2025 Lead Team

Katie Seelman
Director
 
Hi! My name is Mrs. Katie! I strive to create a loving, nurturing, and educational environment built on the foundation that Jesus died for all! My biggest passion in education is building relationships with families and teaching them the love of Jesus. 
 
I received my B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Martin Luther College in 2016 and my Master’s in Educational Leadership and Innovation from Wisconsin Lutheran College in 2020. I have experience working with children of all ages! I taught at Atonement Lutheran School in Milwaukee, WI from 2016 to 2022. Over the course of those years, I taught 3rd grade and 5th through 8th grade. I also served as Lead 3s Teacher and Assistant Director at a child care center in Virginia from 2022-2024 before moving to Jacksonville.
 
My husband, Jake, and I moved to Jacksonville in May of 2024 with our two cats, Luna and Patches. We enjoy going to the beach, the zoo, and spending time with family and friends. I also enjoy playing piano and reading books in my spare time. 
 
It is a blessing to be able to serve as director here at Victory!
 
Director Katie’s contact info:
Preschool Cell: (904) 955-1926
Email: director@victorylutheran.org

Anne Grotefend (Marquardt)

Lead 3K Teacher

Welcome to Victory Preschool! My goal is to create an environment that, first and foremost, introduces students to the love of their Savior, Jesus; secondly, meets students at their level and builds a foundation for success in all areas of development; finally, creates a close-knit family of students, parents, and staff in Christ! 
 
I knew that I wanted to be a teacher when I was 4 years old and am thankful to be fulfilling that calling in my life! I received my B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Martin Luther College in 2005, and in 2015 completed my Masters in Education – Early Childhood Education Curriculum and Instruction through Concordia University. I enjoy interacting with diverse groups of learners and gained experience with a variety of cultures while serving Christ the Lord Lutheran Preschool in Houston, Texas (2005-2010), teaching PreK and Kindergarten at Gloria Dei Lutheran in Belmont, California (2010-2020), and now in Jacksonville (2020-present).
 
In August 2023, I married my husband Steven and we are settling into the Mandarin area of town. Our hobbies include camping, puzzles, baking, 3-D printing, and more.
 
I am blessed to serve this community and look forward to partnering with your family!
 

Sharon Sutherland

Lead VPK Teacher

 
Sharon joined the Victory family in 2013 when her youngest daughter, Anna, attended the VPK. She was then blessed to join the teaching staff in 2014.
 
Sharon received her education in Criminal Justice, graduating Valedictorian of her class in 2007. Recently she returned to school to receive her lead teacher qualifications and resume her education in science and early learning.
 
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Sharon is a Mom, a twin, and 7th of 9 children. In 2004 Sharon adopted her oldest daughter, Tabi, who is profoundly disabled. Becoming her Mom changed the trajectory of Sharon’s life and lit a fire in her to serve, educate, and be a voice for those without one. Her life purpose is to serve Jesus, raise her 2 special needs children in Christ, and share the wonders of Gods universe with others.
 
Sharon’s *favorite things* are teaching, being an advocate, Science, music, exploring, baking, training her service dog, Frankly, and learning to play the ukulele. She is grateful for the honor and privilege of serving your child and family’s needs!

Paula Cowen

Lead 2K/3K Teacher

 

Hi, my name is Paula Cowen, and I’m so excited to be serving as the Lead 2K/3K teacher this year! This is my second year at Victory Lutheran, and I truly love being a part of this school family. Both of my younger children attended here, and as a parent I experienced the love, care, and faith that make this place so special. That’s what inspired me to join the team. I wanted to help other families feel the same encouragement and support I did.

 

I am married and a proud mom to four kids. Two wonderful stepchildren (16 and 17) and two younger ones (6 and 8). Becoming a mother has been the greatest blessing in my life, and it’s shaped who I am as a teacher. I believe God gave me this calling to nurture, guide, and help shape little ones not only into strong Christians but also into kind and caring people.

 

I grew up in a military family and had the opportunity to travel and live in many places, including Yokosuka, Japan, before settling in Jacksonville in 2005. Jacksonville truly feels like home, and I enjoy spending time with my family here. Some of my favorite hobbies include shark tooth hunting, going to concerts, shopping, watching football and movies, organizing, and just being with my family. I also have a big love for volleyball, which I competed in for over five years.
 

I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be part of your child’s life and to share God’s love with them each day. Victory Lutheran families are such a blessing, and I look forward to building relationships with each of you this year!

Vivian Walker

Lead VPK Teacher

 
Mrs. Vivian Walker joined our Victory family in 2025 as Lead VPK teacher. She and her husband, Greg, just celebrated their 42nd year of marriage. She wears many hats in life as wife, friend, confidant, stepmother, godmother, sister, auntie, mentor, servant, and loving educator. Vivian has lived in Jacksonville for two decades following her husband’s military service.
 
Vivian speaks about her journey as an Early Childhood Education professional: “I have many diverse teaching experiences with children in different educational settings such as public, private, faith base, and military communities. These experiences have made me realize that being an educator with young children is my passion and purpose in life. I love what I do; plant the seed, water it, and watch it grow. I am very excited and grateful to become a part of your child’s life. I believe that giving your talents and abilities through education is a tangible and rewarding gift from GOD.”

 

 

 
 
 
Pastor Jonathan Kolander
Chapel & Counseling
 
 
Hi there. Thanks for taking the time to look into our ministry here at Victory.

God’s mercies are new every morning – these words taken from Lamentations 3 serve as a great source of comfort and motivation in life, and in particular for the ministry. I have had the privilege of serving congregations in Michigan, Wisconsin, California, and Florida. It is a joy to meet and serve people from across this Country, a Country (as with the rest of the world) which is in need of hearing about Jesus Christ.
 
My wife, Jenny, and I are excited about the ministry opportunities here at Victory, and also the opportunities Victory supports through our National Church Body – the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Jenny and I have four grown children.
 
We look forward to celebrating God’s daily new mercies with you here at Victory.
Staff Minister Jarrett Mielke
Chapel & Preschool Partners
 
 
Hi, I’m Jarrett Mielke, Staff Minister at Victory! I grew up in Sarasota, Florida. I attended Luther Preparatory School in Watertown, Wisconsin, and was encouraged there in my consideration of public ministry. I went on to Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota for four years, where I finished my course of study in May, 2023. For my last semester, I served as an intern at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in New Ulm. The experience encouraged me in my walk of faith and gave me ministerial experience, though I still have much to learn. In May, 2023 I received a call to serve at Victory and began doing so in July.
 
In my free time, I enjoy learning foreign languages, woodworking, and photography. In October, 2023, I married my wife Leah. Together, we enjoy watching movies, playing games, and baking. We look forward to welcoming you to Victory!