Staff Profiles
Adam Schmidt – Director
Background: I grew up right here in Winthrop, graduating from GFW High School. I first started in childcare as a volunteer for God’s Treasures Child Care when my wife, Jessica, was serving as Director at our Zion Lutheran Church location. I began my duties as Director in March 2024, a few months before we officially re-opened our doors as a Minnesota-licensed child care center, at our present location. My love for ministry began as a college student in Duluth where I served in various roles at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. One of those roles was establishing a preschool that still exists today. In 2010, a few years after my family moved back to Winthrop, I was part of the committee at Zion that established God’s Treasures. Prior to serving as Director, I most recently served in managerial roles for 9 years at New Ulm Medical Center where I remain employed as a casual Medical/Surgical Registered Nurse.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of St. Scholastica and Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota Duluth. I’m taking courses through Martin Luther College for my Staff Ministry certification.
Jessica Schmidt – Infant Teacher
Background: Jessica has been working with children and families for more than 15 years. After years working in a hospital and clinic system as a Registered Nurse she began a position in Public Health after moving from Duluth to Winthrop. During that time she did family home visits, worked with childhood nutrition in the WIC program, was a lactation consultant, was a school nurse, and did new baby visits. For the last seven years she has been providing childcare to infants and toddlers. Her favorite position yet!
Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, taking synodical and early childhood training through Martin Luther College
Taylor Doehring – Toddler Teacher
Background: My name is Taylor Doering, and I am originally from Seattle, WA. I recently got married in January. I began my ministry with God’s Treasures July of 2024. I love watching young children learn and grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Education: I graduated from Martin Luther College with a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education in May of 2024.
Grace Weisensel – Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Background: My name is Grace Weisensel, I grew up in La Crosse Wisconsin. In July 2024, I got married and moved to live with my husband on our farm near Lafayette. I began my ministry in the fall of 2023 teaching 3k in Baraboo, Wisconsin. I love being a teacher of young children because I get to see so many cool emotional, spiritual, and physical milestones reached in my students!
Education: I graduated from Martin Luther College in spring of 2023 with degrees in Early Childhood Education and Ministerial Studies.
Naomi Evenson – School Age Teacher
Background: I have taught grades 1-2 at St. John Luth. School in Fairfax, started the PreK program for Immanuel/Prairie Luth. School in Gibbon, and subbed daily and long term for PreK-12th grades in local districts, also serving as Gr. 1-7 Sunday School teacher and children’s choir director, and later subbing at MLC’s ECLC. I am currently the PLS resource teacher for K-4th grades and again teach the PreK classes.
Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Dr. Martin Luther College with emphasis in Language Arts, later becoming state certified through MLC. Continually update certification in CPR/First Aid, SUID/AHT, etc.