MEET OUR EXCEPTIONAL K-8 INSTRUCTORS

School surveys continuously reveal that the teachers are the #1 positive aspect of our school. Our teachers are dedicated and caring. They work to connect with each child personally and give each the best possible instruction that they can within the student’s level of skill and ability. SWS teachers are highly educated and experienced. They are committed to their faith and the mission of Catholic education.

Brandi Augeson B.A.

Brandi Augeson B.A.

Kindergarten Teacher

About Brandi Augeson

Brandi is excited to join the St. Wenceslaus School team. Born and raised in Rochester, MN, Brandi attended catholic schools for 12 years, graduating from Lourdes High School. Brandi has worked as the summer program director at Holy Spirit Catholic School, Rochester for several years. In addition, she has coached high school lacrosse.

In her free time, Brandi enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as crafting, cooking and baking. 

B.A. – Elementary Education with an early childhood emphasis – Winona State University.

 

Brandi’s Super Powers

  • Coffee drinker 90% 90%
  • Professional baby holder 80% 80%
  • Deal finder 100% 100%
Lisa Hathaway, B.A.

Lisa Hathaway, B.A.

Kindergarten Teacher

About Lisa Hathaway

Lisa Hathaway is a kindergarten teacher at St. Wenceslaus School. Lisa feels that she has found her home here. She moved to New Prague to accept her dream job teaching at a school that values a Catholic, STEM education. Her teaching philosophy involves small-group instruction and making sure students know they are loved and safe at school every day. She loves teaching kindergarten because kindergarteners experience so much growth academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually in the quick nine-month school year.

B.A. – Elementary Education – College of St. Benedict

Lisa’s Super Powers

  • Harry Potter Trivia Pro 90% 90%
  • “Let’s Go Wild!” Chant starter 80% 80%
  • Wheel of Fortune Junkie 100% 100%
Abby Jenkins

Abby Jenkins

Grade 1 Teacher

About Abby Jenkins

Abby is our newest addition to the team at SWS, in her first year, teaching 1st grade! She joins us from the South Washington County school district with 3 years of experience as a summer childcare paraprofessional. She also spent the last school year working in a middle school setting as a paraprofessional. Abby comes to us a year after graduating from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She is looking forward to sharing her bright energy, love of travel, faith, and community relationships with the students of her classroom and all those that she encounters.

In her spare time, Abby enjoys traveling, shopping with friends, golfing, and playing with her family’s black labrador, Stanley.

B.A. Educational Studies with a Childhood and Family Context, Saint Mary’s University.

Abby’s Super Powers

  • Iced coffee drinking 90% 90%
  • Bright energy 80% 80%
  • Caring nature 100% 100%
Emilia Jury B.A.

Emilia Jury B.A.

Grade 1 Teacher

About Emilia Jury

Emilia is delighted to join the team of educators at Saint Wenceslaus! She comes with her B.A. in Elementary Education from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She is thrilled to move to New Prague and be a part of a school that values a Catholic, STEM education. Emilia is looking forward to teaching our young 1st graders!  She believes that students learn best through active engagement, both in hands-on activities and classroom discussions. She also firmly believes in building and fostering their social and emotional growth to recognize them as individual learners who progress and grow not only inside the classroom, but outside of it as well. 

B.A. – Elementary Education – St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Winona

Emilia’s Super Powers

  • Expert Cake Baker 90% 90%
  • Amateur Calvin and Hobbes character artist 80% 80%
  • Book collector and  giving book recommendations 100% 100%
Casey English, B.S.

Casey English, B.S.

Grade 2 Teacher

About  Casey English

Casey English is a first-year teacher at St. Wenceslaus School, but has spent a lot of time within our campus – substituting and helping with summer preschool. Casey has always dreamed of teaching second grade, and is so excited to be joining the staff and working along side such a great group of people, including her older sister – Mrs. Bartholomaus! She feels blessed to be working at a school that allows her to live out her faith and to help her students grow in theirs!

Casey is originally from New Market and currently resides in Lakeville with her husband.

In her free time Casey enjoys photography, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

B.S – Elementary Education – Minor in Special Education – University of Mary

Casey’s Super Powers

  • Sweet Tooth 80% 80%
  • Lover of Game Nights 90% 90%
  • Creative 85% 85%
Kathy Giesen, M.A.

Kathy Giesen, M.A.

Grade 2 Teacher

About Kathy Giesen

Kathy joined the staff at SWS after teaching in another Catholic school for the past fourteen years. She was a teacher in the 8th and 5th-grade classrooms but found her love for the 2nd grade. Second-grade students have helped Kathy discover her true passion for teaching. Kathy feels blessed to watch her students grow in their faith as they receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. Kathy lives in New Prague with her husband and three children.

B.S. – Elementary Education – University of Wisconsin – La Crosse with a Minor in Mathematics

M.A. – Education – Saint Catherine University

Kathy’s Super Powers

  • Reading 90% 90%
  • Scrapbooking 80% 80%
  • Spending time with family 100% 100%
Carly Bartholomaus, B.s.

Carly Bartholomaus, B.s.

Grade 3 Teacher SWS Athletic Director

 About Carly Bartholomaus

Carly begins her 3rd year at St. Wenceslaus Catholic School. Carly got married in June and returns to teach with a new last name and a loving husband. Carly loves teaching all subjects, but especially math. She went to college in Ohio and is so excited to be teaching in Minnesota. In college, Carly played lacrosse for her university serving as the team captain and was very involved in the athletic department. Carly serves as the athletic director for SWS, setting up all team activities,  directing coaches, and setting up games for our students.

B.S. – Early Childhood Education – Minor in Theology – Franciscan University of Steubenville

Carly’s Super Powers

  • Lacrosse Player 90% 90%
  • Coffee Drinker 80% 80%
  • Cookie Baker 100% 100%
Alyssa Neisen, BA

Alyssa Neisen, BA

Grade 4 Teacher

About Alyssa Neisen

Alyssa Neisen was born and raised in Belle Plaine. Alyssa attended Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic School. She loves the small community a Catholic School offers.

In her free time, Alyssa enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family, friends and her dog!

B.A. – Bachelor’s in Elementary Education with a double minor in Math and Reading Instruction, Winona State University, Winona
 

 

Alyssa’s Super Powers

  • Baking 80% 80%
  • Reading 90% 90%
  • Traveling 100% 100%
Colin Smisek

Colin Smisek

Grade 5 Teacher , 7-8 Science

About Colin Smisek

Colin’s SWS journey began as a kindergartener! Going through St. Wenceslaus School as a student was an excellent experience that has shaped his decisions, especially to come back and teach. Colin has served as an environmental educator, substitute teacher, high school teacher and is excited to start as a 5th grade/Science teacher! He is grateful to be back! 

Colin likes to golf, play the drums, and attend concerts in his free time! 

B.A. – Biology, St. John’s University 

License in teaching –  College of Saint Scholastica 

M.A. Education (in progress) – College of Saint Scholastica 

 

Colin’s Super Powers

  • Drummer 90% 90%
  • Gamer 80% 80%
  • Golfer 100% 100%
Becky Zwirner, M.A.

Becky Zwirner, M.A.

Grade 6 Homeroom & Grades 6-8 Math

About Becky Zwirner

Becky Zwirner has been a teacher at Saint Wenceslaus for 17 years. She has taught grades 5-8 at SWS and really enjoys teaching math and science. Becky attended Minnesota State University in Mankato for elementary education and received her master’s from St. Mary’s University. Becky has also added a STEM certificate from St. Kate’s. She likes being able to teach at Saint Wenceslaus where there is a focus on the whole child and faith is incorporated in every subject. She expects respect from her students and gives respect back in return.

Becky also coaches softball at New Prague High School. In her free time, Becky enjoys spending time with her family playing cards, solving puzzles, and playing games.

B.A. – Elementary Education – Mankato State University

M.A. – Curriculum and Instruction – St. Mary’s University

Certification in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) – Saint Catherine University

Becky’s Super Powers

  • Teaching Math 90% 90%
  • Giving “The Look” 80% 80%
  • Playing Cards 100% 100%
Lori King, M.A.

Lori King, M.A.

Grade 5 and 6 English and Language Arts

About Lori King

Originally from Ontario, Canada, Lori moved to Minnesota in 1996 after graduating from college and one year of teaching overseas at an international school. Starting out in 1st grade, Lori has also taught in a special education setting, in ECFE as a parent educator, in 5th- 8th grade, at Holy Cross, and in 4th and 5th grade at SWS. Lori is returning for her 5th year, teaching English and Language Arts to 5th and 6th graders, which is her passion as she enjoys sharing great books with her students. She lives in Elko with her four boys, who keep her on her toes. Lori became a United States citizen in 2022, and is eager to vote in her 1st election!

B.A. – Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario
 
B.Ed. – Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario                                                        
M.A. -Special Education – Minnesota State University, Mankato

 

Lori’s Super Powers

  • Living in a house full of boys 90% 90%
  • Reading 80% 80%
  • Traveling 100% 100%
Emily Shimota

Emily Shimota

Grade 7 Homeroom & Grades 6-8 Religion

About Emily Shimota

Emily Shimota is excited to teach at St. Wenceslaus! She has served as the Youth Minister at St. Wenceslaus and taught high school Theology at Bethlehem Academy, and is now thrilled to be back in this community in a teaching role. Emily is a native of the area and loves New Prague. She attended Holy Cross Catholic School, volunteered at St. Wenc and Most Holy Redeemer in high school, and was a student leader of the Catholic organization in college. She loves her faith, her family, and her students. Emily received her  Master’s degree from the St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity in May 2023. In her free time, Emily loves to spend time with family and friends, play with her cat Henry and dog Misty, and travel nationally and internationally.

B.A. – St. Olaf College

M.A. – St. Paul Seminary School of Divinity

Emily’s Super Powers

  • Diet Coke lover 90% 90%
  • Passionate about God and faith 80% 80%
  • Good listener 100% 100%
Jamie Schoenbauer, M.A.

Jamie Schoenbauer, M.A.

Middle School Director Grade 8 Homeroom & Grades 7-8 English and Literature

About Jamie Schoenbauer

Jamie comes to Minnesota from Ohio after a stint teaching and coaching middle school in Austin, Texas. She has been at SWS for 15 years, each one spent in 7th and 8th grade. She currently serves as Middle School Director in addition to her teaching duties. Jamie is best known for her rapport with the often-befuddling middle school student. She believes in holding kids to high standards while having fun at the same time. Jamie is also the girls’ varsity tennis coach at New Prague High School.

B.A. – English Education, Heidelberg University

B.A. – Communication Arts and Literature University of Minnesota

M.A. – Educational Studies – University of St. Thomas

K-12 Reading Certification – University of St. Thomas

Certification in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) – Saint Catherine University

Jamie’s Super Powers

  • Reading, writing, but not arithmetic 90% 90%
  • Washington, DC touring 80% 80%
  • Superfan of THE Ohio State University 100% 100%
Suzanne Eidem, M.FA.

Suzanne Eidem, M.FA.

Art K-8

About Suzanne Eidem

Suzanne is delighted to join the St. Wenceslaus team as the K-8 art teacher. Creating art is her passion and she enjoys sharing her enthusiasm with all ages.  Mrs. Eidem coaches soccer, enjoys running, and is currently illustrating a children’s book. In addition, Mrs. Eidem is a volunteer firefighter!

B.FA. – Miami University

M.FA. – Savannah College of Art and Design

 

Super Powers

  • Mom of two great kids 90% 90%
  • Coaching, Running 80% 80%
  • Creative Passion for all Art 100% 100%
Katherine Gorr, B.A.

Katherine Gorr, B.A.

Music Preschool - Grade 8

About Katherine Gorr

Katherine is the music teacher for all grades at St. Wenceslaus. Her goal for all grade levels is for them to enjoy music in its many forms, and have an appreciation for different styles of music.  Katherine is excited to be a part of a family of staff members at SWS. Through singing, dancing, listening, playing instruments and having fun, Katherine strives for all students to leave music class with a smile on their face!

B.A. – Music Performance – University of Minnesota Duluth

Katherine’s Super Powers

  • Off-road Jeeping Queen 90% 90%
  • Hockey and Dance Mom 80% 80%
  • Expert Coffee Drinker 100% 100%
Bailey Turner

Bailey Turner

Physical Education PreK - Grade 8 Health 7-8

About Bailey Turner

Bailey, a first-year teacher, will be teaching PreK- Grade 8 Physical Education at St. Wenceslaus. She grew up in Chaska and is very excited to be back in the area teaching. While attending college Bailey achieved her teaching degree while being a student-athlete. She played volleyball all four years at the University of Mary. Her goal for her students is for them to be able to learn the rules of games, know how to keep their bodies healthy, and participate in games with a positive attitude. 

Bailey likes to spend time with family and friends along with being outside and going on adventures during her free time. She also spends her extra time coaching sand and court volleyball. Bailey is newly married – August 2022!

B.S. – Physical Education, Minor in Health and Coaching – University of Mary

Bailey’s Super Powers

  • Pro NapTaker 90% 90%
  • Pro Snacker 80% 80%
  • Expert Injury Taper 100% 100%
Annette Stavos, M.A.

Annette Stavos, M.A.

Librarian Preschool - Grade 8 & Preschool STEM Teacher

About Annette Stavos

Annette has been teaching at St. Wenceslaus School for over 20 years. She has worn many hats in her teaching career including as a kindergarten teacher, art, physical education, 1st grade, 3rd grade, 5th grade homeroom,  and 5-8 grade science teacher. Annette has been in her current position of preschool STEM teacher and librarian for over six years. 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.

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

Annette’s Super Powers

  • Making Stained Glass Windows 90% 90%
  • Crocheting, Loves Golf but it does not like her! 80% 80%
  • Reading and Cooking 100% 100%