School Leadership
School Ministry Team
The School Ministry Team, similar in function to a school board, provides accountability and advisory support, guiding school policies and strategic planning to assist the principal and leadership team in upholding the school's spiritual, academic, and financial goals.
Contact the School Ministry Team
Ms. Abigail (Abi) Newell
Ms. Newell has been serving as the Early Learning Center (ELC) Director at St. John’s since April 2023. Prior to this role, she dedicated over a decade to early childhood education, including five years at the ELC at St. John’s. Abi’s roots with the school run deep; she not only taught in the classrooms but also learned in them as a student. A member of the church community for over 25 years, she is actively involved in the worship teams at both St. John’s and Renewal Church. Abi is passionate about creating a nurturing space where young children can build a strong educational foundation and learn about Jesus' love for them and their families.
Outside of work, Abi enjoys singing karaoke, dancing, and hosting gatherings for friends and family, where she loves to cook and create fun memories.
Dr. Phillip Barnard
Dr. Barnard has been serving as the Principal at St. John’s School since 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience in education and church ministry. His career has taken him to schools in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Colorado, and includes a decade on pastoral staff at Hillsong Church London. Dr. Barnard is enthusiastic about working with a community of incredible students, families, and teachers, and is excited to see God’s work in every life, every day.
Outside of school, Phil enjoys spending time with his two children and their dog, Milo, a sweet chocolate lab. Whether in the mountains or at a coffee shop, you’ll often find him enjoying the beauty of Colorado. He is also an active member of St. John’s Church.
Mr. Matt Lazzeri
Mr. Lazzeri has been a dedicated member of the St. John’s school community for over 11 years. He is a proud father of two daughters who attend St. John’s: one who recently graduated from 8th grade and another who is about to enter 3rd grade. Professionally, Matt is a CPA and a tax partner at Ernst & Young in Denver, where he has worked for over 24 years. He has served on the School Ministry Team for six years and is passionate about maintaining a high standard of teaching excellence at St. John’s. His vision is to see the school continue to produce outstanding students in academics, leadership, and compassion.
Outside of his professional and school commitments, Matt enjoys sports, golf, music, cooking, and spending time with his wife, Nicole, and their daughters, Paige and Brooke. He is also an active member of St. John’s Church.
Mrs. Kristina Ziehler
Mrs. Ziehler has been a part of St. John’s church and school community for nearly 15 years. She is a mother to children in 8th, 5th, and 3rd grades, all of whom were baptized at St. John’s and started in the Early Learning Center (ELC) just before turning two. Her husband, Mike, is also involved in the school as a WATCH D.O.G.(S.). Kristina has served as the chair of the School Ministry Team (SMT) for several years and is dedicated to fostering a sense of community, connection, and service at the school, inviting others to experience the unique spirit of St. John’s. The Ziehler family deeply values the God-serving people, families, and students at St. John’s.
Professionally, Kristina has a background in data, consulting, and project management, and has been with the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) for nearly 20 years. She is thankful for her faith and enjoys running, as well as spending time with her family during their summer and winter adventures in Winter Park.
Mrs. Becky Newquist
Mrs. Newquist joined the St. John’s community in 2022. She is a licensed clinical social worker with a passion for integrating faith and mental health to help individuals achieve wholeness.
Becky divides her time between her private practice and her role as the Children's Ministry Director at Hope Church Denver, where she has been an active member for 16 years. Her greatest joy is being a mother to Claire (7) and Thomas (4), alongside her husband, Jason. The Newquists cherish their community, enjoy nature, and love riding their bikes as often as possible.
Mr. Chris Hanson
Chris Hanson has been an integral part of the St. John’s community since 2018. As a proud father of two children, Elly and Levi, who have been thriving at St. John’s since Kindergarten and are now in 6th and 3rd grades, Chris is deeply invested in the school’s mission and future.
Professionally, Chris is a seasoned business consultant at RSM in Denver, bringing over 20 years of expertise in IT transformation, strategy, and outsourcing. His wealth of experience and strategic insight align with his passion for supporting St. John’s values-based education and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community of students, staff, and families.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Chris enjoys skiing, exploring the outdoors, tackling home improvement projects, and helping his children with piano practice. He is also an avid traveler, music enthusiast, and science fiction fan.
The Hanson family’s connection to St. John’s extends beyond the classroom. Chris’s wife, Molly, brings her warmth and dedication to her work in the school office, and in 2024, the Hansons became members of St. John’s Church. They are grateful for the strong sense of community and shared values they’ve found at both the school and the church.
Mr. Jason Koester
Mr. Koester has been a part of the St. John’s teaching staff since November 2002. He began his teaching career in 2000 in both Jefferson County Public Schools and the Adams 12 School District. At St. John’s, he has taught 2nd, 4th, and 5th grades, as well as Computer/Technology classes for grades K-8. In 2017, Jason completed the School Leadership Development (SLED) program through LCMS School Ministry and currently serves as the Director of Curriculum & Assessment. He is committed to advancing St. John’s mission of sharing Christ and the Gospel with students and families, and he values the opportunity to work with the wonderful students and families that are part of the St. John’s community.
When not at St. John’s, Jason enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, watching and playing sports—especially football and basketball—and indulging in his love for movies, which comes in handy during trivia nights. He is also a member of the launch team for Renewal Church and serves in running sound and tech for services.
K-8 School Leadership
Mrs. Lisa Lohmann
K-5th Grade Advisor
Mrs. Lohmann has dedicated over 30 years to educating children, driven by her passion for crafting engaging lessons that promote academic, social, and spiritual growth through diverse learning styles. With prior experience teaching 2nd and 3rd grades, Lisa has been teaching 5th grade at St. John’s School since 2014. Since 2022, she has also served as the K-5 Advisor, where she coaches and mentors teachers to enhance their effectiveness for the benefit of students and families. Lisa’s vision for St. John’s is to cultivate a high-standard, excellent environment where children are not only learning and being challenged but also growing in faith.
In her personal time, Lisa enjoys reading, being creative, and spending time in the mountains or traveling with her husband and extended family and friends. She is a member of First Christian Reformed Church.
Mrs. Marissa Owens
Middle School Advisor
Mrs. Owens serves as a Middle School Advisor and Team Teacher at St. John’s, bringing with her 13 years of experience in education. Her background is diverse, having taught at a public high school in the heart of Denver and a rural middle school in Missouri. Marissa has been part of the St. John’s community since 2015 and is dedicated to fostering academic growth while creating a supportive environment where middle school students can excel academically, socially, and spiritually.
Outside of school, Marissa enjoys cooking, skiing, and spending time with her husband, Craig, and their two young sons, Brycen and Myles. Marissa and her family are active members of Flatirons Community Church.