Dr. Paul Burtzlaff: Senior Pastor
Pastor Paul Burtzlaff and his wife of over 23 years, Suzanne, and their daughters, Sydnee and Reagan, relocated to St. Petersburg from Cleveland, Ohio, in August 2006. Pastor Burtzlaff graduated from Concordia Seminary with his Master of Divinity in May 1993. He furthered his studies at Stetson University, where he was awarded a Master of Science, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy in 1997. He also has a PhD from The University of Florida, in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Pastor Burtzlaff previously served at St. John Lutheran Church and School in Ocala, Florida, as Associate Pastor and School Administrator (1993-2001). Moreover, he also served as Associate Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School, Westlake, Ohio (2001-2006).
Tyler Moore: Associate Pastor
A fifth-generation Floridian who grew up in St. Petersburg, Pastor Tyler Moore received his undergraduate degree in Theology from Concordia University Irvine, in Southern California and his Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. As much as he enjoyed his time across the country, he was incredibly excited when the opportunity arose to come home to St. Pete to serve at Our Savior in 2014.
His role as Assistant Pastor includes pastoral care and preaching at both campuses, as well as working alongside both of our schools - Our Savior Lutheran School in St. Pete and Living Love Early Childhood Center in Largo.
Pastor Tyler and his wife, Cassie (who also serves at Our Savior as Director of Christian Education), love exploring the many great things Central Florida has to offer: from theme parks to beaches to sports. In fact, Pastor Tyler and his passion for the Tampa Bay Lightning made international news during the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs, when he started creating funny hockey-themed sayings for the church marquee –earning him the nickname, “Hockey Pastor.”
In addition to the Bolts, Pastor Tyler loves surfing, riding his longboard skateboard, discovering new delicious food and his two toy Australian Shepherds, Bonzer and Tucker.
Jesse Crosmer: Principal
Jesse has served as the principal of Our Savior Lutheran School since 1993. He holds a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from Florida Atlantic University. He earned his undergraduate degree at Concordia University Chicago.
Jesse served as a teacher and coach at Our Savior, in Houston, Texas, and Peace Lutheran in Ft. Lauderdale, before serving as the administrator at Holy Trinity, Tampa, where he stayed until accepting the call to Our Savior.
His role as Assistant Pastor includes pastoral care and preaching at both campuses, as well as working alongside both of our schools - Our Savior Lutheran School in St. Pete and Living Love Early Childhood Center in Largo.
He has served on various Florida-Georgia District committees and accreditation teams. In 2000, he served as the President of the Lutheran Educators’ Conference. In 2006, he was presented with the Ben Egger’s Award as the outstanding Lutheran School Administrator for the Florida-Georgia District. He enjoys visiting family with his wife Becky, working on building projects, and following the Rays!
In addition to the Bolts, Pastor Tyler loves surfing, riding his longboard skateboard, discovering new delicious food and his two toy Australian Shepherds, Bonzer and Tucker.
Chris Futch: Vicar
Chris Futch has been worshiping at Our Savior since 2012, with his wife, Elaine. He is newly elected to the Board of Elders. Chris’ favorite Bible verse is Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
This verse reminds him to always look to our Creator.
Graham Barber: Dir. of Youth Ministries
Graham first connected with God and developed his passion for ministry when he became involved in college ministry. He quickly joined the leadership team and led a group of college-aged men. While serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, Graham continued his calling and volunteered with middle-school and high-school youth.
Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Graham settled in the area after completing his service time. Graham joined Our Savior as Director of Youth Ministries in June 2012. This August, Graham will complete his Associates degree in Liberal Arts, from Hillsborough Community College and will begin pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Organizational Leadership from St. Petersburg College.
Graham and his wife, Kasey, welcomed their first child, Adelina, in April 2014. In their free time, the Barbers enjoy camping, kayaking and watching movies.
Cassie Moore: Dir. of Christian Education
As a Director of Christian Education, Cassie has worked at churches large and small, and currently serves at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School with children’s and youth ministry.
Growing up in Illinois and Minnesota, she earned her degree in Christian Education Leadership from Concordia University in Irvine, California, and has served as a Director of Christian Education since 2008. Cassie maintains an international youth ministry column, Inside the Teen Mind, and writes for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s thESource.
As a freelance writer, she specializes in writing curriculum, non-profit promotion and youth-ministry related materials. Her work has been featured with Concordia Publishing House, several district organizations and she’s regularly featured on internationally broadcast KFUO radio. She’s partnered with Lutheran Hour Ministries for the Men’s Network Bible studies and their Regional Outreach Conferences, and has been the keynote speaker for the Ontario Circuit Youth Gathering in 
Canada. She’s been a part of the planning team for the last two National Youth Gatherings, serving over 30,000 teens and leaders from across the country.
Cassie and her husband, Pastor Tyler Moore, have two Australian Shepherds named Bonzer and Tucker. Her first book, Authentic Youth Ministry, is available through Concordia Publishing House.
Diane Berset: Dir. Living Love Early Childhood Center
Diane has been an Early Education Childcare Director for eighteen years. She brought her expertise to Our Savior in August 2011, when she began as Director of Our Savior’s Living Love Early Childhood Center.
In her role, she oversees the daily responsibilities of the operation of the preschool, located in Clearwater, Florida. Diane works in conjunction with the Pinellas County Licensing Board, the Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County (School Readiness and Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten), and Coordinated Child Care of Pinellas, in order to provide the highest quality positive Christian inclusive atmosphere for all of the children we serve.
Diane sits on the Advisory Board at Pinellas Technical Educational College (PTEC). Diane holds an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, along with her Staff and Director Credentials. Diane is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.
Diane has been married to her husband, Bruce, for thirty years and they have three daughters, two grandsons and two granddaughters. They enjoy long walks on the beach, horseback riding, traveling, and spending quality time with their family and friends.
Brad Iturriaga: Dir. of Music and Arts Ministries,
St. Petersburg
Brad has been singing and playing instruments since he was a kid. In addition to his vocal ability, he plays the guitar, drums and violin. Prior to coming to Our Savior, Brad led worship at VanDyke Church, Oasis Christ Fellowship and BayLife Church. Brad has two boys: Kyson and Taylor. He’s also a huge local sports fan. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, boating and golfing.
Travis Bray: Dir. of Music and Arts Ministries,
East Bay
Throughout his life, Travis has been actively involved in the local church, serving in the worship and youth ministries. Travis, who joined Our Savior in May of 2013, has been a worship leader for over ten years, serving churches and organizations around the country.
Travis’ musical talents include singing, and playing guitar, piano and drums. In 2007, Travis received his degree in Christian Education from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. In addition to leading worship, he works full time as a Warehouse Manager for a company which develops and engineers commercial aircraft parts.
For fun, Travis likes to spend time with his three teenaged children by relaxing, going to the beach, or taking in Buccaneers, Rays or Lightning games.
Jennifer Johnson: Executive Director
Jennifer Johnson’s been Our Savior’s Business Manager since September 2010. Jennifer oversees the financial and business affairs of the church and the school. Before coming to Our Savior, she performed audits for Price-Waterhouse Coopers. She also has over 20 years experience in commercial property management.
Jennifer is a University of South Florida (USF), graduate. Jennifer and her husband, Chris, were married in 2004 and have two children who both attend Our Savior Lutheran School. They enjoy spending family time together on their boat.
Kim Fritz: Administrative Coordinator
Kim has worked in administrative capacities for over 30 years. Most recently, she was the Executive Assistant and Director of Special Events for the YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg, for 11 years. Kim received her Bachelor's degree in Management with High Honors from Eckerd College Program for Experienced Learners in 2000.
Kim and her husband, Ken, were first introduced to Our Savior Lutheran Church by Ken's parents, Duane and Isla Fritz, when Kim and her family relocated to St. Pete from Poughquag, NY, nearly 30 years ago. Since then, they’ve been active members. Ken currently serves as Treasurer for the Congregation, as well as assists on various repair and construction projects.
Both of their children, Cameron and Kristen, are alumni of Our Savior Lutheran School, attending OSLS from the age of 3 through 8th grade. While her children attended the school, Kim served as Development Coordinator for Our Savior Lutheran School (OSLS), a role in which she helped lead the Development Council in their fundraising efforts for the school. During this time, they founded the OSLS Benefit Auction, as well as championed the Annual Fund Phone-a-thon event.
Kim also won a Ford vehicle from Oprah's Big Give initiative and donated it to the church for a fundraising effort, in which we raised over $20,000!
Kali Dambeck: Dir. of Admissions OSLS
Kali Dambeck comes to Our Savior with over ten years of experience in non-profit business management. Kali earned her Bachelors Degree from University of Florida. She also holds a Masters Degree in business. Kali has two daughters who both attend Our Savior Lutheran School. Kali and her husband, Matt, both native to St. Petersburg, returned to this area to raise their family.
Jeremy Schauder: Director of Properties
Jeremy joined Our Savior as Director of Properties in February 2017.
