Our Leadership

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Donna Wildemann

Donna Wildemann earned her Bachelor of Arts in History from Wellesley College and her teaching certification from the State University of New York at New Paltz, with a concentration in early childhood development. She has taught across multiple grade levels, bringing a broad perspective to her work with students. Specializing in literacy, she is trained in the Orton-Gillingham approach and has extensive experience in curriculum development, ensuring instructional materials are both inclusive and evidence-based.

Ms. Wildemann also served as Director of Christian Formation at her church for four years, where she developed programs to support faith development across age groups. In addition, she has completed leadership and group skills training through a program at the U.S. Army War College and has pursued further leadership development through military-affiliated training.

Outside of school, Ms. Wildemann enjoys quilting and traveling. Having lived overseas for approximately 15 years, she values the global perspective these experiences bring to her work and relationships.

Trinity Board of Directors

Affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), Trinity Lutheran School operates under the auspices of a Board of Directors and a Head of School. The Board of Directors—composed of 11 members who represent the school community, active members of Trinity Lutheran Church, and the community at large, plus Trinity Lutheran Church’s senior pastor (ex officio)—is responsible for the direction of the school by establishing policies, creating a long-range plan, and maintaining Trinity’s mission. The Head of School’s responsibilities include supervising daily operations, implementing policies, and upholding Trinity’s academic standards.

Board members are appointed for three-year terms, serving no more than six consecutive years. Anyone interested in serving on the Board of Directors is encouraged to contact the Head of School or a current board member.

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Laura Livanec, Chair

Originally from Northeast Ohio, Laura Livanec has called Virginia home since 2004 and has been
part of the Hampton Roads community for more than 20 years. Laura and her husband,
Christian, are both proud shipbuilders at Huntington Ingalls Industries – Newport News
Shipbuilding.
In her work at the shipyard, Laura specializes in bringing diverse teams of shipbuilders together
to solve complex problems, navigate challenges, and successfully execute critical projects. She
brings this experience in collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and leadership to her
service on the Trinity Lutheran School Board.
Laura, Christian, and their daughter, Natalie, have been members of the Trinity family since the
2020–2021 school year. They are grateful for the strong academics, dedicated teachers, and
close-knit community that make Trinity special. As a family, they enjoy spending time outdoors
through camping, hiking, biking, and running.
Laura is honored to serve Trinity and is passionate about supporting the school’s continued
growth while helping preserve the strong sense of community that makes Trinity a special place
for students and families.

Irin Hall, Vice Chair

Irin Hall is Director of Facilities Projects and Engineering at Newport News Shipbuilding, division of HII.  Irin’s 22 year career at the shipyard has taken her through multiple leadership positions in Engineering, Nuclear Operations and various aspects of Plant Operations. Irin’s passion is driving change and taking organizations to the next level. She is also a lifelong learner, constantly picking up new techniques as part of her crafting hobby. Irin, her husband Quentin, daughter Renata and son Quentin have been part of TLS for the last 7 years. Irin’s family has always felt at home at TLS, surrounded by loving staff, strong academics and family values. She is honored to serve on the Board and contribute to the TLS legacy.

Matt Long, Secretary

Matt Long is from Colorado Springs, Colorado and has lived in Virginia for nearly thirty years.
He lives in Hilton Village with his wife and two children and is the Chief Engineer at Ferguson Enterprises HQ. During his 20+ year career in Facilities Management, with a focus on Commercial Office, he's had the pleasure of working with sustainability specialists, to attain a LEED O&M – Existing Building Certification at Reflections II and has maintained other LEED
certified and Energy Star rated buildings. In his current role, Matt is responsible for
Mechanical-Electrical-Plumbing and life-safety systems for Ferguson Enterprises HQ
in Newport News, VA. “As the parent of former students and spouse to a former employee of Trinity Lutheran School, I had the pleasure of seeing how happy my kids and wife were, teaching and learning here. I am grateful for the opportunity to help continue that TLS tradition and aid in growth."

Craig Zuidema

Craig has worked in the financial services industry for over 30 years.  He is a graduate of Old Dominion
University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master's in Business
Administration with a concentration in Accounting.  Craig serves on the Board for the Virginia Peninsula
Chamber of Commerce, the Chapter Board for the Tidewater Chapter of the Virginia Credit Union
League and sits on the Statewide Advocacy Council for the Virginia Credit Union League.   Craig's
daughter, Lilly, attended Trinity Lutheran School for 6 years and was in the 8th grade graduating class of 2026.  He is a
lifelong resident of Hampton Roads and in his spare time he enjoys playing music, traveling and
spending time on the beach with his daughter.

Anne O’Bara

Anne Obara is currently the secretary for the Trinity Lutheran
Church School board as of October 2023. She has been a member
of Trinity Lutheran Church for over 40 years.
Anne is determined to help with the school needs, and help create
a better connection between the school and the church, mainly by
supporting each entity as much as possible. In addition, she
wants to look at future goals of the school to see what is viable
and help with whatever the board decides is important to
accomplish. At this point in time, Anne loves being a small part of
this adventure of continuing all the wonderful things happening at
Trinity Lutheran School. Go Lions!!!

Judy Hunt

After Judy Hunt earned her BA from the College of William and Mary, she began teaching first grade in Hampton.  She also taught  thirty-three years at Hidenwood Presbyterian Preschool, where she became director the last nine years of her career, and in the gifted education program at William and Mary.  A member of Trinity Lutheran Church since she was a teen-ager, Judy has served on and chaired church council and numerous committees.  Currently, she serves on the worship and music committee, property committee, garden committee and archives committee.  She is excited to add TLS Board to that list.  She believes in planning and completing projects in a timely manner.  In retirement Judy enjoys traveling, volunteering at Trinity and spending time with family and friends.  She is married to retired CPA David Hunt and has two grown children, Bryan and Kelly, and two grandsons.