MEET OUR PRESCHOOL STAFF
About Kate Mielke
Kate has spent most of her teaching career working at Catholic schools. She has taught kindergarten, 1st grade, and special education classes. Kate and her husband, Trevor, have 3 crazy children together. For fun, she loves watching movies with her kids, hunting with her husband, and reading.
Kate’s Super Powers
- Making lunchboxes 90%
- Raising ducks 80%
- Reading past bedtime 100%
About Tammy Sirek
Tammy Sirek is a Pre-K teacher at Little Saints Preschool, where she has been sharing her love for early childhood education for over 9 years!
Tammy and her husband, Paul, are the proud parents of three wonderful children: Eddie, Katelyn, and Sarah. All of them have had the great experience of attending SWS from preschool through 8th grade! When she’s not in the classroom, Tammy loves to travel with her family, cheer at her children’s sports events, and enjoy fun times with friends. She feels truly blessed to be a teacher at Little Saints Preschool, where every day is filled with exciting new adventures!
B.S. – Elementary Education with a concentration in Kindergarten – Mankato State University
- Being Silly 90%
- Fixing Boo-boos 80%
- Reading 100%
About Stephanie Tobias
Stephanie is a member of the Little Saints Preschool staff working with our little 3 and 4-year-old students. Steph is a familiar person at SWS as a parent with two children in the school, and one (alumnus) in high school. Stephanie has been actively involved in our Home and School Association and has been instrumental in leading many of the activities associated with this group, especially leading the charge for the Handmade Market each October.
After graduating from St. Cloud State University, Stephanie married her high school sweetheart and moved to Colorado. Following the birth of her first child, she was a stay-at-home mom. Stephanie lived in Wyoming and North Dakota before moving back to Minnesota.
B.A. – Special Education – St. Cloud State University
Steph’s Super Powers
- Treasure hunting at thrift stores 90%
- Puzzles and board games 80%
- Making memories with family 100%
About Annette Stavos
Annette is starting her 25th year at St. Wenceslaus School. This will be her 10th year as the librarian and with the Little Saints Preschool. Annette has 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Annette has always lived in this area and graduated from High School here in New Prague many many years ago. She enjoys making stained glass windows, reading, crocheting, cooking and gardening. Teaching at St. Wenceslaus School has been a blessing. The students and staff are awesome to work with and this school feels like a big family.
After graduating with an associate of arts degree from Normandale Community College, Annette went to Minnesota State University for her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She got her Masters degree through St. Mary’s University in Winona. She also has a certificate in ESL through the University of St. Thomas.
B.S. – Elementary Education – Minnesota State Mankato
M.A. – Curriculum and Instruction St. Mary’s University
Certification in ESL (English as a Second Language) – University of St. Thomas
- Making Stained Glass Windows 90%
- Loves Golf but it does not like her! 80%
- Cooking and Reading 100%
About Valerie Kapphahn
Val Kapphahn is an assistant teacher working with the preschool and pre-k classes. This year marks her fourth year with Little Saints Preschool. Val and her husband have 3 kids; Claire, Liam, and Ella. Two of her children attend the middle school at SWS. She enjoys baking, watching movies, being outdoors, and spending time with her family. She loves working with preschoolers and the amazing staff that surrounds her!
Val’s Super Powers
- 90%
- 80%
- 100%
About Tasha Huebl
Tasha is excited to be a new member of Little Saints Preschool. She enjoys teaching (and learning from) the students, while sharing her love of Jesus. 2025 marks her 7th year of serving in Catholic Schools. She works with the Pre – K classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
A.S. – Early Childhood Education
A.S. – Liberal Arts
Certificate in Early Childhood Education
Tasha’s Super Powers
- Family Focused 90%
- Untying knots 80%
- Prayer 100%