Parish & School Staff Directory
Father Balaraju Policetty
Pastor
pastor@stbparish.com
Deacon John Woehrle
715-425-1879
deaconjohn@stbparish.com
Barrett Grove
Parish Administrator
715-425-1879 ext. 102
parishadmin@stbparish.com
Barrett started at St. Bridget in 2010 as the Coordinator of Liturgical Ministries, but now he is the Parish Administrator. He wears a lot of hats in his role, but one of his favorites is leading music with musicians in the Praise Team on Sundays. Before coming to St. Bridget, Barrett was a Master Electrician in Minnesota. Watt!? How cool!
Barrett graduated from the Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis with a degree in Electrical Construction and Maintenance. He enjoys fixing things, working on jobs around the house, and buying things at auctions to resell. He is a lifelong member of River Falls, and St. Bridget Church, and even graduated from the Parish School! Barrett and his wife, Kris, have been married since 1994 and have been blessed with two adult children, Brian and Amanda, and a cat named Rascal. Barrett feels it is an honor to work in this community.
Lindsey Andrea
Administrative Assistant
715-425-1879 ext. 101
recept@stbparish.com
Lindsey has been a part of Saint Bridget Parish her whole life. She has helped with leading a Faith Formation group, helping with the youth group, and has gone to multiple youth conferences. God has always been an essential part of her life and she is so excited to see where He leads her with this position!
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Susan Landry
Accountant
(715) 425-1879 ext. 104
accountant@stbparish.com
Tessa Schuermann
Coordinator of Prek-8th Grade Faith Formation
Tessa lives in River Falls with her husband Chad, their children Priscilla and Levi, and their mean, but beautiful cat, Bella. Tessa loves spending time with her family, drinking coffee, reading, hiking, kayaking, and playing games.
Jessie O'Malley
Coordinator of 9-12th grade Faith Formation
715-425-1879 ext. 105
teenFF@stbparish.com
Jessie started at St. Bridget as the Teen Faith Formation Coordinator in September 2024. Jessie graduated from UWRF with a major in Marketing Communications and a minor in Non Profit. Before coming to St Bridget, Jessie worked for Buffalo Wild Wings as the General Manager. During her free time she enjoys hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, going to Green Bay Packer games, go on mission trip to Guatemala, and spending time with her family and dog.
Sophie Kolars
Communications Coordinator
(715) 425-1879 ext. 111
communications@stbparish.com
Sophie started at St. Bridget as the Communications Coordinator in June 2024. Sophie graduated from Benedictine College in December of 2023 with a degree in Journalism & Communications and a minor in English. Before coming to St. Bridget Parish, Sophie worked for the monks of St. Benedict's Abbey as a Communications intern, and also worked as a freelance copywriter/editor. She enjoys writing poetry, walking, spending time outdoors, and listening to music.
Kane Bauer
Head of Maintenance
maintenance@stbparish.com
Randy Koller
Maintenance
(715) 425-1879 ext. 112
roller@stbparish.com
Adrian Amundsen
Housekeeping
Dannell Nordstrom - Interim Principal
dnordstrom@stbparish.com
Mrs. Dannell Nordstrom joined the St. Bridget Parish School family in 2002 as a student teacher in the first grade classroom. Mrs. Nordstrom has been teaching here ever since. During her time here Mrs. Nordstrom has taught in a K-1 multiage classroom, a Preschool classroom, and in a Pre-Kindergarten classroom. Mrs. Nordstrom currently teaches in our part time Pre-Kindergarten classrooms. Prior to coming to St. Bridget, she attended UW-River Falls where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. Dannell and her husband John live in Woodbury, Minnesota with their 4 children William, Lucas, Matthew and Liela. During their spare time they enjoy being together as a family at the cabin in Spooner, Wisconsin. Mrs. Nordstrom enjoys teaching hands on, hearts on, minds on learning activities that invite the students to learn and explore. She believes teaching the whole child is vital to Early Childhood Education. She is excited to be a part of the St. Bridget mission because she can continue to teach in a Christian family environment encouraging students to grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, physically and intellectually.
Laura Jo Jarchow - Director of Faculty
ljjarchow@saintbridgetschool.com
Mrs. Laura Jo Jarchow has joined the St. Bridget Parish family this fall as Director of Faculty. Prior to coming to St. Bridget’s, Mrs. Jarchow retired from St. Mary School in 2023 after 33 years in education. Mrs. Jarchow’s educational experience spans from public education, owning a private music studio, and serving as a teacher and principal in a Catholic school. Mrs. Jarchow holds a degree in Music Education as well as a Masters in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership. Mrs. Jarchow’s mission is to help grow Catholic education and make it accessible to all who choose to put Christ in their child’s education. Mrs. Jarchow is excited to work with the St. Bridget’s team to grow the school and its mission.
Mrs. Jarchow lives in New Richnond, WI with her husband, John, and their two dogs, Fred & Wilma. Mrs. Jarchow has two adult children, and two grandchildren. She enjoys spending time reading, kayaking, fishing, and spending time with her husband at their place in Northern Wisconsin.
Latischa Ferg - PreK
lferg@stbparish.com
Latischa joined St. Bridget Parish School in 2018 as a PreK teacher. Prior to coming to St. Bridget, she worked in an eye clinic, and before that subbed in various school districts, gradesK-12. Latischa received her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at UW-Stout. Latischa’s teaching interests include reading and hands-on experience through play. Latischa resides in Roberts, WI. In her free time, she enjoys going up north and reading. She is excited to be a part of the St. Bridget mission because the school focuses on the development of the whole child, spiritual and academic.
Michelle Langlois - PreK
mlanglois@stbparish.com
Michelle Langlois teaches PreK. She and her husband of 43 years, Denis, have three daughters and nine grandchildren. They have been members of St. Bridget Parish for 43 years.
Emma Knospe - Kindergarten
eknospe@stbparish.com
Emma is elated to be making her teaching debut at St. Bridget Parish School after graduating in May of 2024. She got her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood from UW-River Falls. While this is her first year teaching, this isn’t her first time at St. Bridget. She began her education journey here as a Preschool student for 2 years. Emma was raised in an at-home daycare in Roberts, WI and worked as an assistant daycare teacher for 7 years. She also has experience as a Dance Instructor, Choreographer, Climbing Wall Instructor, and Sunday School Teacher. Outside of school Emma enjoys singing and dancing on stage, rock climbing, hiking, and traveling with her parents, 2 siblings, and their family dog, Tucker. Emma is looking forward to being a part of the St. Bridget mission and meeting and working with everyone in this wonderful community.
Mary Smith - First Grade
msmith@stbparish.com
Mary Smith is our 1st grade teacher this year. She has been a part of the St. Bridget Community for 17 years. She has worked many years directing four academic programs that serviced at-risk children and youth in Minneapolis. Mary lives in Hudson with her husband Quentin. They have 2 children, Abbi who is a fourth year medical student and Jerritt who is an Industrial Designer. Mary has 2 very big dogs; a yellow Labrador Retriever named Kato Duke and a GoldenDoodle named Ozzy Bear. During her free time, Mary enjoys reading, fishing, gardening, doing arts and crafts, traveling, event planning, attending stock car races, and taking long walks with her dogs. However, her favorite activity is educating children and teaching them about the goodness of God. She is looking forward to working at St. Bridget Parish School.
Molly Hering - Second Grade
mhering@stbparish.com
Molly joined St. Bridget Parish School in 2018 as the Second Grade teacher. Prior to coming to St. Bridget, she taught Second Grade, Third Grade, and Reading. Molly received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Molly’s teaching interests include motivating students to improve their reading skills, as that will impact their confidence and academic achievement. She enjoys watching students grow and watching their excitement and love for learning. Molly resides with her husband in Hudson, WI. In her free time, she enjoys running, watching the Packers, Badgers, and Brewers, and ice fishing. She is excited to be a part of the St. Bridget mission and share her passion of learning with a focus on the Catholic faith.
Rachael Jensen - Third Grade
rjensen@stbparish.com
Mrs. Jensen is our 3rd grade teacher this year and will look familiar to our families because her daughter attends St. Bridget Parish School. She attended UW-River Falls. Rachael lives outside of River Falls with her husband Paul and three children. Her hobbies and interests include cooking, baking, reading, kayaking, swimming, and spending time with her family. Rachael is most looking forward to getting to know her students this year and watching them learn and grow!
Sarah Knolmayer - Fourth Grade
sknolmayer@stbparish.com
Sarah Knolmayer is our 4th grade teacher this year. She moved to River Falls in 2019 from southeastern Wisconsin. Prior to moving to River Falls and while studying for her degrees, Sarah worked as both a special education and a general education paraprofessional. Sarah received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Western Governors University and her associate degree in Business Management from Gateway Technical College. She spends much of her free time with her husband, Jake, and two teenage children, Vincent and Bridget. She enjoys working on decorating projects, traveling, gardening, reading, and is an active member of St. Bridget parish. Sarah is excited to be a part of St. Bridget mission because children are our future. It will be rewarding to watch the children’s faith, confidence, and development of skills grow throughout a school year.
Drew Rohl - 5th Grade Language & Goal
drohl@stbparish.com
Drew Rohl joined St. Bridget Parish School in Fall of 2022 as the Reading Specialist. Prior to St. Bridget’s, Drew spent two years as an English Learner teacher for the School District of River Falls. In her earlier years of teaching, she spent time as a Pre-K teacher, Reading Intervention teacher, and 5th grade teacher in South Washington County School District in Minnesota. She received her Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Education minor from UW-River Falls. She also received her Graduate Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Kate’s University in St. Paul, MN, and her English Learner teaching license through Western Governors University. Her husband is a St. Bridget alumni, and their three children attend school at St. B’s as well. In her spare time, Drew enjoys being with family at the cabin, reading, playing volleyball, going on walks, and watching or attending sporting events. Her favorite part of working at St. Bridget Parish School is seeing all of the leadership opportunities for students, fostering positive interactions between students of all ages. It truly is a special community and school, and Drew is overjoyed to be part of it!
Rebecca Gettelman - 6th Grade
Middle School Language Arts
rgettelman@stbparish.com
Originally from southeastern Wisconsin, Becky Gettelman attended UW-River Falls where she earned a dual major in English Education and History and was active in the Newman Center. After living in various areas of the country including Virginia, Illinois, Michigan, and Iowa, she and her family moved back to the River Falls area in 2019. Mrs. Gettelman has been involved in education for close to two decades. She has taught high school social studies, middle school language arts (shout out to St. Irene in Warrenville!), and for the last two years has worked as a substitute teacher. While taking time off from the classroom when her children were little she also worked as a free-lance writer and curriculum designer. Mrs. Gettelman is excited to be getting back into the classroom and even more excited to be back at a Catholic school. She is passionate about Language Arts, loves Shakespeare, and thinks middle schoolers are awesome! Mrs. Gettelman lives on a small farm about halfway between Ellsworth and Spring Valley with her husband, Kyle, her two children, Adelaide and Joseph, and various creatures including a dog, cats, and horses. She loves gardening, reading, and spending time with her family.
Aleksandra (Ola) Hoffman - Middle School Math
ahoffman@stbparish.com
Ola Hoffman graduated from UWRF with a degree in TESOL Education. She has been teaching ESL for eight years. She lives in River Falls with her husband, three children, and pet dog. She enjoys hiking, baking, and reading.
Mike Leary - Middle School Social Studies
mleary@stbparish.com
Mr. Michael Leary joined St. Bridget Parish School in 2003 as a part time middle school social studies teacher. He left St. Bridget’s for a portion of two school years in 2006 to deploy with the Air Force to Saudi Arabia. He returned and began teaching full time by also teaching middle school religion. Prior to coming to St. Bridget, Mr. Leary joined the Air Force as a security and law enforcement specialist. He continued his service in the Air Force Reserve retiring with 26 years of service in 2008. He has worked construction and maintenance for Holiday Inn, and was a press operator for 3M. Upon completion of his degree in Geography, he traveled to Taiwan, ROC to finish his study of Mandarin Chinese. After receiving his teaching degree he worked at Meyer Middle School, leaving that position when he was activated for duty by the Air Force after 9/11. Mr. Leary received his degree in Geography in 1989 and a degree in Secondary Education in 1999 from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. Mr. Leary’s teaching interests include geography, history and theology. He also emphasizes research and speaking skills by incorporating them into his curriculum Mr. Leary lives outside Roberts, WI with his wife, Shirley and their children Timothy and Elizabeth. In addition, his family plays host to his parents, several chickens and their goofy black lab, Shadow. Mr. Leary has a wide variety of interests including traveling to historic and interesting spots all over the world, historical board gaming, model railroading, reading and hobby farming. During the summer break, you can sometimes see him around town in his beekeeping suit as he maintains his beehives spread throughout the area. He is excited to be a part of the St. Bridget mission because of the opportunity he has to share his life journey exploring his faith and the depth of our Christian heritage and theology. In addition, his passion for teaching history and geography with middle school students makes everyday exciting and fun. Not only is it rewarding watching his students become thoughtful and curious citizens, but he has made many great friends among the students and parents.
Denis Langlois - 8th Grade
& Middle School Science
dlanglois@stbparish.com
Denis has a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He has worked in Industry for 40 years and has presented many technical white papers in his field. He retired from industry in 2024 with over 20 patents. Denis and his wife have been married for 44 years and have 3 daughters and 9 grandchildren. He is also a Secular Discalced Carmelite within the Catholic Church and has practiced his vocation for the last 23 years. In addition, he a member of the St. Bridget parish community. He enjoys camping, hiking, and playing golf.
Lauren Baillargeon - Middle School Religion
lbaillargeon@stbparish.com
I am a retired Loss Control Consultant and have a Master’s in Public Health. Before retiring, I was a trainer for over 30 years. I am comfortable in public speaking. I have taught 5,6,7 and 9th graders for faith formation for 7 years. I also facilitate women’s prayer group, help with Life in the Spirit, and facilitate women’s bible studies. I believe strongly in volunteering to help our church community. I am a Eucharistic minister, scrip volunteer, greeter and an organizer for fundraiser events in our parish community. This summer I attended the National Eucharistic conference in Indianapolis which encouraged me to deepen my relationship with Jesus. I am an avid reader of all types of catholic books to help develop my faith.
Melissa Berres - Art/spanish
mberres@stbparish.com
Melissa joined the St. Bridget team in 2017 as the Middle School Math and Science teacher. She is still teaching middle school math and science but has taken on teaching Technology! Technology is offered to 3rd through 8th grade as a specialist class one time per week and Melissa is very excited to be a part of helping these students grow as Digital Citizens! Prior to coming to St. Bridget, Melissa received her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls in 2015. After she graduated she was a long and short term substitute teacher in various districts around the Hudson/Stillwater area. She has also worked for Mad Science of Minnesota and other STEM programs during the summers. The subjects in STEM–Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math–are her favorites to teach because of the variety of ways she is able to teach the content such as hands-on activities or learning new skills on the computer. When she is not teaching at St. Bridget, Melissa likes to spend time with her family, friends, and two cats – Denzel and Bam Bam – at her home in Hudson, WI. She also enjoys being outside in the midst of God’s beauty in nature while doing things like going for walks, kayaking, skiing, and camping. Melissa is pleased to be a part of the St. Bridget mission and have the opportunity to watch the students grow and build character towards becoming a good and faith driven person.
Marra Dietsche - Music
mdietsche@stbparish.com
Hello! My name is Marra Dietsche (rhymes with teach) and I am thrilled to join the St. Bridget’s staff as the music teacher.I received my Bachelor of Music Education degree from Lawrence University in 2007 and my Master of Music Education degree from Anderson University in 2011. I spent the first eleven years of my teaching career in Kenosha, WI, my hometown. I taught K-8 general music, orchestra, and choir in the Kenosha Unified School District. During this time, I also taught private violin, viola, cello and piano lessons and worked as a church musician. One of the greatest joys of my life is helping students discover and grow their musical ability and providing educational opportunities for them to enjoy the beautiful gift of music that God has given us. In 2018, I met and married Greg Dietsche, a Western Wisconsin native who was more than worth the move across the state. In addition to teaching at St. Bridget’s I enjoy teaching elementary music classes and middle and high school orchestra classes for the Journey Christian Home School Co-Op, performing with my local string ensemble, playing for church services at Faith Lutheran in River Falls, learning how to cook healthy and delicious new dishes, and supporting my husband’s work as a volunteer firefighter with the River Falls Fire Department.
Levi DeLong - Physical Education
ldelong@stbparish.com
Levi DeLong is one of our new Phy Ed teachers. He lives in River Falls with his wife and 4 children. After he graduated high school from Elmwood, he joined the military and was deployed to Kuwait and Iraq in 2005 with the Wisconsin National Guard. After his return, he attended UW LaCrosse and graduated with a degree in Accounting. However, he returned to the military in 2010 and became an officer in the Minnesota National Guard and reached the rank of Captain before finally hanging up the uniform in 2017. He has always had a passion for living an active lifestyle and still continues to play and coach sports such as football, baseball and basketball. His hobbies include sports, woodworking, hunting and hanging out with his family. He is very grateful for the opportunity to work with the St. Bridget’s faculty and to meet the students and their parents this year.
Emily Berg - Administrative Assistant
office@stbparish.com
Emily joined St. Bridget Parish School in the summer of 2024. Previously, she spent seven years at Andersen Windows and most recently spent the last six years as a stay-at-home mom to her two daughters. Married for nine years, she and her husband also have a dog, two cats, and a bunny. Emily loves spending time with her family, playing games, and enjoying the outdoors. She looks forward to contributing to the St. Bridget community and building lasting connections.
Kaila Kastens - Director of School Development & Marketing
kkastens@stbparish.com
Kaila is a wife and mother of three, having dedicated the past eight years to nurturing her children at home. Before starting her family, she worked as a paraprofessional, a role that ignited her passion for education. During her time as a stay-at-home mom, she pursued her own growth by completing the Administrative Coordinator program online, at Northwood Technical College. Now, as she embarks on a new journey at St. Bridget Parish School, Kaila is eager to blend her professional skills with her commitment to her faith. She looks forward to contributing to the school community, helping it flourish while also deepening her spiritual growth.
Kane Bauer - head of maintenance
maintenance@stbparish.com
Esmirna Rojas - Kitchen / before & after care
ehojas@stbparish.com
Esmirna has been employed at St. Bridget School for 5 years. She and her husband have two children. She loves cooking, sharing special moments with her family, and enjoys being outdoors, spending time at home, traveling, walking, and shopping. Esmirna appreciates the positive work environment at St. Bridget’s and values the opportunity to do what she loves every day.
Marlys Cernohouse - Kitchen
mcernohouse@stbparish.com
Ruby Blair - Before & After Care
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Bella Kisting - Before & After Care
Tim Leary - Janitorial
