Staff

Father John Bauer

Pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary & NDA Canonical Administrator

Fr. John serves as the pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and the Canonical Administrator of Notre Dame Academy. Having gone through Catholic Schools for most of his life, he is convinced of the value of a Catholic education. Being a part of Notre Dame Academy fills him with a whole lot of joy.

Father Paul Haverstock

Pastor of St. Gabriel the Archangel

Father Paul Haverstock is the parochial administrator of St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in Hopkins. A native of Eden Prairie, Fr. Paul was raised Lutheran (Missouri Synod) and converted to Catholicism in 2006 thanks to the witness of his college roommate. He was ordained a priest by Archbishop Hebda in 2016. Fr Paul’s first assignment was in Shakopee, where he loved spending time in the parish school. He enjoys being a part of Notre Dame Academy.

Bonnie Jungels

Principal

Dr. Bonita Jungels has passionately served in Catholic schools for over thirty years working with preschool through 12th grade students. She holds several degrees including a doctorate in Leadership, Policy and Administration from St. Thomas University. Dr. Jungels has been serving NDA for over 5 years. She believes that our primary goal is to share the joy of Christ with others and through Him we will grow, learn and serve others in an amazing NDA faith community we call family.

Liz Flom

Business Administrator

Mrs. Liz Flom has been working in the school office since 2014, and has a business and education background. Over the years, she has been involved in the school as a parent, volunteer and employee. Her favorite time of year is back to school time when the students and families return to the building.

Brian Kirchoff

Development Director

Mr. Brian Kirchoff joined the NDA team in the fall of 2025. He brings a relationship focus to the development role and is a strong advocate for Catholic education. Prior to joining NDA, Brian served in Talent Acquisition roles within the professional services sector. Mr. Kirchoff also held admissions/enrollment positions at both CSBSJU and St. Thomas early in his career. He earned his MBA from the University of St. Thomas and holds a BA in Accounting from St. John’s University. Brian and his wife live in Shorewood with their two children.

Joann Meyer

Marketing & Enrollment Manager

Mrs. Joann Meyer began working at Notre Dame Academy in 2016. Mrs. Meyer, her husband and their three children have been part of the school community since 2006. She earned a Business Management bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University. After working in the corporate world for several years, Mrs. Meyer feels blessed to spend her days in the school office and enjoys welcoming new students and their families.

Louise Wilson

Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Louise Wilson is the first person you meet when you come to Notre Dame Academy. Her English accent is noticed by all and loved by the students, who repeat all the announcements she makes on the PA system. She previously worked at St. Gabriel’s Parish before starting at Notre Dame Academy in 2013, where she is happy and blessed working with your children every day.

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.

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.

Katie Schneeman

First Grade/Literacy Coach

Jamie Tschida

Second Grade

Mrs. Tschida is excited to be teaching at Notre Dame Academy. She earned her M.A. Education from St. Scholastica University 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.

Mary Ellen Gross

Third Grade

Mrs. Gross is the third grade teacher at Notre Dame Academy. After receiving her degree from the University of Minnesota – Duluth, Mrs. Gross has committed her entire professional career of over forty 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

Mrs. Kirsten Segar has taught for over 20 years joining NDA in 2020. She earned her B.S. from Minnesota State University, Moorhead and a Master’s of Education (M.Ed.) in Teaching and Learning from St. Mary’s University in Winona. Over the course of her career, Mrs. Segar has 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 after earning his B.S. in Education from Concordia University. 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 began her teaching career in 2000 as an Elementary Music Specialist. She moved to our school community in 2004 and has been teaching 5th grade ever since. Mrs. Dysart earned her Masters of Education from St. Catherine’s University. Her favorite class activity is Literature Circles and she’s known for her talent show videos. She loves coming up with new and creative projects for her students, and enjoys incorporating technology whenever she can. Mrs. Dysart enjoys music, superheroes, and spending time with her family. Please feel free to visit her class website.

Jerry Dargis

Science and STEM

Jerry Dargis graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BS in Environmental Education and Natural Resources in 1998 and started his teaching career outside as an environmental education specialist. He then taught in conventional classrooms at Nativity of Mary, St. Alphonsus, Visitation, and Thomas Jefferson High School. Mr. Dargis joined Notre Dame Academy in 2014. He lives in Bloomington, MN, with his wife of 33 years, two cats, one dog, and a corn snake named Sid.

Kelly Dopp

Social Studies, Fundamental LA & Math

Mr Kelly Dopp graduated from St. Cloud State University in 2007 with a B.A. in Education and has taught Social Studies ever since. He has been at NDA since 2014. Mr. Dopp lives in Elk River, Minnesota with his wife JoAnn of 23 years and their two dogs. They have a son and daughter and he loves to play guitar in his band.

Aggie Maurer

Language Arts

Ms. Aggie Maurer earned her degree from St. Benedict’s in Elementary Education. She enjoys teaching language arts to our Middle School students and opening their minds to all types of literature. Ms. Maurer joined Notre Dame Academy in 2016. She loves getting to know each and every one of her students. During her free time, she enjoys the outdoors, music, photography and reading. Ms. Maurer loves meeting new people, and is sure she learns just as much as her students!

Tom Cathers

Math

Mr. Tom Cathers was excited to join Notre Dame Academy’s vibrant community as the new Middle School Math Teacher this year. He has been in education for 17 years, most recently at Seven Hills Preparatory Academy where he served as a math/literacy interventionist and instructional coach. Mr. Cathers lives in Eden Prairie with his wife, two kids, three cats and a dog. Outside of school, he enjoys camping, fishing, running, swimming, and golfing.

Annette Watz

Grades 5-8 Religion & Grades 7-8 Study Skills Plus

Mrs. Annette Watz is the religion teacher at Notre Dame Academy for students in grades 5-8. She earned her Masters in Religious Education and has been teaching in Catholic Schools ever since. Her passion for faith and learning led to a degree in elementary education, a master’s in religious education and enjoying many years of working and volunteering in a variety of Catholic settings. Her goal is to help students grow in relationship with Jesus while creating an engaging and nurturing environment where they can explore and deepen their understanding of Catholicism. Outside the classroom, you can find her with her husband watching their daughter compete in barrel racing, enjoying an afternoon at the arboretum, reading or spending time with family and friends.

Lori Wukmir

Music and Theatre

Mrs. Lori Wukmir has been a part of our school community since 2004, teaching music and drama! A native of Colorado, she first made a living in the Twin Cities as an actress before receiving her teaching license from the University of Minnesota. She loves getting to know ALL the kids at NDA, but looks forward most to putting them all on stage!

Brittnee Olson

Art

Mrs. Brittnee Olson graduated from the University of Minnesota with her Masters in Art Education. Working with students is a passion of hers. Over the past ten years she worked with students in a variety of ways including nannying, teaching in early childhood education and elementary education. She values teacher and student relationships and seeks to create a safe environment for her students to learn and grow in the art classroom. Mrs. Olson’s goal as an Art Teacher at NDA is to help empower students to create artwork that is meaningful to them. Mrs. Olson enjoys hiking, running, art, baking and spending time with her husband, Sam, son, Elijah, and their dog, Rosa.

Maggie Turner

Spanish

Mrs. Maggie Turner started at St. John’s in 2007 and joined NDA when the two schools merged to become a regional school in 2013. She has her M.A. in Education from St. Thomas University and her undergrad from Messiah College. She loves seeing the kids practice speaking in another language and being excited to learn about different cultures. Mrs. Turner enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

Daren Tesch

PE and Health

Mr. Daren Tesch earned his B.S. in Physical Education from Minnesota State University – Mankato and has been teaching in the Catholic school system and directing athletics for over two decades. On any day you may find him teaching health to the middle school students in the classroom, teaching Physical Education to students in Kindergarten – 8th Grade, or supervising the gym during our home sporting events. He believes in teaching life long health skills to keep our students healthy long after they leave Notre Dame Academy.

Jesse Robertson

Technology

Jesse Robertson graduated from Moorhead State University with a BS in Elementary Education in 1995. He started his teaching career in Houston, Texas; teaching 5th and 6th grade students. He then moved back to Minnesota and taught at The Tesseract School, Nativity of Mary Catholic School, and Howard Lake – Waverly – Winsted Public Schools. Mr. Robertson joined Notre Dame Academy in 2020. He lives in Minnetrista, MN, with his wife of over 25 years, two daughters, a dog, and a cat.

Adam Bestler

Band and Staging

Mr. Bestler came to be the Director of Bands at the Hopkins/Minnetonka Catholic Schools in 2000 after several years of working at Hopkins High School. In addition to directing the Notre Dame Academy Bands, he is a performing multi-instrumentalist in the Twin Cities metro area and conducts two adult professional bands. He also teaches the Jazz Studies program at Chaska High School and is the owner operator of a local small business. If you’d like to reach his class website, click here.

Marissa Magnuson

Learning Specialist

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.

Kris Nelson

Learning Assistant

Mrs. Nelson is the Learning Assistant for grades K-4. After graduating from St. Olaf and working in the business world, teaching and training adults, she left to raise her two boys, both of whom attended NDA (PK through 8th grade). She understands first hand that everyone learns differently and feels blessed to be able to support the students in any way possible, helping them to feel confident and successful. She joined NDA as a staff member in 2023.

Milton Stephens

Music/Lion’s Lair Lead

Mr. Milton Stephens is the lead member of the Lions Lair team at NDA. He enjoys getting to know students outside the classroom before and after school and during school breaks. He also serves as a substitute teacher at NDA and loves the challenge of whatever class the day may bring! At school Mass, you may spot Mr. Stephens at the piano serving as NDA’s Mass accompanist. Mr. Stephens grew up in Minnetonka, attended Hopkins High School, and graduated from the University of Minnesota, majoring in Mathematics. He feels so blessed to be a part of the NDA family!

Christy Mergen

Cafeteria Manager

Mrs. Mergen is the Assistant Food Service Manager in the Lions’ Den Cafe. After “retiring” from mortgage banking in 2003 to raise three girls (of which two attended NDA, PK through 8th grade) she is blessed to be working in a place she has called home since 2006. The most favorite part of her day is interacting with each student as if they were her own and capturing many precious moments as the NDA photographer.

Megan Miller

Food and Nutrition Manager

Mrs. Miller is a mom of five current NDA students with a passion for nutrition and fitness. Her background might be in city planning and development, but her love for good, whole food drove her to a career in nutrition and cooking. Megan’s goal is to increase the number of made from scratch meals our kids get and giving them the nutrition they need to learn as much as they can! Outside of school Megan loves to run, spend time with her kids, and beat her personal records at CrossFit.

Kathryn Henriksen

Cafeteria Team

After spending 20 years as a senior strategy director in the advertising industry, Kathryn/Mrs. Henriksen left to spend more time with her family. She is the parent of an NDA 7th Grader, an avid volunteer for the school and now an official lunch lady and teacher assistant! She loves working with kids, impromptu dance parties in the kitchen, and seeing the kids blossom as the school year progresses. 

Denise Bielke

Reading Specialist

Wendy Dellis

Special Education

Nicole Sundby

Hopkins Nurse

Erica Landers

Hopkins Counselor 7/8

Ms. Erica Landers is a licensed K-12 school counselor who seeks to promote student engagement and help foster an equitable school learning environment. Erica’s mission as a school counselor is to create a comprehensive program that empowers all students to challenge themselves to meet their fullest potential. She believes a school counseling program should address the academic, career, and social/emotional developmental needs of students. She believes it’s her job to ensure all students develop the skills necessary for academic success, personal growth, positive interpersonal relationships, career development, and healthy choices.

Eva Lewis

Phoenix School Counselor K-8

Ms. Eva Lewis has been a school counselor since 2023. She finds fulfillment in creating counseling relationships with students and their families, as well as working closely with teachers and staff. Her role is to support our students’ social and emotional well-being, equipping them with tools to help them wake up every morning feeling confident in who they are and what they are capable of. Originally from Minneapolis, Ms. Lewis received her M.A. from the University of Minnesota in Counselor Education. If she’s not at work, she is most likely reading, running, painting, watching women’s hockey, or spending time with her dog.

Gansyam Jagdeo

Custodian

Kathie Witta

Librarian

Mrs. Kathie Witta absolutely loves working with NDA students! After more than twenty-five years of working with seniors, Kathie, an IHM parishioner, has been with NDA since its first day. Thanks to her many grandchildren, Mrs. Witta relates well to kids and understands the importance of reading to help students in their life beyond school.

Joan Davy

Librarian