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Mike Leary - Principal

 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.


Dannell Nordstrom - Assistant Principal & PreK

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.


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 will be a PreK aide this year, and is working towards certification for 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.

 


Rebecca Gettelman - Middle School Reading/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.



 Melissa Berres - social studies/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.



Aleksandra (Ola) Hoffman - Math (Grades 4-8)

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.


Paul Kremer-Middle School Science

pkremer@stbparish.com


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.


Drew Rohl - GOAL Specialist

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!


Victoria Bachman- Art

vbachman@stbparish.com

Victoria grew up in Northern Minnesota. After high school she attended college locally in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. At 21 she headed to the East coast to become a nanny. After moving to different places in the US and Canada along with the nanny family she worked for. After her boss was traded back to Minnesota for his job, she felt God brought her back for a reason. Wanting her own place and constant work, she took a nanny job in River Falls. The family's children attended school at Saint Bridget's Parish School, and she adored the community and care provided at the school. She knew that she and her husband would send their future children there. Living in River Falls now, for 13 years,  they have a 3rd grader and 1st grader. She has always been passionate about children and teaching. When she is not teaching Art, she enjoys being with family, friends, hiking, yoga, praying; but her favorite is lifting weights as well as lifting spirits. When asked what she does at Saint Bridget's she responds with: I teach art, and I feel so honored to be given this torch to pass on the light of Jesus! Her teaching approach is having fun with structure, rules and responsibilities, which leads to bigger privileges. Going back to the basics to build the solid foundation of kindness and creativity, while experiencing God's love!


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. 
 


Joy Schultz - Physical Education (PreK-1) & Religion Teacher

jschultz@stbparish.com

Ms. Joy (Murry) Schultz has specialized in health and wellness for 10+ years, and has been a certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor for 10+ years.  Ms. Schultz attended University of Wisconsin - River Falls and Hudson Hospital for part of her professional education.  Ms. Schultz was an athlete, and a standout athlete in her conference in high school.  Ms. Schultz was an athlete, and standout athlete in her conference in college.  Ms. Schultz has family from her Dad's side from St. Bridget's in River Falls.  Ms. Schultz has been a Catholic since birth, is passionate about the Catholic faith, is passionate about studying Catholicism, has had taken several Bible classes in college, is passionate about teaching God's Children, and Health, Wellness, Nutrition and Fitness.  Ms. Schultz is the proud mother of one daughter so far.


Levi DeLong - Physical Education (Grades 2-8)

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

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.


Mike Kongshaug-Maintenance

maintenance@stbparish.com

-Employed here since 2019 in maintenance 

-Currently serving on St. B’s Facilities/Building Committee

-Involved with all aspects of maint. for the school (facilities upgrades/improvements, projects, special events)

-Serving on the school’s emergency response team. (former EMT/Firefighter)

-Associate Degree in Mechanical Design

-Married, 3 son’s, 8 grandkids

-Enjoy camping, sports, hunting, spending time with friends and family.


Esmirna Rojas-Kitchen and before and 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


Tim Leary-Janitorial