Faculty & Leadership

Jodi has been teaching at the Holy Rosary campus for 21 years. Jodi’s favorite saint is St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. “She is a role model who captivated everyone by her kindness, patience, good sense, wit, and courtesy. She learned to accept God's will after enduring many losses and I look to her as a role model when I go through times of struggle myself.”

Julianne is the Principal of the St. James Campus. She has been working in Catholic Schools within the Diocese of Duluth for 21 years. “I love being able to work in an environment that is centered on teaching the "whole" child. Everyone that works in our school is here for the right reason. Every staff member puts 110% into everything they do for the students and families. I love being part of the SMA Mission - to Lead, Love and Serve as Jesus taught - transforming our world one student at a time.”  

Jenny is the Director of Faith Formation at SMA and is involved with helping organize faith formation experiences for students, teachers and families. “I enjoy that my position at SMA allows me to combine my love of the Catholic faith, community-building and merriment. I am passionate about teaching and sharing the Good News with this community!” Jenny has many favorite saints, but especially loves the wisdom of St. Padre Pio who commanded the faithful to "serve the Lord with laughter" and to "pray, hope and don't worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayers."

Kristin teaches Global Friendships and Technology with Stella Maris Academy. Her favorite quote is “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:12-13

Tina is the St. James Campus Administrative Assistant. One of her favorites saints is St. Elizabeth Anne Seton. She is the first native-born citizen of the United States to be canonized by the Catholic Church. She is said to have lived a quiet, simple and often lonely life. The Bible was what she used for instruction, support and comfort.

Gabrielle is one of SMA’s Pre-Kindergarten teachers. She graduated from State University of New York at Fredonia (SUNY Fredonia) in Early Childhood Education. This is Gabrielle’s first year at Stella Maris Academy, but even at age 5 Gabrielle knew she wanted to be a teacher.

Ann is the Food Service Manager at the Holy Rosary  campus. “Having worked in many different schools traveling around the country, this is ultimately the best education system I have seen. The children and the staff are phenomenal. They truly make it a joy to come to work everyday.”

Eric wears many hats at SMA as band teacher, religion teacher and activities director. He has taught in Catholic education for 7 years, in both Belize and Duluth. His favorite saint is St. Faustina Kowalska - which is why he named his daughter after her!

Marea teaches 8th Grade Algebra 2 and is a Pre-Kindergarten aide for Stella Maris Academy. Marea enjoys watching movies with friends in her free time. Her favorite saint is Saint Faustina Kowalska.

Kathleen has a BA in Piano Performance and Studio Teaching, K-8 General and Vocal Music. She teaches piano at Stella Maris Academy and has been teaching here for two years. When she isn’t busy with teaching she enjoys spending time with her family, skiing, rowing, and reading.

Sr. Mary Elizabeth has a B.A. degree in English from University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She teaches Religion and Latin at Stella Maris Academy. Her favorite quote is "As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love." John 15:9. Sr. Mary Elizabeth enjoys reading and going for walks when she isn’t busy with teaching.

Cheryl served as a volunteer parent for 20 years before joining SMA as a Tues./Thurs. Kindergarten teacher this year. When she isn’t teaching, she enjoys cheering on her 8 children at sporting events and other activities.

Lisa is the piano and band instrument instructor for Holy Rosary campus. She has been at the Holy Rosary campus for 14 years. “I love teaching in a place with the children's school teachers--this is a rarity for private music instructors--because it allows me to find out more about a child's learning style and then use that knowledge in my teaching.  It allows a much more individualized experience for each child.” Lisa’s favorite quote is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.“

Peggy has been a Catholic educator for nearly 25 years. “There is no better place to work. It is amazing to see how much the children grow not only in their studies but also in their faith. It is great to share my belief with the kids and know that through prayer all things are possible.”

James has been teaching for 7 years, and currently teaches 5th grade math, science, and word study. His favorite quote from the bible is Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” -Matthew 19:14. He believes “We must approach with the faith of a child. Trusting and open.”

Sam has been teaching music and serving as the Middle School Choir Director for over 3 years. “Connecting a child's faith and interdisciplinary learning into their music education can and is the difference in our students and their families!”

Sue has been devoted to children’s health in schools for 11 years. She loves the “feels like family” atmosphere at Stella Maris and enjoys watching the students benefit from value-based learning.

Angela has a degree in Elementary Education and Catholic Studies from the College of St. Scholastica. She appreciates incorporating her faith into the classroom. “I truly believe that Catholic education teaches the whole child: mind, body, and spirit.” Outside of school, her all-time favorite thing to do is water ski.

Katelyn focuses on all channels of communication at SMA - social media, newsletters, event coordination and more. When Katelyn isn’t posting the cutest and newest photos of our students, she enjoys traveling and hanging out with her kitten.

Leah’s favorite part of teaching at SMA is not having to separate her faith and work. “I have the opportunity to teach the faith and grow in my own all day, every day.” She’s been a Catholic educator for 10 years.