Meet Our Teachers & Staff

Director | Email Heather

I was blessed to join the Magnuson family in 2009. I am a proud parent of three alumni students, a former third grade teacher at Magnuson, and currently serve as our School Director. Our excellent teachers, faith based curriculum, and Christian community led me to Magnuson, and I am so glad it did-knowing God was at work in it all! It is my privilege, honor, and joy to come to work every day and to partner with our families in their children's education and faith foundation!

Kindergarten Teacher
Email Jill

My husband and I live in Hudson, WI, with our two children, Gracie and Gabe. I enjoy taking trips on our Harley, tending to my flower gardens, sitting by my pool and living life with our small group Bible study friends. I consider it an honor and a blessing to partner with parents in teaching faith foundations. I find peace, promise, and encouragement in scripture so it only comes naturally for me to love to share Bible stories about and to encourage students to live like Jesus. I assure you that your child’s kindergarten year will be filled with lots of learning, laughing, and loving the Lord.

First Grade Teacher
Email Laura

It's such a joy to be part of the Magnuson family as a parent and now a teacher! I'm a Jesus-follower, wife and mom to three great kids. I graduated from Luther College with a degree in Elementary Education and an emphasis in Reading. Our classroom will be a special place to explore, learn, play, grow and pray! When not at school, you'll find me baking, singing and going on fun adventures with my family. I'm thankful for the opportunity to help students learn and grow in their education and love of Jesus at MCS!

Second Grade Teacher
Email Jennifer

I was blessed to join Magnuson in 2013. I graduated from Trinity Christian College with a degree in Elementary Education and Psychology. When I’m not at school, I enjoy reading, crafting, and spending time with friends and family. Through my teaching, I hope that I can help students to discover their talents and abilities and help them see how they can use them in the Kingdom of God. I want my students to know that they were all uniquely created in the image of God and have a specific calling in life planned out for them. My prayer for each student is that they will know Jesus better after spending a school year in my classroom.

Third Grade Teacher
Email Beka

I am originally from Chaska, MN, but have since lived throughout the metro area. I attended the University of Minnesota Twin Cities where I earned a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education and a Masters of Education. My teaching highlights before joining Magnuson include student teaching in 1st-3rd grade Montessori, 2nd-3rd grade Intervention, and five years teaching 4th grade. I have been married to my husband, Jake, since 2019, and we live in Oakdale. We have two dogs, Gracie and Lucy. I am a pet lover, amateur artist, and ukulele player. As a child, I attended a private Lutheran school from Preschool through 7th grade. I wouldn't have changed my experience living and learning the Word of God as a child, and I feel very passionate and called to continue providing Christian education to the next generation.

Fourth Grade Teacher
Email Mattea

I am so excited to be a part of the Magnuson family! I grew up and currently live in the Eagan area. In December of 2017, I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with a degree in Integrated Elementary and Special Education. In my free time, I enjoy reading, crafting, spending time with my nieces, and having game nights with my family and friends. In addition, when I am not at school, I am volunteering as a pre-k leader at church. Being able to combine my love for God and my passion for teaching fills my heart with joy. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to help students develop a deeper connection with the Lord, and I am grateful that God’s plan has led me to Magnuson!

Fifth Grade Teacher
Email Susan

I joined the Magnuson staff in 2009 and love spending my days with 5th graders! I enjoy their fun humor, creativity, and open hearts for the Lord. Studying the Bible has been a true joy for me, as I attended Dallas Theological Seminary and traveled to Israel for five study tours. My husband, Ronn, and I live in Andover and have three married children and three sweet grandchildren. I am so blessed to be a part of the Magnuson family!

Middle School Teacher
Email Katie

First of all, I want to say that I love Abba, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit with all my heart. I am a retired elementary and special education teacher who taught my entire career amongst the Inupiaq Eskimos of Northwest Alaska. I reside in Shoreview with my husband. I never had children but my students were always that for me. I am ever grateful that the LORD led me to the doors of Magnuson School.

Middle School Teacher
Email Jennifer

I feel so blessed to be a middle school teacher at Magnuson! I received my teaching degree from Mayville State University in Mayville, ND. I currently reside in Stacy, MN, with my husband, Jon, our children, Hazel and Declan, three labs, and chickens. I have had the pleasure of partnering with Magnuson for six years while working as Director and Preschool teacher at Lake Area Discovery Center. I love sharing stories and devotions of the Lord and watching children's faces light up when they can relate to stories of the Bible. I am honored to continue my love of teaching God's Word with the children and families of Magnuson.

Middle School Teacher
Email John

I'm a retired neurosurgeon, a Navy Medical Corps officer, and I went to law school just to see what that was all about. My retirement has been focused on teaching science to adolescents and young adults, and mentoring many students through regional and state science fairs. I've fought a bull, climbed active volcanoes, and been on pyramids in three continents. I have four children and four grandchildren. My wife of 45 years, Kathleen, is a surgical and public health nurse. To me, the belief or faith part of Christianity is simple and obvious, because the sciences always vector us closer and closer to God. Grace just flows down, so that component is pretty easy, as well. I embrace the "dominion over the Earth" issue, so the ‘works” corner of the triangle is all on me.

Middle School Teacher
Email Ashtony

I joined Magnuson Christian school in 2023 after teaching high school level literature in Maryland for eight years. The Lord initially led me into teaching at a Christian school in Cochabamba, Bolivia in 2013, and ever since, I've had a passion for helping students become creative and comprehensive writers and readers.I also have extensive experience tutoring younger students with their reading, and leading educational camps with international students who want to learn about American culture. In my free time, I enjoy writing, reading, discussing cultural issues of the day, and trying new cuisine with friends. I grew up in a strong Christian family and thank God every day for His provision of family and guidance.

Physical Education Specialist
Email Dan

I am thrilled to teach at Magnuson Christian School! It's a dream come true to work in a school where I can talk about Jesus, pray with students, and teach Physical Education! I was blessed to work in my hometown, Brooklyn Center School District, for 14 years as a paraprofessional, a building sub, and a Physical Education Teacher. During high school, I played football, track, and boxed. Today, I enjoy talking to people about the Lord Jesus, playing outside with my two toddlers, and helping young people make good decisions.

Music Specialist
Email Anthony

It is my privilege to serve the Magnuson community as Music Teacher beginning in 2024. To me, music education is the space I get to share with students as together, we grow in redemptive expression. Jesus is Lord of my life and I live each day with the aim of walking hand in hand with Him as He touches the lives of people around me. My wife, Alisha, and daughter, Katherine, are very special to me. Together, we enjoy exploring the great outdoors by canoe, bike, hike, etc. When the adventures come to an end, we like to celebrate with ice cream!

Art and Spanish Specialist
Email Jordan

I first started teaching at Magnuson in 2010 as the 4th grade teacher. After a 5 year leave, I am very happy to be back teaching art at Magnuson! It is a pleasure and a privilege to be able to teach in a place where one can bring God into everyday teaching, where teachers and families support each other in prayer, and where we worship in chapel together. I am currently also a working and selling artist. I love reading, chocolate, and camping. I live in New Brighton with my husband, Tom, son, Luke, and dog, Buxton.

Curriculum and Instruction
Email Beth

I am so grateful that God has led me to Magnuson Christian School, and I am so excited to share and grow with my students in the love of Jesus. I am originally from Iowa where I lived until we moved to Minnesota in 2016. My husband, Jason, and I have two incredible kids, Dillon and Laney. I received my initial licensure in English and secondary education from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and finished my elementary licensure at Hamline University in 2019. I am so excited that God has placed me into the close-knit family of believers at Magnuson.

Student Support Specialist
Email Angela

I am so excited to be a part of the Magnuson family! I am grateful that Jesus has blessed me with the opportunity to know and love your kids as we learn and grow together in our academics and in our faith! I graduated from Gustavus Adolphus college with a degree in Elementary Education and am licensed to teach and coach in both Minnesota and Iowa. I have experience working with kids from preschool through sixth grade as a classroom teacher, intervention specialist and program director. I love kids’ energy, their unfiltered faith and the joy you witness when they discover something for the first time. I am a big fan of coffee and doughnuts, sitting in my screen porch and Disneyworld! I live in Maplewood with my husband, Darrin, and our three college-aged children, Jared, Ethan and Kaylee.

Teacher Assistant
Email Brigitte

My greatest blessings are my three adored children, their spouses, and my grandchildren. Spending time with family, being outdoors biking, hiking, camping, anything on the water, and cross-country skiing bring me joy. My greatest treasure is my relationship with the Lord. I love to worship and praise Him through music. I have a heart for Jesus, serving and encouraging others, and for children. I believe raising up our children in mind, body, and spirit is the most important job in the world! I feel privileged to be a part of a school that supports that! It is so cool when you know you are led by God for something!

Teacher Assistant
Email Katie

First of all, I want to say that I love Abba, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit with all my heart. I am a retired elementary and special education teacher who taught my entire career amongst the Inupiaq Eskimos of Northwest Alaska. I reside in Shoreview with my husband. I never had children but my students were always that for me. I am ever grateful that the LORD led me to the doors of Magnuson School.

Teacher Assistant
Email Patty

I live in White Bear Lake, I have two children and four grandchildren. I attended Mounds View high school as have my children and grandchildren. In my spare time, I'm either in a hockey arena or football stadium. I sing in the Senior choir at church and love singing praises to God, it keeps me content and calm. I feel I was called to join the family at Magnuson and am so glad I did, it has enriched my life so much by seeing the children say their prayers and love God.

Teacher Assistant
Email Stephanie

My husband, Michael, and I are so blessed with two wonderful children, Ayla and Cooper, who both attend Magnuson. I became a part of the Magnuson family in 2022 and I am loving every minute of it! I feel blessed to spend the day, not only your children, but my own as well! Experiencing God's work at this school puts so much love and joy in my heart! When I’m not at school, I love spending time with my family, being outside in the sun, movie nights in our living room, reading, and being active as much as possible. I am a dancing, singing, Jesus loving freak! I am excited to get to know you and your family!

Teacher Assistant & Health Aid
Email Risa

I was blessed to join the Magnuson family in 2021. If you see me, ask me to tell my story of how God’s impeccable timing brought my youngest son and then me to Magnuson. I am a proud mom of six kiddos, three girls and three boys. They are my pride and joy. Our family lives in Vadnais Heights where we enjoy being outdoors, watching the MN WILD and spending time together. Music, worship and loving Jesus is so very important. It is an honor and a privilege to work with these children and to share the teachings of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Administrative Assistant & Health Aid
Email Sarah

I couldn’t be more thrilled to serve as the Administrative Assistant here at Magnuson! My husband Jim and I live in Oakdale with our 2 kids and 3 cats. We love the outdoors, hiking, cooking, and having pizza-and-a-movie night on Fridays. I have a diverse background including interior design and remodeling, administration, and planner design. My prayer for each child at Magnuson is that they will know they are loved, cherished and infinitely valuable.

Food Service
Email Jen

In 2008 our family joined Magnuson when our oldest daughter was in kindergarten. Our daughters both attended Magnuson K-8. Magnuson has been such a blessing for both of our girls. My husband and I have been married for 20+ years. I like to craft and be silly. My faith is important to me because I know He doesn’t give me more than I can handle. It keeps me grounded. I am blessed in so many ways.

Food Service
Email Marti

I was blessed to join the staff at Magnuson in 2022. I came with quite a lot of food service experience, a love for Magnuson and desire to be present at school for my daughter. It’s been a joy getting to know all of the students. I live in White Bear Lake with my husband, Paul, daughter, Ava and the sweetest black lab on earth, Ruben. Together we enjoy taking long walks with Ruben, bike rides & canoeing. I believe in God and I believe God. I believe He loves me and has personal knowledge of me. I believe His grace and goodness is everywhere. Sometimes where I least expect it. I am grateful for my journey because He has used it to deliver me here!

Accounting
Email Mary

After 20 years of living in the south, I have returned home to MN. I have a college education from Metro State University and over 35 years experience in the accounting field. I have a strong numbers background, so from addition, to algebra, to the statistical probability of you winning that blackjack hand, I would be your favorite co-worker to assist you with that answer. I have in the past served God by being called to work at a church, The Salvation Army, and currently am blessed to have the opportunity to help MCS. I do believe with a name like "Mary" we have the upper edge!!

Gifts for Growth Gala Coordinator
Email Nicole

I live in White Bear Lake with my husband and two kids, who attend Magnuson Christian School. I graduated from Stout University with a Business Management and Hospitality degree and have managed several restaurants, which is something I truly enjoyed doing. I currently substitute at Lake Area Discovery Center, which gives me the opportunity to share my faith with the little kids and be around my kids while they go to school. My family and I call Community of Grace home and have encountered God's love through the staff and congregation. For me, getting up early and spending time in scripture or listening to worship music is how I best connect with Jesus. Feel free to reach out as I'd love to connect about the Gala.

Gifts for Growth Gala Coordinator
Email Katie

My family has been a part of MCS since its third year, starting when my oldest son, Blake, joined the first class when he was in 2nd grade. My son, Dalton, is currently a student at MCS. During this extended time, I have been actively invoIved in Gifts for Growth as chair, co-chair, or whatever role is needed! Helping create this event and make it as successful as possible is a passion of mine, as this school has meant so very much to my boys and me. When not working on GFG, I love spending time with my family and friends, being creative, reading, singing, DIY projects, and traveling. The Bible verse I return to over and over again as I journey through life is Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Marketing Director
Email Rachel

I became involved with marketing at Magnuson in 2014 because I am passionate about the way a Christian Education can shape the lives of children. My family and I lived in Atlanta for 14 years where my 4 children attended a school just like Magnuson and I personally experienced the positive results of an environment filled with Faith, Family, and an Excellent Education. I received my B.A. in Communications from Wheaton College and my M.B.A. in Marketing from the University of Minnesota. I enjoy photography, gardening, cooking and traveling to visit my kids who are now in college!