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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Carla Durand
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 assists 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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Lisa Tuszkiewicz
Hi, my name is Lisa Tuszkiewicz. I took a hiatus from teaching to raise our daughters before returning to the profession at Holy Name of Jesus School in 2005. I have my Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire, and my Masters in Education from National Louis University. I have always admired the warm, caring, family atmosphere of the school and staff that emphasizes developing the Christian learner. |
Preschool Team
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Julie McDonald Pre K Teacher
Hi, my name is Julie McDonald. I'm a mom to three wonderful children and one dog. We live in Maple Grove. My two oldest children graduated from Holy Name of Jesus School in June of 2018 and 2020. My third child will be in third grade this fall. I used to work in the MOPS nursery but still help out from time to time in the nursery on Sundays. I love Holy Name! We are parishioners and have been a part of Holy Name of Jesus School for seven years. I graduated from the University of Notre Dame and love my Fighting Irish.
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Vanessa Scherer 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 bless 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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Cari Hoxie KinderSparks Aide 763-473-3675 Ext. 186
Hi, my name is Cari Hoxie. I have been working with preschool-age children since retiring from being a stay-at-home mom in 2015. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science which has given me a passion for incorporating STEM and hands-on learning into the classroom. I am grateful to be teaching at Holy Name where I can inspire our youngest learners both academically and spiritually. |
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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Heather Weirich
After a decade long pause from teaching to raise my children, I couldn’t be more grateful to return to the classroom in a school as wonderful as Holy Name. Every day, I wake up feeling blessed to teach first graders here and to have the opportunity to watch our four children grow and learn in such a warm and loving environment. The incredible sense of community, care and respect I witness everyday between staff members and students at HNOJ has been special to be a part of. Holy Name is truly a happy place to be and already feels like “home”. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our four children and our goldendoodle, Wrigley. We love to be outdoors, going on hikes, bike rides and spending time on the lake. We are a sports-loving family and love a good friendly competition on family board game nights. We have a passion for travel and adventure and have lived abroad together. It is such a great privilege to be a part of HNOJ School! Thank you to everyone for welcoming our family with such warmth and kindness. I look forward to a wonderful school year. |
Second Grade Team
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Maddison Haeger |
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Michelle Johnson
Hi! My name is Michelle Johnson and I am so excited to be joining the 2nd grade team at HNOJ. I spent the last 10 years teaching 1st grade at Holy Spirit in St. Paul. Prior to that, I attended Marquette University for my undergrad and recently completed my 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’m looking forward to meeting everyone in the 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! |
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 have spent the past several years teaching 4th grade. I earned my bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota-Morris in 2008 and my Master's degree from the University of St. Mary's in 2015. In June of 2017, I took a hiatus from teaching to stay home with my two boys. For the past two years I have been part-time working alongside Martha as an administrative assistant. I am excited to be back in the classroom in fourth grade. 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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Dean Ellingson
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. |
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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Lisa Sheffield
Hi, my name is Lisa Sheffield and I’m very excited to be here this year teaching 4th grade. I have a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. I’ve been in a Catholic School setting for many years, teaching Preschool, third and fourth grades, and Phy Ed. As a teacher, I strive to teach life skills along with academics, all while having fun and embracing a love of learning and reading. When I’m out of school, I enjoy running and being outside during the summer as much as possible. If you want to see me smile, ask me about my Fighting Irish and Ohio State Buckeye football teams. |
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 own 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 adds self-confidence in a wonderful way. 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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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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Jeff Hanson
Jeffrey comes to Holy Name of Jesus School from the University of Minnesota School of Music. Since 2015, he has completed his BA and MA in Music History and is currently writing his dissertation for his Ph.D. Jeff loves to teach music to children of all ages. He has several private piano and guitar students. He has a deep love for music education and has taught both theory and music history at the university level. He has a deep dedication to his students and a profound appreciation for alternatives to public education. Jeff is so excited to work with the students of Holy Name of Jesus. He and his wife Jasmine live in Crystal and love spending time with their two dogs and two cats. |
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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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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 who is a Holy Name of Jesus School alum. Besides technology, I enjoy gardening, cooking, reading, working on jigsaw puzzles and being a grandma. |
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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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Anne Slagle 763-473-3675 ext. 173
Hi, my name is Anne Slagle. I have worked at Holy Name of Jesus School since 2001. I love working in the school print room and being with our students at recess time. I am also part of the yearbook committee. I enjoy taking pictures of all of the fun activities at our school, used in our yearbook, on Facebook and on promotional materials. |
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Laura Leonard
Laura Leonard is the lunchroom manager at Holy Name of Jesus School. |
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Kelly Duffy
Kelly Duffy works in the lunchroom at Holy Name of Jesus School. |
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