St. Thomas More Preschool
"Where Children Come First!"
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Staff
Director/Teacher: "Teacher Meghan"
Meghan Kelly is Director and Lead Teacher at STM Preschool. She lives in Brookings with her husband Gregg, her two daughters Mackenzie (7) and Mikalyn (2), and their Shipoo, Mitsy. She am a long time Brookings resident and member of STM Parish. She graduated from Brookings High School in 1998 and SDSU in 2003.
While attending SDSU, she studied Early Childhood Education. Upon completion of her degree, she worked as a substitute teacher in the Brookings, Volga, and Elkton school districts. She enjoyed being in the classroom and teaching, but she really wanted a classroom of my own. In August of 2005, she took over as the Kindergarten teacher for the SDSU Kindergarten. It was a huge challenge to be a first year teacher in a first year program, but the program is still thriving and in great demand in the community.
Currently, she is starting my fourth year with STM Preschool, loving the program and what it offers to both children and families.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, reading, going for bike rides, and just relaxing.
Teacher's Assistant: "Mrs. Rounds"
Barb is a mother of four children, ranging in ages from 8-14. While trying to keep up with their busy schedules, she is also part of the hockey board. Barb enjoys spending time outdoors.
-This biography will be expanded later.
Music Teacher: "Teacher Lee Ann"
Lee Ann Meyer was born to Harris and Frances Davis in Brookings, SD, raised on a farm near Bushnell, and the 5th child of 11. She attended grade school and high school in Elkton Public Schools as a member of the St. Williams Catholic Parish of Aurora, SD. She received Bachelors in Music Education from Northern State University in 1982 with emphasis on piano and voice.
Having taught one year (1982-83) at the Central Elementary Special Education Preschool. Became stay at home Mother of Stephanie (24 years), Michael (22 years), and Mitchell (17 years). Husband Steven Meyer is General Manager of Brookings Municipal Utilities and we have been members of St. Thomas More for 26 years. She has owned and operated a private piano vocal studio for 26 years and currently is the St. Thomas More Music Liturgist.
Teacher Lee Ann enjoys the STM Preschool and sharing the joy of music. Her goals include exposing the children to different types of music, guiding the children through development of rhythm skills, pitch matching, and instrument recognition. Each lesson objective introduces a character trait with emphasis on kindness and sharing.
Benedictine Sister: "Sister Marlene"
Sister Marlene Minnaert is a Benedictine Sister from Mother of God Monastery in Watertown, SD. Sister Marlene grew up on a farm south Madison along with her 12 brothers and sisters. Her desire to learn more about religious life lead her to college at Mt Marty in Yankton. It was here that she became excited about the Benedictine way of life and entered the convent.
Involvement with education has always been very much a part of her life. Sister has taught at all levels of education. She has also been involved with parish ministry at Holy Name in Watertown and ministry within her religious community; assistant to the prioress (head of the religious community), vocation work, and spiritual formation of new members.
One of her most rewarding faith shaping experiences came in 1985 through a sabbatical program at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She spent three months in Greece, Turkey, Israel and Egypt studying Scripture. This experience and the remaining 2 years of study in Chicago continue to be life giving for her. A few years after the sabbatical she returned a second time to the Middle East to assist with a program to help the physically challenged visit the Holy Land.
Just before joining St. Thomas More in 1995, Sister Marlene completed a Spiritual Direction Program through the Franciscan Spirituality Center in LaCrosse, WI. She now finds joy here at St. Thomas More working with people of all ages. A special joy is staying in touch with the hope of the future, our children in the pre-school. The Lord speaks to us in many and varied ways, one special way is through children.
Contact Information
Director/Teacher
"Teacher Meghan"
St. Thomas More Preschool
1700 8th St. So.
Brookings, SD 57006
605-692-6796
meghan@stmbrookings.org