Principal and Upper Grades

Hello! My name is Brett Bengel and I am the principal at Holy Trinity Lutheran Academy (HTLA). I was born in Appleton, WI. I graduated from Martin Luther College with a Bachelor's Degree in 2007. The Lord has blessed me with opportunities to gain experiences in three different states, South Dakota, Texas, and California. As a teacher, I have taught a variety of subjects in 4th-8th grade. I also have experience as a Vice Principal and Athletic Director. After completing a three year Leadership Candidate Training Cohort in 2020, I received my Masters Degree in Educational Administration. I moved to western Minneapolis in 2020 to be the principal at HTLA. As an educational leader, I think it is important to build strong relationships and a family focused culture through consistent communication. I am married to Adrienne, the 3rd and 4th grade teacher, and have two children. In my free time I enjoy camping, site seeing, and playing and coaching sports.

Kindergarten and Student Services

Hi! I am Andrea Hahm and I am the Kindergarten teacher at Holy Trinity. I was born and raised in Sparta, WI. I graduated from Martin Luther College in 2002 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. My first call was to Trinity Lutheran School in Belle Plaine, MN. I taught 1st and 2nd grade for 15 years at Trinity. In 2010, I received a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Special Education. In 2017, I accepted the call to serve at Holy Trinity, New Hope. I am married to Nathanael and have 4 kids. In my free time I enjoy reading, traveling, fishing, and camping.

Grades 1-2 and Activities Coordinator

Hi! I am Caitlin Bare and I am the 1st and 2nd grade teacher at Holy Trinity. I also worked at the Holy Trinity Child Care as the lead preschool teacher fresh out of college. I graduated from Martin Luther College with my Bachelors in Education. I was born in San Antonio, TX, but grew up in Lake Geneva, WI. My love for different types of cactus keep me a Texan at heart. I also enjoy going on walks with my husband Andy and children Shawn, Evan and Selena. I also enjoy volleyball, jogging, painting and drawing when I find free time in the day. The moment I knew I wanted to be a teacher was the first time I volunteer at my home church’s preschool room. As I was asking a child about his picture the 3 year old was able to confidently explain in great detail that the picture displayed how Jesus died on the cross for him. From that moment on I knew I wanted to be a teacher who could give the same passion and confidence as that teacher gave that child.

Grades 3-4 and Curriculum Coordinator

I am Adrienne Bengel and currently serve as the 3rd-4th grade teacher at Holy Trinity Lutheran Academy. I have a Master of Science degree in Education - Curriculum and Instruction, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Education - Elementary and Middle Level English Language Arts from Martin Luther College. My family and I have lived in four different states, but I was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. I enjoy traveling and reading as hobbies.

My passion for education and my motivation to help shape future generations of students are why I became a teacher. I look forward to working with you at HTLA to train the students to become lifelong learners, but most importantly, remind them they are dearly loved children of God!

Grades 5-6, Spanish, and Student Services

Hola! My name is Mrs. Zeitler, and I am the 5th and 6th grade teacher!  I also teach Spanish to grades K-8. 

I graduated from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul with a degree in Spanish in 2002, completed my education coursework at Hamline and Winona State University in 2004, and graduated with Master's degree with an emphasis in special education through Martin Luther College in 2023. 

I love to read, sew, run, and go camping and hiking with my husband and three kids.

jeff Schultz

Grades 7-8, Athletic Director, STEAM

Hello, my name is Jeff Schultz.  I serve as the 7-8 grade teacher here at Holy Trinity Lutheran Academy.  I have served the Lord prevoiusly as a teacher and principal at various schools in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and even a two year stay in St. John, Antigua.  My passion is teaching God's Word each day to my students and secondly, to get them prepared for their next level of learning in high school.

Outside of the classroom I enjoy fishing and working outside in my yard.  I am blessed to be married to my wife Heidi, have 1 daughter and am extremely proud to be called Papa.


Pastor Yaffet Gabayehu

School Pastor

KAri Paul

School Music, Band, Instrument Lessons

hANNAH hANSON

Kindergarten Aide

Cindy Klatt

Elementary Aide

Andrea Berg

Elementary Aide and Hot Lunch Server

Arianna Antonson

Classroom Aide