Faculty & Staff

Fr. Todd Schneider, Pastor

  • B.A. (Saint Cloud State University)
  • M.Div. (Saint John’s University)

I am a graduate of Saint Cloud State University with a B.A. in Political Science. I graduated from Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota with a Master’s of Divinity in 1985. On June first of 1985 I was ordained to the Priesthood at Saint Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud, Minnesota by Bishop George Speltz. Following ordination I was assigned as associate pastor of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Morris, Minnesota and Chaplain of the Newman Center to minister to the students and faculty who attended the University of Minnesota Morris Campus. Completing my assignment in December of 1988 I was sent serve in our Diocesan Mission in Maracay, Venezuela for six and one half years; from Venezuela I was assigned to the Parish Cluster of St. Edward’s in Elmdale and St. Mary’s in Upsala, Minnesota for the next three years; from there I was assigned to the parish cluster of St. Leonard of Port Mauritius in Pelican Rapids and St. Elizabeth in Elizabeth, Minnesota and served there for three years; then I was assigned to the Church of Saint Paul in Sauk Centre, Minnesota for twelve years until my arrival here in July of 2013 to serve as Pastor of the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Mary’s School. I am thankful to be given the opportunity to serve the people of God in this area and to participate in the faith formation of the children who attend Saint Mary’s School.

Tanya Fischer, Principal

  • B.A. (University of Minnesota, Morris)
  • M.A. (Southwest State University)
  • The Villanova University Center for Church Management & The Villanova School of Business

I graduated from the University of Minnesota. Morris in 2002 with a B.A. in Elementary Education. I completed my M.A. in Education with an emphasis in Teaching, Learning, and Leadership through Southwest MN State University, Marshall (2018). I also have a Certificate in Catholic School Management from The Villanova University Center for Church Management & The Villanova School of Business (2022).

I have been married to my husband, Josh for 21 years and we have three children – Kaedan (19), Kendal (14), and Kristofer (8). I have taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, First grade and 4th Grade in my 18 years of teaching. I enjoy now being the principal of St. Mary’s School.

I believe all children can learn when in a caring and nurturing environment. Each child needs to know they are valued. It is my goal to get children to reach their fullest potential by showing them how valued they are in my eyes and in Christ’s eyes. I set high expectations for them so they challenge themselves to always do their best.

Jessica Iverson, Administrative Assistant

Info Coming Soon

Amanda Henrich, Pre-K Teacher

  • B.A. (Minnesota State University)

I graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead in May of 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Special Education. While in college, I worked as a teacher assistant in an Early Education Center. I am so blessed to start my teaching career at St. Mary’s.
My goal as an educator is to create an inviting space for children to grow, learn, and play. I provide children the opportunity to socialize with each other, build confidence, and problem solve. I also expose the children to early math, reading, and writing skills that they will need for Kindergarten. I encourage the children to grow socially, academically, and spiritually. I strive to instill a love of learning in my classroom.

Casey Sayles, Kindergarten Teacher

  • B.A. (St. Cloud State University)

I attended St. Cloud State University and earned a degree in Elementary Education K-6 and an emphasis in Special Education. I was involved in the development of the all day every day Kindergarten program at St. Mary’s School that started in 1995. I’m married to Dan Sayles and we have four children whom are all graduates of St. Mary’s School.It is my strong belief that all children are capable of learning in the right environment.
I strive to help each child reach their full potential, academically, socially and spiritually. I feel humor is such an important part of each and every day and I try to implement that in my classroom as well as my daily life. Learning is and should be fun.

Laura Anderson, First Grade Teacher

  • B.A. (Walden University)
I live in Morris with my husband and our three children. I graduated form Walden University with a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. I love being a apart of the St. Mary’s School community! The students, staff and parents are wonderful!

Amber Hentges, Third Grade Teacher

  • B.A. (University of Minnesota, Morris)

I graduated from the University of Minnesota Morris in 2009 with a BA in Elementary Education (K-6) with a specialty in science (5-8). I have been teaching at St. Mary’s School for three years in the 6th grade and my fourth year will be in the 3rd grade classroom! Before becoming a full time teacher at St. Mary’s School I also subbed and during the 2011-2012 school year I was the teacher’s aide in the combined 4th and 5th grade classroom for Mrs. Kehoe.
I am also a St. Mary’s alumni and have a big spot in my heart for the school and all it does. I am looking forward to another great year at St. Mary’s with its students, families and faculty. Teaching is a career I really enjoy because I love helping students and watching them learn when in an environment they feel comfortable being themselves.

Meredith Lhotka, Fourth Grade Teacher

  • B.A. (University of MN – Crookston)

I graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education from the U of M, Crookston. I live in Morris with my husband, Matt and our 4 children. Before teaching at St. Mary’s, I taught at CGB for 4 years. I have taught 1st and 2nd grade. I think St. Mary’s is such an amazing school that helps raise children to be faithful and kind and understanding to everyone.

Brittany Rose, Fifth Grade Teacher

  • B.A. (University of MN – Morris)
  • M.A. (University of North Dakota)

 I live near Chokio with my husband, Brady and our 3 children. I love that St. Mary’s allows me to strengthen and practice my faith alongside my students. It is truly like a family here and I believe the students are being taught, loved and nurtured in a very special way. I am honored to be a part of it.

Mary Henrikson, Sixth Grade Teacher

  • B.A. (University of MN – Morris)
Mrs. Henriksen has worked in education for more than 20 years. She comes to us with many years of experience as a substitute teacher and a paraprofessional. She lives by Brooten, MN with her husband. She loves teaching and seeing students grow and learn.

Linda Hodgson, Music Teacher

  • B.A. (University of Minnesota)

Mrs. Hodgson came to our parish in the mid-90’s, first as music teacher at St. Mary’s School and later adding Renew Choir Director to her resume. She shares her God given talents with husband Ken, who was professor of music and director of the University of Minnesota, Morris Concert Choir. In their free time, the couple volunteer at the humane society.

Other Faculty & Staff

Justin Robinson, Head Custodian

Pam Gustafson – Asst. Cook/Custodian

Sally

Sally McNally, Title I Teacher

Ben Tolles, Intervention & Discovery Teacher, 5th Grade Religion

wanda

Wanda Dagen, Band Director

Sarahi Lozano – Head Cook

Yadira Lara Guerrero, Spanish Teacher

ViAnn Larson, Preschool Aide

Andrew Jipson, Physical Education

Caleb Cardwell, Physical Education

Lanna Stahman, Physical Education

Others:

Deann Recker, Transportation, [email protected] 320-589-3932

Guadalupe Salguero, Parish Office, [email protected]

Nicole Berlinger, Religious Education, [email protected]

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