Principal: Mr. Michael Rogers
651-842-6032, mrogers@presentationofmary.org
Education: Ed.S. in progress at University of St. Thomas, M.S. in Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato, B.S. in History from North Dakota State University
Experience: 10 years (2 at Presentation)
Philosophy: As Principal, I strive to make sure that Presentation continues to provide a safe and nurturing environment for every student each day and to ensure that we are meeting each child’s individual needs in all areas including faith formation, academics and character development. Through partnerships with each student, parent and teacher we provide a supportive environment in which all children can grow in each of these areas. I feel that Presentation is a vibrant parish and school community and I enjoy watching our students grow into morally responsible adolescents who are prepared to enter high school.
Hobbies: spending time with family, reading, photography, web design, technology, travel
Kindergarten: Mrs. Nikki Giel
651-842-6051, ngiel@presentationofmary.org
Experience: 6 years (all at Presentation)
Education: M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of St. Thomas (in progress), certificate in Differentiated Instruction (in progress), B.A. in Education from the University of St. Thomas
Philosophy: I believe that respectful, caring bonds with children and their families are the vital foundation for a wonderful kindergarten experience. As a Kindergarten teacher, I share with parents the responsibility for teaching their child. I believe that each child has unique strengths, varied learning experiences, and different learning styles. My instruction must be differentiated to provide enough challenge and support for all children to build on successfully and to develop positive attitudes about learning. I try to look for ways to personalize learning and engage the student’s imagination throughout their first school experience.
Hobbies: running, fitness, scrapbooking, watching my kids participate in their activities, reading
Grade 1: Mrs. Sue Underwood
651-842-6041, sunderwood@presentationofmary.org
Experience: 37 years (30 at Presentation)
Education: B.A. in Elementary Education/Special Education Hearing Impaired from Augustana College
Philosophy: Being a first grade teacher at Presentation has allowed me to emphasize my Christian faith in the learning process, help the first graders relate to each other in and out of the classroom and assist them in living their faith in their everyday lives. It is important to me to provide and encourage a safe and caring environment in order for the children to develop and grow as individuals. I believe it is important to develop a love and proficiency for the 3 basics of Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic by the end of their first grade year. In my classroom, I motivate students through curriculum centered on their interests, fun projects, group and individual work, and hands-on learning activities. I will recognize the uniqueness and ability of each individual in meeting their needs.
Hobbies: traveling, bike riding, movies and theater productions, shopping, family gatherings
Grade 2: Mrs. Jodi Keeley
651-842-6039, jkeeley@presentationofmary.org
Experience: 28 years (27 at Presentation)
Education: B.S. in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato
Philosophy: I strive to create a caring, nurturing, faith-centered classroom environment that encourages all students to work together and support one another in the learning process. I believe in helping children become successful, independent learners by setting high expectations, providing academic support to those in need, and using a variety of teaching methods to meet individual needs. Guiding children in their academic, social, and spiritual growth is the most rewarding part of my job!
Hobbies: spending time with family, gardening, traveling, reading
Grade 3: Ms. Konny Fitch
651-842-6044, kfitch@presentationofmary.org
Experience: 41 years (36 at Presentation)
Education: B.S. in Elementary Education ftom College of St. Therese
Philosophy: I have enjoyed my many years as a student and now as a teacher at Presentation. I like teaching the basics within a respectful environment with an emphasis on faith, values, and the love of God. I strive to challenge each student and nurture the unique abilities of each one of them. I am a “lifelong learner” and that is my goal for the students I teach.
Hobbies: reading, golf at Como and Phalen, walking, and crocheting
Grade 4: Mrs. Mary Jo Gilbert
651-842-6046, mjgilbert@presentationofmary.org
Experience: 33 years (14 at Presentation)
Education: B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota
Philosophy: I value the teaching I am able to do at Presentation School, as it allows me to share the Catholic faith and the teachings of the Catholic Church with my students. I want to foster critical thinking skills in all my students, so I focus on giving students questions, not answers, so students learn through self-discovery. Students are actively involved and engaged as they search for answers. Students need to think through the question asked and work out a response based on logic and reason.
Hobbies: gardening, reading, travel
Grade 5: Mrs. Barb Mauer
651-842-6045, bmauer@presentationofmary.org
Experience: 38 years (28 at Presentation)
Education: B.A. in Elementary Education from the College of St. Benedict
Philosophy: As a teacher at Presentation School I believe my job is to educate the whole child—academically, spiritually and socially. Specifically as a 5th grade teacher, it is my responsibility to prepare my students , who are in their last year of elementary school, for the challenges ahead: middle school and high school. I believe in accountability and natural consequences in helping them to become more confident and self-sufficient students.
Hobbies: spending time with family, piano, gardening, fishing, golfing
Middle School History & Religion: Mr. Nick Foley
651-842-6062, nfoley@presentationofmary.org, www.mrfoleysclass.com
Experience: 4 years (all at Presentation)
Education: B.S. in History from University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point
Philosophy: History is meant to be active. As a history teacher I must not only expose my students to the events of the past but make them a part of it. It is a subject that must be experienced through multimedia, demonstration, and questioning. My hope is that students leave as engaged citizens and that they use reason, logic, and their educational experiences to think for themselves and make sense of the world and events that surround them.
Hobbies: disc golf, farming, woodworking, spending time outside
Middle School Math & English: Mrs. Rachel Whitney
651-842-6066, rwhitney@presentationofmary.org
Education: B.A. in Elementary Education from St. Mary’s University
Experience: 6 years (all at Presentation)
Philosophy: As the Middle School Math and English teacher at Presentation I strive to help each student reach their full potential. I want to create an environment where students are willing to take chances and really discover what they are capable of accomplishing despite the challenges both of these subjects can present. I also hope to foster a life-long appreciation, if not love, for these subjects. Math and English do not have to be scary!
Hobbies: spending time with family, volleyball, softball, running, fitness, reading
Middle School Science, Health and English: Mrs. Barb Harvey
651-842-6063, bharvey@presentationofmary.org
Experience: 37 (21 at Presentation)
Education: B.A. in English from the Universiry of Green Bay, B.A. in Science from Hamline College
Philosophy: I love teaching at Presentation! The students are willing to learn and the parents care about their child’s education. Science is my love, especially the experimentation. I love it when past students come back and tell me they are pursuing further education in the science field. It makes me feel they may have discovered a love for it at Presentation. My first teaching license was in English and it is a pleasure to have children discover different genres and share in the joy of reading with me.
Hobbies: cooking, gardening, canning, reading, visiting grandchildren
K-2 Reading/Math Support Specialist: Mrs. Michelle Hoemann
651-842-6077, mhoemann@presentationofmary.org
Education: B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin, Stout
Experience: 15 years (all at Presentation School and Learning Center)
Philosophy: As the Reading Rhymes and Rhythm (RRR) teacher for the last 6 years in the Learning Center I believe in a warm, caring, nurturing and inviting environment for the children. In RRR I strive to teach to each child at their level and capitalize on their individual strengths. Because children learn in a variety of different ways I believe in multi-sensory learning piggy-backed with differentiated instruction for each child in my classroom. I am amazed at each child’s strengths and the things they teach me daily. As the reading and math specialist I strive to encourage, mold, challenge, support, teach and enrich each child’s reading and math skills. I am excited about this new position and feel very lucky to be given this opportunity to help the children grow.
Hobbies: spending time with family and supporting kids in activities and sports, traveling, running
K-5 Music & Middle School Choir: Miss Alisa Christensen
651-842-6038, achristensen@presentationofmary.org
Education: B.S. in Music Education from St. Norbert College
Experience: 1 year
Philosophy: My philosophy is that every child can, and should, have meaningful musical experiences. Music is a means through which all humanity finds expression, and it connects to cultures and people from across time and geography. The music classroom is one of fun and exploration, where students learn how to express themselves and how to enjoy a wide variety of music. These experiences also serve to enrich their classroom knowledge, and help develop each student into a well-rounded individual.
Hobbies: singing, reading, writing, making crafts, and watching movies
Band Director: Mr. Warren Starr
651-748-2414, wstarr@hill-murray.org
Education: Certificate in Gifted/Creative/Talented Education from the University of St. Thomas, B.S. in Music Education from the University of Minnesota
Experience: Mr. Starr is Presentation’s band teacher, through the Hill-Murray Parish Schools Band Program which he has been the coordinator of since 1984. Warren toured China with the University of Minnesota Wind Ensemble in the summer of 1980. He has played tuba with the 451st Army Band at Fort Snelling, the Tubadours at Valley Fair, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. He currently performs with the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra and his own quintet, Minnesota Brassworks.
K-5 Library & Middle School Art: Mrs. Kerrie Bahr
651-842-6050, kbahr@presentationofmary.org
Education: M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning from St. Mary’s University, B.A. in Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Experience: 20 years (1 at Presentation)
Philosophy: I believe that every child has a special and unique talent or gift. In the education of a student, the arts are a critical component. It is through our education and expression of the arts that we find our humanity. Every child should find a portion or aspect of Art that they will hold on to and carry with them forever.
Physical Education: Mrs. Therese Canton
651-842-6057, tcanton@presentationofmary.org
Education: B.A. in Physical Education from the University of St. Thomas
Experience: 30 years (14 at Presentation)
Philosophy: My goal as a teacher is to help define and meet the needs of each unique student through physical education. When students ask what purposes are served through physical education, I hope to provide meaningful answers. Children become educated through physical experiences and there is inherent meaning just through play. I hope students will enjoy healthful physical activities for a lifetime and recognize their body as a spiritual gift from God that can be used as a tool to serve others.
Hobbies: painting, gardening, home renovation, reading
Spanish & Computer: Mr. Mynor Cruz
651-842-6065, mcruz@presentationofmary.org
Education: MBA and BA in Technology from the Galileo University of Guatemala
Experience: 24 years (7 at Presentation)
Philosophy: I am so lucky to be able to share my language and culture with my students in a Catholic environment, and at the same time to be able to grow in the technology field while teaching it. I believe that it is important for students to comprehend and to be open and accepting of people from different cultures and who speak different languages. It is important for students to speak and enjoy a second language. I believe it is also important for students to be very knowledgeable about technology and the use of computers, as this will better equip them for their work in high school and beyond. I love working in a community where everybody is involved and supports education.
Hobbies: spending time with family and friends, listening to Spanish music, playing guitar, playing soccer, traveling, using and learning about technology
Athletic Director: Mr. Bruce Steckler
651-842-6058, bsteckler@presentationofmary.org
Counselor (K-5): Mrs. Sarah Lilja
651-748-7585
Counselor (Middle School): Ms. Molly Bye
651-252-8563, mbye@isd622.org
School Nurse: Mrs. Mary Fowler
651-842-6034, mfowler@isd622.org
School Office Services: Mrs. Patti Spector
651-777-5877 or 651-842-6030, pspector@presentationofmary.org
