DISCIPLE: StMCS Welcomes New Staff

Several new faces greeted St. Michel Catholic School (StMCS) students and parents this fall.

ANDREA BAUTCH
Grade 3 Teacher
Andrea and her husband Gary have three children: Abbigail, Christopher, and Elizabeth. They love the outdoors, and her go-to snack is trail mix, fruit, or anything sweet. Her advice to students and families: "Always remember to walk by faith and not by sight."

JULIE DONWEN
Preschool Assistant Teacher
Julie has four grown children, four grandchildren, a dog, and two cats. She likes chips and salsa and spending time with family and friends. Her advice to students and families: "Cherish this beautiful gift of faith and education. It’s the most precious gift my parents blessed me with."

MEGAN LENNEMAN
Paraprofessional
Megan grew up with six siblings and a dog named Ruby here in St. Michael—she even attended StMCS herself! She has a big sweet tooth and loves going to the cabin and spending time with family and friends.  She is looking forward to getting to know students and parents this year.

GINA LUEHRS
Paraprofessional
Gina and her husband have three children: Two are at StMCS, and one is in the Army. She loves working with children, spending time with family, going on walks, fishing, and baking. She is looking forward to making a difference in students' lives and meeting new families.

KAILEY MALKOWIAK
Grade 1 Teacher
Kailey grew up in St. Michael and lives here with her husband Michael. She spends her free time visiting local coffee shops, reading books, and visiting friends and family. Her go-to snack is chips and queso, and she is looking forward to getting to know StMCS students and staff and forming positive relationships.

MALORIE OHNSTAD
Paraprofessional
Malorie and her husband James have been married 15 years and have lived in St. Michael for 11. They have two children, both at StMCS. She appreciates how much StMCS teachers and staff truly care about the students and school environment. Her favorite snack is anything with peanut butter and chocolate in it.

EVANS ONGAGA
Grade 5-8 Math Teacher
Evans was born and raised in Kenya before moving to California for 25 years. He has seven children ages 7 to 27—and no pets currently, though his children are pushing for a cat and a puppy! He enjoys walking, hiking, and supporting his son with basketball. His advice to students is to learn to manage their time well: "Learning what activities to prioritize will help you keep your commitments and avoid unnecessary stress."

AZUCENA PACHECO
Spanish Teacher
Azucena grew up with two sisters and a German Shepherd-Husky mix named Rocky. She also has a nephew and two nieces! For snacks, she likes all kinds of fruit, but bananas, apples, and mango are her favorites. Her advice: "Trust in God's providence. He knows you best, loves you, and desires your happiness."

ANDREA THORN
Preschool Assistant Teacher
Andrea and her husband Mike have three children: two at StMCS and one at St. Michael-Albertville High School. She spends most evenings running them to and from practices or to friends' houses, on the sidelines of a soccer field, or in the bleachers watching wrestling. She likes salty snacks like popcorn, rice cakes, and pretzels. She is most looking forward to seeing the preschoolers evolve and progress throughout the school year.

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Familiar face at the Front Desk
KERI SCHOEN, Secretary
Keri is not a new staff member, but took on a new role in the main office this fall. She grew up on a dairy farm outside of Albertville and goes to St. Albert Catholic Church. Her favorite snack is red licorice, and her family loves to spend time camping or at her dad's cabin. She is looking forward to helping even more families now that she's at the front desk—whatever you need, just ask!

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This article appears in the Fall 2024 edition of the DISCIPLE newsletter. If you are not receiving DISCIPLE in your mailbox, contact the parish office at 763-497-2745  to register as a parishioner or update your contact information.