Meet Our Staff!

Brenda Steward - Principal

Mrs. Steward has joined the St. Bridget Team as the School Principal in July of 2019. Before coming to St. Bridget Parish School, Mrs. Steward worked as the Reading Coordinator for the River Falls Public School District. She has been a classroom teacher for many years before becoming a specialized reading teacher for grades K-5. Mrs. Steward lives with her husband, Dave in Hudson, where they enjoy kayaking and other outdoor activities. She also enjoys spending time with her adult children. Mrs. Steward is grateful to be part of the St. Bridget mission because she enjoys working with adults and children and working in an environment that fosters living examples of God’s presence.

Latischa Ferg - PreK

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. 

Dannell Nordstrom - PreK

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.

Therese Stacy - PreK

Therese Stacy joined St. Bridget in 2022 after a two year leave to be with her family. Mrs. Stacy previously taught kindergarten as well as 5th grade. Prior to St. Bridget Mrs. Stacy taught 3 year old preschool and RF4C at Jacob’s Ladder for 5 years. Additionally she has served as a substitute teacher in pre-k through grade 12 classrooms in many local school districts. Therese lives in River Falls with her husband Andrew and their three sons; Bryce, (18 UMD Freshman) Carson (16) and Avery (15). In her spare time, she spends time with her family and their pets. Her goal in her prekindergarten classroom is to support students’ growth and learning through a play-based curriculum which focuses on the whole child.

Marissa Hines - Kindergarten

Ms. Hines joined St. Bridget Parish School Team in 2019 as the Kindergarten teacher. Prior to coming to St. Bridget’s Parish School, she taught Preschool in Hudson, WI. Ms. Hines received her bachelor’s degree from Winona State University with a degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood along with a minor in Child Advocacy Studies. She also completed her student teaching experience in Ireland. Ms. Hines was raised in Hudson, WI and currently lives there. Growing up, she loved trying new sports and staying active. Some of her other interests include: spending time with family and friends, hiking, scrapbooking, baking, kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Ms. Hines wants to make a difference in children’s lives by opening their minds, encouraging them to succeed, helping them grow in faith and in all developmental domains. Her goal is to help students find a love for learning and to have fun while doing it.

Emily Cramlet - First grade

Emily received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Language Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Her teaching experience started as a daily substitute in the Eau Claire Area School District, as well as the Chippewa Falls Area School District. She taught first-grade as a long- term substitute spring of 2021 at Hillcrest Elementary School in Chippewa Falls. That opportunity solidified her love of teaching first-graders! Emily is originally from Minnesota, and currently resides in St. Paul. In her free time she enjoys snow skiing, water skiing, and going to her family’s cabin in northern Wisconsin. Her favorite thing about working at St. Bridget is the feeling of being a part of a family, surrounded by staff and community members who are welcoming and supportive. She is excited to watch her students grow not only academically, but also spiritually, socially, and emotionally in a positive learning environment.

Molly Hering - Second Grade

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.

Michele Jarosch - Third Grade

Michele joined St. Bridget Parish School in 2014 as the 4th grade teacher. In 2016, she moved to middle school to teach math and science. This will be her second year teaching 3rd grade. Before coming to St. Bridget she worked at Hill and Cashman-Hill Funeral Home. During this time she was also attending undergraduate school at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, where she received her degree in Education. She currently lives in River Falls, WI. When Michele is not at school she can be found at the parks, lakes, playing board and card games at home, playing make believe or building with Legos with her son. When she gets some down time, Michele enjoys reading. Michele is truly proud to teach at St. Bridget because of the amazing families and staff that we are blessed to work alongside, and because of the children whom we guide into amazing servants of Christ.

Alexis Meixner - Fourth Grade

Alexis Meixner is excited to be a part of the Saint Bridget Community! She is originally from Menomonie, WI and attended Winona State University in Winona, MN. She majored in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Emphasis, as well as two minors in Child Advocacy Studies and Reading Instruction. Throughout this time, she also worked as a reading and math tutor, preschool teacher, and student-taught in the Winona Area Catholic Schools. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, going for walks, making and enjoying yummy food, reading, and spending time with family, friends, and her fiancé. She looks forward to sharing in plenty, God’s goodness with you and your family throughout the year.

Emily Mueller - Middle School Math

Emily joined the St. Bridget's School Team in 2020 as the GOAL (Growth Opportunities for All Learners) Teacher. In 2021, she became the middle school math and 5th grade home room teacher. Emily is a graduate of University of Wisconsin- River Falls where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education with a Minor in Mathematics Education. Emily and her husband currently reside in River Falls, WI; however, both were born and raised in Minnesota. In her free time, she enjoys camping, playing board and card games, reading, attending, and participating in theater, and spending time with her nieces and nephews. Her favorite part about working at St. Bridget is how close the community is and how everyone works together to provide support and guidance for the students and one another. Emily is excited to be a part of the St. Bridget family.

Corlie Weber - Middle School ELA & Reading

Corlie joined the St. Bridget Parish School in Fall 2022 as the 6 th Grade Homeroom and Middle School ELA & Reading teacher. Prior to coming to St. Bridget, Corlie taught Middle School Language Arts with the Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona and worked in higher education for several years. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English and Master’s in Education degrees from Arizona State University and holds teaching certification in the States of Arizona and Wisconsin. She and her family live in Woodbury, Minnesota. Her hobbies include reading, traveling, trying new restaurants, cooking, and watching her daughter’s soccer games. In her spare time, you will likely find her curled up with a book somewhere. She is excited to be a part of the St. Bridget school community, to grow alongside her students in her faith journey, and to share her passion for education and reading.

Melissa Musselman - Middle School Science

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.

Mike Leary - Middle School Social Studies/Religion

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.

Cheryl Richardson - Music

Cheryl joined St. Bridget Parish School in January 2019 as the music teacher. Prior to coming to St. Bridget, she taught K, Pre-K, and 2nd grade. Cheryl received her BS in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Cheryl’s teaching interests include singing, playing musical instruments and dancing to music with her students. Music is a skill that can be enjoyed throughout one’s life. Cheryl lives in Hudson with her husband, 3 dogs and 2 cats. They have a daughter who recently graduated from the University of Minnesota in Art and Graphic Design. Outside of school, Cheryl enjoys singing with the St. Croix Sacred Ensemble, walking with her neighbors, x-country skiing and camping. Cheryl is excited to be a part of the St. Bridget mission by helping students deepen their relationship with God through music.

Hillary Gilles - Art

Hillary joined St. Bridget Parish School in 2012 as the Office Assistant, a position she held for nine years before earning her education certification. Now she is delighted to continue serving our school, now as the Art teacher as well as 5 th grade Religion teacher. Hillary received her Bachelor of Science in Art Education from UW-River Falls and her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art History and Fine Arts-Sculpture from UW-Milwaukee. She and her family reside in River Falls and are active members of St. Bridget Parish. In her free time, she enjoys many creative endeavors as well as reading, playing board games, and traveling with her family and friends. Hillary is grateful to be a part of the St. Bridget mission because she loves helping people and being part of a faith community.

Drew Rohl - Reading Specialist

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!

Jeremy Menden - Phy Ed

Jeremy is in his first year at St. Bridget’s teaching Physical Education prek-8 M, W, F and works alongside Sarah as the office assistant T/Th. Prior to this year Jeremy was a missionary at Marquette Catholic school in Virginia, MN mostly assisting then teaching physical education and helping out the 1 st and 2 nd grade teachers. Jeremy graduated from the University of Wisconsin- River falls in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Exercise/Sport Science. In his free time, he enjoys running, hiking, reading, watching football and baseball games. In May of this year 2022 Jeremy completed his first marathon race and hopefully plans in the future to run one again.

Sarah Matzek - Office

Sarah joined St. Bridget Parish School in 2020. Previously Mrs. Matzek taught fourth grade for twelve years. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin River Falls. Sarah and her husband Joe own and operate a beef farm in the River Falls area. Sarah enjoys spending time with her children and granddaughter. She also likes gardening, quilting, reading, and cheering for the Packers.

Mike Kongshaug - Janitor

Mike is a 22-year resident of River Falls. He began working at St. Bridget’s in 2019, with over 20 years of experience in all phases of building and property management. He and his wife enjoy spending time with their sons and grandchildren, and camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, and golfing. They are avid Badgers, Brewers, and Packers fans. Mike says he likes working at St. Bridget because he loves children and sharing his talents and experience to give our students and staff a nice, safe, and clean place to learn – it’s a great way to “give back to the community.”

Esmirna Rojas - Kitchen

Esmirna began working at St. Bridget’s School in the Kitchen in 2019. She attended college in her home country of Venezuela, majoring in Human Resources Administration. She worked in a Mass Consumption company in Venezuela prior to working here. She lives in River Falls with her husband and two children. She loves spending time with her family.