Jenna Scheevel

Principal

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Greetings! The opportunity to be at the School of St. Philip is an exciting one for me as I get to do two things I love - lead others and teach music! As principal and music teacher, I'm looking forward to growing as an administrator while bringing my love of music to the community. I graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Instrumental and Classroom Music Education. I received a Masters in Education from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, and am currently pursuing my administrative license through the Education Specialist and Principal program, also through Saint Mary's. I've been involved in music my entire life and enjoy performing with various groups in the area. I've been a member of the St. Cloud Municipal Band, CLC Wind Ensemble in Brainerd, accompanist and cantor at our church, as well as rehearsal and pit director for musicals through Art and Soul with the St. Cloud Diocese. I believe that every child can learn and a positive school culture is the foundation of educational success for staff and students. I live in St. Cloud with my husband, our dogs Jude and Storm, and our cats Captain, Ash, Tiger and Birdie. We enjoy road trips (preferably with the dogs!), camping, and trying out new restaurants or activities.

Hannah Laidlaw

1st Grade

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I am so excited to be teaching 1st grade this year at the St. Phillip's School.  I have been teaching Early Childhood Education & Preschool in the surrounding area for the past 10 years and happy to be back in Litchfield closer to my family.  

I grew up in Litchfield and graduated from Litchfield High School.  I attended Minnesota State University Mankato and obtained my degree in Family Life Child Development.  I moved back to Litchfield in 2009 and started my family. My husband Jared and I have five children ages 5,6,7,8 & 12 who keep us busy and on our toes!  Family is very important to us and love spending time together camping, traveling, and biking together. I am excited for the school year and meeting all my students & families!

Andrea Dietrich

Assistant Teacher

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Hi!  My name is Andrea Dietrich.  I am excited to be in the classroom once more here at the School of St. Philip!  I grew up in Loretto, MN and attended the College of St. Benedict.  I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and have worked as an educator on and off through the years, as the needs of my family have allowed.   My husband and I have 4 grown children and 1 who is still growing.  My teaching experience has covered several grade levels and has been mostly in small Catholic  Schools.   I’m looking forward to spending time learning, growing and praising God with the young people of our community. 

Fr. Brian Mandel

Associate Pastor

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Fr. Brian was born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin. He is the third youngest of seven siblings. He has four brothers and two sisters. He has eight nieces and nephews. Being from the area of the state near Green Bay, Fr. Brian is a tried and true Green Bay Packers fan. 

Fr. Brian attended St. John Vianney College Seminary at the College of St. Thomas and graduated in 1987 with a Bachelors of Arts in History, then received a Masters of Divinity Degree from St. John's Seminary Collegeville in 1991. He received certification in Spiritual Direction from The Institute of Priestly Formation in 2008 and completed the program Good Leaders, Good Shepherds in 2012. 

Fr. Brian came to the Diocese of New Ulm about 25 years ago as a deacon. He served in Watkins for a year as a deacon, and then was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 1994. Since then, he served in Marshall, Willmar, the area faith community in Tracy Walnut Grove and Milroy, then back to the area faith community of Willmar, Spicer, Kandiyohi and Lake Lillian, and now in this area.

Mary Roers

Administrative Assistant

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My name is Mary Roers and I am the secretary at the School of St. Philip. I started with the school in 2011 but have been working with children in different
capacities since 1992. I was born and raised in Litchfield and have been a
member of the Church of St. Philip all my life.

I am the youngest of 11 children –
all of which attended the School of St. Philip. I have two sons, one daughter-in-
law and two young grandsons. I enjoy reading, taking walks, playing cards and
games and spending as much time as I can with family and friends.

AuBree Zuehl

2nd and 3rd Grade

I grew up in Litchfield and attended the public schools for K-12.  I went to college at Winona State University and graduated with a double major in Elementary Education and a Reading Instruction minor.  After teaching in Grand Marais for a year, I wanted a teaching position closer to my hometown.  I am very excited to be working with all the students and staff here at the School of St. Philip.

Ms. Melissa Thompson

Support Staff

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Hello everyone! I am so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful school. I was a parent volunteer for many years and absolutely loved it! This year, I will be teaching P.E. and running the lunchroom. I will also be helping with cleaning and recess, along with supporting our amazing staff. No job is too big, or small, when you are doing something you love!

 

I was born and raised in Southern California, and moved out to Minnesota in 2005 after taking a vacation out here to visit relatives. I just fell in love with this beautiful state and knew that this is where I wanted to be. My family and I lived in both Hector and Hutchinson before moving to Litchfield in 2013. My son and niece are alumni and my nephew currently attends St. Philips. It is such a joy to be able to see them everyday at school! When I'm not at school, I enjoy reading, kayaking, drinking coffee and being with my family.

Brenda Torborg

Kindergarten

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I am so thrilled to be the Kindergarten Teacher at St. Philip’s.  I was born and raised in Paynesville, MN.  I attended Bemidji State University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education.  This is my 23rd year of teaching all in Catholic schools.

 

I taught Third grade for 6 years before I made a big change to my first love Kindergarten.  I find working with children a rewarding experience.  I love listening to all of their stories and experiences and am constantly amazed at all the life lesson they have taught me.  I am blessed to be able to do what I truly LOVE to do. 

Mary Lenz

4th and 5th Grade

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I was born in Canada and grew up International Falls, MN. My college education started at Rainy River State in International Falls where I earned an AA Degree. I continued my education at Bemidji State University where I earned my BS Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education and a concentration in Reading.

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I have been fortunate to be able to spend my teaching career at the School of St. Philip. I am happy that I can combine academics with helping students grow in their faith.

I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My hobbies are walking, reading, and trying to teach my dog how to behave.

Fr. Jeffrey Horejsi

Pastor

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On July 1, 2018 Fr. Jeff was appointed Pastor of the Shepherd of Souls Area Faith Community after serving 8 years as Pastor of the All Saints Area Faith Community (Sacred Heart, Franklin; St. Andrew, Fairfax; St. Willibrord, Gibbon; and St. Francis de Sales, Winthrop). Fr. Jeff was ordained August 24, 1991, after earning his Masters of Divinity Degree at St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN in May of 1991.

Fr. Jeff grew up on a dairy farm near Belview, MN and his parents have retired in Redwood Falls. He has three brothers and two sisters. Often on a motorcycle in the summer, he also enjoys country music.