More than 40 qualified staff make up the team dedicated to carrying out the school’s mission to educate for life – mind, body, heart and spirit.
This is what they say about their work at St. Joseph’s Indian School:
“Teaching is all about believing that ALL students can learn and be great. I come to school to teach every day, yet I continue to learn more and more from my students each day. Teaching at St. Joe’s has given me my thiyóšpaye — extended family — and a place I’d never want to leave.” — Jesse Brownell, Special Education Teacher
“St. Joe’s is the best place to work. It has given me the opportunity to create positive relationships with my students and families. I am able to foster learning and growth in my students and embrace their ‘ah-ha’ moments. For me, teaching is my calling, and St. Joe’s is my home.” — Annie Schoenhard, Second-Grade Teacher
“Working at St. Joe’s has been such a positive opportunity. Everybody is so nice and friendly, and everyone is always willing to help each other out. The students are eager to learn, and it is exciting to see them grow academically, spiritually and behaviorally. I could not ask for a better atmosphere to grow as an educator.” — Alyssa McQuirk, Fourth-Grade Teacher
“St. Joe’s is a blessing to be a part of because the dedicated staff is committed to meeting the needs of our students. Everyone works together to provide each student with the best opportunities they can to grow in all aspects of life. Being able to focus on the educational component, because I know the rest is being taken care of, keeps me motivated and lets me adjust my teaching to help each student find success.” — Jessamy Truman, Second-Grade Teacher

Sharmel Olson
Director of Education

Jessica McManus-Sazue
Assistant Principal

Jennie Schilling
Student Coordinator

David Baldwin
Seventh-grade Geography, American History and Government

Craig Barçal
Sixth-grade English, Language Arts

Abby Bates
First-grade Teacher

Larry Blasingame
Custodian

Jesse Brownell
Special Education

Christine Busack
Title 1

Rachel Butzin
Art Program Coordinator

Ron Byers
Fifth-grade World History, Language Arts

Cheryl Carruthers
Title 1

Steve Conway
Fourth-grade Teacher

Kim Gullickson
Special Education

Nate His Law
Paraprofessional

Jamee Keatts
Paraprofessional

Polly Killian
1-8 Academic Support

Cindy Knippling
Administrative Assistant

Melissa McDonald
Third-grade Teacher

Gina McManus
Technology Class

Alyssa McQuirk
Fourth-grade Teacher

Matt Mohnen
Seventh- and Eighth-grade Math

Sarah Brown Moran
Sixth-, Seventh- and Eighth-grade Science

Teena Mosel
Special Education

Claire Nehring
Library

Lori Ness
Sixth- and Seventh-grade Math

Jennifer Overweg
Third-grade Teacher

Kandy Rose
Custodian

Kimberly Schneider
Religious Studies Teacher

Annie Schoenhard
Second-grade Teacher

Linea Schoenhard
Seventh- and Eighth-grade English and Language Arts

Pam Shroyer
Personal Living Skills

Brock Sundall
Fifth-grade Math and Science

Kim Swanson
First- Through Third-grade Academic Support

Jessamy Truman
Second-grade Teacher

Joe Tyrell
Director of Mission Integration
Religious Studies Teacher

LaRayne Woster
Native American Studies Lead