Meet Our Staff

                                                            Mrs. Heather Briney- Kelm, Principal                                                          h.Kelm@trinityberrien.org

After earning a bachelor's degree from Aquinas College with endorsements in Reading, Health and Physical Education, and French, I completed a master's degree in Elementary Education, earned K–12 Reading Specialist certification, and later obtained my Educational Administration degree. For more than 30 years, I have been blessed to serve students as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal. I am passionate about building strong relationships with students, families, and staff while creating a safe, supportive environment where every child can thrive. My husband and I have two children, including a daughter who is a teacher in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling with my family, attending collegiate sporting events, and relaxing by the lake or the pool with a good book.

Mrs. Beth Wedde, Trinity Lutheran Office Manager
school@trinityberrien.org

Mrs. Wedde earned her Associate of Applied Science degree from Lake Michigan College and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bethel University. She spent 17 years working in the hospital setting where she gained extensive clinical experience and a strong foundation in patient care. Mrs. Wedde is passionate about serving others and bringing her knowledge and compassion to those she works with. Outside of work, she enjoys painting ceramics, reading, and spending time with her husband, Matt, their son, James, family and friends.

Miss Grace Conrad, 7th & 8th Grade
@trinityberrien.org

Miss Conrad grew up near St. Louis, MO. She graduated from Concordia University Chicago in 2023 with a BS in Secondary Math Education and a BA in the Director of Christian Education program. Before coming to Trinity, she spent four years in Louisville, KY, working with children, youth, and families at a Lutheran church. Miss Conrad is excited to marry her fiancé, Brandon Wittig, who serves as Pastor at Trinity Lutheran in Sawyer. She enjoys sewing, playing viola, and trying new recipes.

Ms. Sarah Mort, 5th & 6th Grade
s.mort@trinityberrien.org

Miss Mort grew up in Covert, MI and is a graduate of Coloma High School. She then graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Elementary Education and minors in both math and ELA. In 2019, Miss Mort graduated from Concordia University where she went through the colloquy program. She has enjoyed teaching at Trinity since 2015. Miss Mort loves to spend time with her son, Ryker and any foster children that she has in her home.

Mrs. Ciara Ashley, 3rd & 4th Grade
c.ashley@trinityberrien.org

Ciara is from southwest Michigan. She graduated with a bachelor's degree from Bethel University in 2008. She has been teaching at Trinity since 2021. She lives in Berrien Springs with her husband, three children. dog, cats, her chickens. The Ashley family spends most of their free time at sporting events or enjoying outdoor adventures. 

                                                          Mrs. Rachel Westman 1st & 2nd grade                                                           r.westman@trinityberrien.org

Mrs. Westman is originally from Marion, Indiana. She earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Secondary Social Studies Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. She has also received her master's degree as a K–12 Reading Specialist from Northern Michigan University. Mrs. Westman and her husband, Tyler, have five children—one son and four daughters—as well as a dog named Bo. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and sending time with her family.

Mrs. Ruth Krieger, Kindergarten
r.krieger@trinityberrien.org

Mrs. Krieger had wanted to be a Lutheran school teacher, like her dad, since she was a little girl.  She attended several Lutheran elementary schools and had her dad as a teacher for 5th & 6th grades.  She graduated from Reese Public High School, Concordia, Ann Arbor, Concordia, Chicago, and received her MA from Western Michigan.  Mrs. Krieger's first call was to Trinity, Sawyer.  One of those on the calling committee was her future husband, Tim.  She also taught various grades at Mount Hope Lutheran, Allen Park, before coming to Berrien Springs in 1990.  Besides Kindergarten classroom responsibilities, she teaches music for grades K-4 and Religion for K-2.  Ruth and her husband, Tim, have two children who have graduated from Trinity.  Stephen lives in the Upper Peninsula and Rachel attends Purdue University, Fort Wayne.