School Administration Team
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Martha Laurent
Hi, my name is Martha Laurent. I am the principal of Holy Name of Jesus School. I have enjoyed an active and diverse career in Catholic education, working at St. Hubert School in Chanhassen for 13 years--first as a teacher, then as a dean, and finally as principal. I additionally have served as principal at St. Pascal Baylon in St. Paul. I hold a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota, plus a master’s degree in educational leadership and an educational specialist degree from St. Thomas University. I feel very blessed to be a part of the Holy Name of Jesus School family. |
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Courtney Bush Hello! My name is Courtney Bush and I serve as the assistant principal of Holy Name of Jesus School. I am dedicated to Catholic education, most recently at Shakopee Area Catholic School, where I taught music/fine arts classes, coordinated middle school electives, and led the development of Personalized Growth Plans, before moving into school leadership. I also continue to be active in parish music and liturgical ministry. I earned Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of St. Benedict, a Master of Arts in Music Education degree from the University of St. Thomas, and an Education Specialist degree from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. I am blessed to be a part of the Holy Name of Jesus School community. |
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Carla Durand Office Manager
Hi, my name is Carla Durand. I have been serving as office manager for Holy Name of Jesus School since 2016. My responsibilities include handling all incoming phone calls and emails regarding our school. I work directly with Holy Name of Jesus School’s principal and assist the teachers and parents with any questions. I enjoy greeting the kids every morning and making sure that they have a safe and happy day. |
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Rene Hannsen
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Preschool Team
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Vanessa Scherer Pre-K Teacher
Hi! Vanessa Scherer here. I am excited to start my fourth year with Kindersparks, my ninth year as a parent at the school, and my 15th year as a parishioner at Holy Name of Jesus. I love that I get to work every day in a place that feels like a second home to my family. It has been a blessing to watch my two children graduate from here, and I also have a second grader. Before working at HNOJ, I sparked my love of Early Childhood at the Discovery Center in Maple Plain, where I was on the Parent Advisory Council, as well as, an aide in the classroom. I have completed my Early Childhood Certificate at Rasmussen University. |
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Ashley Berg Pre-K Teacher
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Michelle Rosenberg
Hi, my name is Michelle Rosenberg. I am blessed to be teaching here at Holy Name where I can share my Catholic faith and to teach the beginning building blocks of education. I have been teaching preschool since 1990. I have a Child Psychology degree along with my Early Childhood license. My career started here at HNOJ in 2011 when the Preschool Program began. Prior to Holy Name, I was a Preschool Director and teacher for 12 years at a local Catholic Preschool and a teacher and caseworker for 9 years at a mental health agency that serviced families with Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers. Educating the whole child takes a community and the dedication of parents, school staff, and parish staff shine through here at Holy Name. |
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Vivian Clem
Hi, my name is Vivian Clem. I have been teaching at HNOJ for 7 years and feel fortunate to be a part of this community. Prior to this, I taught at another Catholic Preschool for 19 years, and I had the privilege of teaching with Mrs. Rosenberg at Holy Name of Jesus since 2011. It is so rewarding to teach young, curious minds and watch them grow into loving and caring children. |
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Anita Stavitzski 763-473-3675 Ext. 186 KinderSparks Teacher
Hi, my name is Anita Blaine Stavitzski and I am overjoyed to join the Holy Name of Jesus School Community this year as a KinderSparks teacher! I am a graduate of Saint Cloud State University with a degree in Child and Family Studies and licensure endorsements in Pre-Kindergarten (Birth to Five) and Early Childhood Special Education. I have been teaching for over twenty years and working with young children for thirty years. My interests include parent and family education; social-emotional development of young children; STEM; and integrated literature-based curriculum. I am a fifth-generation parishioner of Holy Name of Jesus and I am a third-generation graduate of Holy Name of Jesus School. I feel humbled and blessed to be back in the school community where the seed for my vocation as a teacher was planted and nurtured when I was a preschooler! |
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Kirstin Weber Pre-School Assistant Hi, my name is Kirsten Weber and this is my first year as a preschool assistant. I graduated from Wheaton College with a degree in Elementary Education and taught 5th grade, 1st grade, and Kindergarten. I spent my first year teaching abroad in Honduras. I am excited to get back into a classroom! My husband and I have attended Holy Name for the past 11 years and I went through RCIA in 2022. We have three boys. My oldest graduated from Holy Name and is in 11th grade and the younger ones are in 2nd grade and Kindergarten at HNOJ. I love Holy Name and am so thankful for this amazing, faith-filled community! |
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Dawn Mohs KinderSparks Assistant Hi, my name is Dawn Mohs and this is my 2nd year as a preschool assistant in Kindersparks. I graduated from Augsburg College with a degree in Elementary Education. I love being part of this wonderful faith-filled community. All 3 of my children went to Holy Name. I am grateful to be part of this amazing staff |
Kindergarten Team
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Kristi Dalbec Kindergarten
Hi, my name is Kristi Dalbec. I have been teaching for over twenty years and have taught at Holy Name of Jesus School since 2006. I have my Elementary Education degree from the College of St. Benedict. What I like best about teaching at Holy Name of Jesus School is that the warm, caring staff members are like my second family. I feel blessed to be able to work with children who enjoy learning and staff members who embrace Christian values. |
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Dustin Fischer
Hi, my name is Dustin Fischer. I have been teaching at Holy Name of Jesus School since 2002. I have my Masters Degree from the University of Minnesota. I enjoy teaching at Holy Name of Jesus School because of the smaller class sizes and the wonderful sense of community between the families, school, and church. |
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Katy Storholm
Hi, my name is Katy Storholm. I have been teaching at Holy Name of Jesus School since 2003. I have my Master’s degree from St. Mary's University. I love teaching at Holy Name of Jesus School because Holy Name of Jesus is like a family to me. When I came to work here right out of college, I did not know many people in the area. Holy Name of Jesus staff, the parish, and school families were so warm and inviting. Holy Name of Jesus has truly become more like a family than a profession. I feel that I am blessed to be a teacher here. |
First Grade Team
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Janet Fasbender
Hi, my name is Janet Fasbender. I have been teaching at Holy Name of Jesus School since 1993. I have my B.A.S. degree from UMD and my Master's in Education from St. Mary's University. I love teaching at Holy Name because of the wonderful partnership that exists between parents, staff, and students. There is a great sense of community and caring that can be felt immediately when you walk through the doors. Also, the small class sizes help teachers provide the best education while helping develop life-long learners. |
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Deb McGarry
Hi, my name is Deb McGarry. I have been teaching at HNOJ since 1993. I have my Early Childhood and Elementary Education degree from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, and my MS in Special Education from the University of Minnesota - Mankato. I love teaching at Holy Name because we have an awesome faculty and super families who send their students to Holy Name of Jesus School. I enjoy teaching our challenging curriculum, and the opportunity to share my faith daily with my students. |
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Kelly Paulson
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Second Grade Team
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Maddison Haeger Hi, my name is Maddison Haeger. I have been teaching 2nd grade at Holy Name of Jesus since 2022. I have my Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of St. Benedict. I love teaching at Holy Name because of how welcoming the students, parents, and staff are. The HNOJ community makes you feel right at home. In my free time, I enjoy bike rides, spending time at the lake, and going on road trips with my family. I feel blessed to share my love for learning and faith with my students every day! |
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Michelle Johnson
My name is Michelle Johnson and I have been teaching 2nd grade at HNOJ since 2022. Prior to that, I taught 1st grade for 10 years. I have a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and a master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas. When I’m not in the classroom, I love taking in all the great activities that Minnesota has to offer - being on the lake, catching a game at Target Field, and trying new restaurants. I am so grateful to be part of the amazing HNOJ community!
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Maureen Smith
Hi, my name is Maureen Smith. I’ve been teaching at Holy Name of Jesus School since 1997. I received my Bachelor of Science degree from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. I love teaching at Holy Name of Jesus School because of the wonderful sense of community and our commitment to a quality Catholic education. I love the fact that we can begin our day with prayer and incorporate our faith into any part of the curriculum. |
Third Grade Team
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Chris Beard
Hi, my name is Chris Beard. I have been teaching at HNOJ School since 2012. I have taught in second, third, and sixth grades. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from St. John's University. My favorite thing about teaching at HNOJ School is the sense of community between staff and students. I am so grateful that I get to share my excitement for learning with my students every day! |
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Becky Fischer
Hi, my name is Becky Fischer. I have been teaching at Holy Name of Jesus School since 2001. I have my Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota. I chose to teach at Holy Name of Jesus School to give back to the school that was so important to my childhood. I attended Holy Name of Jesus School kindergarten through sixth grade and love teaching here now. The students’ strong sense of community and staff camaraderie make this school a great place to teach. I enjoy having a job where I can combine my love of learning, creativity, and zest for science! |
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Shannon Ryan Hi, my name is Shannon Ryan and I am so excited to join the Holy Name community. I am a native Minnesotan from Sleepy Eye where I attended St. Mary's Catholic Church and School from 1st through 12th grade. After graduating from Minnesota State Mankato with degrees in Theater Performance (yes, I'm pretty animated) and Public Relations, I worked at WCCO Radio for a year and did some theater work around the Twin Cities and then moved to California where I worked at eBay for many years. After having our 3 girls, my husband and I decided to move back to Minnesota where I taught in a preschool for a couple of years while finishing my licensure and then spent the last few years teaching 3rd grade in Orono. I have a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University and love being a teacher. It is without a doubt what God created me to do. If I'm not in the classroom, I'm most likely on a softball field somewhere coaching, watching or practicing with the girls and most recently, training our new puppy Mookie! Thank you for the warm welcome I have already received at HNOJ. I am looking forward to a wonderful school year. |
Fourth Grade Team
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Meghan Doblar
Hi, my name is Meghan Doblar. I have been a part of the Holy Name community since 2010. I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Morris and my Master’s degree in Education from Saint Mary’s University. I also received a K-12 Reading Teacher certificate from Hamline University in 2019. Teaching and learning has always been a huge passion of mine. I am mom of 3 busy boys, who also attend Holy Name. In my free time, I love spending time outdoors, traveling, reading, and watching my boys play sports.
I adore everything about the community of Holy Name and feel at home when I walk through the doors. The staff, families, and teachers are second to none and I am blessed to be a part of an amazing team. |
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Mitchell Klatt 763-473-3675 ext.
My name is Mitchell Klatt, and I am joining the 4th grade team this year at Holy Name of Jesus! I am a recent graduate from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota with a degree in Elementary Education K-6. I have spent the past 3 years as a children’s literacy tutor and camp counselor for Catholic summer camps and am excited to finally be in the classroom. Originally from northwestern Wisconsin, I enjoy spending time outside, on the family farm, and with my family and friends. Thank you for welcoming me into the Holy Name of Jesus community! |
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Amy Rosckes
Hi, my name is Amy Rosckes. I am excited to join the fourth-grade team at Holy Name of Jesus and feel blessed to have the opportunity to share my passion for education and faith with our students! I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from St. Cloud State University in 2004 and a Master’s in Education from Concordia St. Paul in 2011. My husband Russ and I have two boys who attend Holy Name of Jesus School and one son who is an alum. As a family, we enjoy a variety of sporting events, hiking in Arizona, and movie nights. |
The Edge Program - Fifth and Sixth Grade Team
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Rachel Knooihuizen
Hello, my name is Rachel Knooihuizen. After staying at home with our 3 daughters I started working at Holy Name of Jesus School in the Fall of 2013. I have my Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. I love being around the fabulous students and families that make up the HNOJ School community. It is such a great privilege to be a part of the wonderful staff here at HNOJ School!
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Elizabeth Libbey Hi, my name is Elizabeth Libbey, and I am excited to be on the fifth and sixth-grade team at HNOJ! I graduated from the College of Saint Benedict, and I am blessed to have begun my teaching career at HNOJ. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outside hiking and being by a lake, and I always find time to curl up with a good book every day. My family and I love to road trip around the US, and I have visited 39 states (and counting). I am happy to be working with the amazing staff and students in such a wonderful community!
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Morgan Hawley Hi, my name is Morgan Hawley, and I am a sixth grade teacher at HNOJ! I am a recent graduate from Iowa State University where I received a degree in elementary education and a minor in learning technology. I am excited to be working with such a positive and driven group of staff, students, and parents at Holy Name. In my free time I love to hang out with family and friends, try new foods, travel, and of course spend lots of time with my dog Bruno! I am looking forward to growing my faith and passion for teaching while being a part of the welcoming and kind community that Holy Name has to offer! |
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Specialists Team
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Jennifer Murry
Hi, my name is Jennifer Murry. I have a BA in Dance Pedagogy from Butler University and have been teaching and performing in fine arts for over 25 years. My faith grows so much through art. I am excited and blessed to explore creativity with the Holy Name of Jesus family, including two of my children. |
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Jodie Keefe
Hi, my name is Jodi Keefe. I am the band director at Holy Name of Jesus School and have been teaching here since 1994. I believe that musical education is very valuable for young children as it not only teaches discipline and teamwork but hones the major learning styles at the same time. It enlightens the students and wonderfully adds self-confidence. I am also a part of the yearbook committee, taking photos and designing various pages in the yearbook during the school year. |
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Jill Reiner
Hi, my name is Jill Reiner. I am the Enrichment Coordinator at Holy Name of Jesus School. As part of my job, I teach advanced reading to grades three through six. Additionally, I am in charge of Destination Imagination, Chess Club and book groups to grades one and two. I have worked at Holy Name of Jesus School since 1996 and have been a fifth-grade teacher, librarian, and volunteer coordinator. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from College of St. Benedict, my Master's Degree in Education from St. Mary’s University, and my Gifted, Talented and Creative certificate from The University of St. Thomas. I enjoy working at Holy Name of Jesus School. because of the kind-hearted students, supportive parents and encouraging staff. |
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Lenise Best
Hi, my name is Lenise Best. I have been teaching at Holy Name of Jesus School since 2002, have been a member of Holy Name of Jesus parish since 1990, and am a parent of 3 Holy Name of Jesus School alumni. I have my BA degree from the College of St. Benedict. What I like best about teaching math at Holy Name School are the kids! Children are so eager to learn new things. I enjoy helping them rise to new challenges and seeing the "ah-ha" moments when they grasp different concepts. I am also part of the yearbook committee, taking photos at school events and helping to design yearbook pages. Working with caring staff is great as well! |
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Dean Ellingson Math Enrichment Specialist Hi, my name is Dean Ellingson. I have been at Holy Name of Jesus School since 1993. I have my B.A.S. degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. I also have a Master of Arts in Education degree from St. Mary's University of Minnesota. I've been blessed to be called to a vocation of teaching at Holy Name of Jesus School. We value intellectual growth but Holy Name of Jesus School also values teachers that guide a student's physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. |
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Kim Prodahl Media Specialist
Hi, my name is Kim Prodahl. I am the librarian. I have worked at Holy Name of Jesus School since 1996. I started out as a sixth-grade teacher, then moved to second grade, went on to become the librarian. I have my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education grades 1 through 6, with a Middle School Endorsement in Social Studies. I earned my degree from St. Cloud State University. I am very lucky to also work in the library where I get to spend time with almost all the children in the school sharing my love of books with them. |
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Lindsay Melander Music
Hello! I am the music teacher at HNOJ. My love of music goes back to the second grade when I joined the school choir. I’ve been in a choir or part of a music ministry ever since. I have three kiddos at Holy Name of Jesus School and my family and I have been parishioners for the past 7 years. I feel very blessed to teach here at Holy Name of Jesus!
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Nancy Annen
Hi, my name is Nancy Annen. I have been teaching at Holy Name of Jesus School since 1982. I have my Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Towson University, Maryland and my Master’s degree from St. Mary’s University. I have fun teaching many different activities. I believe these skills will allow our students to enjoy physical activity throughout their lives. |
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Jeanne Garry Physical Education
Hi, my name is Jeanne Garry. I have been teaching at various schools within the archdiocese for 26 years. I am blessed to return to our home parish and be given the opportunity to teach at Holy Name of Jesus School; it feels like I am coming home. I have my Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education and Coaching from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. My teaching mission is to guide students to be fit for life through new, challenging, and fun activities. My husband Dan and I have three daughters that all attended Holy Name of Jesus School. We love our family time together, our dog Skye, and spending as much time as possible at our cabin. |
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Laura Vinton Reading Specialist
Hi, my name is Laura Vinton. I am the Reading Specialist at Holy Name of Jesus. I have an Elementary Teaching degree from the University of Missouri- Columbia and a Master’s degree in Reading from Webster University in St. Louis, MO. I taught reading for 9 years, took some time to stay home with our 3 children, and am thrilled to be teaching again in this wonderful community at Holy Name of Jesus School. I love working with children and helping them turn their challenges into successes. |
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Ann Benson
Hola! My name is Ann Benson. I have a BA in Spanish and International Relations from the University of Minnesota and have been teaching Spanish since 2000. I am very excited to be teaching at Holy Name of Jesus School, where I have been a member for over 30 years and where all four of my children attended school. I enjoy sharing my love of the Spanish language and culture with my students. |
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Sharon McCartney
Hola! My name is Sharon McCartney and I’ve been teaching Spanish at Holy Name of Jesus since 2022. I received my Public Relations degree with a Spanish minor from Drake University. I also studied abroad in Granada, Spain where I attended the University of Granada. My teaching career began in 2007 and I have primarily taught preschool Spanish and kindergarten and first-grade Spanish. We are parishioners at HNOJ and our youngest also attends the school. I’m so grateful to be able to incorporate our beautiful Catholic faith into the classroom and witness the children as they learn and grow each year! |
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Kim Kohorst
Hi, my name is Kim Kohorst. I have been teaching at Holy Name of Jesus School since 2000. I have my Bachelor's degree from the College of St. Benedict and my Master's Degree from St. Mary's University. What I like best about teaching at Holy Name of Jesus School is the commitment to quality Catholic education from the students, families, and parish community. It is a joy to work in such a supportive community with such dedicated students and families. |
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Wendy Mitchell
Hi, my name is Wendy Mitchell. I have been at Holy Name of Jesus School since 2000 and have been teaching technology at Holy Name of Jesus School since 2005. My educational experience includes a K - 12 Technology Certificate from the University of St. Thomas and a Master’s in Education in Learning Design and Technology from Saint Mary’s University. I want my students to know that learning is lifelong. My husband Mark and I are parishioners with one daughter, a Holy Name of Jesus School alum. Besides technology, I enjoy gardening, cooking, reading, working on jigsaw puzzles, and spending time with our two granddaughters. |
School Staff Team
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Nancy Anderson
Hi, my name is Nancy Anderson. I joined the Holy Name of Jesus School staff in December 2010. I have been working in education for over twenty-five years. I love my job as a para. Working with Holy Name of Jesus students has been a joy. I am so grateful to be part of the HNOJ School community! |
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Laura Leonard
Laura Leonard is the lunchroom manager at Holy Name of Jesus School. |
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Amy Schmidt works in the lunchroom at Holy Name of Jesus School. |
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Jackie Bartos
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