Meet
Our Faculty
St. Michael’s School is staffed by certified, licensed teachers who continue to grow in knowledge through continuing education in their field. Teachers willingly share ideas and support each other to develop the whole child.
St. Michael’s School curriculum is aligned to the Minnesota State Standards and includes Reading, English, Spelling, Phonics, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Music, Art, Technology, and Religion.
Because of the excellent rapport between students, teachers, and administrators and parents, the atmosphere of the school is warm and friendly. Students can be seen helping each other during academic lessons as well as on the playground.
Sarah Chalich
Principal
Sarah Chalich began teaching at St. Michael’s School in 1998. She taught our 5th and 6th grade for 16 years. In 2014 she accepted the position of principal. She received her Associate of Arts Degree from Fergus Falls Community College in 1993; Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 1995 and obtained her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2016. Sarah is married to Steve and they have 3 adult children. She enjoys the outdoors, reading, camping, fishing and spending time with her family.
Father Dave Super
St. Michael's Pastor
Fr. Dave was ordained a Priest in the Diocese of Crookston in 1980. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and a Minor in Religious studies; and a Masters of Theology. He came to St. Michael’s and St. Joseph’s Parishes in 2013 and has served as Pastor and School Superintendent. He loves to spend time with his brothers and sister and many nieces and nephews. He is a passionate deer hunter, fisherman, and anything out of doors!
Madison Olson
Pre-KindergartenTeacher
Madison is the new kid on the block! This will be her second year teaching at St. Michael’s School. She graduated from University of Minnesota Crookston with a BA in Elementary Education.
Ashley Nirschl
​
Ms. Nirschl graduated from MSU Moorhead with an Elementary Inclusive Education and an Academic and Behavior Strategist degrees. What does she Love about teaching? "I love teaching using creative ways to learn any skill in school for fun interaction and growth for students."
KindergartenTeacher
Debra McNamee
First and Second Grade Teacher
Debra graduated from St. Catherine’s University in St. Paul, MN with a BA in Elementary Education in 1983. She is married to Dan McNamee, a local farmer, and together they have been blessed with 4 children and 5 grandchildren. Her favorite area of study is Science but is now intrigued with teaching Reading to her First Grade class!
Haley Rasmusson
Third Grade Teacher
Haley graduated from University of Minnesota Crookston in 2014 and has been teaching 2nd grade at St. Michael’s for 6 years. She is full of energy and makes learning fun! Her favorite subject to teach is Math.
Jane Kozitka
Fourth Grade Teacher
Jane obtained her BA in Elementary Education at Bemidji State University in 1980. She is married to Steve Kozitka, and together they have 3 daughters and 3 grandchildren. Her favorite subjects are Reading, Music and Art! Jane began her teaching career at St. Michael’s School in 1980 and has never left us!
Theresa Stommes
Fifth & Sixth Grade Teacher
Theresa graduated from the College of Saint Benedict in 2012 with a BA in Elementary Education with a Math emphasis and a minor is Hispanic Studies. She loves spending time outside year round enjoying hiking, biking and cross country skiing. She is also a certified lifeguard and swim instructor at the Mahnomen Pool. Theresa has been teaching at St. Michael’s for 11 years.
Juanita Zimmerman
Foster Grandparent
Juanita came to Mahnomen as a High School Spanish teacher where she taught for 30 plus years. After retiring from the public school system, she chose to fill a full time substitute position in Kindergarten which turned into 5 years of teaching at St. Michael’s School! She is now fully retired from full time teaching but chooses to volunteer as a Foster Grandparent! She will be helping to tutor our Spanish speaking/English learning students and helping teachers in the classrooms where needed. She is married to David Zimmerman, St. Michael’s School Alumni, and they enjoy riding motorcycle and spending time with their 2 adult children.
Kathy Haider
Susan Barton Tutor
“Volunteering at St. Michael's School is a way in which I am able to help others. I enjoy the opportunity to tutor students with dyslexia, reading and math difficulties. This tutoring experience has challenged me to develop strategies to help students become more successful. Volunteering keeps me mentally and physically active. It also proves to be a great motivator because no two days are the same. St. Michael's School is an awesome place to volunteer because the students and staff are a great group of people to work with.”
