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Meet our staff

St. Mary's School Staff

St. Mary's School Staff Picture
Very Rev. John C. Anderson, Pastor

Every time my family joins together I grow to appreciate the time we spend. There are always changes in who is able to be there, who has joined the family and the ones we need to remember. When my extended family gathers, we try to use name tags, colored shirts, or other ways to help us identify people, that helps us put a name and face together. Life would truly be different without my family!

This Directory is of the same importance! Our parish families change.  Every time we gather there are new members, regulars and those we need to remember.  What a blessing to be able to put a name and face together!  I pray we all use this directory to re-connect with our familiar staff and welcome those we may not have connected with before.  It is always easier to welcome or visit someone when we know a bit of who they are.

It is true that our lives would be different without our families.  That includes our Parish Families!  May this directory help us grow as we build up the Kingdom of God here in our part of the world and beyond.  We will make a difference when we do it together!



St. Mary's School Staff

Sonja Doughty, Principal

Hi! I am the Principal at St. Mary's Catholic School.  As Principal, I am responsible for the overall educational, managerial and spiritual leadership of the school, serving as the chief administrator responsible for fostering a Catholic environment conducive to quality education. It is my responsibility to support each student in achieving their God given potential as a learner by offering leadership in the development and direction of an instructional program designed to achieve diocesan and parish objectives.  St. Mary's is one of 15 Catholic Schools within the Dioceses of Superior overseen by their local Pastors and Diocesan Superintendent of Schools.




St. Mary's Catholic School Staff

Julie Strassman, Secretary

Hi! I am the secretary at St. Mary's Catholic School.  The school secretary is involved in a multitude of administrative and clerical functions related to the school. It is my responsibility to assist with the positive Catholic feel of the building, beginning with a friendly voice on the phone and a smile when welcoming guests at the door.  I oversee finances related to the school including:  tuition, SCRIP, fundraisers, bookkeeping, bank deposits, preparing purchase orders, addressing bills for payment, completing payroll to submit to our bookkeeper, requesting checks and other financial activities.  I also monitor teacher absence, student absence, field trip slips, and many unforeseen needs of the school and students.



St. Mary's Catholic School Staff

Rachel Palmer, Preschool Teacher

Hello! I am the 3-year old preschool teacher here at St. Mary's School.  I graduated from the University of Wisconsin--La Crosse with a major in Elementary Education and a minor in early childhood education. I also attained my reading teacher licensure from St. Mary's University of Minnesota.  My love for working with young children combined with my love of literacy has made teaching preschool a great fit.

I am a mother of three children, two who attend St. Mary's, and an alumni myself. When I'm not in the classroom you can find me adventuring with my family. We like to camp, fish, go boating, soak up sun at the beach, or cuddle up on the couch for movie night. I also enjoy playing softball and volleyball in local leagues, coaching middle school track, and spending time with friends.

St. Mary's Catholic School Staff

Juanita Skubal, 4-year old Kindergarten Teacher

I teach the 4-year old kindergarten class at St. Mary's.  I am an alumni of St. Mary's School and proud to be able to come back and teach here. I am married and a mother of four children that are or have attended St. Mary's School.  I am very blessed to be a part of this school and to be able to teach about God everyday.

My heart is in Early Childhood Education.  I greatly enjoy both the students and staff at St. Mary's.  We are a BIG family here.




St. Mary's Catholic School Staff

Stephanie Van Strydonk, Kindergarten Teacher

I have had the privilege of teaching kindergarten here at St. Mary's School for many years. I truly enjoy working with the students, watching them grow in their faith and education.  We are blessed with a wonderful team of teachers and Pastoral support!







St. Mary's Catholic School Staff

Kristina Theiler, First Grade Teacher

Hi, I am the first grade teacher here at St. Mary's Catholic School.  Being a teacher means the world to me!  Not only do I get to help students learn, but I get to help students be the best person they can be both in and out of the classroom.

During my free time, I enjoy coaching, hunting and fishing, and playing sports. I am very active and enjoy being outside, no matter the season! I am very blessed to have a supportive family and amazing friends! I am also very excited to be working with your child.  God Bless!



St. Mary's Catholic School Staff

Jeff Kinnally, Second and Third Grade Teacher

I am very thankful to be working at St. Mary's. I team teach 2nd and 3rd grade with Rita Lee. This experience is very enjoyable and beneficial to both the children and myself. I really enjoy being a part of such a wonderful school and really look forward to coming to school every day. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a major in elementary education and a minor in broadfield social science. During my free time I enjoy coaching, hunting, fishing, and being outside.





St. Mary's Catholic School Staff

Rita Lee, Second and Third Grade Teacher

I have been teaching at St. Mary's School since 1997.  I attended Holy Cross elementary school and graduated from St. Norbert College in 1992 with a degree in elementary education.  I taught in a Catholic school in Green Bay for five years before moving to Tomahawk.  I enjoy hiking, gardening, and spending time outdoors.






St. Mary's Catholic School Staff

Sean Duncan, Fourth and Fifth Grade Teacher

I am a 2001 graduate of Tomahawk High School and went to college at UW-La Crosse.  I am married to Amanda Duncan, who is a physical education teacher at Tomahawk High School.  I am an avid outdoorsman and truly love living in the northwoods.  Tomahawk is a great community and I am proud to be part of the St. Mary's School team.






St. Mary's Catholic School Staff

Kathy Ramassini, Multiage Fourth and Fifth Grade Teacher

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, I entered the teaching profession as a second career after previous experience in the business world, most recently as Sales Manager and International Sales Director for a publishing firm.  In addition to a Catholic education throughout grade school and high school, I participated in diocesan advanced ministry classes with my husband as he prepared for ordination as a Deacon.  I have four children and eight grandchildren.





St. Mary's Catholic School Staff

Judy Koshak, Physical Education Teacher

I have been teaching physical education at St. Mary's School since the fall of 1998.  Prior to moving to Tomahawk, I taught and coached at other schools from elementary through college. I married my husband Evan in 1993 and moved to Tomahawk. I have four children. My degree is a masters from Mankato State University in physical education, health and coaching.  

I really enjoy working with the students at our school and feel truly blessed to be at St. Mary's.




St. Mary's Catholic School Staff

Tami Olson, Media Specialist and Teacher's Aide

I am the Media Specialist and Teacher's Aide at St. Mary's School. After receiving my degree in psychology, I worked for five years as a counselor in residential treatment for children ages 5-19. I stayed at home to raise my three children, Kaylyn, Kyle and Kamron. When my youngest entered school, I became a substitute teacher which led to my teaching position here.

In my free time, I enjoy my children's school, sports and church activities, gardening and spending time on the water.