Discovery Center Teachers

Heather Discher

Site Director/Lead Kinderstart Teacher

Ms. Heather Discher has worn many hats working for both Notre Dame Academy and Immaculate Heart of Mary. Ms. Discher loves being in the classroom and enjoys creating a close bond with her young students. Ms. Discher loves spending time with her family which includes two daughters (one NDA alumni and one current NDA student). She has a Bachelor's Degree in Communication from Mankato State University.

Sarah Bradley

Lead High-Fives Teacher

Ms. Sarah Bradley joined the NDA team in the fall of 2025. She has a B.A. in Elementary Education from Gustavus Adolphus College and a Pre-Primary Endorsement from St. Catherine University. She has always enjoyed working with preschool aged children, expanding on their interests in the classroom to create authentic learning experiences. In her free time, Ms. Sarah loves spending time with family and friends, baking, reading and gardening.

Madison Fuglseth

Lead Discovery Teacher

Ms. Fuglseth joined the NDA team in the fall of 2022. She studied at Minnesota State University, Mankato and graduated with a Bachelor's in Psychology and Child Development. She has always enjoyed working with children within her long history of childcare. Ms. Madi is passionate about teaching her students new skills. Her goal as a teacher is to help children reach their potential in their journey toward development milestones. In her free time, she likes spending time with family and friends, she loves swimming, shopping, camping, reading, and creating crafts.

Taylor Russell

Lead Explorers Teacher

Taylor has a great wealth of experience teaching toddlers, and has been leading the NDA Explorer classroom since 2021. She has her B.A. Degree in Child Development/Family Studies with a minor in Psychology from MN State University/Mankato. She loves watching the children grow in all sorts of ways. Taylor loves making connections with the students and families, teaching age-appropriate skills and how to have lots of fun learning!

Elsie Grey

Preschool Assistant

Ms. Elsie has a background in the arts, has a passion for creativity, and is eager to bring a unique perspective to the classroom. Ms. Elsie holds an MFA in Visual Studies from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design and a BA in Studio Art and Digital Media from Hamline University. She's had the joy of working with young children, guiding them in exploring creative expression, STEM activities, and bodily movement. Her goal is to create a warm, inclusive environment where each child feels valued and inspired to learn and grow. Outside of school, she loves hiking, painting, creating digital content and designing activities that make learning fun and engaging.

Emily Polinsky

Preschool Assistant

Ms. Polinsky graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor's in Child Adult and Family Services. Since 2018, she's worked in child care and worked with various ages. Ms. Polinsky's goal is to provide the kiddos with a safe and fun environment where they can explore, learn and play. Outside of school she loves spending time with her family, reading books, napping and going out on the lake. 

Sherlyn Renteria

Preschool Assistant

Ms. Sherlyn Renteria joined NDA during the winter of 2023. She is excited to be part of the team as a Preschool Assistant Teacher. She has a passion for early childhood education and loves supporting young children as they learn and grow. 

Lynne LaBelle

Preschool Assistant

Ms. Lynn LaBelle joined NDA in the fall of 2025. In her spare time she enjoys walking, reading and growing vegetables and flowers. Her favorite color is magenta and she loves chocolate.