Staff
Our staff members are dedicated to the mission of Ascension Catholic School and to our scholars.
Bryce Bohne
Technology/8th Grade Spanish
BA from Bethel University in Political Science and International Relations, a MA in Teaching Social Studies/World History/World Religions. He has completed his principal licensure this last year through the University of Minnesota. Before becoming Ascension’s technology and Spanish teacher he was Dean of Students at St. Paul City School and taught at American international schools in Nigeria, Morocco, Costa Rica, and the Philippines. His passions are kids (he has a daughter who is half Thai), sports, learning, social justice, and traveling. He is the founder of a seasonal tourism company and has been to 75 countries on 6 continents. He has taught a wide variety of subjects to every grade level, K-College, but no matter what subject he is teaching he strives to teach scholars how to think critically and develop character so each scholar can become the best version of themselves.
Shamir Brice
Sixth Grade Reading and Social Studies
Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Creighton University. Bachelor's of Arts Degree in History and Political Science. I appreciate that Ascension Catholic School is a unique community built around the ideals of hard work, continual improvement, and devotion to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ascension has welcomed me to Minneapolis and is overall an inviting and supportive community.
Amy Brown
Grade 2
Education: Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a certificate in Gifted, Creative, and Talented Education. I love being able to pray and talk about God with my scholars. I love how Ascension feels like a big family - as teachers we support each other and help each other in every way we can!
Tracy Carpenter
Grade 2
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of St. Thomas. Master’s Degree in Catholic School Leadership from St. Mary’s. I am blessed to be a part of the Ascension community. I get to work with amazing teachers, staff, and families. Together we have the most important job in the world – to help our beautiful children grow into adults who are not only educated, but learn to treat all human beings with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Dr. Sousada Chidthachack Grande
Assistant Principal
Dr. Sousada Chidthachack Grande has worked in the field of education for more than ten years: the first five years as a licensed high school mathematics teacher, and the last five years as a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Teacher Coach. Dr. Grande’s educational work has included being a University of St. Thomas Mathematics Instructor, a Minneapolis Public School District teacher, a University of Minnesota STEM Education Teacher Coach on a National Science Foundation Grant, and recently, the STEM Education Coordinator at University of San Francisco. Dr. Grande was born in a refugee camp in Thailand, but was raised in north Minneapolis for over two decades. She is a graduate of Minneapolis South High School, University of St. Thomas, and University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Pure Mathematics, a Master of Arts degree in Education and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in STEM Education. Dr. Grande came to Ascension Catholic School in August 2017 to serve as the Assistant Principal. She enjoys mentoring and tutoring middle school scholars in mathematics, and working closely with families to ensure a holistic approach to education.
Theresa Culpert
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
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology, minor in Spanish, from Louisiana State University. I enjoy being part of this wonderful faith filled community.
Patrice DeRosier
IT Director/7th grade Technology
Education: BS in Psychology and BA in Elementary Education from the University of North Dakota. MA in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas I appreciate the scholars and staff I work with. I enjoy coming to work and helping scholars further their education through the use of technology.
Richard Eddy
Jr. High teacher
Education: Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education from Marquette University Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas. I appreciate the opportunity I have to interact and get to know eighty scholars and their families every year.
David Hoffmann
K-6 Visual Arts
Bemidji State University – Bachelor of Science in Elementary K-6 Education. I love helping scholars explore and develop their creative skills.
Melissa Horton
Grade 4 #2
Bachelor of Arts from Bethel University, Masters of Education in progress St. Mary's University. I appreciate the community feeling and connection that takes place here at Ascension.
Meg Hoye
Grade 1
Masters of Arts in Reading K-12, University of St. Thomas, BA Elementary Education, Southwest Minnesota State University. I value Ascension’s faith-based education.
Stephanie Isola
General Music K-3rd, 6th – 8th and Choir Director
Education: Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Minnesota I love working with the talented and creative students at Ascension School.
Laura Justin
8th Grade English and Social Studies
Education: BS and MEd in Elementary and Middle School Education from University of Minnesota. The value this opportunity to unite my passions of literature, civic duty, faith, and human development.
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. I appreciate the opportunity to support outstanding, dedicated teachers and to serve these scholars.
Bridget Younce
Grade 3 #2
I graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in Elementary (grades K-6) and Special (grades K-12) Education. I love seeing the "light bulb" click on when a scholar understands something they have been struggling with.
Michele Klein
Kindergarten
BA in Elementary Education with Kindergarten Certification College of St. Benedict, St. Joseph, Minn. MA in Curriculum and Instruction University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, with English as a Second Language Certification. I have worked in the Catholic, Charter, and the Public School Systems. I have also worked as a Religious Education Director/Faith Formation Coordinator and Youth Minister within the Archdiocese. I value working at Ascension were I can teach the academics and also share my love of the Catholic Faith.
Alicia LaCroix
ELL
Education: BA in ELL Education, University of Northwestern St. Paul. Additional Licenses in Elementary Education and Bilingual Education from Hamline University. I value being part of community that can not only meet the academic needs of students, but can point them to God, who can meet all of their needs. I have supported ELL students, ELL families, and their teachers for nearly 10 years and I love what I do.
Natalie Major
Grade 3
BA Elementary Education- St. Catherine University, K-12 Masters in Reading Instruction- St. Thomas University. I appreciate the opportunity to work with scholars and families daily. I love sharing my passion for learning.
Benito Matias
Principal
Benito Matias has worked in the field of education for nearly 25 years, the last eight 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, the Manager of the Youth Career Awareness Program (YCAP), 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, and Bemidji State University, where he earned a BA in Industrial Technology. 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.
CJ McGowan
School Counselor/City Connects Coordinator
BS in Therapeutic Recreation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI MA in School Counseling, Adler Graduate School, Richfield, MN. I love the variety that each day brings. I may give support to a scholar who missed breakfast or meet with a new community partner. Every day is a new day!
Jamie Meyer
Kindergarten
I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Abilene Christian University. I also have my teaching certificate in Gifted, Creative, and Talented from St. Thomas. I am working on my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction at St. Thomas and should graduate with that in May of this year. I love that I can pray with my students and that we can learn about Jesus. I also love working with our Ascension community.
Jill Miller
Grade 5 #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. I love teaching 5th graders. I appreciate their curiosity about the world and social justice issues. I love teaching at Ascension Catholic School because I see a true commitment to educate tomorrow's future.
Dempsey Miller
Vice Principal
Dempsey E. Miller III is a native of Davenport Iowa. Dempsey earned a football scholarship to attend The University of Northern Iowa, where he graduated with a BA in Social Science. After college, Dempsey played seven years of professional football for several leagues throughout the country. He pursued a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. His thesis work, “Establishing Rapport With African American Males in K-12 Education: A Framework Using Leadership and Self-Efficacy,” is archived in the university’s library as a resource for educators, school leaders, parents, and community members. Dempsey is a licensed K-12 administrator in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He wrote several venture grants that supported the academic, behavioral, social, and cultural development of the youth in his district and community. Dempsey has worked in the education field for sixteen years serving in roles from instructor, pupil services-family liaison, athletic coach, and spent the latter part of his career in an administrative/leadership role. He has been recognized by his peers and the community throughout his years of being an educator: Instructor of The Cycle 2001, Person of The Year 2007, First African American elected to the Common Council La Crosse, Wis., and the Dr. Martin Luther King Leadership Award. Dempsey is excited to serve the scholars, staff and parents of Ascension.
Cathy Minear
Title I K-5th
Education: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Augsburg College. I enjoy getting to know the students and their families.
Joy Moeller
Music, MacPhail
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.
Dominique Montognese
7th grade math and 8th grade science
Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from St. Cloud University and currently working on a Masters Degree from University of St. Thomas in Educational Studies. I appreciate my colleagues. They are supportive, creative, and so much fun to work with.
Bridget Strand
Grade 5, #2
University of Minnesota Duluth Teaching Communication Arts and Literature BAA English Literature BA. Educational Technology Certificate In progress University of Wisconsin Stout Reading Specialist The process of growing, learning, and becoming can be both wonderful and difficult for scholars. It's rewarding to be a part of the process. I strive to help and empower scholars to learn and grow to be the best version of themselves.
Blaise Younce
7th Grade ELA/Science and Youth Center Director
Education: BA in Teaching Communication Arts and Literature-U of M Duluth. MA in Leadership and Administration-St. Thomas University (In Progress) I love being able to work with students every day. Being able to help students grow and develop in mind, body, and spirit is all about why I am here at Ascension!