New Officers were elected at the Annual Membership Meeting on January 30, 2026. Officers are elected for a one-year term. Trustees are elected for three-year terms.
The following is a listing of the current officers of the German Language School of Union County:
Daniel Schlösser – President
My name is Daniel Schlösser. I was born in beautiful Mainz, Germany. In 2014, my family moved to the United States and we currently live in Westfield, New Jersey. Our son Samuel is seven years old and is currently attending the amazing kindergarten of Frau Frauke and will be moving up to first grade in September of 2026. He genuinely loves the school and his friends there (only our dog Milo is more important to him).
My family is passionate about our school’s mission to foster a friendly and encouraging environment, giving all students the opportunity to learn the beautiful German language. I am at the school every Saturday and am looking forward to many conversations with parents, teachers and anyone else who would like to have a chat.
Alexandra Schmidt Klock – Vice President
My name is Alexandra, and I’m honored to serve as Vice President on the Board of Officers. Born and raised in Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany, I moved to the US in 1997 after completing my Abitur. After pursuing higher education in New Jersey, I’ve called this state home for more than two decades. Being part of the German School gives me the opportunity to share the language, traditions, and values that shaped my upbringing.
Our daughter Samantha began attending at age three and has thrived here ever since, now in Level 3 at age eleven, with wonderful friendships and personal and academic growth along the way.
For us, the connection to German culture starts at home. My husband and I raised Samantha bilingually using the “one parent, one language” approach, and she speaks nearly accent-free German today. Maintaining the language was essential to us, to preserve our family heritage and ensure she could build strong bonds with her Oma, Opa, and family in Germany. Watching her grow up connected to both cultures has been one of my greatest joys.
As Director of Application Support for over 22 years, I’ve developed skills in problem-solving, team building, and strategic planning that I bring to our school community. After years of Saturday morning volunteering, from the book mobile to school events, I joined the Board in 2024 to make a more lasting impact. My commitment is to ensure our school remains strong, vibrant, and continues to serve families dedicated to preserving the German language and culture for generations to come.
Outside of school, my family enjoys hiking, staying active, and traveling, especially back to Germany to visit family.
Torsten Banze – Treasurer
“Hallo, mein Name ist Torsten. I grew up in Besse, a small village near Kassel, Germany, and though my career led me into global compliance and a life in the U.S., my roots remain close. Now in Jersey City, my wife and I watch our kids – Liza and Nicholas – flourish in German, Russian, and English. I’m the only native German-speaking parent at home, but with the “one-parent-one-language” approach and the German School, they’ve become fluent and enthusiastic. They even play together in German! The school amplifies that foundation, turning language into a joyful, everyday part of their world. After each visit to Germany they come back with stories and impressions – such as Nickolas’ love for the North Sea or Liza’s excitement of a new pen pal in Germany – they proudly share. As Treasurer, I’m committed to a thriving, modern community – one where German families preserve heritage, and American families embrace new cultures. Together, we’re raising global citizens who live – and play – between worlds.”
Michelle Graham – Public Relations
Hi, my name is Michelle Graham and I’m the new Public Relations Officer at the German School of Union County. Born and raised as a true Millenial in Nuremberg, Germany in the great decade that were the 90s, I built my early career in marketing and public relations at an agency in Berlin, where I developed a strong foundation in communication and creative strategy.
Ten years ago, I decided to explore my second heritage and relocated to the United States – first Atlanta, then Charlotte and now call the amazing state that is New Jersey home – bringing my German roots and international perspective along the way with me. Therefore at home, my husband and I are raising our son bilingually in German and English, allowing me to stay closely connected to my heritage and share it with my own child. The German School of Union County plays an important role in supporting his language development and cultural education, helping us maintain a meaningful link to Germany while building our life in the U.S.
In my free time I love to play every single Mario video game with my husband and son, burn the house down at a Karaoke Bar, and try new recipes from all around the world – my current favorite being Irish Beef Stew!
Nicole Pegg – Corresponding Secretary
Nicole Pegg is a first-generation American raised bilingual in German and English. She lived in Germany as a child, and her extended family remains there. She visits frequently and works to pass on German language and culture to her two children, who both attend the German Language School of Union County. They started in the Spielgruppe and continue their German education today. Nicole, her husband, and their family live in Mountainside, New Jersey.
Nicole studied Digital Media at Drexel University and works in product management at a major technology company. As Corresponding Secretary, she is honored to serve on the board and help shape a successful future for the school.
Stefan Henze – Registrar
