Administration

Todd Eklund – Head of School

Todd Eklund graduated with a BA from Concordia University, Irvine, a secondary education credential and MA from the University of Arizona, and professional certification from the University of Cambridge. Eklund’s professional journey in education was first established teaching at the University of Arizona and coaching at the high school level in Tucson, AZ. Prior to accepting a Call in 2024 to serve as Head of School at CLHS, he served for 19 years at Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, CA, where he held teaching, coaching, and administrative leadership positions over the years in the Arts, Student Activities, Athletics, and in Academics. As a former school Principal and Chief of School at Orange Lutheran High School, his contributions, growth mindset pursuits, and passion for Lutheran education has provided for diverse platforms that foster opportunities for students, staff, and community members to pursue their God given gifts and talents. Eklund is passionate about pursuing a transformational campus culture for Christ, propelling mission centered strategic planning endeavors, and about forming partnerships with the outstanding community who support and serve the school ministry. Todd and his wife Rachel, who teaches History at CLHS, have one son, Easton.

Julie Kangas – Principal

Julie Kangas graduated from Concordia University, Irvine in 1992 and completed her California Clear Teaching Credential in 1993. Her first call was to Zion Lutheran Church and Schools in Anaheim, CA where she served for twenty-five years. Kangas taught 4th grade for seven years and then completed her Masters degree from Pepperdine University in Educational Administration, as well as her Administrative Credential in 1999. At that time, she moved up to teach 7th & 8th grade in middle school and also served as Assistant Principal. In 2002, she served as Interim Principal and was formally called as Principal in 2003. She was selected to be a Van Lunen Fellow through Calvin College in Michigan that trains educational leaders in executive management. Kangas served on the Board of Directors at Lutheran High School in Orange County and as President of the Orange County Lutheran Educators Conference. In 2018, she joined Concordia Lutheran High School, serving as Principal. Julie and her husband Sean, have two children, Matthew and Mackenzie. Sean teaches at Trinity Klein Lutheran School in Spring, TX.

Jenny Honeck – Assistant Principal

Jenny Honeck earned a BA in Education from Louisiana Christian University, a BA in Christian Ministries from Crown College (MN), an MA in Organizational Leadership from Crown College (MN), and a Principal Certification from Lamar University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Lamar University. Honeck’s professional journey in education began in 1992 and has included a wide range of teaching and administrative roles across various grade levels and school communities. A deep passion marks her commitment to Christ-centered education for helping students recognize their God-given identity as unique, unrepeatable miracles, fearfully and wonderfully made by God, created on purpose for His purpose. Before serving at CLHS, Honeck invested her gifts and leadership in multiple school settings, most notably serving for 18 years at Salem Lutheran School in Tomball, Texas. During her tenure and in other roles, she contributed to strategic development, curriculum innovation, the creation of nurturing and purpose-driven learning environments, and connections to local communities. Her heart for ministry and relational leadership has enabled her to positively impact students, staff, and families in ways that foster lasting community and Kingdom impact. Jenny’s husband, Bill, was a freshman the year Concordia opened in 1984. His parents were educators at Concordia. Her three children, Billy (2014), Brooke (2016), and Bryce (2019), also attended Concordia. It is a place close to her heart, and she feels privileged to be a part of and serve the Concordia community. 

Isaak Bestian – Dean of Students

Isaak Bestian graduated from Concordia University, Texas in December 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary School Curriculum and History while also getting his Lutheran Teacher Diploma to be a rostered worker of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  Isaak was called to CLHS in 2020 to teach.  He has taught a variety of classes including World Geography, United States History, and Animal Science.  He was an Ag Advisor for CLHS’ FFA and 4-H program in which he also coached the shotgun and archery teams.  He accepted the position of Dean of Students in 2025 and currently serves in that role.

Andrew Schultz – Director of Operations

Matthew Neidigk '92 – Director of Athletics

Matthew Neidigk graduated from Concordia University, Wisconsin in 1997. He then began teaching at Concordia Lutheran HS in Tomball. After two years at Concordia, Neidigk moved to Lutheran North High School in Macomb, Michigan where he served as History and Theology teacher, as well as Head Girls Basketball Coach for 9 years, before becoming Athletic Director. Neidigk then moved back to Texas where he served as History Teacher and Head Baseball and Football Coach at Lutheran High North in Houston for four years, and then spent a year at Klein Collins HS as an assistant football and track coach while teaching United States History. Neidigk then returned in 2006 to his high school alma mater CLHS, where he as served as History and Theology teacher, as well as Head Girls Basketball Coach, before becoming Athletic Director. Matt and his wife Lindsay have four children, Jackson, Ryan, Lauren, and Alyson.

Gabi Zelaya '17 – Director of Admissions

Gabi Zelaya, a proud alumna of Concordia Lutheran High School, returns to her alma mater as Director of Admissions and Enrollment. She leads outreach and enrollment efforts with a focus on building strong relationships and welcoming new families into the Concordia community. Gabi earned both her MBA and Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing from the University of Delaware, where she also competed as an NCAA Division I volleyball player. Her collegiate experience shaped her leadership and team-building skills, which she now brings to her role and to the court as a volleyball coach at Concordia. With a background in marketing, event planning, and coaching, Gabi is passionate about helping students find their place in Concordia’s Christ-centered environment.

Jonathan Schleicher – Director of Advancement

Jonathan Schleicher graduated from Concordia University, Nebraska in 2011 with bachelor degrees in Marketing and Business Administration and a minor in Finance. Schleicher joined the Concordia ministry in June 2014, after serving Lutheran Hour Ministries as a major gift/planned giving officer. Prior to Lutheran Hour Ministries, Jonathan worked in the advancement and marketing offices at Concordia University, Nebraska and was a tennis professional at the Lincoln Racquet Club (Lincoln, Neb.). With his Masters in Philanthropy and Development from Saint Mary's of Minnesota and the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) distinction, Schleicher offers expertise in estate plans, trusts, gift annuities, life insurance gifts, property and direct gifts, and endowed scholarships. Jonathan and his wife Chelsea have four children, Isaiah, Noah, Micah, and Selah. Chelsea teaches at Trinity Klein Lutheran School in Spring, TX.

Emily Gribnau '01 – Director of Finance

Emily Gribnau graduated from Texas A&M University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Science in Finance.   She is also a licensed CPA in Texas.  Her career started as an Assurance Associated at Grant Thornton, LLP.  After one year in public accounting, she moved to Lyondell Basel Industries in their internal reporting department.  In addition to preparing financial statements, she was part of the team tasked with implementing new consolidation software.  After four years with Lyondell, she took some time be a stay-at-home mom while doing some tax work on the side.  In 2020 she joined the finance team at Trinity Klein as the Controller, and it was this role that began a passion for work in Christian Education.  Emily started at Concordia in 2023 excited to join the team to support, sustain, and grow this ministry for our families today and for future generations.  Emily and her husband Jeremy have four daughters: Annelise, Ella, Charlotte, and Claire.

Jonathan Held – Director of Fine Arts

Jonathan Held graduated from Concordia University – River Forest (Chicago) in 2000 with a Bachelor of Music Education degree.  He also earned a Master’s degree in Music with an emphasis in Conducting from Southern Oregon University in 2004 through the American Band College program.  His first call in 2000 was to teach bands in Lincoln, NE at Lincoln Lutheran Jr/Sr High School and association Lutheran elementary schools.  In 2004, he accepted a call to start a music program at Lutheran High School of Greater New Orleans in Metairie, LA and teach bands and general music at association elementary schools.  In 2008, Held accepted his current call to Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball where he currently serves as Band Director and Director of Fine Arts.  He also teaches bands at Trinity Klein Lutheran School and coordinates the band programs at Salem Lutheran School and Epiphany Lutheran Schools.  After growing up in Houston, it is special to come home and share the love of Jesus through God’s gift of music.  Jonathan and his wife Elisabeth, who teaches Government and Economics at CLHS, have two children, Nate and Anna.