Meet our Teachers
See complete list of faculty and staff emails
Elementary
Cheryl Bastyr (Second Grade) Mrs. Bastyr is originally from New Prague and holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mankato State University. She is married and has three children. She has taught for 21 years nine of which have been at SMS.
“I love working at St. Mary’s because it gives me an opportunity to teach in a Christian-based setting. To see all of the students in K-8 creating a special bond with each other gives me a warm fuzzy feeling!”
Emily Borgerding (Kindergarten) Mrs. Borgerding grew up in Elk River, MN and now resides in Owatonna. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota-Morris and has begun acquiring credits toward a master’s degree. Emily is married and has a four-month-old daughter.
” I am looking forward to teaching at St. Mary’s because of the great staff and supportive families. I feel very blessed to have been given this opportunity.”
Kathy Chatelaine (Third Grade) Mrs. Chatelaine was born in Milwaukee, WI, and raised in Brooklyn Park, MN. She has a bachelor’s degree in Family Consumer Science/Education and holds a master’s degree in Education from Hamline University. She is married and has three children. She has worked in many areas of education over the past 25 years, and this is her fifth year at SMS.
“What a privilege to teach at St. Mary’s School where I am surrounded by students, staff, and parents who share the Christian faith. I am inspired each day by colleagues who are committed to continuously improve their teaching practice so that all students learn!”
Lori Connor (First Grade) Mrs. Connor is originally from St. Peter, MN. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from St. Cloud State University. She is married and has two children. She has taught for 27 years and all of them have been at SMS!
“Teaching at St. Mary’s is the most rewarding job. I consider myself blessed to be here working in this Christian environment with the tremendous support of fellow staff and parents. I love the family atmosphere. I continue to learn valuable lessons from my students and thank God for this opportunity!”
Cheryl Kasper (Fifth Grade) Mrs. Kasper is originally from Albert Lea and has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mankato State University and a master’s degree from St. Mary’s University in Winona. She has been teaching at SMS for 15 years.
“St. Mary’s School is a family atmosphere. I love being able to talk about God with my students. Also, the staff at SMS are so dedicated and filled with passion, I feel blessed to be working at such an outstanding school.”
Jane Fitzsimmons-Thomez (Preschool) Mrs. Fitzsimmons-Thomez is originally from Waseca and has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a minor in business. She has 23 years of experience teaching in the field of early childhood education. Jane started the preschool program at St. Mary’s and has taught there for 15 years.
“I love being a part of St. Mary’s caring, supportive, and Christian environment. It is a great place to work.”
Sue Gerdts (Fourth Grade) Mrs. Gerdts grew up in Owatonna and has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the College of St. Catherine’s. She is married and has four children, all of whom attend St. Mary’s. Sue has taught for 20 years, all of them at SMS.
“St. Mary’s is an excellent school. As an alumna, parent, and teacher of SMS, I get to experience all the wonderful things that make St. Mary’s a special and unique family, especially keeping God the center of our lives.”
Lori Haarstad (First Grade) Mrs. Haarstad has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the College of St. Benedict. She is married and has three children. She has taught for 12 years, with 11 of those at SMS.
“The moment I first stepped into the St. Mar’s environment, I knew this was where I was meant to be. You can feel the atmosphere of faith, family, and fun as soon as you walk through the door. St. Mary’s has something no other school can duplicate. I am proud to teach in a place with such supportive parents and staff. During a time of bad news, a student said, “We should pray!” That says it all.
Kathy Jensen (Elementary Aide/Title 1 Teacher) Mrs. Jensen is originally from Woonsocket, South Dakota and has a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a minor in Business Education from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. This is her 13th year of teaching at SMS.
“Friendship and caring about others everyday is what I love most about St. Mary’s. I always feel a bit humbled and a lot proud when I say I am apart of the SMS family!”
Deanna Johnson (Third Grade) Mrs. Johnson is from Owatonna and has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mankato State University and a master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from St. Mary’s University in Winona. She is married and has 2 children, one at OHS and one at SMS. This is her 21st year of teaching, all of them at SMS!
“Teaching at St. Mary’s has given me the opportunity to work and learn with incredible students, their parents, and many faith-filled, talented, and dedicated colleagues. All of these people have helped me to grow in my faith, taught me many invaluable life-lessons, challenged me to grow, and helped me to know what is most important in life.”
Terri Lambaere (Kindergarten) Mrs. Lambaere is originally from Winona and has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with minors in Language Arts and Ballet. She has taught for 27 years at SMS and two years in the SMS Montessori program.
“I am a product of Catholic education from first grade through college. It is a privilege to teach at St. Mary’s to continue the tradition of faith-based education that was modeled for me by the Franciscan sisters. I choose to teach kindergarten at St. Mary’s because I can’t imagine anything else so wonderful!”
Lynn Lattery (Fifth Grade) Mrs. Lattery is originally from Owatonna. She has a bachelor’s degree from Winona State University with a minor in English. She has been teaching for 15 years with nine of those being at SMS.
“SMS is great because religion is a part of the entire day, from daily intentions to discipline. Using Christ as our guide throughout the day enables us to truly stay focused on what is important.”
Karen Lindenbaum (Preschool Aide) Mrs. Lindenbaum is originally from Bloomington, IL. She has worked at St. Mary’s since 2002. She is married and has two children, one of whom still attends St. Mary’s.
“When we moved to Owatonna 10 years ago I knew I wanted my kids in a Christian environment. I love it at St. Mary’s. I teach the age group that I love and appreciate the support that you receive from families.”
Gaye McCann (Learning Center) Mrs. McCann is originally from Wilmont, Minnesota and has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Mankato State University with a minor degree in Library Science. She is married and has two children whom both attended SMS. Gaye has been teaching at St. Mary’s for 18 years.
“I love working at St. Mary’s School because of the warm, loving atmosphere that we share each day with children and families of faith.”
Paula Nash (Elementary Aide) Mrs. Nash graduated from Faribault High School and is beginning her tenth year at St. Mary’s. She is married and has four children, of whom attended Saint Mary’s School.
“I have enjoyed many memories from pre-school graduation to being an 8th grade parent chaperone at Wolf Ridge. You get to be part of a great family at St. Mary’s. My job is a great place to work, which allows me to be creative and make learning fun. I also love seeing the world through children’s eyes, and witness the many talents they have to offer.”
Lynn Peterson (First Grade) Mrs. Peterson is originally from Hutchinson. She has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Winona State University. She is married and has two sons whom both attend SMS. She has been teaching in Catholic education for 13 years, 11 of which have been at SMS.
“I love being a part of the St. Mary’s family! I feel blessed to be able to work with such wonderful students, families and staff members.”
Jeanna Pipitone (Second Grade) Mrs. Pipitone is originally from Woodstock, IL and has a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a master’s degree in Education from St. Mary’s University in Winona. She is married and has two sons. This is her fourth year of teaching at SMS.
“I am excited to be back with my SMS family. I am inspired by the students and staff and couldn’t think of a better place to work.”
Kathi Wolfe (Kindergarten) Mrs. Wolfe is originally from Northfield and has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Winona State University. She has two daughters who both graduated from SMS. Kathi has taught at St. Mary’s for 21 years, 18 of which have been as a Kindergarten teacher.
“The fact that I came to St. Mary’s as a parent in 1985 and I am still teaching at St. Mary’s in 2007 pretty much says everything I feel about SMS. The parent involvement, teaching the age group that I love, sharing the love of God with kindergartners and working with such a great group of colleagues would be hard to find anywhere else.”
Stacy Wobschall (Fourth Grade) Mrs. Wobschall is from the Geneva area and has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education along with a coaching licensure from Mankato State University. She is married and has two children who attend SMS.
“I enjoy teaching at St. Mary’s because it feels like a big family. The students, staff, and families of St. Mary’s are AWESOME!”
Junior High
Tammy Barnes (Grade 6) Mrs. Barnes is originally from Janesville and graduated from Mankato State University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She has nine years of experience in Catholic education, and has been at St. Mary’s for seven of those years. Mrs. Barnes is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Education and Leadership through Southwest State University.
“I feel blessed to work with such talented colleagues and to be a part of an environment where faith and learning go hand-in-hand.”
Sharleen Berg (Library Media Specialist) Mrs. Berg is originally from Aberdeen, SD. She has a bachelor’s degree in Education/Music from Northern State University and a master’s degree in Library Media Science from Mankato State. She brings 21 years of teaching experience to St. Mary’s in both the public and private settings. She has been at St. Mary’s since 1996 as a classroom teacher and in her current position working in the St. Mary’s School Library where she enjoys connecting with students on an individual basis to further their love of reading.
“Knowing students as individuals allows me to personalize instruction and effectively match resources to the needs of each student. Sharing both faith and knowledge becomes second nature as we move through the transitions of elementary and junior high students.”
Patricia DeLeon (Art) Mrs. DeLeon is originally from Rapid City, SD. She has both a bachelor’s of Fine Arts from St. Cloud State and a master’s Degree in Art/Painting from Mankato State. Mrs. DeLeon has a passion for both art, which she has loved since childhood, and for children.
“I love children - I have five of my own and am addicted to their energy. This is why teaching art to kids is such a perfect fit for me. I have been teaching art at St. Mary’s for the past five years and cherish every moment. Sharing the love of Christ, the love of children and the love of art are what make teaching at St. Mary’s so wonderful!”
Terri Grose (Physical Education) Ms. Grose is originally from Owatonna. She has a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education (K-12) and a coaching certificate from the University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse. She taught in Rochester, MN before coming to Owatonna and has been at St. Mary’s for 27 years.
“I love it at St. Mary’s. I appreciate the opportunity to have prayer and God in our lives on a daily basis. I also enjoy the parents’ involvement in our school. Mostly, however, I love the students who are very caring about each other and the staff. The prayers that they have shared with me have helped me personally through some tough times. It’s also a great opportunity to work with smaller classes and have more individual time with the students.”
Suzette Kuklok (Band) Mrs. Kuklok is originally from North Dakota. She graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music. This year is Mrs. Kuklok’s 17th year of teaching at St. Mary’s. In addition to teaching, she continues to perform with the Owatonna Community Orchestra and the Owatonna Community Band.
“I enjoy working at St. Mary’s because of its small religious environment and caring, supportive families.”
Anne Nylund (Math and English) Mrs. Nylund is originally from Owatonna and attended St. Mary’s as a student. She graduated cum laude from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a bachelor of Applied Science. This is her first year teaching at St. Mary’s and her ninth year in the field of education. Her first four years of teaching were spent in a multi-age classroom at St. Isidore School in Litomysl. Following that she worked for four years at the Sylvan Learning Center, working primarily with middle school students.
“Having attended St. Mary’s School as a child and having started my teaching career in a Catholic school, I knew deep down that the Catholic school setting was where I was really meant to be. My experience during my first year at St. Mary’s has confirmed that; I feel like I have become a member of a family and am so proud of what this school has to offer its students academically, spiritually, and socially!”
Larry Ostermeier (Choir) Mr. Ostermeier has been the junior-high choir and elementary music instructor at St. Mary’s for nine years, with eleven years teaching experience prior to that in Rochester and Iowa. He received his bachelor degree in Music at Iowa State University and his master’s in Education at Winona State University. He is a Kodaly music specialist and also teaches private voice lessons in his home. He and his wife direct the St. Joseph Children’s Choir and he participates in choirs and as a soloist for church and community events.
“Just come to a St. Mary’s Mass and you will know what is special about our school and the Catholic community. The special combination of great kids, sharing our faith, and making music keeps me enthused about teaching!”
Don Simon (Science) Mr. Simon is originally from Owatonna. He received his bachelor’s degree in Social Studies as well as a Middle School Science Certificate from Mankato State. Mr. Simon also has 70 graduate credits from the University of Minnesota, Mankato State and the University of Colorado. Mr. Simon taught for 34 years in Hayfield prior to coming to SMS five years ago.
“I came to St. Mary’s after retiring because I wasn’t ready to completely retire. I stayed because the greatest kids are at this school and it’s a wonderful environment in which to teach and learn.”
Sara Slotsve (Social Studies) Mrs. Slotsve received her bachelor’s degree in History and Spanish from SDSU and is currently working on her master’s in Education and Leadership through Southwest State University, which she expects to complete next year. Mrs. Slotsve has taught at SMS for 17 years. She also taught at the Owatonna Migrant Program for nine years, working with middle school and high school children.
“I love being part of the St. Mary’s family. I teach the age group I love and the subject I love in a supportive and faith-filled environment.
Chris Smith (Religion and English) Mr. Smith grew up in Medford and attended St. Thomas University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in History and his secondary licensure in Social Studies (7-12) & varsity coaching. He received his master’s in Education from St. Mary’s University. Mr. Smith is currently enrolled in the Lay Ministry Institute through the Diocese of Winona and upon completion, will have a certificate in Pastoral Ministry and plans to enroll in the Diaconate Formation Program. His teaching experience includes eight years at the Owatonna Public Junior High, two years at the St. Michael-Albertville Middle School and three years at St. Mary’s.
“I love being a part of the St. Mary’s School community as a parent and a teacher because of the supportive family atmosphere, the commitment to excellence, and the opportunities to grow closer to Christ through prayer, service, and fellowship.”
Shannon Prostrollo (Grade 1-8 Spanish) Mrs. Prostrollo has bachelor’s degrees in Spanish Education and ESL (K-12) from Mankato State and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Southwest State University. She grew up in Janesville. Mrs. Prostrollo has taught Spanish for nine years, seven of which have been at St. Mary’s.
“I returned to SMS last year after being gone for one year. I didn’t realize how much I missed teaching in a Christian environment until I returned. The students and the staff are what make SMS special.”
Brandi Vieths (Grade 6) Mrs. Vieths grew up in Owatonna and attended Gustavus Adolphus College where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Education. She then completed her master’s degree in Education at Hamline University. Mrs. Vieths has eleven years of teaching experience and has been part of the St. Mary’s family since 2003.
“It is a privilege to teach and learn with all of the wonderful people involved with our St. Mary’s Family.”
Sue Wacek (Technology Coordinator/English & Math tutor) St. Mary’s School has been a part of Mrs. Wacek’s life for many years. She attended first through twelfth grade here and returned to teach in 1969 after receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from St. Teresa’s. She retired from teaching and now coordinates our technology program and tutors junior high students in Math and Language Arts.
“St. Mary’s has a very special place in my heart because it has been part of my life since I attended first grade here when it was St. Mary’s Academy. The buildings were brand new when I was a student in the 50’s and 60’s. The faces have changed over the years but the spirit and the faith that fills these walls remains unchanged and that is what will always make St. Mary’s a great place to be.