Staff

Our staff members are dedicated to the mission of Ascension Catholic School and to our scholars.

Katelyn Augustin

7th ELA and 8th Social Studies

Hannah Baker

Reading Partners

Kameron Briscoe

Technology Teacher and Co-Athletic Director

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.

Jackie Carter

Instructional Coach

Faith Cephus

Kindergarten #2

Gerrand Cook

7th Grade Math and 8th Grade Science

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

Jesmina Elhirech

Kindergarten

Noah Emmes

Physical Education and Co-Athletic Director

Brittany Finley

City Connects Coordinator

Renee Frost

Early Childhood Lead Teacher

Tsala Grace

3rd Grade #2

Jean Hodge

2nd Grade #2, Patriot Club K-2

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.

Lakeshiah Howard

Aide, Latchkey 3rd-5th

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.

Thomas Johnson

Assistant Principal of Culture

Wayland Johnson

3rd Grade #1

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.

Qamari Kamose

2nd Grade

Etosha Kemp

Assistant Principal of Culture

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

Christine Linde

School Counselor

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.

Grace Pfeifer

4th Grade

Dennis Schildgen

8th Grade #2

Alayna Sikac

6th Grade

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.

Allison Thomas

7th Math and 8th Science

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.

Justin Williamson

6th Grade