Celebrating Our 2025-2026 Retirees

Spring Lake Park Schools held its annual retirement reception on May 12 to honor and recognize the staff members who retired during the 2025-2026 school year or are retiring at the end of the school year.

School board members, administrators, principals, staff members, former employees and family members of retiring staff gathered for the celebration. Tony Easter, school board chair, led a brief program with Superintendent Jeff Ronneberg who presented each honoree in attendance with a commemorative school bell award recognizing their service and commitment to the district.

As a learning community, we thank and recognize each of the retirees for their tremendous commitment to the students of Spring Lake Park Schools and wish them well in their retirement.

Here, they share any words they wanted to convey to our community about their journey and plans for the future. View the retirement reception photo album.

Congratulations to our SLP retirees!

Scott Aho

Spring Lake Park High School
Special Education Paraprofessional
2019-2026

I started as substitute para in February 2007 with Kelly Education. My first assignment was as a substitute at Westwood Middle School. Shortly thereafter I started working at the high school. I loved it. And several times asked to take a permanent position. I love both the students and staff I work with. I never regretted coming to the high school full time. There are so many highlights. Singing at the talent show with one of our students will always stand on. Telling a bad dad jokes every day to both students and staff. Singing the “Good Morning” song in the high school atrium most mornings. Helping students understand things they’ve been having troubles learning in a conventional manner. During retirement I’ll be traveling...to Germany in July!

Calista Alden

Westwood Intermediate & Middle School
Teacher & Academic Specialist
1991-2026

In my years of teaching, I have taught 2nd through 6th grade. Over the years, I moved back and forth from Woodcrest to Westwood serving various teaching positions. I dedicated 17 years teaching fifth graders.  While at Westwood, I spent  time improving reading instruction as the Basic Skills Coordinator. I served as the Dean of Students, Student Support Building Coordinator and finally, I finished my career where I started as an Academic Specialist with a focus on reading intervention. I have been grateful for the talented colleagues I have worked alongside. Their support has not gone unappreciated. Their encouragement and wisdom have shaped my journey. They have given me the strength and confidence I needed to do the same for other fellow educators as the challenges and rewards of teaching never cease. I am proud in my ability to consistently see the potential of learners. Recognizing their strengths and focusing on growth builds their confidence and motivates them to become their own learners. As I enter retirement, I look forward to continuing my own learning, developing my talents, and spending quality time with family and friends.

 

Laurie Brahs

Centerview Elementary
Behavior Paraprofessional
2005-2026

I have worked at three of our elementary schools as an ASD/Behavior Paraprofessional. I started at Kenneth Hall Elementary in October 2005 and then transferred to Northpoint Elementary in 2008. In 2018, I transferred to Centerview Elementary. I am thankful for my almost 21 years of being Panther Proud. I’ve had the privilege of working with so many amazing educators that have made a difference in my life and the many students we’ve worked with. I would like to thank Mike Callahan for his leadership over the years. You have impacted my life, and I am so grateful for your support. A career highlight has been building trust and helping students achieve academic and social milestones. During retirement, I’ll be spending more time with family and taking time to relax.

Fatima Djihic-Subasic

Woodcrest Spanish Immersion Elementary
Child Care Assistant Teacher
2000-2026

I started at the high school in nutrition services. In 2001 to today I have been with Learning Ventures child care at Woodcrest Spanish Immersion. I am honored to be a part of the Panther community for 26 years supporting many families and children. Thank you to my Learning Ventures team, Community Education, and Woodcrest. I love you, and will miss you. During retirement, I plan to spend time with my grandchildren, travel to Bosnia, and tend to my garden!

Mary Ehmke

 

Westwood Intermediate & Middle School
Health Care Specialist
2021-2026

Penny Hamberg

Centerview Elementary
Nutrition Services Associate
2018-2026

I worked at Northpoint Elementary in the kitchen before coming to Centerview. What makes me proud to be a Panther is that we’re all working for a good cause. I’ll miss my colleagues and the teamwork we had. Being able to interact with the kids and greet them every day was a highlight for me. In retirement, I plan to travel and try  new adventures. I may possibly do some volunteer work that would help humanity.

Tracy Isakson

District Services Center
Technology Support Specialist
1994-2026

My SLP journey started in “lunch lady land” (one of my favorite positions) at the high school, after 6 years I was offered a Special Education Paraprofessional position at Westwood. I then jumped ship to Media Paraprofessional, during that time I went back to college and graduated in 2013 with my AS degree in Computer Networking and Telecommunications. Lo and behold a position opened in the Technology department, I applied and that’s where I’ve been for the last 10 plus years!! Half of my life I’ve shared with Spring Lake Park. I have made amazing lifelong friends and have many wonderful memories I will cherish. A big thank you to all who gave me a chance! A career highlight for me was graduating college before the age of 50 and learning new skills in each of the departments I’ve worked in. During retirement, I plan to pursue passions, prioritize health and enjoy newfound leisure!

Michelle Johnson

Spring Lake Park High School
Office Assistant
1999-2026

I started in 1999-2005 as a Preschool and ECFE teacher. Then I went to Park Terrace Elementary as the Administrative Assistant until 2019. I then transitioned to the high school as the Administrative Assistant and Office Assistant. I will sincerely miss the friendships I have built over the years and all the laughter we have shared. I am grateful to be a part of a personalized school district with so many involved families, who I have been a part of their children’s journey from preschool to graduation. Through the 20+ years, I have always been able to remember the names of most students and recognize their parents. This came in handy during an emergency dismissal one day at Park Terrace. I stood at the intercom calling out student names for pickup as their parents were walking through the office door. Here at the high school, students smile when I share that I still remember them from their elementary days. During retirement, I am hoping to do more traveling.

John Lindstrom

Spring Lake Park High School
Paraprofessional, OEC
2020-2026

I came into the OEC program through a jointly funded position with the Spring Lake Park/Blaine/Mounds View Fire Department. I was hired to serve as a firefighter/EMT, and assigned to the high school as a Community Resource Officer. I started my career as a firefighter in 1976 when I joined the Brooklyn Park Volunteer Fire Department. By 1979 I was a career firefighter in St. Louis Park, where I served until 2005, and retired as the Battalion Chief of Operations. I continued my career as an instructor at the Hennepin Technical College from 1984-2018, when I resumed my career as a firefighter with SBMFD. In all those years I had never experienced anything like the excitement I found working with high school students. Their eagerness and enthusiasm is contagious. At the age of 62, I found myself looking forward to getting to work every day, to see what I could share with my students and to hear their questions and stories. Working alongside Bill and Jenny Neiss was a breath of fresh air for me. Their passion and professionalism made me proud to be a member of the OEC family. When ElleAnne Matthews came onboard things settled into place and I have enjoyed working with her. I will miss many of the staff that I have worked with. I really want to say “thanks” to Michelle Johnson. She supported me through a lot of boo-boos and technical challenges and always brightened my day with her cheerful smile. In 2020 I had the opportunity to coach a team of high school students at the International Rescue and Emergency Care Association annual conference and competition. Getting to watch them demonstrate their skills in emergency medical care, high-angle rescue and confined-space rescue against a dozen professional rescue teams was awesome. I challenged the students to give their very best and to show their pride in what they could do. I sweetened the deal by offering them a steak dinner if they placed higher than any of the professional teams. I went out to the courtyard to call my wife, and as I was standing there the door from the banquet hall burst open. Quyncee Chantanavong was running at me with a huge smile and his arms opened wide. From across the courtyard I heard him shout, “You owe us a steak dinner!” They had bested the team from Central America. He picked me off the ground and started spinning me around. During retirement, I am planning to expand my current role with the Fridley Fire Department. I am a member of the Fire Corps (volunteers that support the fire department), and I will be involved in public education programs and assisting with fire department training. I plan to continue teaching the Firefighter I, Fire/Rescue Technician, and CERT courses at the high school as a volunteer instructor.

John Markgraf

Westwood Intermediate & Middle School
Custodian
2016-2026

Joy Nelson

Westwood Intermediate & Middle School
Head Custodian
2002-2026

I previously worked at Northpoint Elementary before coming to Westwood. I like the dedication everyone has welcoming students and making it a safe environment. I’ve gained many friendships over the years. I would like to remember and thank Charlie Johnston and Charles Birholz for their friendship and all they taught me about the maintenance on the buildings. A career hightlight was when I became Head Custodian. I had to learn so many aspects of keeping buildings running smoothly...HVAC, plumbing, electrical...the list goes on! During retirement, I will spend time with my grandchildren, going to the camper, traveling and relaxing. 

Kristen Olson

Spring Lake Park High School
Special Education Paraprofessional
2005-2025

I had the pleasure to work at every school and work with every age group K-12 within Spring Lake Park Schools. After 19 years as a paraprofessional, I know I’ll deeply miss our students—the daily connections, the privilege of supporting their growth, the laughter in the hallways, and the incredible colleagues who’ve become like family. One of my proudest moments has been watching both of my daughters become special education teachers. Working alongside them in education—and seeing them carry forward the same passion for supporting students with diverse needs—has been one of the greatest gifts of my career. During retirement, I’m looking forward to a good balance of rest, adventure, family time, and staying involved in causes I care about.

Laurie Pouliot

Lighthouse School
Gifted & Talented Teacher
1996-2026

I started at Westwood in 1996, mainly teaching Social Studies, but I also taught Exploratory classes. In 2014 I started at the Lighthouse as a teacher/facilitator. I have worked with so many wonderful people in Spring Lake Park. I feel fortunate that I have been able to meet and work with so many talented people. I have been part of awesome teams at Westwood (The Red Team!), the Social Studies department at Westwood and the team at Lighthouse. I’m glad I was given the opportunity to work at Lighthouse. It has been an enjoyable experience to teach in a non-traditional setting. I really like the connections with the students and families that happen with the small school setting. During retirement I plan to volunteer, travel and take advantage of the hiking and biking paths in my neighborhood. I enjoy trips around Minnesota and Wisconsin, but also look forward to bigger trips. In October I have a trip planned for Greece.

Julie Seiler

Westwood Intermediate & Middle School
Band Teacher
1991-2026

I began my career in Norwood Young America, MN Public Schools in 1989 teaching 5th-12th Grade Bands before coming to SLP. I will miss the sound of music all day long, even if it is out of tune. I will miss kids coming to the band room on their recess time, practicing in their own mini band. I will miss the lightbulb moment when a kid gets it. I will miss kids, they are funny. I will miss Matthew Marsolek, one of the finest humans ever. I have many band stories, too many to write about. My favorite was when I was working in four schools at SLP (before buildings were newly built and reconfigured time and time again)…a kid came in and said, “I can’t find my French horn.” I hear this a lot, kids lose instruments and then they magically turn up. Weeks went by, the kid kept coming to band, but we didn’t have any more instruments left. French horns are expensive, and you don’t buy your own until you are older. Months went by, he still came to class absorbing the music learning without a French horn. Spring arrived, and he came to school with the French horn! I almost fainted. I asked where he found it: “At the bus stop.” I had him repeat that, it was so unbelievable. I got to thinking, it was mid-November when kid lost it and we had a big snowfall that day. Turns out he got on the bus and left the instrument there, snowplow came by and buried it in a snowbank until next March. I let it thaw out, oiled and greased it up and put it back into commission. It is made of metal, after all! During retirement, I will spend time playing my baby grand piano daily. Going to the bathroom when I need to go. Drinking coffee out of a cup and not a to-go mug. Starting my day at a time other than 4:44 a.m. I will be switching to full time work in my businesses that I’ve created and built over the past 8 years: Soles That Heal. I will be leading the Aloha Heart Retreat on Kauai in February 2027 and bringing back some classes connected to my business.

Mary Strohmayer

Park Terrace Elementary
Teacher
2006-2026

I taught preschool for five years, then started teaching kindergarten. I taught at Woodcrest until they merged with Park Terrace. I have loved working in the Spring Lake Park district. Even when things got really hard personally and professionally, I had a great group of people to support and encourage me. It has been wonderful to work with so many different kindergarten teachers (I think I’ve worked with close to 30!) I have grown and I can appreciate that I have been pushed to learn and improve as a teacher. I would like to thank my coach Korey Keeler for encouraging me, listening to me and helping me continue to improve. I know I have not always been the easiest to coach as I question everything. I also want to thank Lindsay Johnson, as I could not have made it through the last year without her compassion, understanding and care. I have always had amazing people on my kindergarten team, but Candace Willson will always have a special place in my heart. A highlight for me has been having former students who want to be teachers work in my class. I have loved getting graduation announcements and invites from my former kinders. During retirement, I plan to start an organization that recycles flowers from funerals, weddings and flower shops, then delivers small bouquets to residents in area nursing homes and memory care facilities.

Jane Sweney

District Services Center
Program Assistant for Nutrition Services
2015-2026

During my job interview at SLP Schools, I asked, “Is this a fun place to work?” They laughed and replied, “Absolutely, yes!” I was hired as the Program Assistant to both Building and Grounds and Nutrition Services. When the position was split between departments, I supported Nutrition Services exclusively. The All-Staff Kick Off always got me inspired and sometimes emotional with tears. I wished my daughters and grandkids were sitting there next to me, feeling the energy and hearing how wonderful the school district was behind the scenes. As a result, I purchased my home specifically so my grandchildren could attend SLP Schools. I loved my job and will always treasure my SLP friends and all the conversations and connections we shared. My favorite moments were helping families get connected to important services to help reduce some of their life and financial burdens. I often responded to people during a crisis moment and always felt pride when someone took the time to share back with me how much they appreciated my patience, empathy and genuine commitment to assist. My retirement plans are to spend more time with my daughters, grandchildren, siblings, and all my happily retired girlfriends. I plan to be out at the lakes, go camping, sit around a bonfire and toast more sunsets - to re-connect and live in the moment. Looking forward to sleeping in whenever I want to and no more alarms at 5:00 a.m., unless it’s time to get to the airport and off to paradise by a beach somewhere!

Marge Zobitz

Westwood Intermediate & Middle School
Counselor for Personalized Learning
1997-2026

I was a counselor at Kenneth Hall and Woodcrest Elementary, came to Westwood as a Dean of Students and then eventually became a Counselor for Personalized Learning. I’d like to thank all staff - teachers, admin, office, paras, custodians, lunch room - we’ve all worked together throughout the years to care for our students. It’s not just one person but our collective effort that sets a child on a path to educational success. As a counselor I have been a witness to this process and it is what makes me most proud to be a Panther. I’ve been very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with colleagues who actively support each other and our students. In retirement I’m looking forward to spending time with family on beautiful Lake Vermilion at our treasured family home. However I do not plan on shoveling any more snow, so my winters will be spent in a more southern location!