Administration and Staff

Chris Comella

Mr. Comella has served as Principal of Pilgrim Lutheran School since July 2013. 

Mr. Comella has over 35 years of experience in professional education, both in the classroom and in administration. He started his teaching career in private faith-based schools in Chicago in 1982 and in 1999, he became an assistant principal and later a principal in Zion, IL.

Mr. Comella has a bachelor’s degree from Wabash College in English and Classical Greek and a master’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University in Educational Administration. He also studied at Concordia University Chicago, DePaul University, the University of Aberdeen (U.K.) and the Goethe-Institut Berlin.  Mr. Comella is an alumnus of the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program, having taught English in Wilhelm-Hoffmann-Gymnasium in St. Goarshausen in Germany.

Currently, Mr. Comella serves on the Board of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association.

Kristian Johnson

Pastor Johnson has been serving Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School since November 2012.

Originally from Minnesota, He graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN as a Music Major and received his M. Div from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.

Before coming to Pilgrim, he served as a youth minister on the north side of Chicago for five years. He has spent significant time learning and serving among Christians in Tanzania, East Africa and El Salvador, Central America. He served his first call at First Lutheran Church/Iglesia Luterana Mi Salvador in Inglewood, CA. During his six years there, he helped the congregation triple in size and start a ministry in Spanish.

Pastor Johnson’s wife, Anna is also an ordained minister in the ELCA. They are blessed with three children, Hope, Emanuel, and Xavier.

Halley Williams

Halley Williams was first introduced to the Pilgrim community when her son attended kindergarten. In 2015, she transitioned into the administrative team. She works part-time in the school office as the Communication and Office Manager.

Halley received a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Miami. She also holds a Masters of Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she worked in mental health in the Lakeview neighborhood for over 20 years.

Two years ago, Halley led Pilgrim’s accreditation team. As the leader, she helped evaluate teaching practices and set long-term goals.

When not serving as the Communication and Office Manager, Halley enjoys exercising and spending time with family and friends.

Renee Stuedemann

You’ve probably seen Renee Stuedemann’s friendly face if you’ve visited the Pilgrim Lutheran School office, although she actually works part-time developing weekly bulletins, announcements and other materials for the church. 

After graduating from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in education, Mrs. Stuedemann attended the Harrington Institute of Interior Design.  She subsequently enjoyed a lengthy and fulfilling career in corporate interior design and project management.  

Mrs. Stuedemann is enjoying the change of pace that her administrative role at Pilgrim brings.  She embodies the Pilgrim philosophy of faith development by volunteering on various church committees, hosting a women’s bible study in her home and taking part in the church’s annual El Salvador mission trip to feed the hungry, build homes and churches and deliver medical supplies.

Dave Emery

Dave Emery is happy to serve as Pilgrim’s Facilities Manager. He works behind the scenes to keep Pilgrim operating smoothly. Students often find him opening the door for school in the morning or setting up for events. He is the proud father of his two sons, both graduates of Pilgrim.

Meagan Mesirow

As Pilgrim Lutheran School’s social worker, Ms. Mesirow spends her days meeting with students, teachers, and parents as a support service. She works with students individually and in groups on expressing feelings, coping strategies, social skills, executive functioning, and more! She also works with diverse learners and helps teachers and parents navigate supports and accommodations. 

Ms. Mesirow teaches weekly social-emotional learning classes to students in the younger grades. She also hosts workshops to support the middle school students and teachers. Students will see her helping out during social times such as lunch, recess, and resource periods. She is there to help if students want to talk or need help navigating a problem. Ms. Mesirow loves the strong community at Pilgrim. As the social worker at Pilgrim Lutheran School, she encourages students, teachers, and parents to embrace the support system here.

Crystal Boice

As Pilgrim’s Lunch Chef, Crystal Boice ensures that students have a hot meal option everyday. She uses fresh ingredients to make creative and delicious meals. She also provides options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies. More information about the Hot Lunch Program is available at lunch.pilgrimchicago.org.