2026 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, Family Liaison, and Student Health Director.

Karl Segletes

Student Life Director

Karl Segletes is a Pennsylvania-based educator, church musician, and administrator whose work is rooted in ministry, teaching, and the formation of faithful musicians. He is pleased to return to Lutheran Summer Music for his second summer, having been introduced to LSM through the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) and through sending students to the program.

Karl holds a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Systematic Theology from Luther Seminary, where his studies emphasized worship and liturgy in the life of the church. He also earned a Master of Music in Music Education from Temple University, focusing on music technology pedagogy and the relationship between musical self-worth and musical achievement. Committed to active and engaged music-making, Karl completed Kodály Level I and II certification at Westminster Choir College of Rider University. He is a graduate of Gettysburg College, an ELCA college, where he earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the Sunderman Conservatory.

Karl serves as Director of Music Ministries at St. Peter Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, where he oversees a wide range of musical ensembles, including choirs, handbells, worship band, and instrumentalists. In this role, he seeks to equip and empower others to lead the congregation’s song as a central practice of worship and communal faith. He is an endorsed candidate for Minister of Word and Service (Deacon) in the ELCA, with areas of specialization in Worship & Music and Administration.

In addition to his ministry work, Karl teaches in the Manheim Central School District, where he teaches fifth- and sixth-grade general music, online academy music courses, and co-directs the middle school band program, including two concert bands and a jazz band. He also serves on the school’s Student Assistance Program (SAP) and Check & Connect teams, walking alongside students who face a variety of academic, social, and personal challenges as a trusted adult and advocate.

Karl is committed to the formation of the next generation of musicians and educators and regularly serves as a cooperating teacher and fieldwork mentor for pre-service educators. He is grateful to serve on staff at Lutheran Summer Music, where he accompanies students as they grow musically, intellectually, and in their understanding of vocation and community.

Rebekah Schulz

Student Life & Family Liaison, LSM Alum

Rebekah Schulz (LSM '94 & '95) serves as the Youth Choir conductor at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN.  She has been a church musician for parishes in Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. In addition to her calling as a church musician, Bekah serves her community as a special education teacher in the Saint Paul (MN) Public Schools. 

While Bekah holds music degrees from St. Olaf College and Luther Seminary, as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of St. Thomas (Saint Paul, MN), her greatest teachers continue to be her students and own children. In her spare time, she enjoys singing Bach and other early music with the Elm Ensemble.

Bekah is thrilled to return to LSM and is looking forward to creating community with the students and families!

Chelsea Hook

Student Residence Director

Chelsea Hook (Yamin) is excited to return to LSM for her fourth 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. In the last year, she’s performed in musicals, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Anne of Green Gables,” and “Once Upon a Mattress.”

This summer at LSM, Chelsea is looking forward to meeting new students, seeing the returning ones, and creating new memories with the LSM community, and she’s excited to be close enough to home to say hello once or twice to her husband and two cats.

Dr. Johanna Christensen (DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC)

Health Director, LSM Alum

Johanna Christensen (LSM 2002–2003; Counselor 2008) serves as Health Director for Lutheran Summer Music and is honored to support the health and well-being of the LSM community.

A nurse for 18 years, she brings experience in rural travel nursing, emergency care, and public health with the Minnesota Department of Health, and is board-certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) and a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). As the owner of Clear Sky Wellness, PLLC, she has developed a clinical model that integrates urgent care and mental health services, with a strong commitment to expanding access in rural communities. She lives in Ogema, MN with her husband, Bryan, and their flock of 40 chickens. Outside of work, she enjoys kettlebell training and making music, including playing the ukulele, organ, piano, violin, and flute.

Leo Krueger

Health Assistant

Bio Info coming soon!

Olivia Sobel

Student Life Assistant

  • 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 (trumpet), and in various chamber ensembles. As a concerto competition winner, I performed Mozart's Violin Concerto No. 5 Allegro Aperto in the spring of 2025 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: Elburn, Illinois.

  • Favorite snack: M&Ms 

  • Pets: I have three dogs - I have three dogs! One Labordoodle and Two Goldendoodles. 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've climbed/hiked the tallest (base to peak) mountain in the world! 

  • What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I’m excited to meet the students and be part of the LSM community again this summer. It’s truly inspiring to watch everyone grow—not only as musicians, but as members of this awesome community.

Courtney Bowen

Residence Counselor, LSM Alum

  • Musical background: Flute is my primary instrument, and I started playing in fifth grade. I've played in a variety of ensembles over the years, with my university marching band (at Lenoir-Rhyne University) being one of my favorites.

  • Nicknames: Court, for short!

  • Hometown: Salem, Virginia

  • Favorite snack: Pretzels are elite.

  • Pets: My family has a dog, her name is Carli!

  • Favorite way to make music: Nothing beats performing in an orchestra or experiencing that kind of sound as an audience member. I absolutely love seeing live musical theatre, too.

  • Hobbies: I’m a big fan of looking at the clouds!

  • Fun facts: My current Duolingo learning streak is 603 days…

  • What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I'm so looking forward to the morning and evening prayer services! I cannot wait to meet the students and witness all the incredible talent in this community!

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 finishing my senior year at Valparaiso University where I will be getting my Bachelors in Music Education.

  • 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. They’re just better. I couldn’t tell you why, they just are.

  • 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? Last year, I survived a tsunami the week after LSM 2025. Also, I have a twin brother who is, unfortunately, 3 minutes older than me.

  • What are you excited about/what are you looking forward to at LSM? I'm very excited to be back. I had such a great time counseling last summer, and am very much looking forward to seeing familiar faces and making meaningful connections!

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.

Erin Crowe

Residence Counselor

  • Musical background: I’m a music student at St. Olaf College. I’ve done choir for 11 years, musical theater for 7 years, and I play ukulele, guitar, and piano!

  • Nicknames: Nothing that I go by in a serious setting, but my family likes to call me Ern when they're feeling silly. 

  • Hometown: Downers Grove, Illinois

  • Favorite snack: Sour Patch Watermelon 😋

  • Pets: Not currently, but we are looking for a dog to adopt. I had a cockapoo growing up, and we would love to have another furry friend to join us again.

  • Favorite way to make music: I love being a part of an improv jam session. I have improvised on piano by myself, vocally alongside friends playing instruments, and (most memorably) I have been a part of Jacob Collier's audience choir when I went to see him live in concert.

  • Hobbies: Alongside playing cozy video games and taking walks in nature, I have also gotten into bouldering and rock climbing recently.

  • Fun facts: When I was bored in P.E. class one time, I taught myself how to do the worm.

  • What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? Being able to spend time with people who are excited to learn and perform music, as well as the fun 4th of July celebration!

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!

Joanna Highfill

Residence Counselor

  • Musical background: I've sung in choir since 6th grade! I sing soprano, and I currently sing in the St. Olaf Choir. I also took piano lessons for 10 years

  • Do you have any nicknames? My family's nickname for me is Joanna Banana, and my friends sometimes call me Jo.

  • Hometown: I grew up in and graduated high school in Bentonville, Arkansas. My family moved to Virginia Beach, Virginia (which is also where I was born) right before I started college a couple of years ago.

  • Favorite snack: Cheez-its, though I also love strawberries!

  • Pets: I have 2 crazy cats named Willow and Ginger, and my parents recently got a puppy named Misty!

  • Favorite way to make music: I love singing, both in a choir and alone.

  • Hobbies: Reading and going on sunset walks.

  • Fun facts: I am the oldest of 5 kids. I love riding rollercoasters.

  • What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I can't wait to meet lots of new people and fellow choir nerds!

Quinton Johnson

Residence Counselor

  • Musical background: I’m a music student at St. Olaf College. I've been singing for about 8-9 years, and I play a little guitar as well.

  • Nicknames: Not really any nicknames.

  • Hometown: I'm from Saline, Michigan!

  • Favorite snack: I am a huge popcorn enjoyer.

  • Pets: I grew up with a dog named Buddy!

  • Favorite way to make music: My favorite way to make/experience music is in a choral setting with friends. I also really enjoy singing with my barbershop quartet.

  • Hobbies: I like to watch movies, read, and play video games. I also like just noodling around on my guitar.

  • Fun facts: A fun fact about me is I have a twin brother. 

  • What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I'm looking forward to meeting all sorts of young musicians and being part of that musical culture.

Nate Laesch

Residence Counselor

  • Musical background: I have been captivated by music my entire life. I’ve played trumpet since fifth grade, sung in choirs since middle school, and I just graduated from Concordia Wisconsin with a degree in Music Education! I play a bit of piano and I’m also learning French Horn and Baritone. 

  • Nicknames: My full name is Nathaniel, but everyone calls me Nate.

  • Hometown:  I’m from Florissant, Missouri.

  • Favorite snack: Cherry Dr. Pepper Zero and Chester’s Hot Fries are a legendary combo, and I also love salted dark chocolate.

  • Pets: I have a Brittany Spaniel named Louie.

  • Favorite way to make music: Listening to music in the car is one of my favorite things to do, especially with the windows down in the summer. I also love conducting and working with ensembles – going from not knowing the music at all to performing in a concert is a wonderfully fulfilling experience, especially as a conductor.

  • Hobbies: I’ve always loved sports – I played baseball and soccer in high school and I watch all sports, but mainly baseball (go Cubs). I also love running, connecting with friends, and reading when I’ve got time.

  • Fun facts: Last summer I traveled to Germany with my university choir and I want to go back there the first chance I get!

  • What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I’m so excited to make wonderful music with talented musicians from so many different places and to be surrounded by a campus full of people who love music!

Olivia Martin

Residence Counselor

  • Musical background: I am a Music Education (choral, instrumental, general) and Oboe Performance major at Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. My primary instrument is the oboe, but I also sing, play guitar, piano, brass, and other wind instruments.

  • Nicknames: I usually go by Olivia but feel free to call me Livvy.

  • Hometown: Sault St. Marie, MI

  • Favorite snack: My favorite snack is probably Smartfood White Cheddar popcorn, but I love anything with dark chocolate.

  • Pets: My family has a dog – he is a chihuahua-corgi mix and his name is Smoke.

  • Favorite way to make music: My favorite way to make music is being in any ensemble in which people are excited to be musical together.

  • Hobbies: I love to bake, hike, read, watching movies, and play Xbox games in my free time.

  • Fun facts: I am a Division III diver on the Lawrence Swim and Dive Team.

  • What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I am excited to make connections with students and staff, make beautiful music, and have fun at LSM!

Romarro Nealy

Residence Counselor, LSM Alum

  • Musical background: I have done 10 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 hang 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 be a counselor again, see the new campus we are at and explore it!

Skylar Peffers

Residence Counselor

  • Musical background: I’m studying Music Education at Valparaiso University. I began playing clarinet in my intermediate school band when I was 11 years old, and have been in love with music ever since. I study music education, so I play a bit of everything now, but my primary instrument is clarinet, with a secondary in trumpet.

  • Nicknames: I don’t have any nicknames.

  • Hometown: I am from Chesterton, Indiana, which is about 15 minutes from Lake Michigan.

  • Favorite snack: My favorite snack is Dark Chocolate Milano cookies.

  • Pets: At home, I have two dogs (Roxy and Remi), and they are both Weimaraners.

  • Favorite way to make music: My favorite way to make and experience music is in a marching band setting (I was in marching band all throughout high school, and even marched a summer with the Madison Scouts, a world class drum corps!).

  • Hobbies: In my free time, I like to work out at the gym, go on runs, spend time at the Indiana Dunes, and hangout with my best friends.

  • What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I am looking forward to making new friends and getting close with my fellow counselors and the students at LSM this summer! 

Jordan Pierce

Residence Counselor, LSM Alum

  • Musical background: Beginning piano lessons around the age of eight, I then found myself drawn more towards percussion. Over time, I also developed my voice throughout high school and college. I’ve played guitarrón and drumset, and have had the opportunity to perform a few gigs on each.

  • Nicknames: Most of my friends call me JP, while those closest to me call me bubba.

  • Hometown: My hometown is Cuero, TX.

  • Favorite snack: Lightly buttered toast, with grape jelly. Simple but perfect.

  • Pets: I have a chihuahua and dachshund mix named Slinkey, like from Toy Story.

  • Favorite way to make music: My favorite way to experience music is singing hymnals within a congregation, especially when they are deeply poignant and align with the message or emotion of a sermon.

  • Hobbies: I am an avid reader, particularly of naturalism, realism, and of course poetry. I enjoy cracking jokes with friends and cherish spending time with my brothers; Whether that's running, biking, hiking, drawing, playing video games, or just enjoying time pass by.

  • Fun facts: I love critically analyzing all forms of media with my brothers, whether it’s word choice and phrasing in writing or color, depth, framing, and acting in visual media. My favorite part, though, is psychoanalyzing whichever character I choose and comparing them to real world behavior.

  • What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I am really excited about the worship experiences, specifically morning prayer and Sunday services. I am also looking forward to meeting many people from different backgrounds with wonderfully varying perspectives.

Regina Waldbillig

Residence Counselor

  • Musical background: I’m a music education student at Luther College. My primary instrument is bassoon, but I started on clarinet and played bass clarinet for a few years as well!

  • Nicknames: Call me Gina.

  • Hometown: Rochester, MN

  • Favorite snack: Goldfish crackers.

  • Pets: No pets right now, but I’d like a pet rat in the future!

  • Favorite way to make music: I really enjoy playing in an orchestra. It was new to me this year and it was a great experience!

  • Hobbies: I like to crochet and bake. I also enjoy camping and swing dancing!

  • Fun facts: I was in a clown show :) 

  • What are you looking forward to at LSM this summer? I’m looking forward to getting to know the students and other counselors!