School Faculty

Ryan Obry

Principal/Administration
admin@gswels.org

  • Bachelors of Science from Martin Luther College - majoring in Elementary Education and Secondary Math Education with a minor in English Language Arts

  • Grades 3-8 teacher and principal at Trinity Lutheran School in Hoskins, NE (2011-2018)

    Grades 6-8 teacher and principal at Samuel Lutheran School in Marshall, MN (2018-2023)

    Principal at Good Shepherd Lutheran School in Sioux Falls, SD (2023-present)

  • I was born in Fond du Lac, WI and lived my whole childhood in a small town out in the country. I went to a Lutheran Grade School similar to Good Shepherd, then attended Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac for high school, and spent my college years at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN.

    My wife, Chelsie, is currently staying at home, but has worked as a Lab Tech and in accounting in the past. We have 3 children and enjoy watching them learn and grow.

    I am thankful to be serving at Good Shepherd and pray that God uses my talents to help out the wonderful ministry being done here in southeast Sioux Falls.

  • I have always enjoyed playing sports and continue to get out and play today. I have also always enjoyed a good book and have a soft heart for a good mystery novel. I have been playing piano since I was in 2nd grade and have also been playing organ since I was in college.

Sharon Dahlberg

Preschool Teacher
sdahlberg@gswels.org

  • Bachelor of Science from Martin Luther College (2000) Majoring in Elementary Education, Minoring in Social Studies

  • Kindergarten-2nd grade teacher, St. Peter, Fort Collins, CO (2000-2002)

    1st-4th grade teacher, St. Peter, Fort Collins, CO (2002-2004)

    Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator, Abiding Love Lutheran, Loveland, CO (2017-2019)

    Early Childhood Ministry Coordinator, Good Shepherd, Sioux Falls, SD (2021-2023)

    Preschool Teacher, Good Shepherd, Sioux Falls, SD (2023-present)

  • I spent my younger years growing up on a farm outside Wood Lake, MN. After attending a small Lutheran grade school I spent my high school years at Martin Luther Prep School in Prairie Du Chien, WI. Wanting to become a teacher from a young age, I attended Martin Luther College to pursue an education degree. Following graduation, I began teaching in Fort Collins, CO. While in Fort Collins I met my husband, Tom. After becoming a mom, I decided to stay home to raise our four children. Colorado was a beautiful place to raise our family, but the time came for us to move closer to home. We moved back to the Midwest in 2019. 

  • Now that my children have gotten older I find that I have more time for leisure activities such as reading and watching movies. I would love to learn to crochet, but unfortunately, I have not followed through on any projects. I enjoy being out in nature and love to take walks around the neighborhood or hike in the local parks. I am passionate about bargain hunting and during the summer months, you can find me searching for deals at garage sales.

Danielle Powers

Kindergarten Teacher
dpowers@gswels.org

  • Bachelors in Education from MLC/ Masters in SPED Silver Lake College

  • 25 years teaching PreK - 8 and Special Education

  • I was born in Chicago Heights Ill. and raised in Denver CO. I went to a wonderful Lutheran school from kindergarten through 8th grade. I attended Nebraska Lutheran High School and graduated in 1989. I went to MLC and worked in group homes and did respite care for children and adults with special needs. That's where I developed my love for serving the special needs community.

    My husband Jeff and I have two children Grace and Sam. We love being part of the Good Shepherd family and look forward to serving the students and families.

  • I love spending time with my family. Watching my children's games, plays, concerts, and time with their friends are usually the best part of my week.

Tammy Lindwurm

1st - 2nd grades Teacher
tlindwurm@gswels.org

  • Bachelor of Science from Dr. Martin Luther College (1985) (Majoring in Elementary Education, Concentration in Science Education)

  • Dormitory Supervisor & Coach – Martin Luther Preparatory School – Prairie du Chien, WI (1985-1987)

    Grades 3-5 – Good Shepherd Lutheran, Sioux Falls, SD (1987-2014)

    Grades 1-2 – Good Shepherd Lutheran, Sioux Falls, SD (2014-Present)

  • I was born in Pierre, SD, but grew up in Menomonie, WI. I had the privilege of growing up and receiving all of my education being surrounded by God’s Word! I attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School for grades K-8. I graduated from high school in 1981 at Martin Luther Preparatory School (MLPS). I then attended DMLC and graduated with an elementary degree in 1985. My first call was to be a tutor or dormitory supervisor and coach at MLPS. In 1987, I was called by Good Shepherd to teach the middle grades (3rd through 5th grade). In 2014 I accepted the role of lower grades teacher (1st and 2nd grade).

    My husband, Blair, and I have been blessed with two children, Rachel and Nick. Rachel and her husband, Scott, were blessed with our first grandchild, Anna. She is a wonderful gift from God!

    It is truly a privilege to be a teacher at GSL. The faculty members that I am able to work with each day are truly a blessing. The dedication that everyone has to serve the Lord and teach His lambs makes it a very special place to work! God has truly blessed me here at Good Shepherd!

  • I always enjoy going for walks with family & friends during the nice-weather months here in South Dakota. I also enjoy playing cards and games with family & friends!

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Martin Luther College (2007)

  • Preschool Teacher - Atonement Lutheran (2007-2008)


    3rd and 4th Grade Teacher - Good Shepherd Lutheran (2022-present)

  • I grew up in Brookings SD where my father served as pastor at Our Savior Lutheran for ten years. I started my high school years attending Great Plains Lutheran in Watertown, SD, but ended up graduating from West Lutheran in MN, after my father accepted a call to Delano, MN. My senior year at MLC I started to date my now husband, Michael Johnson, who was attending the seminary at the time to become a pastor. We married after I graduated from MLC in 2007.

    I taught for one year at Atonement Lutheran in Milwaukee, until my husband received his vicar call to Middleton, WI. Once my oldest was born, I decided to stay home.

    My husband has served in churches in Appleton, WI, Beloit, WI, and now Good Shepherd in Sioux Falls.

    We have three children, (Hannah,Luke, and Ben) who attend Good Shepherd Lutheran. I love being a part of the GSL faculty! To be able to share God's Word to little children on a daily basis is the best job in the world!

  • If it's summer, you will find me outside! I love reading! I also love to hang out and just be silly with my family. We have two hamsters, two bearded dragons, a leopard gecko, and six hissing cockroaches-(with 60 babies) as pets. Our house is a zoo! Thankfully, one of the bearded dragons and the hissing cockroaches hang out in my classroom as class pets.

Sara Johnson

3rd-4th grades Teacher
sjohnson@gswels.org

Alex Hunt

5th - 6th grades Teacher, Junior Choir Director
ahunt@gswels.org

  • Bachelor of Science from Martin Luther College (Majoring in Elementary Education, Minoring in Physical Education)

  • Grades 4-5 – Lafayette Charter School, Lafayette, MN (2011-2012)

    Grades 5-6 – Good Shepherd Lutheran, Sioux Falls, SD (2012-Present)

  • The child of two Called Workers, I have grown up moving around. While I was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, I spent my years growing up in small town Brillion, Wisconsin. I spent my college years learning at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN. My first year of teaching was at Lafayette Charter School in Lafayette, MN. Since 2012, I have been teaching at Good Shepherd Lutheran, a place I am proud to call home!

    Currently, my family and I live in Northeast Sioux Falls. We recently purchased a home and have been discovering both the work and the joy that comes with owning a home. While I departmentalize some Math, I am the main teacher of grades 5-6 at Good Shepherd. I am also the Director of Athletics and our Junior Choir.

    I continue to be blessed in my years at Good Shepherd! It is a privilege to work with a faculty that constantly shows genuine love and care for its students as well as mutual respect towards each other. Above all, I appreciate the opportunity that God gives me daily to share his saving message with his precious lambs.

  • I have a deep passion for music and reading. I also enjoy reading professional development books about Reading and Writing. I really enjoy following many different sports in person and online. Above all, I enjoy spending time with my family.

Jeff Powers

7th - 8th grades Teacher
Extracurricular Director
jpowers@gswels.org

  • 1993-Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education MLC.
    Currently pursuing Master of Arts in Teaching-Special Education Walden University

  • My first year of teaching was at St. John's in Sleepy Eye-Minnesota. I resumed my teaching career in 2022 where I was a teacher at an Alternative High School in Pipestone, MN.

  • I grew up in a city about 20 miles southwest of Milwaukee, WI named Mukwonago. In 2005 I married Danielle and Grace was born in 2006 and Sam in 2009. We haved lived in Muskego, WI; Kissimmee, FL; Melbourne, FL; Green Bay, WI; Edgerton, MN and currently in Brandon, SD. We have moved around a ton in our lives however Good Shepherd immediately felt like home. I am humbled and blessed that our Savior has called me back to the public ministry.

  •  I have a passion for coaching and especially love learning and teaching History. I am quite the sports fan and enjoy watching everything Brewers, Packers, and Bucks. College basketball is my favorite sport! My family is the biggest blessing here on earth and I love every minute we get to spend together. I am super excited to share the Gospel with the children and members of Good Shepherd. Go Rams!