Russell mix named Coley.
Favorite way to make music: My favorite way to make music is by playing in chamber ensembles with my friends.
Hobbies: I play pickleball and often compete in local tournaments.
What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I'm looking forward to interacting and building relationships with people that live very far away from where I’m from.
Chris DeGard
Residence Counselor
Musical background: I've been singing in choirs since 6th grade singing any part from Tenor I to Soprano I! I am currently in the Valparaiso University Chorale and Chamber Choir, and I've been in the VU New Music Ensemble. I have taken a semester study in woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion instruments and I've studied piano for a few years, but I am a vocal primary.
Do you have any nicknames? Just Chris!
Hometown: Knox, Indiana
Favorite snack: Chocolate covered pretzels.
Pets: A cat named Echo.
Favorite way to make music: I love performing in smaller settings, especially chamber groups when only 1-2 people are on a part, because you're able to completely lock into the chords while getting to know each other on a personal level.
Hobbies: I love playing board and card games, listening to music, and hanging out with friends.
Fun facts: I knew I wanted to be a choir teacher and pursue a degree in music education since 6th grade, but I also plan to get a bachelor's in English someday!
What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I'm excited to get to know everyone participating in LSM and make some great music together!
Jonah Dennis
Residence Counselor
Musical background: My main instrument is the French horn, which I have been playing since the end of 7th grade. I actually used to take lessons with Dr. Bruce Atwell (who you may recognize as the horn teacher here at LSM!) before he retired from UW-Oshkosh. Horn is my passion, but as an Instrumental Music Education Major, I have taught myself to play many different instruments over the years. I have always played piano, and I have taken secondary trumpet, but the most surprising instrument that I never would have thought I would get to perform on are the quad tenor drums! I am now the tenor drum section leader in the Titan Thunder Marching Band at UWO, and I am so glad to be a part of the drumline there.
Hometown: I grew up in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, where we pride ourselves on being the “Troll Capital of the World.”
Favorite snack: My favorite snack is a nice, crisp, sweet apple (preferably Pink Ladies). Those are the best!
Pets: My family has had a lot of pets (and different species of pet) over the years. Currently, we have 5 cats and a new batch of chickens, but we have had dogs, fish, a snake, hermit crabs, a walking stick, rabbits, and ducks (not all at the same time).
Favorite way to make music: My favorite way to make music is in chamber ensembles, where the music is challenging and soloistic, but you still get the interaction with other musicians. I currently play in a woodwind quintet at college, and we like to call ourselves “The Windstorm Quintet.”
Hobbies: I enjoy fishing, playing board games, composing music, baking/cooking/grilling, studying war history/reading autobiographies, collecting coins and bottle caps, and drinking an astronomical amount of chai tea.
Fun facts: Ich habe seit Gymnasium Deutsch studierst, und Ich wünsche eines Tages, zu Deutschland besucht. (I’ll leave it up to you to Google Translate that!)
What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I am returning to my third summer at LSM as a counselor, and while I am excited to work with many of the students from last year, I am also eager to meet some new faces! I am hoping to help new counselors find their feet, as I fondly remember how the more senior counselors showed me the ropes my first year. I really enjoy the daily routine of it all, beginning with meeting students for breakfast, going to morning prayer, and then off to a full day of activities for every member of the LSM community. The 4th of July festivities are always fun to prep for, and I hope the students this year will have as much fun as the counselors usually do!
Allie Eggen
Residence Counselor
Musical background: I started learning saxophone when I was 10, and continued to play it through middle and high school. I have played in concert, jazz, pit, and marching bands. I recently graduated from Augsburg University with a Bachelor of Music in music education. My favorite instrument to learn during that process was trombone!
Nicknames: Allie is a nickname! My full name is Allison :)
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Favorite snack: Buttered popcorn and Dr. Pepper
Pets: My family has two dogs, Lily and Tyler.
Favorite way to make music: I've started doing Karaoke with my dad which has been super fun!
Hobbies: In my free time I like to read or play sudoku.
Fun facts: I have a twin brother!
What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I am looking forward to meeting new people who enjoy music and making new music with them!
Amaya Livingston
Residence Counselor
Musical background: I play the cello! I have been playing it for over a decade now. I am mainly self taught as well. I also play in orchestras and musicals.
Hometown: Rockford, Illinois
Favorite snack: Dark chocolate and gummy candy with juice in it
Pets: One 3 year old dog (teddy bear breed)
Favorite way to make music: I love playing music with others! I love listening to different genres of music and mixing them with other music genres.
Hobbies: If I’m not watching YouTube videos, I am looking/listening to new music. I also love organizing things and being in nature.
Fun facts: I like lifting weights. I used to do shot put and discus in high school. I loveee Yo Yo Ma. I love helping people, so if you need anything, don’t be afraid to ask!
What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I am excited to be surrounded by musical people and play music with everyone! I cant wait to learn new things and help others with their musical journeys.
Romarro Nealy
Residence Counselor, LSM Alum
Musical background: I have done 9 years of choir. I’ve always been a music head since I was young, so music always been a big part of my life. I sing, play a bit of piano, and tried saxophone once.
Nicknames: One of my nicknames is Roro.
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pets: I have a dog named Sophia.
Favorite way to make music: Listening to a song, or writing a song that captures a moment you’re feeling. Or in the shower.
Hobbies: I like to play video games, watch anime, write songs from time to time and listen to music, and hanging out with my family.
Fun facts: I have two songs that are actually out! I once sprained my ankle playing badminton in gym. I had put pepper in my eyes twice when I was little.
What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I am excited to see some of the staff I haven’t seen in a while, and enjoy this year with my little sis at LSM. (She’ll be a student.)
Holly Simpson
Residence Counselor
Musical background: Voice is my primary instrument. But I also play piano, drums, and guitar. I am graduating this spring with my Bachelor’s in Choral Music Education from The University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh.
Nicknames: My dad calls me Hollybear.
Hometown: Oshkosh, Wisconsin
Favorite snack: Sweet strawberries or cheddar SunChips
Pets: No pets sadly.
Favorite way to make music: I love being in musicals or singing opera, most likely because I love telling stories. I also love choir and contemporary worship music.
Hobbies: I love cooking. I also love being on stage performing, or teaching students.
Fun facts: If I didn’t go into music, I talked about going into chiropractic care. I also told people, as a child, I wanted to go and work in Hollywood because my name was Holly. But music education is the best choice for me!
What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I love working with the students, and seeing them all grow through the month.
Olivia Sobel
Residence Counselor
Musical background: I started learning piano at the age of 2 and started learning violin at the age of 6. I am a classically trained pianist and was a Suzuki violin student. I am currently a Music Education major at Valparaiso University, where I study violin with Dr. Diego Piedra and perform in the symphony orchestra (violin/viola), chamber concert band (percussion), jazz ensemble (vibraphone and guitar), and New Music Ensemble (violin and percussion). As a concerto competition winner, I performed Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5 Allegro Aperto this past spring with the VU Symphony Orchestra. Outside of this, I am a worship leader, perform in a string quartet, as a substitute violinist for the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra, and play electric guitar in a band!
Nicknames: Most people call me Liv.
Hometown: I am from Elburn, Illinois.
Favorite snack: M&Ms
Pets: I have three dogs - Scout, Bear, and Moose
Favorite way to make music: I love a good jam session. I think there is something special about just playing music with others - no rules, no pressure, only expression. The energy and creativity are freeing and inspiring. Jam sessions remind me of the power that music has to bring people together, especially when we can get so caught up in our musical studies.
Hobbies: Other than playing music, I like to go hiking, sailing, and rock climbing.
Fun facts: I auditioned for colleges as a pianist, only to find out my passion and love for the violin was greater (it is now my primary).
What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I am excited about meeting and working with the students and being a part of the LSM community!
Isabella Trevino
Residence Counselor, LSM Alum
Musical background: I have been playing the flute since I was in 6th grade! Since then I've played in various bands, orchestras, and mixed ensembles. I also know how to play some piano, guitar, and more!
Nicknames: I go by Isa sometimes!
Hometown: McKinney, TX
Favorite snack: Extra cheddar goldfish!
Pets: I have a dog named Mr. Darcy, and two apartment cats named Nancy and Toe.
Favorite way to make music: I love playing in ensembles and making music with a shared goal in mind. It really always moves me playing and hearing a large ensemble, really experiencing all the emotions through music.
Hobbies: I love reading in my free time, it's my favorite pastime! I also love doing puzzles and watching movies.
Fun facts: I am a first-generation American, and I’m bilingual!
What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I'm excited to be a part of this lovely community again! Ready for another summer of music making, laughter, and fun times!
Micah Truesdell
Residence Counselor, LSM Alum
Musical background: I started piano at age 6 then transitioned to cello at 9. I still enjoy both, but have continued my musical journey on the cello as a music major at the University of Iowa.
Nicknames: The only thing that comes to mind is "Truze" which has only really been used by my high school cross country coach.
Hometown: I've moved around a couple times, but I would consider my home to be Sioux Center, Iowa, which is also where I graduated high school.
Favorite snack: Nerd Clusters. I know they are more of a candy, but I eat them more like a snack because I like them so much.
Pets: My family has one dog, Lucy, who will be 8 this summer. She is a cocker spaniel-poodle mix and loves to be pet.
Favorite way to make music: My favorite way to make music would have to be in a smaller chamber setting, where each person is equally crucial to the ensemble yet the music is still shared amongst a group. My favorite way to experience it though might be jamming out to music in the car with friends.
Hobbies: I love running. I've run one marathon and hope to run more in the future, but I also just enjoy running just for the sake of going outside and getting exercise.
Fun facts: I once solved a Rubik's Cube in 7 seconds. While I can't do it nearly that fast anymore, I hope to carry one with me around campus for fun. Feel free to ask me about it!
What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I'm excited to spend time building friendships with students and enjoying the few free summers I have left!