K-5 Teachers

Hallie Keenan

Kindergarten / Literacy Coach

Hallie Keenan is the Kindergarten teacher at Notre Dame Academy. Ms. Keenan earned her Masters in Education from St. Catherine's University and is also certified Literacy Coach through Groves Learning Organization. She strives to create a hands-on, active environment for her students to succeed and grow. Through the use of STEM and other engaging activities, Ms. Keenan helps students to become excited learners and problem solvers. Outside of school she is passionate about spending time with her dog Leroy and traveling the world. You may view the Kindergarten website page here.

Rachael Feldkamp

First Grade

Ms. Rachael Feldkamp earned her B.S. in Special Education and Physical Education from Winona State University. She has taught in Catholic and charter schools for the last 7 years and been with NDA for almost 2 years. Ms. Feldkamp's dynamic and compassionate teaching style makes her a favorite with her first graders! With a special interest and passion for special education, she also serves the NDA community as a Learning Specialist. She loves to watch the wonder and joy on kids' faces when they make a learning breakthrough.

Jamie Tschida

Second Grade

Mrs. Tschida is excited to be teaching at Notre Dame Academy. She earned her M.A. Education from St. Scholastica Universit and has been working in Catholic schools ever since. It is her passion to instill a love of learning in students and help them develop a desire to become life long learners. In her free time she enjoys being with family and friends, attending her children’s sporting events, swimming, going for walks with her dogs, biking, reading, and traveling.

Marissa Magnuson

Second Grade

Mrs. Magnuson is excited to be a part of the NDA community. In the classroom she values the unique personality of each child. She utilizes the gifts of each child and nurtures growth through challenge and support. She earned her M.A. in K-5 Reading Endorsement from St. Thomas University and has been a Catholic School teacher for the last 7 years. Ms. Magnuson loves to help every child discover Jesus’s presence in their lives. In her free time she enjoys walking, hiking, reading, and spending time with her family.

Mary Ellen Gross

Third Grade

Mrs. Gross is the third grade teacher at Notre Dame Academy. She has committed her entire professional career of over twenty-five years to Catholic education. Mrs. Gross brings our NDA mission to life every day providing a program of academic excellence, grounded in faith, maximizing the strengths of her students. She is an advocate for her students’ needs and strives to meet the potential of all her students.

Kirsten Segar

Third Grade & Learning Specialist

Mrs. Kirsten Segar has taught for over 20 years with 5 years at NDA. She earned her B.A. in Elementary Education from University of MN Moorhead and has since enjoyed a variety of educational roles including being an elementary classroom teacher, a middle school teacher, and a math and reading specialist. No matter what the role, Mrs. Segar’s purpose is the same - to create an environment where students thrive academically and emotionally by building relationships and encouraging curiosity. 

Andrew Weeres

Fourth Grade

Mr. Weeres loves being the fourth grade teacher at NDA. He joined the downstairs hallway in 2018, and started his Catholic school career in 2014. One of his classroom highlights is when he teaches his students how to tie flies and shares his love for fishing. When Mr. Weeres is not teaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Janel Dysart

Fifth Grade

Mrs. Janel Dysart has been teaching at NDA for 21 years. She earned her Masters of Education from St. Catherine's University. Mrs. Dysart has taught fifth grade for the past eighteen years and also spent three years as an Elementary Music Specialist. She loves coming up with new and creative projects for her students, enjoys incorporating technology whenever she can, and her favorite class activity is Literature Circles. She enjoys music, superheroes, and spending time with her family. Please feel free to visit her class website.