Meet Our
Dedicated Faculty
St. Mary of mt. Carmel catholic school
At St. Mary’s, dedication, Professionalism, and joyful collaboration are at the heart of our staff.
Our team of both seasoned and fresh educators creates a dynamic blend of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm in our school. Guided by our vocation as Catholic educators, we are committed to high academic achievement while sharing Christ’s love in an environment of peace, cooperation, and optimism for the growth of every child. Together, we foster a space where learning and faith flourish side by side, and we’re excited to be a part of your child’s journey.
Children’s house
mrs. Rosemary Berscheit
Children’s house
Mrs. Christine Hebert
grade 1
Mrs. Mary Jimenez
Children’s house
grade 2
Mrs. Cindy Fussy
grade 4
Mrs. Felicia Middendorf
grade 5
Mrs. Andelee Leukam
grade 6
Mrs. Julie Twardowski
principal
mrs. linda dinkel
Grade 3
Mrs. Mary Vetter
Administrative assistant
Jessica Elmer
Children’s House Aide
Rosibel Ambriz
Children’s House Aide
Margarita Jimenez
Montessori Lower Elementary Aide
Rebecca Dinkel
Music teacher
Johanna Becker
Volunteer librarian
Mary Stocco
I graduated in 1987 from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I moved to Texas, where I taught first grade for 15 years. My husband, Pete and I moved to Grey Eagle in the spring of 2004 when he retired from the Army. We have five daughters, who all attended St. Mary’s.
In 2016, I was hired as the preschool teacher. In December of 2021, I completed my Montessori training through the North American Montessori Center. I love guiding the children to become more independent and in learning.
In my time off, I enjoy spending time with my family, and reading.
mrs. Rosemary Berscheit
Children’s house
“The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” -Maria Montessori
After graduating in 1992 from the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University, I began teaching 6th grade at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel School in 1994, then found my true home Kindergarten! Since completing a licensure program for Montessori Education, I have had the joy of being a Lead Guide for children ages 3-6. With this transition to Montessori education, I am confident that each of my students has the opportunity to learn and grow at the pace that suits their development.
I am married and have two children, and enjoy playing my flute with the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra. I also find time to read, craft, and spend time with my family.
Mrs. Christine Hebert
Children’s house
Hello! My name is Mary Jimenez, and I am the first-grade teacher at St. Mary’s. I attended the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota and have taught third and fourth grade. This is my sixth year of teaching. I love being a teacher because it is a blessing to be able to foster a love of learning in my students and inspire them to keep exploring and become life-long learners. I completed my Lower Elementary studies from the North American Montessori Center earlier this year and am enjoying guiding first-graders in a Montessori inspired environment.
I am married to my husband Jose, who is a math teacher at Long Prairie/Grey Eagle High School. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, cross country skiing, and learning about my faith.
Mrs. Mary Jimenez
grade 1
Hello. My name is Mrs. Fussy (pronounced Foo-see). I’m originally from Omaha. I received my Elementary Education degree in 1993 from St. Thomas, then met my husband while teaching in Japan. We returned to live in Bowlus, MN where I taught 6th grade in Pierz until family health needs drew me away from teaching. I became a frequent long-term substitute teacher. Recently, I worked with autistic children at Northway Academy in St. Cloud.
In my home parish, I was the Director of Religious Education and taught Theology of the Body and Confirmation. As I walk through the halls of St. Mary’s School, I feel blessed to finally work in a Catholic School and share my love of God with my students as they prepare for 1st Reconciliation and 1st Holy Communion.
Mrs. Cindy Fussy
grade 2
Hello! My name is Mary Vetter. I graduated from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND, with a B.S. in Elementary/Early Childhood Education. I have been teaching at St. Mary’s School since 2000. I especially enjoy seeing a student’s growth over the school year and watching that child be the best that he/she can be with the gift that God has given them!
I am married and have children and grandchildren. In my spare time I enjoy reading, gardening, baking, horseback riding, some sports, nature walks, and spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Mary Vetter
grade 3
Hello, my name is Felicia Middendorf. I grew up on a dairy farm near Dubuque, Iowa and graduated from Clarke University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. In 2016, I graduated from Clarke University with a master’s degree in instructional leadership. I have been teaching since 2016, with one year at Christ the King in Browerville before coming to St. Mary’s in 2017.
I have always loved school and enjoyed learning. My favorite thing is to see the students’ eyes light up when they learn something interesting or something connects with them. My husband, Daniel, and I live near Long Prairie and dairy farm. We have three daughters, and I enjoy reading, drawing, and spending time with family.
Mrs. Felicia Middendorf
grade 4
I graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris in 2014 with a degree in Elementary teaching as well as a licensure to teach middle school Language Arts. I spent 2 years teaching at St. Francis Xavier Catholic school in 3rd and 4th grade in Buffalo MN, but then married Kenny Leukam. After moving to his family farm in Sauk Centre I taught 6 years at Sauk Centre Public School. I then felt the pull to be home more with my family, so was happy to accept a job teaching part time here at St. Mary’s as the 5th and 6th grade Language Arts and Science teacher. I am passionate about helping children enjoy learning, pursue interests, and “think outside the box” with Project Based Learning.
My husband and I have 3 children. Some of my interests include being outdoors with my family, dancing with my husband, crocheting, horseback riding, gardening, and caring for the environment.
Mrs. Andelee Leukam
grade 5
Hello, my name is Julie Twardowski. I am the 6th grade teacher at St. Mary of Mount Carmel Catholic School. I also teach social studies and math to the 5th graders. This is my 34th year teaching at St. Mary’s. Teaching has always been my dream job. I love to see the excitement on the faces of my students when they are learning something new. Teaching at St. Mary’s is extra special because I can share the love of my faith with the children. My husband and I live about 6 miles NE of Long Prairie. I have 2 married daughters who live in the Twin Cities and I have one granddaughter. My hobbies include going for runs and walks, reading, and spending time with my family.
Mrs. Julie Twardowski
grade 6
It’s hard to believe that I have been the principal of St. Mary’s School for 8 years. What an unexpected blessing to have been called to this work at this later point in life. After educating my own children, I have the opportunity to guide and support the education of our students! As I reflect on my life, so many things I’ve done are contributing to how I do my work every day. I’ve been a firefighter (I now put out “fires” on a weekly basis); I’ve run my own businesses–video production and dairy farming (I use business skills every day); I’ve been a freelance writer of articles and children’s plays and poetry (I still write!); I home-schooled my own five children (I experienced the struggles and joys of finding how each unique child learns and grows); most importantly, at 25, I had a re-conversion that brought me back to the Catholic Church (I rely on God’s guidance each and every day as I work to further the mission of St. Mary’s School). I am living proof that God does not call the qualified; he qualifies the called.
Mrs. Linda Dinkel
principal
