Faculty/Staff Directory
Search Results
In most cases, please use the last 4 digits of the listed phone numbers when calling from any campus.
A B C D E F G H J L M N O P R S T W
Adjunct Faculty
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Adjunct Faculty
Education
Adjunct Faculty
Education
Asst Professor, EDU/Dir, UG Education Program
Education
Office: T3106
Phone: (218) 625-4995
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Associate Vice President of Inclusive Excellence
Inclusive Excellence
Office: T2108
Phone: (218) 723-7067
Adjunct Faculty
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Adjunct Faculty
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Admin Asst, SOE Grad Programs
GTL
Phone: (218) 723-6018
Adjunct Faculty
MSW- Masters in SWK
Adjunct Faculty
Education
Adjunct Faculty
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Asst AD, Fac & Event Mgmt
Athletic Director
Office: BWC258
Phone: (218) 723-6299
Adjunct Faculty
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Adjunct Faculty
21 Century Teaching Learning Conf
Assoc Prof/Chair, Graduate Teaching License Programs
Education
Office: T3103
Phone: (218) 723-7040
Adjunct Faculty
Masters of Ed-ONLINE
Dean, SSLPS
SSLPS Admin
Office: T3149B
Phone: (218) 723-5971
Adjunct Faculty
Masters of Ed-ONLINE
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Adjunct Faculty
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Adjunct Faculty
Masters of Ed-ONLINE
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Adjunct Faculty
Bus. MGT, MKT, Org. Lead Ext/Online
Adjunct Faculty
Music
Adjunct Faculty
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Adjunct Faculty
Education
Adjunct Faculty
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Assoc Prof/Crd Elem Ed Cmpl Pgm
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Office: St. Paul Campus
Phone: (651) 403-8659
Adjunct Faculty
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Professor/Chair, Grad Pgms ED
EdD program
Office: T3113
Phone: (218) 723-7052
View Site
Adjunct Faculty
Education
Adjunct Faculty
Masters of Ed-ONLINE
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Associate Professor/Chair, Teacher Licensure Programs & SPED Prog
Special Education
Office: T3608
Phone: (218) 723-6110
Coord., Outdoor Recreation
Pursuit
Office: BWC106
Phone: (218) 723-6196
Adjunct Faculty
Education
Assoc Prof & Dir, Center for Teaching & Learning
Education
Office: T3413
Phone: (218) 723-7029
View Site
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Adjunct Faculty
Masters of Ed-ONLINE
Adjunct Faculty
Masters of Ed-ONLINE
Adjunct Faculty
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Adjunct Faculty
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Office: St. Paul Campus
Phone: (651) 403-8636
Assoc Dir, Enrollment Comm
Graduate & Non-Trad Enrollment
Office: S3312
Phone: (218) 625-4821
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Adjunct Faculty
Masters of Ed-ONLINE
Adjunct Faculty
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Adjunct Faculty
Masters of Ed-ONLINE
Adjunct Faculty
Center for Instructional Design
Office: S1222B
Phone: (218) 625-4883
View Site
Adjunct Faculty
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Dir, Acad Tech & Online Learng
Center for Instructional Design
Office: T3134
Phone: (218) 723-6477
View Site
Head Coach, Men's Basketball
Mens Basketball
Office: BWC262
Phone: (218) 723-6609
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Associate Director of Multicultural Student Services
Institutional Diversity
Office: T2124
Phone: (218) 723-6453
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Adjunct Faculty
Education
Office: Duluth/GTL
Adjunct Faculty
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Adjunct Faculty
Masters of Ed-ONLINE
Adjunct Faculty
Masters of Ed-ONLINE
Adjunct Faculty
Masters of Ed-ONLINE
Adjunct Faculty
Elementary Degree Completion (2+2)
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
Adjunct Faculty
GTL
David Antonacci, PhD
Dave Antonacci received his PhD in Instructional Technology from the University of Missouri. He is Adjunct Faculty in the School of Education and Social Work at the College of St Scholastica.
After 17 years at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC), he retired as their Chief Information Officer (CIO). His other positions at KUMC include: Director of Teaching & Learning Technologies department, Educational Technology Liaison, and Clinical Assistant Professor. He began his teaching career as a high school science and math teacher at Marian Central Catholic High School in Woodstock, Illinois.
Dr. Antonacci's interests include case-based reasoning, emerging technologies, technology integration, and 3D printing.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveantonacci/
Jesse Arvidson, MS Special Ed.
Jesse Arvidson (MS in Special Education & MS in Teaching, The College of St. Scholastica) is a Special Education Teacher at South St. Paul Public Schools and an adjunct instructor at CSS. He is excited to meet with CSS students who are interested in special education.
Originally from South St. Paul, Minnesota - Jesse now resides with his family in St. Paul. In his free time he can be found gardening, spending time at the cabin, or reading a book in his front porch.
John Bauman, MA
An Ely, MN native, John earned his B.S. in Elementary Education from Moorhead State University. His M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction was earned at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul. John taught elementary students in the towns of Wabasso and Northfield, MN. He also completed advanced studies in Educational Leadership through the University of St. Thomas. John teaches in the School of Education, the Dignitas program for First-Year students, and serves as the Director of Undergraduate programs in Education, long-standing member of the Mission Integration Advisory Board, and in many other ongoing capacities. He has been blessed by interactions with Sisters from the St. Scholastica Monastery throughout his entire life. In his early years of Faith formation, Sister Caprini Beauvais served at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Ely, MN. Sister Sara Smedman helped him find his calling as an educator during his time at Moorhead SU. Sister Mary Rochefort & Sister Clare Marie Trettel were instrumental in his transition into and growth at the College. Sr. Kathleen DelMonte is one of his treasured coworkers. He is thankful for the ongoing mentorship of the Sisters of the St. Scholastica Monastery in his understanding of the Benedictine tradition. His passions include his family, Faith, teaching, reading, music, and numerous outdoor activities.
Nicole Biondich, MA
In addition to my Bachelor of Science, Teaching degree in Elementary Education, I also have a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning from St. Mary’s University and my K-12 Reading License through Hamline University.
This is my sixth year as an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education at the College of Saint Scholastica. All of my work has been working in the Graduate School of Education teaching literacy courses. I am also an elementary teacher. I taught kindergarten for 16 years, but 3 years ago I took on the role of Title One teacher at Barnum Elementary School as the primary reading interventionist working with students in kindergarten through 6th grade. In addition to teaching, I am a literacy coach in my district working with teachers in Kindergarten through 6th Grade. I have also facilitated the Duluth Master of Education in Teaching and Learning program through St. Mary’s University for 12 years. I absolutely love teaching kids and I truly enjoy working with teachers that are wanting to better their instruction.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband, my 2 boys (they are 2 and 4 years old), and our dog at our home in Esko. Playing and reading with my boys has quickly become my favorite things to do, but I also enjoy running, camping, gardening, traveling, and watching hockey.
Jennifer Bouchie,
Hello! I'm an adjunct instructor in the School of Education at CSS. Prior to moving into higher education, I worked for 15 years as a special education teacher and administrator. I have held MN Licensure in Early Childhood Special Education, Family Education, Prekindergarten Education, and as a PreK-12 Principal and Director of Special Education.
Michelle Brenner, MEd
Michelle Brenner is an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education. She earned her bachelors degree in Elementary Education from the University of Montana and her Masters of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the College of St. Scholastica.
Michelle spent many years teaching 4th and 5th grade students before transitioning to teaching at-risk learners in the Title I program for the Cloquet Public Schools. In addition to her teaching responsbilities in Cloquet, she also serves as the Elementary and Secondary Education program director, co-chairs the district's DAC committee, and participates on many district and school level leadership committees. At St. Scholastica she enjoys teaching courses in the Graduate of Teaching and Learning Program.
Sarah Bryans-Bongey, Ed.D.
Sarah is licensed to teach high school English and K-12 Media, with practical experience gained as a teacher-librarian in the Wrenshall and Cloquet School Districts. She received a B.S. in Film Studies from Syracuse University, and holds B.A. and M.Ed. degrees in Education and Educational Media and Technology from The College of St. Scholastica. In 2012, she earned her doctorate in Teaching & Learning from the University of Minnesota. As Academic Technology Coordinator at St. Scholastica, Sarah has designed and taught numerous online courses and faculty workshops, and she has taught several courses for the School of Education. Specific research interests include teaching effectiveness, technology in education, and Universal Design for Learning.
Jeffrey Clusiau, MA
Mr. Clusiau has worked in public education for 28 years as a teacher and administrator. Mr. Clusiau earned his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Counseling from St. Cloud State University and obtained his teaching license from Concordia College St. Paul. Mr. Clusiau earned a master’s degree in Learning Technology from the University of St. Thomas and studied Educational Leadership while earning K-12 Administrative Licensure from the University of St. Mary’s in Minneapolis. Mr. Clusiau is currently the principal of Rum River Elementary School in the Anoka Hennepin School District.
Jillian Cole, M.A.
Jillian is an adjunct instructor at The College of St. Scholastica. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, in Integrated Elementary and Special Education and master's degree in special education from the University of St. Thomas. Jillian holds teaching licenses in Minnesota in the areas of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Specific Learning Disabilites, Emotional Behavior Disorders, and Elementary Education.
For the past 8 years, she has worked as a special education teacher in the Twin Cities. Her academic interests include reading and math intertventions, social skills instruction, and social emotional learning.
Jessica Cook, PhD
Jessica Cook is an Adjunct instructor in the School of Education teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses. She most recently completed her licensure in: principalship, director of special education services, and superintendency. Jessica has worked as a special educator at the K-12 level for the last 18 years. She obtained her PhD from Capella university in Differentiated instruction and K-12 studies. She also holds a Masters’ degree in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education/Science instruction form the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Jessica has been facilitating online courses at the university level since 2011 and has a strong interest in developing powerful online learning experiences for students. Jessica is particularly interested in the research areas of special education teacher attrition rates, student self-concept relating to academic progress, and dyslexia as it relates to vision disorders.
Jessica Davis, MAT, MNTOY2019
A native to Minnesota, Jess Davis grew up in St. Joseph, MN and graduated from St. Cloud Apollo in the late 90s. Davis holds a Bachelors of Science in Human Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Minnesota State University Mankato, and a mathematics teaching license and Master’s in Teaching from Hamline University. Davis served as a mathematics teacher in the Twin Cities metro from 2006 - 2020, and was a founding advisor of the Black Pride Organization at South Saint Paul Secondary School. She possesses an educational philosophy deeply rooted in student agency. Davis believes student-voice is an essential cornerstone often missing in the revolution of our educational system.
In May of 2019, Davis was selected as Minnesota’s Teacher of the Year by the state’s 86,000-member statewide educators union. In being named, she was described as an educator who is “modeling for students that equity needs to be deliberate and intentional.”
Davis joined the Racial Equity team at St. Louis Park Schools as an Instructional Coach this fall, 2020.
Davis’ work can be seen in her publication ‘Motivational Attitude: The Effects of Motivational Principles on Student’s Attitudes towards Mathematics’, intentional twin cities programing highlighting engagement with professionals of color, as well as public testimony endorsing equity focused legislation like Minnesota’s Increase of Teachers of Color Act 2020.
Jess is excited to join the College of St. Scholastica as an adjunct instructor in the department of Education beginning the fall of 2021.
Kiersten Dolensek, MA, Minnesota Elementary Education (K-6) license
About Instructor:
Kiersten Dolensek brings a practical approach to the St. Scholastica Elementary Education Degree Completion Program. With 6 years of teaching experience as a third-grade general education teacher, Ms. Dolensek has the experience to bring the course material to life for students and prepare them for practical real-world teaching practices.
Academic/Professional Credentials:
MA, Education with an Emphasis in Differentiated Instruction, Concordia University
BS, Elementary Education (K-6) with middle school math endorsement (5-8), Bemidji State University
Academic Focus:
Prioritize high-quality student-teacher relationships and high expectations for all students, combined with implementation of current best practices, that positively impacts academic growth and achievement for all students with an equity lens.
Sandra Dunigan, EdD
Dr. Sandra Dunigan is entering her 18th school year as an educator. Although Sandra is licensed to teach every grade level, her main passion is getting middle school students to develop their reading identities and become life-long readers. She is also uber passionate about Standards Based Teaching and Assessments. Sandra has been working with CSS students since 2012, and her goal is to help all educators implement teaching and assessment practices that foster growth for all students.
Jebeh Edmunds, MS Teaching
: Jebeh Edmunds is the founder and CEO of Jebeh Cultural Consulting LLC. A wife and mother of two boys, ages 14 and 11, she was an eighteen-year veteran educator completing her classroom career with the Duluth Public Schools school district . Her skills included being a classroom teacher for ten years and being one of the 2022 Goldfine Gold Star Teacher nominees. Previously, Mrs. Edmunds was the Director of the African American Cultural Center with the Duluth School District for eight years. Mrs. Edmunds has given numerous local and regional presentations on diversity, African & African-American heritage, and cultural competency. She is well versed in training effective strategies in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in organizations and has trained dozens of for and not-for-profit organizations. Jebeh has a bachelor's degree in Communication from the University of Minnesota Duluth Class of2002 and a post-bachelor's teaching certificate from the College of St. Scholastica. She graduated with a Master's of Science in Teaching from The College of St. Scholastica in May 2015. She is a proud first-generation Liberian American immigrant. Jebeh came to the United States in 1982 on a minor J-2 visa status with her parents, who were escaping the conflict in Liberia by enrolling in graduate programs in the U.S. Her journey to citizenship took nearly 30 years. Her journey in educating others is a lifelong passion
Christine Esse, MEd, MN K-6 Teaching License
Christine Esse graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, and completed her Master's Degree in Education from Saint Mary's University. Christine has been an elementary teacher for the past 30 years and is currently a kindergarten teacher at Churchill Elementary School in Cloquet, Minnesota. In addition to her classroom teaching position, she also serves as the grade level representative for the Building Leadership Team, the elementary representative for the District Health and Safety Committee, the kindergarten representative for the District Curriculum Review Committee, and a mentor teacher to new staff. She has also been an elementary representative on the District Technology Committee, Chairperson for the Shared Decision Making Team, and has served on many hiring committees. Previous to her teaching position in Cloquet, Christine taught seven years for the School District of Superior in grades K, 1, 2, and 4.
Doreene Etongue Mayer,
Doreene Etongué-Mayer is an Associate Professor in the Stender School of Leadership and Professional Studies. She also serves as the Director of the Graduate Teaching Licensure Program.
She earned an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Her Master of Education in Human Resource Development from the University of Minnesota. Her B. A is in English and French, with a minor in Linguistics from the University of Dschang, Cameroon.
Doreene has several years of teaching experience in early childhood, primary and secondary education. She mainly taught Religious Education, English, and French as second languages. During her undergraduate studies at the University of Dschang, she assisted with research, provided training, and coordinated local language development and adult literacy work with the National Language Development Association, an affiliate of the Société Internationale de Linguistique affiliate.
Her research interests include evaluating current teacher education practices and expanding views on teachers as leaders of change who can effectively address social justice issues in curriculum and instruction. She also believes in bridging the knowledge and application gap between higher education and the workplace through research and collaborative practices.
Leigh Anne Fitz, MEd
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Virginia Tech and a Master of Education from Averett University. I am certified to teach Secondary Math and Computer Science and have been teaching High School in Virginia for the past 25 years.
Anna Francisco, MS, K-6 and 5-8 Science License
I live in Grand Rapids with my husband Luke and 3 sons, Otto, Milo and Arlo. Luke and I grew up in Grand Rapids and both attended St. Scholastica for our undergraduate years, which was a wonderful experience. We enjoy spending a lot of time on the lake in the summer and are busy with hockey and skiing in the winter.
I taught elementary school for a few years in the Grand Rapids area and then took a new position at Itasca Community College teaching and coordinating for the Class Act Pre-Education Program. I also teach developmental reading and health courses at ICC and enjoy running the College for Kids Program in the summer. I am an adjunct instructor for St. Scholastica and am also teaching for the new Elementary Education Degree Completion Program that is coming to Grand Rapids this Fall 2021!
Gail Gaetz, MLS
Gail has 15 years of elementary education teaching experience, 5 years as an elementary classroom teacher and 10 years as an elementary media generalist. She received a B.A. in elementary education from Central College in Pella, Iowa, and an M.L.S. from the University of Iowa. Gail retired from the College of St. Scholastica in 2018 after 27 years of teaching in the School of Education. She still teaches as an adjunct professor in the graduate program. Her educational interests include teaching the adult learner, as well as 21st century teaching and technology practices.
Lukas Gill, MS
Lukas Gill is a lecturer of Computer Science and a high school Technology Education teacher in Orchard Park, NY. He also serves as a Professional Development Facilitator for the National Center for Computer Science Education, training teachers on the Mobile Computer Science Principles curriculum. He received a Bachelors of Science in Technology Education and a Masters of Science in Technology Education from Buffalo State College. Lukas is committed to promoting K-12 STEM education with a focus on computer science. He strives to integrate computer science and technology-based learning through collaborative, cross-disciplinary projects.
Dena Hagen, MS
Dena Hagen is the Director of Special Education and Student Services for the School District of Superior in Wisconsin. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education from the College of St. Scholastica in 2000 and has been working in the field as a substitute teacher, special education teacher and administrator since starting with Duluth Public Schools after college. From July 2016 to July 2023, she was the Director of Special Education for the Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative in Esko, MN. She received her Masters Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in 2009 and holds MN SpEd Teaching licenses in Learning Disabilities, Emotional Behavior Disorders and Developmental Cognitive Delay. In 2023, she was selected to receive the MN Administrators for Special Education (MASE) New Leader award. Dena lives in Duluth with her husband, dog and cat while her two grown kids are away at college. In her spare time she likes to read, camp, hike, travel and be crafty.
Debra Hannu, MA
Debra Hannu has served the Duluth Public Schools for over 30 years, both as a K-12 teacher of Visual / Media Arts and as Curriculum Specialist. With an extensive background and interest in curriculum and assessment, Deb was part of the development team for both the National Standards in the Visual Arts and the Minnesota Academic Standards in the Arts. She has served in numerous leadership positions with Art Educators of Minnesota; most recently in conference planning. As a Regional Teacher-Leader with the Perpich Center for Arts Education, Deb has teamed with colleagues to provide professional development opportunities regionally. She is a member of the 2019 Cohort of the School for Arts Leaders with the National Art Education Association, and also holds an MA in Art Therapy.
Amy Hewett Olatunde, EdD, EdS, ESL K-12, Admin K-12, MAEd
Iska Waran! My name is Dr. Amy Hewett-Olatunde. In addition to being an adjunct professor at the College of St. Scholastica, I teach at a number of other universities and I am full time middle school/high school ESL teacher for St. Paul Public Schools at Humboldt High School. I have been an ESL educator for 25 years and an adjunct professor for 17 years. I have taught in Canada (originally form Canada), Norway, and here in the US. I am the 2015-2016 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, and have received a number of other teaching awards. I attribute all of these to my ELs; they are everything to me. I understand 5 languages and have dedicated my career to understanding how language works and how best to teach English to ELs. My work is rooted in the belief that cultural competency is paramount, and it is a daily work in progress. I am intentional and mindful in my actions, the work I need to do, and how to seek out opportunities and resources to be a better human and practitioner. I am thrilled to be a part of CSS, and just as I teach others, I constantly learn from those I teach.
On a personal note, I have two beautiful children (Jadesola and Kolawole), who bring light and relevance to my everyday life. I am because they are.
Educate. Advocate. Elevate.
Gregory Hexum, MEd, MN K-12 Principalship
Greg Hexum has joined the GTL teaching team on an adjunct basis. In addition to spending ten years as an instructor in graduate-level education programs, he has served for 25 years in Minnesota public schools, first as a language arts teacher and most recently as a high school principal.
Jesse Hinrichs,
Jesse taught high school students for 13 years and served as administrator (Principal/Superintendent) for 13 years. He has a Minnesota secondary teacher's license and a superintendent license. Jesse graduated from Winona State University in Secondary Education, and received his Masters Degree from St. Thomas University in Training and Human Resource Development. He earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Administration (Ed. D.), from Bethel University. His Dissertation study title is: Policy Governance: The Impact on School Board Effectiveness and Turnover.
Jesse joined The College of St. Scholastica faculty in August, 2008, and works in the Graduate Teacher Licensure program teaching research courses, field experince seminars, and also conducts student teacher observations.
Nathan Johnson, MS
Current Social Studies/English teacher
Proctor High School
Head Boys Track and Field/Assistant Football Coach
Mallet Adviser
Beth LaVigne, MEd
Beth received her bachelor's degree in Natural Science from The College of St. Benedict. She completed a teaching certificate at UMD, and an M.Ed. from St. Scholastica. Beth taught middle and secondary level science classes including life, earth, and physical science for 13 years in the Duluth Schools, and has conducted workshops for teachers and volunteered in elementary science classrooms. Her focus is on increasing teacher's abilities to engage and support all students.
Benjamin Lacina, EdS
Benjamin Lacina is the Supervisor for Talent Development and Acceleration Services (TDAS) in Saint Paul Public Schools. Previously, he served as Arts Program Manager at Creative Arts Secondary School (Saint Paul), Teaching and Learning Specialist for K-12 Talent Development (Anoka-Hennepin), and Curriculum Integration Coordinator at Anoka Middle School for the Arts (Anoka-Hennepin). He got his start in education serving for seven years as Music Specialist for Highwood Hills Elementary School on Saint Paul's East Side, composing the music for original student-written plays and musicals. Ben is also co-founder of Young Artists Initiative, a non-profit children’s theater company in Saint Paul, leading the organization for 15 years and participating as an artistic team member on more than 20 theatrical productions. Ben has a B.S. Degree in Vocal Music Education, an M.S. Degree in Gifted Education & Talent Development, and an Ed.S. Degree in Education Leadership.
Jana Lo Bello Miller, PhD
Jana LoBello Miller's scholarly interests include elementary teacher education, technology integration, equity-based pedagogies as well as identity constructions within formal and informal educational spaces. She has taught in both elementary and special education contexts where culturally responsive pedagogies inform both her teaching and learning.
Susan Loeffler, MA, Elementary Education, Pre-Primary
Susie Loeffler has a BA in Theater from Macalester College, and a Masters in Education from St. Catherine University. She studied acting, movement, and classical theater in London for a semester, and wrote her Masters capstone on the integration of theater and art in the elementary classroom. Susie is currently a 4th grade teacher at King Elementary in Deer River, MN.
Jill Long, EdD
Jill Long, EdD - Associate Professor/Degree Completion Director
Dr. Jill Long holds an EdD in Educational Leadership from Hamline University, M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas and a BA in Elementary Education from The College of St. Scholastica. She is an Associate Professor and Director of the Elementary Degree Completion Program in the Stender School of Business, Leadership and Professional Studies at The College of St. Scholastica. Her work includes teaching and curriculum writing with a focus on equity and social justice. Jill spent several years teaching in a K-6 classroom, served as an educational consultant providing professional development to practicing teachers and led several elementary schools through successful accreditations. She maintains an active K-6 teaching license and is currently serving on the Executive Board of Trustees at a prominent high school. Jill also serves on several community college education advisory boards to create paths for supporting all students' educational journey. Jill’s research and scholarly activities include studying the impacts on and development of effective teacher dispositions and creating partnerships with community colleges in providing a path for underserved populations to become teachers. In addition, she has presented nationally and internationally on a curriculum model infusing computational thinking and computer science in a teacher licensure program.
Chery Lucarelli, PhD
Professor and Chair of Doctoral and Graduate Education Studies, Dr. Lucarelli serves as the director of the online Doctorate in Educational Leadership and the nationally ranked Master of Education and certificate programs. She is committed to supporting collaborative inclusive learning and work environments to support innovation. Her research interests include best practices to support design thinking and innovation in social sectors, online learning, learning technologies, and educator professional development. Dr. Lucarelli has served as the PI on the TeachCS@CSS grant funded by Google and as Co-PI on an NSF CS10K grant to scale up CS teacher professional development by leveraging online communities of practice. She is the co-founder and co-chair of the annual Teaching and Learning Conference. She is a former elementary teacher. She holds a PhD in Professional Studies in Education with an emphasis in Educational Technology from Capella University, an M.Ed. in Math and Science Education from the College of St. Scholastica, and a BAS in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Dr. Lucarelli believes in the positive potential that others bring to collaborative spaces and is intentional about seeking joy in work and play.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylucarelli/
Twitter: @cherylucarelli
Keitha Gail Martin Kerr, PhD
Dr. Keitha-Gail Martin-Kerr has been in education for over 25 years. She has taught at the elementary, secondary, and tertiary levels in Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, and New York City. She holds a teacher’s diploma in Primary Education from the College of Agriculture Science and Education in Jamaica, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Northern Caribbean University, Jamaica, and two Master’s degrees one in Literacy Acquisition from City College of New York and the other in School District Administration from Touro College, NY. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Martin-Kerr has taught literacy content and pedagogy courses to pre/in-service teachers. Dr. Martin-Kerr is a phenomenologist; her research is connected to the educational needs of students from “non- traditional families”, educational inclusivity, and literacy practices in and out of school settings. She has presented at several educational conferences at the regional, national, and international level. She has published articles, book chapters, and encyclopedia entries in her area of study- teaching queerly and educational inclusivity. Dr. Martin-Kerr is an Executive Board Member on the Minnesota Reading Association, and the past president of the Minnesota Academy of Reading, and a field officer for the Literacy Research Association. She currently works as a School Advocate at the Regional Center of Excellence in the Southeast/Metro area in Minnesota where she supports schools in the areas of evidence-based implementation science and equity. Dr. Martin-Kerr enjoys engaging in intellectually stimulating conversations around issues relating to equity, social justice, and educational inclusivity.
Sean Martinson, MS
Sean Martinson is a northern Minnesota husband, father, Firefighter, and Public Education Administrator. He has four amazing children and is currently the Principal at West Rapids Elementary School in Independent School District 318 (Grand Rapids and Bigfork, Minnesota).
Sean holds a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership and Technology, Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education, and his favorite, from where it all started: an Associate in Arts degree from THE Itasca Community College, WHICH IS A GREAT PLACE TO START (and where he just so happened to meet his AMAZING wife who currently teaches Kindergarten)!
Sean also holds Minnesota K-6 Teaching, K-12 Principal, and Superintendent licensures.
Annette Miller, PhD
Faculty Bio
Dr. Annette Miller is an Associate Professor in the Stender School of Leadership and Professional Studies at the College of Saint Scholastica, where she instructs in both the Master of Education and Educational Doctorate programs. She received a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, with a minor program in School Administration from the University of Minnesota. She also holds a BA in Political Science and an MA in curriculum and Instruction, with a minor program in Constitutional History. Annette instructed 8th grade social studies for 13 years, and during this time was honored as the Minnesota Council for the Social Studies Middle School Teacher of the Year and as a Madison Foundation Fellow. She maintains active Minnesota 7-12 teaching and K-12 administrative licenses. Annette’s current research and scholarly activities focus on online teaching and learning, Online Educational Resources (OER), and equitable technology integration. She has presented her work locally, nationally, and internationally. Annette recently completed a two-year Fellowship at MIT in the INSPIRE CS-AI Program, where she co-designed equity-focused practice spaces for preservice and practicing teachers, using the Teacher Moments digital platform. Currently, she holds a 2022-2023 EUE Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Fellowship and a 2022-2023 Open Education Group Online Education Research (OER) Fellowship.
Cynthia Miller, M.Ed.
Cindy Miller earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from CSS in 1992 and a M.Ed. in Educational Media and Technology in 1998. She is licensed for Pre-Kindergarten through sixth grade and Media Specialist, and has been teaching as a Media/Technology Specialist and Grades 1-5 classroom teacher since 1994. Cindy has been teaching in the GTL Program since 2017 and offers several professional development courses online and in person for the Duluth Public Schools. When not on campus, Cindy can be found with her five children and husband in the north woods of Minnesota.
Amy Murzyn, Ed.D.
Dr. Murzyn is currently an Associate Professor and Director of Special Education Programs and Masters in Education Program at the College of St. Scholastica. She has a Doctorate degree in Teaching and Learning from the University of Minnesota. Her work at the College has involved the development of a graduate online special education licensure program, a graduate certificate in Special Education, and an online undergraduate Special Education minor, as well as teaching in the undergraduate licensure programs, graduate licensure programs, the MEd, and the Ed D. Amy’s research interests focus on equitable teaching and learning practices in online environments, Universal Design for Learning, and the integration of professional learning communities in online environments. Amy holds teaching licenses in Minnesota in the areas of K-12 Special Education-Learning Disabilities and K-6 Elementary Education. Her background in K-12 and higher education have afforded her a unique perspective in teaching and learning as they relate to students with disabilities, knowledge of adult learning practices, building a community of learners, and best practices within special education and K-12 public schools.
Whitney Neal, MA, 5-12 Communication Arts and Literature
I have been a high school English teacher for over 15 years. I have taught in every type of program including international, urban, suburban, AP, alternative, and IB programs, as well as in the general education setting. I have been an adjunct at various colleges and universities for about 10 years, including St. Scholastica. I am passionate about working with pre-service teachers as they develop their knowledge and pedagogies for their future practice.
Scott Patrow, MS
Scott Patrow joined the adjunct faculty in 2021, after retiring from years of public education serving as a K-12 Principal and Activities Director at Bigfork School (Bigfork, MN) and a Business Education teacher at Grand Rapids High School (Grand Rapids, MN) and Floodwood High School (Floodwood, MN).
He completed his Educational Administration plus Leadership at St. Cloud State University, and his graduate (Business Education and Coaching) and post-graduate (Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction) work at Bemidji State University.
Sharon Pristash, MEd, EdD
My name is Dr. Sharon Pristash. I have been in education as a teacher and principal for 37 years. I have also been married to my husband, Bob, for 37 years. We have no children, just one spoiled cat.
I currently live in Cave Creek, Arizona, just north of Phoenix. I moved here in 2009 to accept the challenge of becoming the founding principal of a new Catholic school. We opened the school with only 2 grades, 1st and 2nd, and a total of 23 students. We added one grade per year and are now a complete K-8 school with 240 students. It has been very exciting!
I moved to sunny AZ from Duluth, MN, where I had a 25-year career as teacher and principal at a Catholic School. I also taught full time at St. Scholastic in the Elementary Education Dept from 1995-1998. During that time, CSS started the Distance Learning Program that has evolved into the Online Master’s program we have today. When I left CSS to be a principal, I became an adjunct instructor in the Online Master’s program.
I am also a CSS alum. I received my B.A. in Elem Ed and my M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from CSS. I received my doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2001 from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN.
Carol Ramsey, MEd
Carol Ramsey works to bring equitable and engaging computer science education to all K12 students. She graduated from The University of Texas with a master's in STEM Education and a bachelor's in Computer Science. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor's in Secondary Education. She was a software developer and program manager for twenty years, including nine years at Oracle. She has taught computer science in industry, junior colleges and K12. She researched using narrative as pedagogy to increase interest and engagement in STEM, especially for girls. She currently teaches high school computer science at IDEA Public Schools and consults with the CS ED Group on CS K12 program and curriculum development. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and three girls.
Matthew Ridenour, EdD
Dr. Matt Ridenour is an Associate Professor and Chair of Undergraduate Education Programs at CSS. In addition to teaching undergraduate courses, he also teaches in the Doctor of Educational Leadership (EdD) program. Matt received his B.A. in Philosophy from Bethel University, completed graduate work in education (with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction) at Colorado Christian University, and received his Doctorate in Education from Hamline University in St. Paul, MN. Matt's dissertation research focused on how college students define college readiness. Matt came to CSS after spending eight years as a classroom teacher in Minneapolis and two years as an Assistant Professor of Education at UW-Superior. His ongoing research interests involve examining teacher identity and teaching metaphors. Matt is also Co-Editor of the Northwest Journal of Teacher Education, a national peer-reviewed journal that serves as a critical and generative forum for scholars, supervisors, preservice educators, K-12 practitioners and administrators. As a former whitewater rafting and mountaineering guide, Matt still spends time in the backcountry and on the water with his wife and three children. Notable awards and honors include: 2018 Wisconsin Teaching Fellow, 2017 SoTL Homegrown Scholar, 2015 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Nominee and 2014 Barringer Research Fellow.
Karen Rissling, PhD, MA,
My name is Karen Rissling, and I am a professor that teaches education courses in the undergrad, M.Ed, and EdD programs here at CSS. Originally a Canadian transplant from Vancouver, British Columbia, I immigrated to the U.S. (El Paso, Texas) after completing my Bachelor’s degree to do some volunteer work, and ended up staying.
My teaching background is in secondary education, and I was an ESL (English as a Second Language) certified 7th grade English Language Arts teacher in El Paso for 9 years. It was an incredible experience to teach in a Title 1 public school on the border of Mexico, and I loved teaching middle school! In August 2019, I packed up my car and moved to Duluth, Minnesota from Pittsburgh, where I completed my Language, Literacy, and Culture PhD at the University of Pittsburgh. There I was able to teach classes and help facilitate practicums, supervised reading specialist candidates, and worked closely with refugee and immigrant students as part of my dissertation study.
Some of my personal interests include volunteering, learning Spanish, playing tennis, kayaking, enjoying live music, writing young adult fiction, and traveling.
Currently, I am working remotely from Washington State.
Stephanie Rollag Yoon, PhD
Stephanie Rollag Yoon is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at The College of St. Scholastica. She received her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota, with a focus on Literacy and multimodality. She received her B.A. in English Language Arts Education and Spanish from Concordia College and her M.S. in Educational Leadership from Southwest Minnesota State University. She has taught middle school Language Arts and Reading in rural and urban districts, preservice teachers at the University of Minnesota, and practicing teachers in many school districts.
Judi Roux, EdD
Dr. Judi Roux completed a B.A. in Biology from St. Olaf College in 1990. A Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree from Mankato State University in 1994 connects to her current position in the Graduate Teaching Licensure program. Teacher leadership and professional learning experiences led to the completion of a Doctorate in Teaching and Learning (Ed.D.) in 2013 from the University of Minnesota Duluth. As an educator for almost 30 years, Dr. Roux has taught secondary life science, informal science classes for elementary students, and courses in education, science education, and biology for undergraduate and graduate students. She has also facilitated professional learning sessions in research-based teaching strategies, digital tools, classroom assessments, and culturally responsive teaching. In recent years, she wrote and edited instructor guides, test banks, and PowerPoint lectures for two editions of a college-level introductory biology textbook. As a member of the Institutional Review Board, Dr. Roux enjoys reading about research projects and collecting data related to online learning.
Renee Saamanen, MBA, Certificate in Project Management, Higher Education Leadership
Renee is the Assistant Director of Enrollment Management at the College of St. Scholastica, working with students who have been out of school for some time to help them with plans to return and finish their credential or degree. Renee has career experience in advising non-traditional, adult, and online learners, financial aid and communications.
Adrienne Salentiny, PhD
Dr. Adrienne Salentiny has been an adjunct professor for the College of St. Scholastica Masters of Education program since 2017. She has over 20 years’ experience in instructional design, education, and technology. Her work at the University of North Dakota and at other institutions has contributed to the success of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and non-credit activities including arts and sciences programs; continuing education and outreach; aviation education; medical, nursing, and health care education; and government-required environmental safety compliance training.
Erin Samuels, MA, K-12 Administrative License, Birth-6th grade license
Erin Samuels, MA-Adjunct Faculty/Student Teacher Supervisor
Erin Samuels holds a higher degree in Educational Leadership from St. Mary's, a M.A. in Educational Leadership from Concordia College, and BA in Elementary Education from Mankato State University. She is an adjunct faculty supervising student teachers and field students in both the undergraduate and graduate level programs at both the Duluth and St. Paul campues. Erin spent 11 years teaching in a K-6 classroom, and has spent time working as an educational consultant providing professional development opportunities focusing on classroom managment, behavior management, and instructional strategies. Erin holds a K-12 administrative license as well as a birth-6th grade teaching license.
Gregory Schnagl, EdD
Dr. Schnagl earned his BA in Business Management from Augsburg University. He earned both his Masters and Doctorate from Saint Mary's University -Twin Cities campus. His doctoral research focused on the needs of newly- hired experienced teachers who recently joined an existing grade-level team. His research interests also include examining grade-level team cohesion and new-hire onboarding all of which informed the content of his book, Not My First Classroom: A Guide to Supporting Exerpeinced Teachers in New Roles. Prior to joining CSS, he spent nearly twenty years teaching in Minnesota, Virginia, and Guam. He and his wife of over 25 years have two grown children and a Labradoodle named Penny. He enjoys completing crossword puzzles, reading deep-dive nonfiction, playing old-man hockey, and strumming Eagles songs on his guitar.
Stephen Schroeder Davis, EdD
LICENSURE
Secondary Language Arts, Coaching, Developmental Reading
EDUCATION
Doctor of Education, Educational Leadership—University of St. Thomas, Minnesota
Master of Arts, Education of the Gifted—Saint Cloud State University, Minnesota
Bachelors of Science, Comprehensive Language Art—Saint Cloud State University, MN
Nikki Schutte, MS
I provide instructional and program design expertise for the development and support of the College’s online courses and programs. I collaborate with faculty and staff to create web-based teaching and learning environments that reflect the College’s Catholic, Benedictine heritage. I also provide pedagogical support for active, blended, and hybrid learning.
In addition, I teach part-time for the SOE specifically the Universal Design for Learning course.
Jennifer Sewpersaud, Ed.S, MA
I have been an elementary teacher since 1992. I have taught grades 1, 3,4 and 5. I have a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership and Administration. I have been trained as a Reading Recovery teacher and a Literacy Coach. I spent five years as the literacy coach in my building. Currently I am teaching first grade at Rosemount Elementary. I live in Farmington with my husband and 3 children (22, 19, and 17 years old). I am passionate about education and hope to inspire our future educators.
Jeanne Shermer, MS, Masters degree
After 31 years of teaching in the English/social studies field, I officially retired from Hermantown Middle School in June of 2020. For the majority of my teaching career, I have been an English teacher. I have also taught social studies and science. My undergraduate degree is a bachelor of science in elementary education with a concentration on English and social studies at the middle school level. I received a masters degree in reading from UWS, and was a member of a committee that created the seventh grade Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment over twenty years ago. I have worked on many different aspects of the state reading tests since that time. Most recently I was a member of a new committee working on revising reading standards for upper middle school grades. Reading instruction and reading for pleasure are two areas of education I feel very passionate about, and feel honored to help in the preparation of future teachers.
Carol Swanson, MA Reading and Language Arts
Carol has a Bachelors of Science degree from Minnesota State University and a Master of Arts degree from California State University, San Bernardino. She has her principal license from Hamline University.
She was an elementary classroom teacher in California for 8 years, a junior high Reading and Communications teacher for 5 years, an elementary coach/coordinator for 7 years. She is currently a Regional Center of Excellence Advocate for school improvement in the South/Metro Regional Center and will be teaching the ED 3720 course, Fall 2022.
Bradley Takkunen, MA
Life Science 7-12, Middle School Science, Physics 9-12
High School Science Instructor 1994-present
CSS online instructor 2014-present
David Thompson, MA, K-12 Guidance & Counseling
I have worked for 28 years as a high school counselor at Hermantown High School. I am a member of the Minnesota School Counselor's Association and the National Education Association. I coach Varsity Boy's Soccer and serve on staff of the Scott Anderson Leadership Forum. I am married and have three boys and have lived in Duluth for over 30 years. I love this community and the natural beauty, educational opportunities, and culture of progressive creativity, political discourse, and environmental priorities which exist in and sustain our area.
Current duties include:
Provide individual and family mental health support, career and post-secondary planning,and academic counseling services for students in grades 9-12
Facilitate mental health groups in grief support.
Teach suicide prevention, stress, and depression units.
Provide Individual, Group, and Family Counseling.
Mental Health Education. Specifically teach Dialectic Behavior Therapy techniques and strategies to high school students.
Mediation
Career and Educational Planning
Darci Weets, MSEd.
Darci graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior with a B.A. in Physical Education/DAPE/Coaching and continued on to receive her Masters Degree in Special Education. Currently, she teaches Special Education at Hermantown High School (19 years) and is an adjunct instructor for the College of St. Scholastica (9 years).
Jennifer Westmoreland, MA
I am committed to enacting anti-racist, equity-driven systemic change in public E-12 and higher education through policy, practice, and program design. I have worked for 23 years as a secondary and post-secondary educator in French/francophone studies and English studies/literature/composition. My background is in postcolonial studies, critical theory, and global education. In addition to holding an M.A. in French and Francophone Studies from UCLA, I earned an M.A. in Literature and English Studies from Minnesota State - Mankato. I'm currently a doctoral candidate in the Department of Educational Leadership at Minnesota State - Mankato.
My doctoral research centers on critical internationalization/global education approaches in community colleges. One of the great moral failings of higher education in the United States is its propensity to exclude and structurally marginalize students through systems defined and upheld by dominant (white, English language) culture. Within the community college environment, students, educators, and leaders have the opportunity to work collaboratively to disrupt these entrenched power structures and create spaces to learn from each other as we critically examine the past, navigate the complex present, and build the world we want to experience in the future. This requires centering student voices, trusting their knowledge, and acting on their recommendations to create emancipatory and critical learning experiences.
Christy Wilken, EdD
Christy is an adjunct faculty member in the School of Education. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Monmouth College in Monmouth, IL. She then attended Southern Illinois Univeristy at Edwardsville, where she earned a M.S. in Psychology (Counseling focus) and an Ed.S. in School Psychology. After starting her career as a school psychologist, Christy attended University of Wisconsin - Platteville to earn her educational administrative credentials. She later attended Western Illinois University to complete her doctoral degree. She is also licensed as a special education director.
Christy has worked in the field of education for over 25 years, primarily with rural school districts in Illinois. In addition to working as a school psychologist, Christy's professional career has included working as a school administrator for nine years. Her responsibilities over the years also included CPI instruction, Extended School Year coordination, MTSS data coordination and programming, professional development in special education for school districts, oversight of a Setting IV day treatment program, grant writing, and many aspects of special education consultation.
Now in Minnesota, Christy has returned to her professional roots as a school psychologist, working at Hermantown Schools. She is a strong advocate for students and for the use of data-based decision making.
Neil Witikko, EdD
Neil Witikko is an Associate Professor in the School of Education/Social Work at CSS, where he has taught for ten years. He is also the Director of the CSS Center for Teaching and Learning. Neil earned an Ed.D. in Teaching and Learning from the University of Minnesota in 2011. He holds an M.A. in English from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in English, German, and Communication Technologies. Previous to coming to CSS, Neil taught English, German, and Television Production for 30 years at the high school level. Neil’s research interests include Literacy Studies; Science of Learning; Multimodal Writing/Research; Online Teaching Best Practices.
