About

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About LASE

Every child is unique. We believe educational services should reflect that.

LASE Specialized Education partners with St. Louis Metro Area schools to provide Christian special education and related services to children with mild special learning needs in the context of a caring environment.

LASE currently provides special needs education and related services to nearly 300 students, and we are continuing to grow. Hundreds of other students each year benefit from special education consultation, observations, screenings, and classroom support.

We represent a cause, not just a program. LASE is dedicated to reaching and teaching all children, valuing all abilities.
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[tab title=”Mission”]

Mission

If you are not yet familiar with LASE, you might be wondering what exactly we do.

LASE provides Christ-centered education to students with unique learning needs so they can grow academically, socially and spiritually.

It is our privilege to help these children thrive.
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[tab title=”Board Leadership/Advisory Board”]

Board of Directors

  • Don G. Hugo, Interim Chair
  • Bill Hauk, Treasurer
  • Michele P. Berra
  • Diana Meers
  • Bette J. Schlie
  • Stephen B. Siepman
  • Terry Schmidt
  • Susan J. Torbeck

Advisory Board

    • Paul G. Crisler
    • David A. Drewes
    • Warren E. Fick
    • Dennis E. Gehrke
    • Boone F. Jackson
    • Christy S. James
    • Sandra L. Meyer
    • Ted E. Schuessler
    • Kermit M. Starnes, Jr.
    • Robert D. Wold
  • Jackie A. Smith, Executive Director
  • Karen A. Wittmayer, Assistant Director
  • Diane L. Stout, Administrative Assistant and Secretary for the LASE Board

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[tab title=”Annual Report”]

Annual Reports

LASE Annual Report 2014-15

LASE Annual Report 2013-14

Annual Report 2012-13

Annual Report 2011-12

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[tab title=”Newsletters”]

Newsletters

LASE Fall 2016 Newsletter

LASE Spring 2016 Newsletter

LASE Fall 2015 Newsletter

LASE Spring 2015 Newsletter

LASE Fall 2014 Newsletter

LASE Spring 2014 Newsletter

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[tab title=”Staff and Faculty”]

JACKIE A. SMITH, MA
Executive Director

KAREN WITTMAYER, BS
Assistant Director

Faculty

TARA COPELAND, MA
Educational Resource Consultant
Our Savior Lutheran School, Fenton, MO
Christ Community Lutheran School, Kirkwood, MO

BRANDI HALLEMEIER, BS Ed
Resource Teacher
Child of God Lutheran School, St. Peters, MO

LORI HAYDEN, MA
LASE Learning Center Teacher
Lutheran High School St. Charles, St. Peters, MO

GERI KIDD, MEd
Resource Specialist
Lutheran High School St. Charles, St. Peters, MO

SUE KLOBNAK, MA
LASE Learning Center Specialist
Lutheran High School St. Charles, St. Peters, MO

CAROL LIMA, MS, CCC-­SLP
Speech Language Consultant
Atonement Lutheran School, Florissant, MO
Immanuel Lutheran School, Olivette MO

ANNA LIND, BA
Teacher Assistant
Lutheran High School St Charles, St. Peters, MO

SANDI LODUCA, BA Ed
Resource Teacher
Green Park Lutheran School, St. Louis, MO

KELLEY MALADY, BS
Resource Teacher
Immanuel Lutheran School, St. Charles, MO

CINDY MUELLER, MA
Resource Teacher
Word of Life Lutheran School, St. Louis, MO

ANNETTE MORROW, BA Ed                                                                                                                                                  Resource Teacher                                                                                                                                                                   Salem Lutheran School, St. Louis, MO

KIM PAQUETTE, BS
Resource Teacher
Atonement Lutheran School, Florissant, MO

DAWN PRAECHTER, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Consultant
Salem Lutheran School, Affton, MO

Sherri RUNGE, BA
Resource Teacher & Educational Consultant
Word of Life Lutheran School, St. Louis, MO

Mary SKITTINO, MA
Educational Resource Consultant
Christ Community Lutheran School, Kirkwood, MO                                                                                                    Zion Lutheran School, Belleville, IL

SHARON SCHMIDTKE, BA
Educational Resource Consultant
Grace Chapel Lutheran School, St. Louis, MO

MARIAH SPANGLET, MA
Educational Resource Consultant
Messiah Weldon Springs, MO
Salem Lutheran School, Black Jack, MO

MARA SPRINGER, BS
Resource Teacher
St. John’s, Arnold, MO

LAURA STOLIN, MA
Educational Resource Consultant
Immanuel Lutheran School Wentzville, MO

CHRIS TOMLINSON, MA
Resource Teacher
Zion Lutheran School, St. Charles, MO

KAREN WITTMAYER, BS
Educational Resource Consultant
Immanuel Lutheran School, Olivette, MO

LASE Office Staff

KAREN SCUITO
Director of Fundraising and Events
karen.scuito@lutheranspecialed.org

JACKIE A. SMITH, MA
Executive Director
jackie.smith@lutheranspecialed.org

DIANE STOUT
Administrative Assistant
diane.stout@lutheranspecialed.org

MAUREEN THOMAS-MURPHY
Staff Accountant
maureen.thomas-murphy@lutheranspecialed.org

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[tab title=”History”]

LASE History

LASE Specialized Education (formerly Lutheran Association for Special Education) began with the dream and vision of parents who longed for their children with disabilities to be in a Christian education setting.

LASE was started with a class of just five students in 1956 at Hope Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri. By 1969, the program had grown to six classrooms serving 68 students.

1974 brought a special milestone: the establishment of the first Resource Room at St. John’s Lutheran School. This event meant children with special needs were mainstreamed in general education classes with their typically developing peers.

Today, LASE has grown to be a Christian community agency serving 14 Lutheran Schools in the Greater St. Louis, Missouri area, including St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Charles County.

LASE also provides resources for many other Lutheran schools and preschools in the area.

For over 60 years, LASE has been an instrument for bringing the love of Jesus to students with disabilities and special learning needs.

LASE is a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the Lutheran Church—­Missouri Synod and a member of the Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA). LASE is a 501(c)(3) non­profit corporation.

LASE is accredited by the National Lutheran Schools Association (NLSA).
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[tab title=”LASE Grants”]

LASE Grants

LASE is grateful for the generous support from all of the following granters. Grants make it possible for LASE to purchase equipment, technology and curriculum needed to help our children grow and flourish. Grants also provide services for specific educational projects and scholarships for special education tuition. Our kids say “Thanks.”

Cardinals Care

Project: “Curriculum Enhancements for Special Needs Students”

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Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis

Notebook Computers for Special Education

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St. Louis Christmas Carols Association

Project: Learning A-Z

Atonement

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