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!
Tami Ward
I have had the opportunity to serve at Marquette for the past two 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!
Assistant Principal
Jake Rosandich
Hello, my name is Julie Kingsley. I have had the wonderful opportunity of being employed at Marquette Catholic School as the school Secretary since 2008. I am blessed to be in a role that allows me to have daily interactions with Marquette family members and to assist in making sure the school’s administration functions run smoothly.
Before stepping into my current role, I spent over 20 years in the area of Human Resources. Beyond my dedication to Marquette, I find joy in spending quality time with my husband and when possible, our grown daughters. I especially find joy in camping and exploring Minnesota State Parks with my husband and our cocker spaniel, Dax.
School Secretary
Julie Kingsley
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 ar 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.
Hi everyone! My name is Shelby Peterson and I teach Preschool here at Marquette. I am in my third year of teaching Marquette and I am just loving it. After twenty years of working as a Registered Nurse, God was calling my name to the Marquette School. The joy that teaching young children brings is like no other. I love watching kids fall in love with Jesus! When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my husband and our four grown kids.I also love bow hunting, spending time at our cabin, and four wheeling. I always feel like I feel closest to God in nature and on the water. I am thankful everyday that I get to work here at Marquette--it is truly a blessing; one that God knew I needed! Here's to an amazing year at Marquette Catholic School.
Preschool Teacher
Shelby Peterson
Preschool Assistant
Emma Aluni
My name is Emma Aluni and I’m assistant teacher in the Preschool program. I was born in Wisconsin but have lived back and forth between Wisconsin and Minnesota. I love to spend my free time with my family and my two dogs! I am the oldest of seven kids and we have all gone to Marquette Catholic school. After Graduating from Virginia High School, I attended Mesabi Range College and was going through the LPN program where I worked as a CNA for a year and a half before deciding it wasn’t for me. After lots of prayer and patience, a family friend reached out and told me about a position at Marquette. Trusting in God, I decided to give it a try. I have now been working here in the Preschool room with Kamara Potts since 2022! I have never been happier at any other job. It is so important to me, as a Catholic, to have this faith centered environment where I can teach and pray with my coworkers and students.
Preschool Assistant
Jannel Towner
Kindergarten Teacher
Alexis Kjenaas
I am born and raised on the Iron Range, residing in Zim for most of my life. My whole family lives out in Zim within a 5 mile radius of each other, I am blessed to be so close to them. I graduated from Cherry High School in 2016 and went straight to Hibbing Community College to obtain my A.A.S in Medical Laboratory Science. I then decided to pursue my calling to teach and received my Bachelors in Elementary Education K-6 from Bemidji State University. I am currently in my 3rd year as a teacher, spending all my teaching career at Marquette Catholic School. While continuing my education through BSU, I worked as a paraprofessional in the Special Education Department at a local school. Outside of being a teacher, I am a mother of 2 beautiful girls and a wife to my high school sweetheart. Besides teaching, I enjoy watching sunsets, going hiking, pheasant hunting, basketball, dirt biking, vacationing, and cooking! I am so grateful to be a teacher here at MCS, my heart has never felt more joy working anywhere else!
1st Grade Teacher
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.
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.
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!
Jill Papin
4th Grade Teacher
Leanne Jarvi
Hi, my name is Leanne Jarvi and I am the fourth grade teacher at Marquette Catholic School. I graduated from the College of St. Catherine with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education. I began teaching at Marquette in 1990. I taught in the 1st and 3rd grades until deciding to stay home with my growing family in 1995. When my children attended Marquette I started substitute teaching. Then in 2010, I returned to full time teaching. Since then I have been in the 1st and 4th grade classrooms. I adore everything about the community of Marquette and feel at home when I walk through the doors. The staff, families, and teachers are second to none and I am blessed to be a part of an amazing team. I love the fact that we can begin our day with prayer and incorporate our faith into any part of the curriculum. I enjoy spending time with family, especially at Lake Leander.
Middle School Lang. Arts / Science
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.
Middle School Math
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!
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.
Middle School Social Studies
Matthew Koch
My name is Matthew Koch and I graduated from the College of St. Scholastica with a degree in Social Studies education after graduating from Northwoods High School in Cook. I have taught in the public schools for a number of years, 3 years in Ely and 1 at Northwoods. I teach my second year at Marquette because this is the first community that I have felt welcomed into, as well as the community I feel I best add value to. I am committed to the Iron Range area. My parents own and operate Melgeorge's Resort on Elephant Lake and I know and respect the way of life we share. I deeply enjoy coaching football, playing games of most any kind and visiting Museums. I am truly blessed to be teaching at Marquette. Lets make it happen.
Middle School / 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.
Physical Education
Cole Jackson
Hello! My name is Cole Jackson, and I grew up in Eveleth, MN. Graduating from Eveleth-Gilbert in 2013, I played hockey, football, and baseball. I enjoy spending time with my lovely wife, playing guitar, and being outdoors. After high school, I attended Mesabi Range College and later transferred to Minnesota State University, Moorhead. I pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science, along with a double minor in Coaching and Strength & Conditioning. During my time at college, I worked at a hockey arena driving a Zamboni, played club lacrosse for MSUM, further fueling my love for sports. I also enjoy hunting, fishing, four-wheeling and snowmobiling.
Though I never envisioned myself as a teacher, my passion for working with kids has always been strong. I find joy in helping them achieve their goals and watching them grow into remarkable individuals, guided by their faith and values. Teaching P.E. at Marquette is incredibly fulfilling; the faith aspect of our school is truly inspiring, making it a very special place to work. I remember the impact my teachers had on me growing up, and I aspire to have the same effect on my students.
K-5 Art; Library
Breklin McCulloch
I graduated from Bemidji State University in May of 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in teaching. I am licensed to teach 5-12 English & 5-8 Social Studies. I spent my first year and a half teaching at Cherry and then heard about a position at Marquette. At the time I was discerning the Catholic faith and had started RCIA classes with my soon to be husband. I began teaching at Marquette in January of 2021. I co-taught Social Studies and taught Elementary Music for the rest of that year, then taught Middle School Language Arts for two years after that. I got baptized & confirmed Catholic at the Easter Vigil of 2021. My husband Aaron and I entered the sacrament of marriage on December 17, 2022. Our first son, August Lee McCulloch was born May 23, 2024, which was the last day of school! God truly saved my life and provided me with everything I could imagine these last few years. He's brought me the Catholic family, my husband, the vocation of a Catholic school teacher, and now the gift of motherhood. I look forward to spending as much time with my son and pray he will grow in God's love and wisdom. It's our goal to make him a future Marquette student. This school year (2024-2025) will be my third full year at Marquette and my fifth year of teaching. I have accepted a new position as full time librarian, K-4 Art teacher, and preschool aide. This position will not only allow me the freedom to navigate motherhood, but will give me the opportunity to get students excited about reading. Let it be done! God bless!
Faith Formation Team
Naomi Ringhand
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!
Hello! My name is Taylor Mudgett. I am so excited for my first year at MCS as the Title I teacher as well as a faith formation teacher. I grew up in Pequot Lakes, MN. Growing up, I spent my time playing with my 5 younger siblings, helping my mom in the kitchen, and taking dance classes! After high school I went to Winona State University where I studied Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Post college, I worked as a missionary for three years with FOCUS (Fellowship Of Catholic University Students.) As a missionary I did different things such as leading Bible study, walking with students in discipleship, and leading mission trips all with the hope of bringing students into a deeper relationship with Jesus. I am now living at the Bethany House, here in Virginia, and am very excited to continue living the life of a missionary as well as the life of a teacher! I am so excited to see what God has in store for this school year.
Title I / Faith Formation Team
Taylor Mudgett
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Faith Formation Team
Fr. Daniel Hammer
Hello, my name is Fr. Daniel Hammer. This is my first year teaching 8th-grade theology at Marquette Catholic School. I have my Bachelor’s in Philosophy from St. Mary’s University in Winona, MN (2018), my STB (Bachelor’s in Sacred Theology) from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas - Angelicum in Rome, Italy (2021) and my JCL (Licentiate in Canon Law) from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy (2024)
To be a priest of Jesus Christ and to teach at Marquette is a tremendous gift for me. Marquette is doing the most important work in forming our students through the teachings of Jesus Christ, the teachings of the Magisterium, and the daily sacramental life of the Catholic Church. Marquette provides opportunities for our students to continue to grow in holiness and virtue which then effervesces into every aspect of their academics and school-life.
I’ve lived on the Iron Ridge my entire life attending school in Eveleth. I attended UMD earning degrees in Music Education and Flute Performance. I continued taking classes and received a Master’s equivalent in education. I taught all disciplines of music during my 34 year career in Babbitt and Chisholm. I am the MCS Middle School Band Director. Beginning band students has always been a passion of mine - I enjoy teaching/watching students to growing as musicians. I live in Aurora with my husband and grandson (who attends MCS). During the summer we are busy biking, hiking, camping, gardening, and traveling. Winter brings us to Giants Ridge where I am a Mountain Host. I Alpine and Nordic ski.
Middle School Band
Jeanene Hagberg
Music K-5 / MS Choir
Joan LaStart
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.
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!
Classroom Aide
Kallie Joy DeSkeere
Accreditation Specialist
Tisha Frost
I love learning. I have my B.A. in American Studies and my M.Ed both from Notre Dame. I minored in Theology at Notre Dame and have taken courses in Theology of the Body. I have a great love for Pope John Paul II. Currently I am working through ClassicalU’s certification program focusing on classical education. I have taught in various settings over the last 21 years including traditional brick and mortar schools, parishes, homeschool co-ops, and online schools. Most of my teaching jobs have been part-time which has allowed me to say yes to seven children. My husband Ben works at Holy Spirit Church, and we love raising our family here in Northern Minnesota. We have children at Rock Ridge High School, Marquette Catholic School, and homeschool. We are big believers in educational choice and finding the right fit for each child.