Pre-School & Pre- Kindergarten

Paula Andersen - PreS & PreK Teacher: 

Paula Andersen, one of our preschool teachers, says she enjoys teaching at St. Patrick's School because of the positive impact the children, families, and co-workers have on her. Paula says, "Each new day brings laughter and love at St. Pat's, and I can't wait to start my day here each morning. The support and encouragement from all is a blessing, and I feel so welcomed here."

Paula has many years experience working with children, including three years as a kindergarten teacher; ten years as a preschool teacher, and eleven years as the administrator of a child care center. She received a B. A. in elementary education, with an endorsement in early childhood, from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and a Masters degree in early childhood education from the same school.

In her preschool classroom, Paula values each child. "I believe children yearn to make sense out of their world," Paula says. "Play is a natural activity for them to engage in. I strive to provide them the wonderful opportunity to interact and experiment in the preschool classroom. I feel the most important aspect of teaching is to find what each child's gift is, and then to enhance that gift through learning centers. I want to give each child in my room the opportunity to shine.

Paula is a widow and has two grown children named Andrea and Aaron.

Ginna Bruning - PreK Teacher:  

Our Preschool teacher has been teaching since 1997 but also has a lifetime of experience in loving children. She was greatly influenced to teach by her mother, who not only raised 11 children, but also returned to teaching at the age of 50 with great passion. It's easy to see that Mrs. Bruning inherited that trait!

Mrs. Bruning believes that the best thing about being a teacher is seeing the sparkle in her students' eyes when they realize their accomplishments and say, "I did it!" She has found her students to be bright. She thrives on their energy and eagerness to try new things. 

When she's not teaching or preparing materials to teach, she likes to read and golf. The Color Purple is her favorite book and her favorite song is "I Can't Keep from Singing". In the future, she would like to take piano lessons, go on a hot air balloon ride, and most importantly, continue to be with children.

Nancy Deetz - PreK Teacher Assistant: 

I enjoyed being a stay at home mom for several years, raising our three children. My husband Mark and I have Matthew, who attends University of Nebraska, Omaha as well as Lauren and Claire who both attend St. Patrick's School.  Before becoming a stay at home mom, I earned my bachelor's degree in Business Administration and worked at Best Western Regency Hotel in the sales department.

Volunteering at St. Patrick's with the safety patrol, being a lunchroom mom, helping the athletic committee and being involved with Daisies has been very enjoyable. Now I love working with Ms. Andersen as her teacher's assistant. Working with the children, listening to their stories and watching them interact with each other are just a few of the many rewards.

St. Patrick's School has the right balance between academics and spirituality. They challenge the students to do their best and make learning fun. St. Patrick's is truly the nicest place on earth. I feel blessed to be a part of this wonderful school.

Mary Beth McGuire - PreK Teacher Assistant:  

Our energetic preschool aid, Mary Beth McGuire, has served in education for several years. She decided to do so because she's always had a passion for working with children. This feeling only intensified when she became a mother, and now we are blessed with her talents. 

Action movies are her favorite, and we believe her as she has chosen an age group to work with that is the epitome of action! She notes that the most enjoyable aspects of her position include watching the children interact with one another, listening to the stories they share, and seeing them develop their own gifts. 

In the future, she plans on being the best wife, mom, and teaching assistant she can be, while living her life to the fullest.

Chelsea Petersen - PreS Teacher Assistant:

Chelsea Petersen works at St. Patrick’s school as a Preschool Teacher’s Assistant. Chelsea is always excited about the opportunity to work with St. Pat’s preschool children and help in every way possible to enhance and challenge both their educational and social skills as they prepare for kindergarten.

Chelsea and her husband, Joel, have two energetic boys, who provide them daily with challenges, laughter and love. Chelsea enjoys reading, boating with her family and spending time with family and friends. Chelsea and her family have been members of St. Patrick’s since 1996, and she truly enjoys the rewards of assistant teaching.

Amy Turner - PreS Teacher Assistant:

I am very excited about beginning a new journey with the teachers, staff, and parents of St. Patrick’s School. I attended St. Bernard’s Catholic School and graduated from University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1995 with a B.S. in Human Development and Family Sciences. After leaving my first job in 1997 from Uta Halee Village for Girls, I began working at Douglas/Sarpy 4-H Extension.  Because of my job with 4-H,   I discovered the love and devotion that St. Patrick’s has for teaching students.  Although I taught 4-H science curriculum throughout all the Douglas/Sarpy area schools, St. Patrick’s was always a favorite. The children at St. Patrick’s were well behaved, eager to learn, and enjoyable to teach.

My husband Steve and I were born and raised in the Omaha area.  We have one daughter, Grace who attends St. Patrick’s.  After my experiences with the schools in our area, we knew the best choice for her was St. Patrick’s.   She is challenged educationally and taught the importance of spirituality.    

As I start my new journey working as a TA in the pre-school room, I look forward to becoming a part of your child’s life.  My hope is to influence young minds to be creative, find enjoyment in learning, and to reach their developmental goals.  Childhood is a gift and all children should be valued and given the opportunity to shine! 

Teri Fisher -  PreS Teacher Assistant:

I have a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Nebraska at Omaha, majoring in Finance and minoring in Human Resources Management.  I worked as a Compensation Analyst for Richman Gordman Stores Inc. and Call Interactive before becoming a mother.  I was fortunate to be able to stay home with my kids when they were little. 

I have many years of experience in the school system from being a former preschool TA, volunteering in the computer room, library, art room, lunch room, school board member, special projects, and serving many years as a room mom.  My husband Bob and I have three wonderful children:  Ryan is a senior at Creighton Prep, Chelsea is a sophomore at Marian, and Jonny is in second grade here at St. Patrick's.

In addition to working in St. Patrick's Preschool.  I also run three home businesses.  I am an Area Marketing Manager and Instructor for PC Kidz, a computer instruction company for preschoolers.  I own a new home construction cleaning business.  Most recently, I became an Independent Consultant with Arbonne International, a health and wellness company. 

In my spare time, I love to volunteer at all three of the kids' schools, attend my children's sporting events, landscape, and dabble in home and interior design.   We truly enjoy St. Patrick's school and community, it is such a warm, loving and welcoming environment.  I feel blessed to be a part of this incredible school staff and to have the opportunity to work with such precious children every day!