Staff

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

Hannah Baker

Reading Partners

Kameron Briscoe

Educational Assistant and Athletic Director

Tracy Carpenter

Special Assignment

Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of St. Thomas. Master’s Degree in Catholic School Leadership from St. Mary’s.

Jean Cerisier

Assistant Principal

Theresa Culpert

1st #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

Richard Eddy

8th #1

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.

Noah Emmes

Educational Assistant and Athletic Director

Brittany Finley

City Connects Coordinator

Nichole Haselhuhn

4th #1

Master of Science in Teaching from the College of St. Scholastica, Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education from Rasmussen University. I am excited to help students discover their passion for learning through grit & determination. I am especially passionate about reading and science education.

Jean Hodge

2nd #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 #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.

Dominique Junes

7th #1

Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from St. Cloud University and Master's Degree from University of St. Thomas in Educational Studies.

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

Reading Partners Coordinator

Asha Karim

8th ELA, 7th Science and Religion

Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from Metropolitan State University.

Bridget Kirby Younce

Administrative Assistant

Degree in Elementary (grades K-6) and Special (grades K-12) Education from the University of Minnesota - Duluth

Michele Klein

K #2

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.

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

Billy Lay

Jesuit Volunteer Corp.

Christine Linde

School Counselor

Natalie Major

Director of Instructional Support

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.

Chris McKee

4th #2

Jamie Michel

K #1

Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Abilene Christian University. Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas.

Jill Miller

5th #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.

Bobbi Pratt

7th ELA, 8th Social Studies and Religion

Native of North Minneapolis. A Hopkins High School graduate. An alum of MCTC, Metro State University and St. Thomas University.

Dennis Schildgen

6th #1

Crosley Schultz

3rd #1

Liz Sherod

6th #2

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

Long-Term Sub

Attended Valley City State University and graduated with an elementary education degree from Hennepin County Technical College.

Amy Svoboda

createMPLS Technology

Haley Velez

2nd #1

Graduated from Marquette University B.A. in Public Relations with a double minor in Digital Media and Political Science. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Teaching (K-6) from St. Mary's Twin Cities.

Peggy White

5th #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.