Meet Our Staff
Principal
My family relocated to the Iron Range in 2022 from Northwest Montana, and I am enjoying all Minnesota offers. During my tenure in education, I was provided wonderful opportunities- from teaching students in grades kindergarten through sixth to serving as a district principal with superintendent duties. I also worked as a 504 Coordinator, Title I Director, and Instructional Coach. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-8), a Master's in Literacy (K-12), and an Administration Certification (K-12). As a Heinemann Fellow, I conducted action research on vocabulary acquisition while engaging students in interactive learning techniques. Throughout my career, my focus has been facilitating effective literacy instruction and cross-curricular units of study. Outside of work, I enjoy nature walks in the Minnesota woods and spending time with my husband, two children, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. It is an honor and privilege to serve the students, families, and staff, and I look forward to discovering all God has in store for Marquette School!
Email: tward@marquettecs.org
Tami Ward
I have had the opportunity to serve at Marquette for the past five years. I look forward to serving this year here as Assistant Principal and working with our Leadership Team and awesome teachers. My prior work experience includes 15 years of team management in Operations, Human Resources, and Customer Service in my time working for BCBS of MN and prior employers. I love Marquette and that our children have access to an education based on God and His Virtues. I love working at Marquette, and I pray the Lord will continue to use me where I can best serve His will. My wife Paige and I have 4 children (Juhani, Audii, Taavi, and Rubii) and we feel so blessed to have a school like Marquette for them to attend and grow in their relationship with God. We love our village, and the support and faith that raises the tide to lift all boats here. I spend most of my time outside of school at our kids' sporting and community events. It's always awesome to see our Marquette kids sharing their talents and faith in our community. I'm an active participant in Exodus 90 and appreciate the brotherhood of men in our parish. I love learning more about the Saints and Angels, my favorite Saint is St. John of the Cross, “In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.” Thankful for the opportunity to serve at Marquette. St. John Bosco, pray for us!
Email: jrosandich@marquettecs.org
Assistant Principal
Jake Rosandich
School Secretary
Laura Hadrava
My name is Laura Hadrava, and my family has been part of the Marquette Catholic School community for four years. With a diploma in Administrative Support and a year of prior experience as a receptionist at MCS and several years managing a hair salon, I bring skills honed through diverse roles; each one, in retrospect, preparing me for this calling. Most of my years have been joyfully spent raising my children with my husband, Mike. We have 2 MCS graduates, Maria and Gabe who attend MIB, along with current students Tom, Sam, and Rose who brighten my days with their frequent “fly-bys.”
From day one, we’ve cherished the culture of peace, joy, and unmatched family support here. I feel blessed to assist our dedicated staff, visit Jesus in the Chapel daily, and pray quietly from my desk for our faculty, students, and the school’s future. As it is written, “Train the young in the way they should go, even when old they will not swerve from it” (Proverbs 22:6)
Email: lhadrava@marquettecs.org
Preschool Teacher
Kamara Potts
My name is Kamara Potts. I am a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. I have been working in Early Childhood Education for over 20 years and have been teaching at Marquette Early Learning Center since 2009.
My husband Tony and I have two grown daughters Madeline and Janie. We feel truly blessed to have had our daughters attend and graduate from Marquette Catholic School. Outside of work I enjoy fishing at my cabin in Canada, spending time with my husband, live music, dancing, our rescue dogs, and being outdoors.
Email: kpotts@marquettecs.org
Hi! My name is Emma Herberg, and I am a proud Marquette alumna. After graduating, I worked as a CNA, where I discovered a passion for serving others. As I prayed about what God had planned for the next season of my life, He placed it on my heart to return to Marquette. I truly believe this is where He has called me to be, and I am so grateful to serve in a community that has meant so much to me.
I have been blessed to be part of the Marquette family since 2022, and it is a joy to walk alongside students as they grow academically, personally, and in their faith. My prayer is that every child who walks through my classroom knows they are deeply loved by God and encouraged to become who He created them to be.
When I'm not in the classroom, you'll usually find me spending time with my husband and our dog, Jack. I love being outdoors, making memories with family, and enjoying God's beautiful creation. It is such a blessing to be back at Marquette, and I am thankful every day for the opportunity to be part of this incredible community.
Email: ealuni@marquettecs.org
Preschool Teacher
Emma Herberg
Preschool Assistant
Preschool Assistant
Kindergarten Teacher
Alexa Hultman
Hello! My name is Alexa Hultman, and I am so excited to be the kindergarten teacher at Marquette Catholic School! I recently graduated from The College of Saint Scholastica with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Deaf Language and Culture. During my college experience, I had the opportunity to work with students in kindergarten through sixth grade, but I have always had a special place in my heart for kindergarten. I grew up on the Iron Range in Eveleth, and I am grateful to begin my teaching career in a community that feels like home. My Catholic faith has always been an important part of my life, and as a member of Resurrection Catholic Church, I feel incredibly blessed to teach in a school where I can share my faith while helping students grow academically and spiritually. I hope to create a classroom where every child feels loved, supported, and excited to learn. Outside of school, I enjoy baking, traveling, reading, and making new memories with my fiancé. I am so thankful that God has led me to Marquette, and I look forward to seeing all that He has in store for this school year!
Email: ahultman@marquettecs.org
Hello! I’m the first-grade teacher at Marquette Catholic School. After graduating from St. Cloud State University, I began my teaching career here in 2018. As an alum, returning to Marquette felt like coming home. I come from a big family deeply rooted in the Holy Spirit Parish, and we’ve all been thrilled to watch the parish and school grow and thrive. When I’m not teaching, I love spending time on arts and crafts, hanging out with friends, babysitting for families in the parish, and staying active with sports. Being part of this vibrant community is truly a blessing, and I’m proud to help shape the lives of its young students.
Email: eanderson@marquettecs.org
1st Grade Teacher
Elizabeth Anderson
2nd Grade Teacher
Michelle Berlin
In my first years of teaching I taught sixth grade and first grade. I then took a long break from teaching to be home with my kids when they were young. Now for the past seven years I have taught preschool, middle school, and currently have the honor of teaching second grade. My favorite part of teaching at a Catholic school is witnessing God capture the open hearts of the kids I have the privilege to teach. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my eight kids and soon-to-be daughter-in-law, growing in my relationship with Jesus, spending time with friends and painting. I am very grateful that all of my own kids have had the opportunity to attend Marquette Catholic School. I am honored to be part of an amazing team of teachers and staff as well as blessed to be working with the faith-filled families of Marquette School.
Email: mberlin@marquettecs.org
3rd Grade Teacher
Hi! I’m Jill Papin. I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was about 15 years old. I received my degree in early childhood education from Bemidji State University. Before I started teaching at MCS, I was an interventionist at Indus School near International Falls. I started teaching at Marquette in 2006. I taught 1st grade for my first 4 years, and I have been teaching 3rd grade ever since. I love teaching at Marquette because the small feel to the school makes me really get to know my students and their families. I also love to teach about God and watching the students build their relationship with the Holy Spirit. I live in Virginia with my husband Sam, my daughters Addy and Julia, and my crazy rescue dog Sadie. I am often out walking my dog or cheering my kids on at one of their sporting events, recitals, or plays. I also enjoy being out at my family’s cabin, trying new craft projects, and watching movies or playing games with my family. I am looking forward to a new school year in a new building. God Bless!
Email: jpapin@marquettecs.org
Jill Papin
Hi, my name is Leanne Jarvi. I have been teaching at Marquette for 20 years. I have my Bachelor's degree in elementary education from the College of St. Catherine. I love teaching at Marquette because of the wonderful sense of community. The parents, students, and staff are all welcoming. I feel blessed to begin each day in prayer with my students. My husband and I have four grown children and we welcomed our first grandchild this spring. If I am not traveling to visit my granddaughter, I enjoy spending time with family, especially at Lake Leander.
Email: ljarvi@marquettecs.org
4th Grade Teacher
Leanne Jarvi
Title I and Student Support
Mary Wildes
Hi! My name is Mary Wildes. I was born in Virginia and was excited when I had the opportunity to return. I am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Superior with my bachelors degree in Elementary Education. I started teaching at Marquette Catholic School in 1988. I have taught almost every grade! I took a short hiatus and went to the public schools. I realized I missed teaching the faith and referring to it on a regular basis. I am married with 2 adult boys. I also feel as though I am part of the Marquette family. It is a feeling you get when you walk into the doors. I currently teach in the middle school. God blesses me everyday.
Email: mwildes@marquettecs.org
Middle School Math & Science
Adam Lemieux
I have taught at Marquette Catholic School for over a decade now, as well as a handful of years in area public schools on the Iron Range. Graduating from the College of St Scholastica in 2006 with a Bachelors in Elementary Education, I have worked with a wide variety of learners from Kindergarten to Middle School, and a have lead many classes in subjects ranging from Math, Science, Personal Finance, French Language, Robotics, and general education. I also have much experience working with learners outside of the classroom, working as a Little League umpire, a YMCA daycare teacher, and a few leadership roles working in corporate retail settings. My love for Christ and passion for education make Marquette a great place for me to continue teaching. I am an avid outdoorsman who enjoys camping, hiking, geocaching, hunting, and target shooting. My loving family and I are always looking for our next outdoor adventure!
Email: alemieux@marquettecs.org
Middle School Lang. Arts
Emily Koch
Hello, my name is Emily Koch and this will be my first full time position as a teacher. I graduated from Bemidji State University in December of 2023 with a degree in K-6 Elementary Education with an endorsement for grades 5-8 in Communication Arts & Literature. I taught Art part time at Marquette this past spring from January to April and then was the long-term sub for Language Arts for the month of May as well. I am excited to continue at Marquette because I am a Catholic and I love the atmosphere that being at the school provides for me. I have a passion for Language Arts and I am excited to bring that love of learning to the students this year, while thinking outside the box and using new ways to encourage learning. I am also the DRE/Youth Minister for the Cook/Orr/Tower parishes and really enjoy seeing the kids grow in the faith each year. This will be my 4th year currently (off an on, I have done this for roughly 10 years). I am fortunate to know many of the Marquette students through the events that they attend through the Diocese. I am married to my husband Paul (celebrating 21 years) and have 6 wonderful children, Abby, Helen, Isabelle, Rebecca, Sarah, and Christopher. I enjoy spending as much time with my family as I can. When I have a little free time, I enjoy sewing (making quilts), baking, cooking, and playing games.
Email: ekoch@marquettecs.org
I was born and raised on the Iron Range. I have a B.S in Human Development, a minor in Exercise Science, and a MEd. K-8. After leaving for college and starting a family, my husband and I decided to move back to the area. This is my ninth year teaching in the classroom setting. I stayed at home and homeschooled for 5 years before coming to Marquette. My two girls attend Marquette and we are grateful we get to be here together. God landed my family and I out in Palo where we have a hobby farm. We are passionate about our relationship with god, caring for our animals, skiing, swimming, biking, running, and music. Life is a journey and it’s so exciting where God lands us each day!
Email: jdickinson@marquettecs.org
Middle School Social Studies
Jenna Dickinson
Middle School Math & Science Elementary STEM
Amy Fox
I feel so blessed and honored to have the privilege of teaching at Marquette! I hold Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics, Secondary Math Education, and Secondary Science Education with emphases in Physical Science and Earth and Space Science from Bemidji State University and a Master of Education degree with an emphasis in Online Teaching from The College of St. Scholastica. My 15 years of teaching experience began in Floodwood High School before spending 10 great years at Mountain Iron-Buhl, focusing on math, STEM, and technology integration. I said “Yes!” to the call to Marquette in 2021, and I have been so in awe of what God has done with that “Yes” since then! Every experience I’ve had in the classroom and outside of it seem to have been in preparation for this. I love helping students fall in love with math and science and am so grateful to be at Marquette where I can also help them fall in love with their faith. It’s incredibly fulfilling to support students in both their academic and spiritual journeys. I truly appreciate the opportunities Marquette provides for me to practice and grow in my own faith.
Email: afox@marquettecs.org
Physical Education
Shelby Peterson
Hello! My name is Brooke Koop and I'm very excited and feel so blessed to begin my journey as an art and music teacher in Marquette Catholic School!
After high school I attended the College of St. Scholastica and received my B.A. in Business Management. I went on to manage a few different businesses only to find it wasnt for me.
I then became a stay at home mom to a beautiful baby girl and soon after, boy-girl twins! They are all growing up so fast and currently attend Marquette. Tomina, Solveig and Lokken were very excited to learn I was going to be the new art and elementry music teacher!
During my time as a stay at home mom, I decided to pick up the hobby of oil painting. I've always had a natural ability for art, but painting is something I never tried. I turned to the legend himself, Bob Ross. I watched HOURS of his tutorials before I decided to finally give it a go. After following along with a few, I decided to try my own and painted a scene of Gooseberry Falls which ultimately landed me a private gallery at the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth, MN. I'm thankful to say it was a success! Art has always been a hobby and passion of mine and I'm glad I now get to share it with the children at Marquette.
The best part is, not only do I get to share my love of fine arts with the children, but also my love for musical art! I'm a fan of almost every genre, but I do love classical the best. Anything with a piano, I'll be listening! I look forward to signing, dancing and ultimately, having fun with the kids while listening to some amazing music!
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoor time with my family. Whether at home at our new place in the country, surrounded by our dogs, chickens, turkeys and Grandma and Papa right next door, or at our cabin, relaxing on the beach with my toes in the water, watching and listening to the loons and laughter of my kiddos.
Art & Music
Brooke Koop
It has been my great joy to serve as Youth Minister at Holy Spirit and Marquette School for the past two years and lead the Bethany House for the last year. I love just being with young people as they live their stories and come to know Jesus. Isaiah 61:1-3 is one of my all time favorite scripture passages because it beautifully articulates Jesus’ mission of Healing, Hope and Joy. I am praying for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit!
Library
I was born and raised in Virginia, MN. I have worked as a Registered Nurse for the last 44 years having graduated from the Hibbing Community College Nursing Program in 1980. I then started my nursing career at Virginia Regional Medical Center (now Essentia Health). Six months later I was asked to enter a several month Critical Care Course which turned into an entire career as an ICU/ER nurse. I had a very challenging and rewarding career working as a staff nurse, charge nurse, Assistant Head Nurse and Nursing Supervisor. I was able to obtain my CCRN (Critical Care RN) and TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) certifications. In addition, I was able to do four years of travel nursing during the winters in AZ. In 2009 I started at MCS only a couple hours a day whenever I wasn’t working at the hospital. Over the years, the hours gradually increased and now I am here most of the school day. I completely retired from Essentia 7 years ago. Though I loved my job as a hospital nurse, and being able to care for so many very ill patients that truly touched my heart and soul, I have felt so blessed to have been given the privilege to care now for the students (and sometimes staff) here at MCS. Friends ask me all the time when I plan to “totally retire”, and my answer is always “when I can imagine NOT being at this wonderful school”. So far that has not yet happened. I am a wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma, and love spending time with my family and many close friends. Whenever I can, I also love to travel both near and far. I pray I will continue to have the opportunity to continue being a part of MCS for a while longer. God is so good, and has placed me in the best place possible.
Email: lpeterson@marquettecs.org
School Nurse
Linda Peterson
School Nurse
Alyson Bialke
My name is Alyson Bialke and I have been a registered nurse for 28 years. I attended the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN to obtain my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduating in 1996. I began my career in nursing here in Virginia in the ICU at VRMC until marrying Chris Bialke and moving to the Twin Cities. I then worked in the cardiovascular intensive care unit at Abbott Northwestern in Minneapolis for a few years before returning back to the Iron Range and VRMC in 2001. Some of my nursing skills were honed as a mom of 6 as well! Since Marquette Catholic School has been such a big part of my family's life, both past and current generations, school nursing here became a natural fit! My children are 4th generation students/alumni and Nurse Linda has been a mentor from the beginning of my career as a nurse. I consider the opportunity to continue to practice nursing in a faith-filled, Christ-centered environment to be an immense blessing and many of the students, staff and families here have become an extension of my own!
Email: abialke@marquettecs.org