Staff
Our staff members are dedicated to the mission of Ascension Catholic School and to our scholars.
Tracy Carpenter
Administrative Assistant
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of St. Thomas. Master’s Degree in Catholic School Leadership from St. Mary’s.
Theresa Culpert
1st Grade #1
Education: Michigan State University, bachelor’s degree in International Relations with a specialization certificate in African Studies. 1 year overseas studies at the University of Zimbabwe. Currently in the Advanced Pastoral Spanish program at the University of St. Thomas. I am grateful for the opportunity to pray with my students! I value the diversity we have at Ascension, which allows us to learn from one another and prepares our scholars to compete in our global economy.
Michael Depass
School Secretary/Latino Family Liaison
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, minor in Spanish, from Louisiana State University.
Patrice DeRosier
IT Director
BS Elementary Education - University of North Dakota BA Psychology - University of North Dakota Masters in Curriculum and Instruction - University of St. Thomas
David Hoffmann
K-6 Art
Bemidji State University – Bachelor of Science in Elementary K-6 Education. I love helping scholars explore and develop their creative skills.
Meg Hoye
1st Grade #2
BA Elementary Education 1-6, Southwest State University MA Reading K-12, University of St. Thomas Dyslexia Practitioner, International Dyslexia Association
Stephanie Isola
Music #1/Choir
Education: Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Minnesota I love working with the talented and creative students at Ascension School.
Ben Justin
Data and Assessment Coordinator
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota, Masters of Education in Mathematics Education from the University of Minnesota.
Alicia LaCroix
ELL
BA in ELL Education (K-12) from University of Northwestern, St. Paul; Additional licensure in Bilingual Education and Elementary Education (K-6) from Hamline University
Natalie Major
Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction
BA Elementary Education - St. Catherine University Masters in Education/Reading Instruction - St. Thomas University
Benito Matias
Principal
Benito Matias has worked in the field of education for over 25 years, the last twelve of which have been as a school administrator. Benito’s educational work has included being a Dunwoody College of Technology Instructor, a Minneapolis Public School District teacher, and the Executive Director of MetroTech Career Academy. Benito was born and raised in Minneapolis; he’s a graduate of Patrick Henry high school, Dunwoody College of Technology, Bemidji State University, and Saint Mary’s University where he earned a Master of Education degree. Benito came to Ascension Catholic School in 2013 to serve as the Dean of Students and was named Principal of Ascension Catholic School in January of 2016.
Jill Miller
5th Grade #1
Associate Arts Degree-North Dakota State College of Science, Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education-University of North Dakota, Masters of Arts Degree in Curriculum and Instruction-University of St. Thomas
Cathy Minear
Title 1st-4th Grade
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Augsburg College.
Joy Moeller
Music #2
BA, Education and Language Arts, Ottawa University, Ottawa KS Graduate Studies, Child Development, Language Arts, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Suzuki Talent Education Violin Pedagogy Training, registered with Suzuki Association of the Americas I love being part of a community that embraces diversity — not just of ethnicity, but of culture, gender, age, life experience, education, spiritual gifts — all within the strong arms of the Christian faith.
Holly Stene
Title 1 Tutor for Grades 5-8
BA in Psychology and MA in Secondary Education from the University of St. Thomas
Tamara Stoll
4th Grade #1
Attended Valley City State University and graduated with an elementary education degree from Hennepin County Technical College.
Peggy White
5th Grade #2
Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the College of St. Benedict. Master of Arts Degree in Reading from the University of St. Thomas.