Staff
Our staff members are dedicated to the mission of Ascension Catholic School and to our scholars.
Jim Bartholomew
Reading Corps
Graduate of the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities campus - with a major in Political Science and minors in History and Communication. I have worked on education issues in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and thrilled with the opportunity to be a part of Ascension School and the Minnesota Reading Corps.
Shamir Brice
8th #2
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.
Tracy Carpenter
2nd #1
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 #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.
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.
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 #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.
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
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.
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.
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 Ist-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.
Maddie Shaw
7th #2
BA in Organizational Communication and Spanish from The University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, Masters in Elementary Education (K-6) from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.
Haley Velez
3rd #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.