Our Staff.

Director

Stephanie Treder has been the director of Little Lions since July 2024. She graduated from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN with a double major in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. For the majority of her ministry, she served in California. She was assigned to Reformation in San Diego as the preschool director and teacher. She also served at Apostles in San Jose as a preschool teacher, before and after care coordinator/teacher, and a second grade teacher. Before serving at Little Lions, she served as the director of St. John's Lutheran Child Care in Jefferson, WI. She is married to her husband, Chris, and they have a cat named Mika. She enjoys outdoor adventures like hiking and camping, learning about different cultures by immersing herself in them, and spending time with family and friends. Her favorite thing about working at Little Lions is sharing Jesus with the kids and watching their faith grow!

PASTOR

Benjamin Phelps ("Pastor Ben") was born in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and lived in Plymouth, Wisconsin, for most of his childhood and teenage years. He is a 2014 graduate of Martin Luther College and a 2018 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. As a student he gained experience assisting 7 different churches in Wisconsin and North Carolina. Upon completing his seminary studies in, he was assigned as pastor to Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kenai, Alaska. In April 2023, he accepted his call to serve as associate pastor at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Marathon, Wisconsin.

Ben and his wife, Molly (formerly Graumann), are blessed with two daughters, Emma and Ava, and a son, Silas. They also share their home with Kevin, a yellow lab.

Ben is currently a doctoral student in the reduced residency program at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, where he is working towards a Ph.D. in historical theology. He currently serves on the WELS 175th anniversary committee. Pastor Ben is interested especially in 19th-century Lutheranism, and has written several award-winning papers and journal articles on the topic. He is also the founder and host of The Lutheran History Podcast.

PASTOR

Pastor Hadler has been serving at St. Matthew's since June 1999. He was born in Miami, AZ and grew up in Bylas, AZ, where his parents served as teachers in our Apache mission school. He spent his 8th grade year living with a family in Phoenix and was confirmed at St. Thomas Lutheran Church in May 1978. He attended Martin Luther Academy in New Ulm, MN and became a student at Martin Luther Prep School in Prairie du Chien, WI, when the school moved there, graduating in 1982. He attended Northwestern College in Watertown, WI (1982-86) and Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (1986-1990). He spent his vicar year at Christ Lutheran in Eagle River, WI, and St. John's Lutheran in Phelps, WI.
He was ordained into the pastoral ministry in July 1990 and served his first nine years at Bethlehem Lutheran, Raymond, SD and Peace Lutheran, Clark, SD.
He and his wife, Anne, have two daughters, Heidi and Haley, and one grandson, Brooks. He enjoys golfing, woodworking, and working on projects around the house.

Infant 1 Lead Teacher

My name is Mary. I have been teaching in childcare since 2009. I have an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education. My family includes my husband Brandon, our son Michael born Jan. 2023 and our 2 cats, Pepper and Elsa. When I'm not at work snuggling babies, I enjoy family time and relaxing. I also enjoy traveling when possible.

TODDLER 2 LEAD TEACHER

Hi, my name is Ann. I'm the second oldest of 8 kids, which I think is part of the reason why I love working and playing with kids. My husband and I have been married for 5 years, and we are welcoming our first baby in mid-October. I like reading, camping, fishing, playing video games, and playing with our two cats, Bitterblue and Pumpkin.

TODDLER 3 LEAD TEACHER

Hi! My name is Katelyn, and I have been working at Little Lions since November 2023. I grew up in Marathon, Wisconsin, and later attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. I have always enjoyed working with children and getting to know their individual personalities, interests, and strengths.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading and writing short stories. I have a cat named Luna who keeps me company at home. I’m excited to continue growing and learning alongside the children and families at Little Lions, and I look forward to creating lots of fun memories together!

Preschool 4 Lead Teacher

My name is Denise Grondin and I am currently going to NTC for Early Childhood Education. I started here at Little Lions in September 2023 as an assistant teacher. I became the lead in Preschool 4, September of 2024. And loving every minute of it…. Yes, even the moments that are not so fun! 

I live with my husband and two dogs, Miss Nova, the husky and Miss Willow, the dachshund., here in Marathon. I have five children, four step children and one of my own. Their names are Michelle, Tristian, Matthew, Michelle, and Jean-Lucien (Yes, there are two Michelles). Also, I have six grandchildren, Wyatt, Tucker, Easton, Johanna, Maci, and Arlo. They are the apple of my eye!!!

In my free time, I enjoy painting rocks and hiding them throughout the Wausau area to let others find them. I love going camping with my husband and Arlo. As well as hiking with my fur babies.

Preschool 5 Lead Teacher

Hi, my name is Brittney Riehle. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Child Life and Family Studies from UW–Stevens Point. I joined Little Lions in October 2025 as an Assistant Teacher in the Preschool 5 classroom and became the Lead Teacher in September 2026.

I am the youngest and only girl among three siblings. Coincidentally, my mom gave all of us names that begin with “Br”! I also have two sisters-in-law and four wonderful nieces and nephews. When I’m not spending time with the children at Little Lions, I’m usually with my nieces and nephews, creating memories and enjoying family time.

From a young age, I knew I wanted to work with children and make a positive difference in their lives. Teaching runs in my family, as both my mother and grandmother were educators. Their passion for helping children learn and grow inspired me to follow a similar path. I love creating engaging learning experiences, helping children discover new things, and making learning fun every day.

Faith Hinrichson- Infant 1 Teacher

Selena Thao- Infant 1 Teacher

Lisa Wichlacz- Toddler 2 Teacher

Erica Suzda- Toddler 3 Teacher

Ajinae Defoe - Toddler 3 Teacher

Tejana Benz- Preschool 4 Teacher

Suzy Meier- Preschool 5 Teacher

Hannah Baldeshwiler- Preschool 5 Teacher

Chloe Sonnentag- Lead School Age Teacher

Lori Fuller- Administrative Assistant

Lorraine Mulder- Head Cook

Shirley Hack- Janitor

Jacqueline Hackel- Janitor