Introducing Your Teachers

Laura Venstrom

LLP Director
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and has six years’ experience at the elementary level, plus one year subbing here at LLP. Laura served two full terms on the LLP Board of Directors, including two as chairperson. She volunteers in various capacities at her church and is kept busy with her three kids' activities. Her other interests include reading, photography, and travel. Laura has been married to her husband Luke for 17 years and they are the parents of three children, all LLP graduates. This is her fifth year at Little Lamb.

Teri Coplan

Young 5’s Teacher
She had worked as an instructional aide and long-term sub in the Valparaiso Community School for nine years. It was during this time she found her love of teaching and pursued her teaching certificate in Elementary Education. She has been married to her husband Geoff for 32 years and has three beautiful children. She loves reading, gardening, and walking her Golden Retriever Finn. This is Teri’s ninth year at LLP.

Cheryl Mulder

Lead teacher for  2-Day Beginners & Pre-K Classes
Cheryl has a transition to teaching certificate as well as a Master’s degree from Valparaiso University.  She enjoys crafting, photography, writing, bargain hunting, and being with family. Cheryl has been married to Mike for 17 years and they have 2 boys (both LLP graduates). She has fun volunteering with her oldest son's sports and various other activities. Cheryl was a sub at LLP for 3 years prior to becoming an assistant and lead. This is her tenth year at Little Lamb.

Colleen Vatthauer

Lead Teacher in the 2-day Beginner Class
She has a BS in Elementary Education, with a Kindergarten Endorsement. She taught for 12 years prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom. Colleen enjoys baking, volunteering, and spending time with her family. She has been married to Brian for 21 years and they are the proud parents of 3 girls, all LLP graduates. This is her seventh year at LLP, apart from substituting at LLP.

Abbey Vavrik

Lead Teacher in the 2-day Beginner Class,  Pre-K Class &  Extended Day Program
Abbey has a degree in Elementary Education and has previously taught in elementary schools.  Abbey enjoys reading and traveling.  She has been married to Jason for 16 years and they have two children, both of whom are LLP graduates.  Abbey has been a dedicated substitute for LLP for several years.  This is Abbey’s second year at LLP.

Lisa Church

Lead teacher in the 3-day Beginner Program
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Education. A Valparaiso native, Lisa moved to Colorado after college, where she taught preschool for two years and second grade for nine years. After earning her master’s degree, she transitioned into an administrative leadership role in education. A few years later, Lisa welcomed her daughter and returned to Valparaiso to be closer to family. In her free time, she enjoys running, crafting, and, most of all, spending time with her daughter. Lisa is excited to be part of the LLP team and looks forward to creating a positive and engaging learning environment for her students.

Dani Dziedzinksi

Assistant  Teacher for the Young 5 Classes
Dani has taken classes toward an associate degree in early childhood and loves working with children. She has volunteered and substituted for the Valparaiso School system, provided childcare, and worked as a peer tutor. Her interests include being with her family, gardening, and sports, especially playing volleyball. Dani has been married 18 years to her husband Brian, and they are the proud parents of an teenage son (LLP graduate). This is Dani’s 13th year with us as well as having substituted for our school. Dani is also part of our Summer Camp Staff.

Mallory Raab

Assistant for AM Beginners, AM Pre K & Extended Day
Mallory enjoys working with children and has substituted / volunteered on numerous occasions. She enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and being outside. She has been married to Luke for 17 years. Together they have four children, all LLP graduates. This is Mallory’s tenth year at LLP.

Renee Shiplov

Assistant Teacher in Beginner 3 AM/PM &
2-Day Beginners Classes
Renee has worked for several years as an aide with the Valparaiso Community Schools and has volunteered for many years in her church’s nursery and VBS programs.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Ball State University.  The beach is one of her favorite places to be in the summer. Renee enjoys spending time outdoors, reading and exercising. Renee has been married to Dan for 14 years.  They have two girls, both LLP graduates.  This is Renee’s fourth year at LLP.

Trinity Winars

Assistant Teacher for the 2-Day Beginners Class & Pre-K Class, Assists with Lunch Bunch Extended Day Program
She interned at LLP in the Young 5’s classroom and earned her CDA April 2024 and her VHS Highschool Diploma in June 2024.  She graduated from Ivy Tech in May 2026 with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently working toward her Bachelor’s Degree.  Trinity has an older brother and 4 younger sisters. Her youngest sister is an LLP graduate!    When she is not making a positive impact in the classroom Trinity loves reading, and spending time with her family and friends.  This is Trinity’s third year at LLP.