2021-2022 Sacred Heart New Staff Introductions

Welcome to the Sacred Heart Family!

Mr. Tony Schroeder, Chemistry and Physics

My name is Tony Schroeder. I am the new part-time High School Chemistry and Physics teacher. I am also an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota Crookston. I am excited about the opportunity to teach science with a faith emphasis. My wife, Nicole, is a first grade teacher at Sacred Heart. Nicole and I have four kids who attend Sacred Heart. Peyton is 12 years old and will be starting 7th grade, Marley is 10 years old and will be starting 5th grade, Reagan is 8 years old and will be starting 2nd grade, and Espen is 6 and will be starting 1st grade. My hobbies include spending time with the family and outdoor activities such as fishing.

Mrs. Sara Chlebik, 3rd Grade Teacher
Hi! My name is Sara Chlebik. I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education with a specialty in Mathematics from Bemidji State University. I have over 13 years teaching experience in a variety of grade levels from Kindergarten to Adult Education throughout Minnesota as well as in Alaska. My life verse is Proverbs 3:5,6 and passage for life is James 1.

My husband, Ken, and I make our home in Thompson, ND. In my spare time. I love to work in my gardens, quilt to my heart's content, and spend quality time with family. You may also frequently find me behind the wheel of my sewing machine creating something unique while sipping a cup of hot tea, munching on popcorn, and watching an older musical.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out! I am really looking forward to getting to know the rest of the Sacred Heart family and teaching the third grade with the love of Christ, grace, and a mindset of growth in all areas.

Mrs. Maria Thompson, English 10-12
My name is Maria Thompson. I am originally from New York and I’ve lived in Grand Forks, ND for 20 years. I am married (27 years) and have four children … all of whom have been Sacred Heart students. Our youngest, Noah, will be a Junior at the high school this year. Throughout this time, I’ve served Sacred Heart’s school and parish in several capacities--as a Theology teacher (for 7th and 8th graders), a short-term and long-term substitute teacher, a parent volunteer, a Confirmation class assistant, a Eucharistic Minister, and a Lector. This place has been a spiritual home to us as parishioners, parents, and students for two decades.

I’m beginning this academic year with a new responsibility: full-time English/Language Arts teacher in the high school. I am hoping to bring my experiences as teacher, Speech-Language Pathologist, college English major, and certified mental health and diversity/inclusion specialist together to create a fulfilling environment for our students in the 10th through 12th grades. I am looking forward to this new chapter as an Eagle and am excited to work among the staff members in a new way.
May God bless our efforts this coming school year and may we all find peace and continued good health in this uncertain “COVID era” of schooling.

Senorita Sheila Johnson, Spanish
¡Saludos y bendiciones! Greetings and blessings! Yes, I am our school’s Spanish teacher. My name is Sheila Johnson. I was born and raised in Baudette, MN. I attended university (St. Scholastica and UMD) in Duluth. Right after finishing university, I taught at Frazee High School before working and living abroad for the past 11 years. I have a passion for learning and using foreign languages. Besides languages and cultures, I enjoy learning and growing in knowledge on just about everything. I just moved back from Russia at the end of July; so, to be completely honest I am dealing with “reverse culture shock”. If you ever need a hug or prayer, please feel free to find me, I don’t know if I am a prayer warrior, but I do love to pray for people (it just may not always be in English). I love to worship God through songs, prayer and music. I am excited for this amazing opportunity work with Christians and teach at Sacred Heart school this year!

Mrs. Tu Lynn Sommerfeld, 5th Grade Teacher
The picture of me (in the red shirt) is one of my favorites because when I am with my sister, Le, I am happy. I came to the U.S. when I was 3 years old. I grew up in an extended family, so one could say I had extra people to love. I actually lived in EGF from 3 years old to half-way through the fifth grade, so the East side is familiar territory. I currently reside in Crookston, MN, and have been here for 35 years. I have been married for 30 years to my husband Todd. He is an agronomist/seed sales rep with CHS Ag Services for 35+ years. We have 2 amazing young kids (yes, they will always be our kids!). Dylan & Austin. Dylan, 28, who lives in Crookston, just lives a hop & skip from us, is employed with Digi-Key (TRF, MN) and working from home still as a Global Sales Rep. Austin, 24, who lives in Duluth, works for University of Duluth, in Alumni relations, he doesn’t do “fund” raising, and he does the “FUN raising events” for Alumni. He just got engaged in February, so we have a June 2022 wedding to help celebrate that unity. We have always had fur babies (pets) and this past summer we had to say good-bye to our not so little furry child, Bella Boo, who was the runt of a rescue litter. Our hearts are still healing but she lived a great life and her dog hair (that we are still finding) always reminds us that she is always with us! As for me, I love being a mom, that was at the top of my “to do” list. I have been working with children and families for over 21 years, but “officially” became an educator in 2009. I have worked as an early childhood educator, worked with Polk County Social Services in High-Risk Child Protection and Children’s Mental Health, and now leaving my Director role at UMC’s Early Childhood Development Center. I decided I wanted to get back into the classroom and work with children and their families, to help them reach their full potential and hopefully instill a love of learning, to be kind and respectful to one another, and most importantly love who they are as unique individuals! I always say, if we were all the same size, shape and color, life would be boring! So, as for what keeps me from being bored, I love nature and being outside (but in the shade), I love all animals, I love cooking and baking, I love to read, listen to music, art, create, imagine, and some would say, talk a lot, but believe it or not, I’d rather sit in silence and enjoy life around me. I’m an open book and have many pages to fill, so I am hoping this new faith journey, new school, and new bonus family, it will be one of my best chapters yet!

Mrs. Linda Graff, HS Paraprofessional
We moved to East Grand Forks as my husband retired. I was at Lafayette High School in Red Lake Falls for 24 years and am happy to be able to continue to work with students. I enjoy long walks, biking, crafts, sewing, and trips to Florida to visit our two granddaughters and their parents, Adrienne and our son Isaac. Our son, Dan, also lives in East Grand Forks.

 

Ms. Janafer Georgeson, 1st Grade Teacher
My name is Janafer Georgeson and I’m very excited to embark on my first year of teaching here at Sacred Heart School. I grew up in Larimore, ND (Go Class B!) and moved to Grand Forks for college at the University of North Dakota. I grew up with three sisters, two of whom are also Elementary Teachers! We were actually fortunate to take quite a few classes together during our time at UND. After college I met my now fiancé and we are getting married this coming December, here at Sacred Heart! I enjoy spending weekends at Maple Lake and finding trails to explore. This photo I chose was taken this past fall at the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. I love being outside and really appreciate the beauty in nature around us!

Mr. Blake Boen, Physical Education and Health 7-12
Hello! My name is Blake Boen. I am a first year teacher. I am originally from Thief River Falls, MN. I graduated from Bemidji State University majoring in Physical and Health Education. I will be teaching the Middle and High School Physical and Health Education classes here at Sacred Heart. Some of my hobbies are hunting, golfing, working out, watching sports, and officiating high school basketball. One exciting thing I did over summer was get engaged! I am very excited to be a part of the Sacred Heart family.