Meet US
Learn a little about us...& a lot about why we LOVE to teach.
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE: After 2 years at Saint Cloud State University, I entered the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary on the Saint Mary’s University campus, in Winona, MN, where I received my B.A. in Philosophy. Continuing my seminary studies at Saint Paul Seminary on the University of Saint Thomas campus, in Saint Paul, MN, I received my Masters of Divinity before being ordained a Catholic priest in June of 2014.
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE: I am the youngest of five children, to George and Marshia Bechtold. I enjoy riding motorcycle, flying drones, and working hard on a good project. Chief among these projects is maintaining and improving upon the Saints Benedict and Scholastica Chapel I helped to build, located south of Saint Cloud, MN.
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"My hope for all students is that they become lifelong learners and become all that God has planned for them. I feel so blessed that God has allowed us to be a part of that journey and positively influence each student at St. Mary's School."
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE: BS Degree in Elementary Education from Concordia College, Moorhead. Masters in Technology from the University of St. Thomas.
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE: I am married with 3 children. I enjoy spending time watching my children in their activities and spending time with them. I also like to spend time outside, reading, and listening to music.
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Briana Worms
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANT
Joined SMS Family in 2015
bworms@smsmn.org
"I love to help others in a variety of ways and watching the SMS students grow into the best they can be; it's a highlight of my day!"
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: BA of Arts in Communications with a minor in Psychology from the College of Saint Benedict. Has held a variety of positions at SMS and prior to that in various areas of communications, marketing, and promotions.
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE: Is a mom of 3 who LOVES to spend time with her family & friends! She spends lots of time at sporting events supporting her children & their teams. Some things she likes to do in her downtime include: listening to books, crafting with the cricut & heat press and going on walks. Notice: She also loves hugs!
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Dana Finken
PRE-K LEAD TEACHER
4/5 Year Old Classroom
Joined SMS Family in 2015
dfinken@smsmn.org
"I love teaching Preschool! It is so fun to watch children grow in their love for learning!"
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Child and Adult Care Education degree from St. Cloud Technical College. Was Owner/Director of M.O.M.'S Little Angels Childcare Center in Albany where I planned curriculum for each age group ranging from 6 weeks old to 12 years in age. I have been teaching early childhood for over 25 years and have been at St. Mary's for 12 years as a preschool and pre-kindergarten teacher.
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE: My husband Joe and I love to travel. We have four awesome children - three adult children in college and one in high school. We are so blessed that our 4 children were able to attend St. Mary's School!
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Heidi Hoppe
PRE-K LEAD TEACHER
3/4 Year Old Classroom
Joined SMS Family in 2023
hhoppe@smsmn.org
"I am excited for another year of learning, growth, and fun with my preschoolers. I feel so blessed to be working at St. Mary's with the amazing staff and at a place where I can share my faith."
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Graduated from St. Cloud Technical College with a Child and Adult Care and Education Diploma. Owned and operated an in-home child care for almost 14 years. Along with working with special ed students and as an Assistant Preschool Teacher for 2-3 years.
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE: I am married and we have three boys. I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, traveling and watching my children play sports.
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Ruth Johnson
PRE-K ASSISTANT TEACHER
4/5 Year Old Classroom
Joined SMS Family in 2022
"I am so excited to continue working with the preschoolers at St. Mary’s. Watching them learn, grow, and hit milestones throughout the year is very fulfilling as a teacher."
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Graduated from MSU Moorhead in 2005 and received my BS, majoring in Paralegal. After working as a Paralegal from 2005 to 2014, I started my own home daycare and spent the next seven years as a daycare provider.
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE: Married with three children, one who still attends St. Mary's. I enjoy spending time at the lake, playing board and card games with family, watching my children play sports, and reading.
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Amy Primus
PRE-K ASSISTANT TEACHER
3/4 Year Old Classroom
Joined SMS Family in 2023
"I am excited to be a part of the preschool program. All 4 of my children attended the Little Saints program, so I know it is a wonderful program!"
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: I have an Associate in Applied Science Degree with honors in Accounting from Alexandria Technical College. I also worked as a Para-sub and Preschool Assistant for the Melrose Area Public School.
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE: I am married with 4 children, all of which have attended St. Mary's School. We live on a beef farm just outside of Melrose.
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Jennarae Barten
KINDERGARTEN
Joined SMS Family in 2023
jbarten@smsmn.org
"So blessed to have found a place built on Faith where everyone feels like family! My two daughters also attend St Mary's and I love having them at school with me!"
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2011. Spent nearly 10 years as a treatment counselor and Mental Health Practitioner in a school setting before transitioning to a teacher in 2020. I am going into my 7th year of teaching.
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE: Married to my husband, Isaac, and have two daughters-Charlie (9) and Georgia (6). My husband and I both grew up in Melrose and moved back to the area just over 7 years ago. Both of our girls attend St. Mary's and we are excited for them to continue their education journey here! I enjoy chairing the Melrose Community Farmers Market, reading, being outside, taking walks, going to the lake, and cooking with my girls.
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Peggy Stowe
1st GRADE
Joined SMS Family in 2023
pstowe@smsmn.org
"I love seeing the academic, developmental, and spiritual growth of the students at St. Mary’s. I feel blessed to be a part of this process and to be able to teach in a Christ-filled environment"
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: BS Degree in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University Moorhead. My teaching experience includes being a substitute, a Learning Resource Teacher, teaching kindergarten and first grade.
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE: My husband and I grow Haskap berries so part of my summer is spent harvesting the berries and attending local farmer’s markets. I have two children that live in California. I enjoy spending time with my family in Minnesota and traveling to California to see my children and spend time with my 2 ½ year old granddaughter.
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Katelyn Groetsch
2nd GRADE
Joined SMS Family in 2026
kgroetsch@smsmn.org
"I'm deeply committed to teaching in a faith-filled environment, where I can share my beliefs and grow along with my students. I aim to create a classroom where every student feels seen, heard, and valued."
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: BS Degree in Elementary Education from Bemidji State University. I am currently pursuing my MS Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Teacher Leadership. My teaching experience includes four years of teaching 3rd and 4th grades.
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE: I enjoy gardening, running, and spending time with my family, friends, and pets.
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Kathy Wolff
3rd GRADE
Joined SMS Family in 2019
kwolff@smsmn.org
"I enjoy meeting each child where they are at both academically and socially, as well as discovering their strengths and talents. My goal is to foster a love for learning in each child and help them reach their full potential."
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: BS in Applied Psychology/Minor in Child and Family Studies from St. Cloud State University. Montessori teaching certificate/ Early Childhood Credential Saint Catherine. Taught Montessori Preschool/kindergarten for 12 years in St. Cloud.
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE: I enjoy spending time with my husband and children, friends and family, going for walks and spending time at the lake.
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Amy Kloth
4th GRADE
Joined SMS Family in 2014
akloth@smsmn.org
"I am blessed to continue teaching in a caring, faith-enriched learning environment. I enjoy supporting and challenging my students to grow in their academics, faith, and ability to care about and encourage others."
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: BS degree in Elementary Education/Certification in Early Childhood Education from Mankato State University; and a Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. Teaching experience includes teaching in Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Nebraska.
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE: My husband and I have 3 grown children. I enjoy spending time with family, reading, watching movies, playing board games, traveling, exploring State Parks, and going on walks with our dog, Lucy.
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Holly Scholz
5th GRADE
Joined SMS Family in 2021
hscholz@smsmn.org
"As a teacher, my goal is to make my classroom as fun, positive, and inclusive as possible. I believe that all students have the ability to learn and grow to their full potential as long as they are given the time and support that they need."
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: BS degree in Elementary Inclusive Education with a minor in Special Education from Minnesota State University Moorhead.
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE: I am married with one child. I enjoy spending time with my family and doing anything outdoors (hunting, fishing, walking, biking, etc..) When I’m cooped up inside, I love to work on puzzles, read, and bake.
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Zachary Thell
6th GRADE
Joined SMS Family in 2019
zthell@smsmn.org
"My goal as a teacher is to get the best out of every individual student and to create an environment where students feel comfortable and have fun while advancing as learners and people."
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: BA in Elementary Education with a Minor in Special Education from St. Cloud State University.
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE: Enjoys watching all kinds of sports with friends and family. Also loves to bow hunt, ice fish, and golf.
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"I strive to make learning highly experiential for students—so they live it, not just learn it. I want them to show respect, enjoy life, and have fun being a kid."
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: Educational Assistant Degree from Ridgewater College, Hutchinson, Minn.
ON THE PERSONAL SIDE: Likes to spend time with family and friends.
Amanda Hellermann
KIDS TIME DIRECTOR/
INTERVENTIONIST
Joined SMS Family in 2005
ahellermann@smsmn.org
Our Support Staff
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Ali Arnzen
INTERVENTION
SPECIALIST/
SMS$4KIDS COORDINATOR
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Brenda Primus
LUNCH
SUPERVISOR
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Joan Kuefler
INTERVENTION
SPECIALIST
Jenn Ellering
MARKETING COORDINATOR/
MEDIA TEACHER
Tia Primus
PRE-K ASSISTANT TEACHER
Sarah Woeste
MUSIC TEACHER
Matt Grossinger
CUSTODIAN
Our Caretakers
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Roger Althaus
MAINTENANCE
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Our School District Team
Carrie Schulzetenberg
ART
District Teacher
Katie Meyer
PHY-ED
District Teacher
Emily Zachmann
SPEECH
District Teacher
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Michele Thorsten
TITLE
District Para
Jesse Kuechle
MUSIC
District Teacher
Visit the Melrose Area Public School website to find information on the educators who teach at SMS.