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 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.
Jane Jaskulka
Preschool Aide
Mrs. Jaskulka is a graduate of St. Catherine University, and she has loved teaching preschool children for ten years. She also worked in a children’s library and most recently received training to be a catechist for the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. This is a great blessing! She lives with her husband and dog in Circle Pines, and they have one daughter who resides in Minneapolis. She is so happy to be a part of St. John the Baptist preschool and church!
Michelle Molenaar
Preschool Teacher
Mrs. Molenaar has been working in childcare at St. John’s since 2017 . She lives in Shoreview with her husband and several of her four children. She received her education at Bethel University with a major in Speech Communications and course work in Elementary Education. Since the 1950’s, the Molenaar family has been active in the St John’s parish. She is thrilled to be in a job that allows her to share her faith.
Julie SawyerPreschool 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.
Jessica Moore
Preschool Aide
Bio coming soon!
Anna MolenaarPreschool Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Dehlia AustinPreschool Aide
Bio coming soon!
Mary Ann DircksPreschool 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.”
Amy Lonsky
Preschool Aide
Miss Amy began working with Saint John’s Preschool in 2021. She has worked with preschoolers since 2018. She studied Health Education and Physical Education at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. She graduated with a major in Exercise and Sports Science and minors in Adapted Physical Education and Outdoor Education. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family/friends, watch/play soccer, dance/yoga, garden, travel, hike, and complete DIY projects.
Melanie Dowell
Mrs. Dowell has been working at St. John’s Preschool since 2015 and is the Care Crew morning teacher. She grew up in New Brighton and attended St. John the Baptist. She and her husband live in Mounds View and are lifelong members of the parish. Their daughter and son also attended St. John’s. She received her education from Minnesota State University, Mankato.