Renaissance Lutheran - Villa Leadership Team
Carolyn Rager, Principal
Meet Mrs. Carolyn Rager, our dedicated Principal at LUMIN Schools, Renaissance Lutheran. With a passion for education and a love for fostering a family atmosphere, Mrs. Rager brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our school community.
Growing up in eastern North Carolina, Mrs. Rager dreamt of becoming an author, but her journey led her to a fulfilling career in education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in English and Psychology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington and a Master's degree in Education from Concordia University. Additionally, she is a Certified Lutheran Educator, ensuring excellence in teaching and leadership.
In her personal life, Mrs. Rager is happily married to Rick for 22 years, and they have two children, Brennan and Alyssa, both proud graduates of Renaissance and current students at UW-Milwaukee. Their household is also shared with two beloved dogs, Winter the Siberian Husky and Summer the Golden Retriever.
As a sports enthusiast, Mrs. Rager enjoys playing and coaching volleyball, a passion she brings to both her personal and professional life. Her favorite scripture, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13), reflects her unwavering faith and dedication to her work.
Joining the LUMIN family in 2015, Mrs. Rager has made a significant impact, serving in various roles such as a teacher, behavior support specialist, and now as Principal. Her commitment to the success of every child is evident in the strong relationships she has built with scholars and parents alike.
In her role as Principal, Mrs. Rager brings a unique blend of expertise, warmth, and dedication. She is a lifelong learner, constantly seeking to incorporate best practices into the classroom and school environment. Above all, she cherishes the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of scholars and their families, fostering a sense of belonging and achievement within the LUMIN community. For any questions, contact [email protected]
Rebekah Cahanin, Assistant Principal
Rebekah Cahanin serves as the Assistant Principal at Renaissance Lutheran School - Villa, bringing over a decade of experience in education to her leadership role. She joined the LUMIN Schools family in 2016 and spent nine years as a middle school math teacher before transitioning into administration. Her background as a "master teacher" gives her a unique perspective on classroom life, allowing her to build strong, supportive relationships with her staff. Rebekah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in English, Math, and Social Studies from Judson University in Elgin, Illinois.
Deeply committed to her faith, Rebekah appreciates being able to openly share Christ-centered values at LUMIN, where she loves the ability to pray over her students and colleagues and speak life into each scholar. Originally from Illinois, Rebekah grew up in Joliet and Lockport before moving to Northern Illinois. She now shares her life with her husband, John, to whom she has been married for just over a year, along with her two daughters, Scarlett and Naomi. Beyond her work at school, she volunteers as part of her church's worship team, where she channels her lifelong passion for singing.
Rebekah is also a huge sports enthusiast, avidly following the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, and Michigan Wolverines. Saturdays often find her preparing the home for a peaceful Sunday with her family, taking time to refresh before the week ahead. Her favorite scripture, Jeremiah 29:11, encapsulates her faith-driven approach to life and work: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
For any questions, contact, Rebekah Cahanin at [email protected]
Brittany Bakken, Administrative Assistant
Brittany Bakken, Administrative Assistant at Renaissance Lutheran School - Villa, has been a part of the LUMIN family since 2020. She has been working in the Education field for 3 years.Brittany grew up in Kenosha, WI. From a very young age, Brittany knew she wanted to be a teacher. Before becoming an Administrative Assistant at LUMIN, she worked at Rural Mutual Insurance Company. She graduated from High School at Indian Trail Academy and went on to take some college courses at Parkside College.
Brittany has a 12-year-old son along with 4 dogs named; Lilly, Luna, Loki and Lincoln. On Saturday mornings you can find Brittany making breakfast, watching Netflix or taking care of her plants.One of the things that drew Brittany to LUMIN is that they are all one big family. She is able to use her strong organizational skills, along with her ability to multi-task and be detail oriented to help LUMIN carry on their mission work.
Brittany stated that her favorite part about her job is being able to connect with the scholars and families.Her favorite scripture verse is Romans 8:24 “For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?”
For any questions, contact, Brittany Bakken at [email protected]