Meet Our Preschool Teachers
Andrea Schroeder
Preschool Director
Mrs. Schroeder has been the preschool director since 2018. She graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a major in Elementary Education and Spanish. She has taught Preschool and Kindergarten. Mrs. Schroeder attended St. John the Baptist. Her three kids attended St. John’s preschool and grade school.
Jolene Pick
Preschool Lead Teacher
Mrs. Pick began substitute teaching at St. John’s Preschool and has been a part-time teacher since September 2004. She lives in Mounds View with her husband, Tom. They have two children, a son and a daughter, who both attended SJB. Mrs. Pick has also worked at Messiah Preschool as an assistant teacher, as well as a volunteer. She has an educational background in psychology and experience working with learning disabilities and special needs.
Amanda Bohl
Preschool Lead Teacher
From a very young age, Miss Amanda knew she wanted to be a teacher! She graduated from Winona State University in 2023 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She started working at St. John’s in 2024, and it has been such a blessing for her! Previously, she taught preschool at Snail Lake.
When she is not at St. John’s, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking, reading, and spending time outdoors.
Michelle Molenaar
Preschool Lead Teacher
Mrs. Michelle has been a St John’s staff member since 2017. She started working in childcare before joining the preschool staff in 2021. Mrs. Michelle lives in Shoreview with her husband, Hans. They have four children – three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Miss Anna, is also a preschool teacher here at St John’s. Mrs. Michelle received her degree in Speech Communications from Bethel University and then continued with course work in elementary education. The Molenaar family has been active in the St John’s Parish since 1950. Mrs. Michelle is thrilled to have this position that allows her to share her faith with her students as well as her coworkers.
Amy Lonsky
Preschool Teacher
Miss Amy graduated from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. She majored in Exercise and Sport Science and has minors in Adapted Physical Education and Outdoor Education. She has worked with preschoolers since 2018. She started working at Saint John’s Preschool in 2021. In her free time she likes to spend time with family/friends, garden, travel, and complete diy projects.
Julie SawyerPreschool Lead Teacher
Mrs. Sawyer, who lives in New Brighton with her husband and two daughters, has worked at SJB school since 2009. Before her current role as a preschool teacher, she was a J-Care supervisor and preschool substitute. Julie attended SJB herself and is a lifetime parish member. She received her education from the College of St. Catherine.
Olivia Schroeder
Preschool Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Anna MolenaarPreschool Lead Teacher
Ms. Anna has been teaching at St. John’s since 2019. This is her third year as a pre-K teacher. She holds as B.S and MFA in English/Creative Writing from the University of Northwestern and Hamline University. She is currently pursuing a CDA (Child Development Associate Certificate).
Anna Huebner
Preschool Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Mary Ann DircksPreschool Lead Teacher
Miss Mary Ann received her education from University of Wisconsin- Stout and worked for many years as a nanny until joining the staff when the SJB preschool opened in October 2001. She writes: “I mostly enjoy being able to share and celebrate my Christianity so freely and fully at St. John’s Preschool. After so many years of incorporating Jesus’ message into all aspects of the curriculum, I can’t imagine guiding these little ones any other way. The staff of St. John’s makes it such a great place to be as well. I am truly blessed to be a part of St. John’s Preschool Program.”
Lyndsey Chies
Preschool Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Care Crew Teachers
Our care crew teachers work with our preschoolers before and after school.
Molly Baker
Annaleigh Collins
Melanie Dowell
Jane Jaskulka
Amy Lonsky
Martha Miko