Meet the Teachers

Classroom Teachers

Kids' Kingdom Preschool (3 yr olds)

Hi there! I'm so excited to be part of the St. John's Academy family and to welcome your little one into my classroom! I grew up attending Sargent Central School in Forman, North Dakota, before moving to Jamestown in 2008. I graduated from Jamestown High School in 2014 and began pursuing my passion for Early Childhood Education at Valley City State University. I later transferred to Mayville State University, where I earned my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education in May 2018. In October 2022, I married my wonderful husband, Brandon, and we continue to call Jamestown home. We have two beautiful babies, Tatum & Jacoby.


Teaching preschool is truly my dream! I love watching little minds grow as they discover, explore, create, and build confidence every day. There is nothing more rewarding than helping children learn through play, laughter, and hands-on experiences. Most importantly, I love sharing the love of Jesus with my students. It is such a blessing to help children grow not only academically, but also spiritually, socially, and emotionally. My prayer is that every child who walks into my classroom feels loved, valued, encouraged, and knows just how deeply God loves them.



I feel incredibly blessed and grateful to be part of St. John's Academy, and I can't wait for an amazing year of learning, growing, and making wonderful memories together!


Kids' Kingdom Preschool (3 yr olds) & Kinder Prep (4 yr olds)

Working with young children has been my passion since I was a teenager. I knew early on that early childhood education was the path for me, which led me to earn my degree from Bemidji State University in northern Minnesota. Just a few months after graduating in 1994, I joined the SJA family—and I've been grateful to call it home ever since!


Learning through music and hands-on play has always been a critical part of early education. I love designing creative ways to bring joy and learning into our classroom through these entities. Together, we explore, create, and learn while building the school-readiness skills that help children grow with confidence.


Language is at the heart of everything we do. From greeting friends with kindness to sharing ideas, asking questions, and expressing big thoughts, we practice communication throughout our daily routine in multiple ways. In a world filled with screens, I believe it's more important than ever to provide meaningful opportunities for children to connect, converse, and learn from one another.


Every day in Kids' Kingdom is filled with wonder. Watching my preschoolers and Kinder Preps discover something new, solve problems, make connections, and celebrate their accomplishments is truly the best part of my job. Their excitement is contagious, and after all these years, I still feel that same spark right alongside them. God blessed me long ago with this path He set me on at St. John’s and I look forward to sharing Him with the students each day.


Pre-K

Hello! I grew up right here in Jamestown, ND, and later attended Valley City State University, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education in 2023. Since beginning my teaching career, I have had the opportunity to teach Kindergarten, 5th grade, Middle School English, and now Pre-K. I love watching young learners grow, build confidence, and discover the joy of learning each day! 


Outside of school I enjoy playing pickleball, going for walks, cooking, reading, and spending time with my friends and family. I am proud to be part of the SJA family and look forward to making a positive impact on our students every day.



"What we learn with joy, we never forget." — Alfred Mercier


Kindergarten

Growing up you always get the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” My response was always a teacher. My mom taught 2nd grade and I loved going to school to help her in the classroom. I continued my desire to be a teacher by attending Dickinson State University and getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education along with Early Childhood and a Spanish Minor. I began my teaching career as a Middle School Foreign Language Teacher in Grand Forks, ND. I introduced four languages to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. I never thought my teaching journey would take me to a middle school but I am glad it did. After teaching in Grand Forks for two years my husband and I moved our family to Jamestown, ND. The next 5 years I stayed home and took care of our three children. I couldn’t stay away from the classroom, one afternoon a week I volunteered my time and taught Spanish to students at St. John’s Academy. I didn’t know at the time that my teaching journey would keep me at St. John’s Academy.

1st Grade

Greetings! I love coming to work every day because the students are so full of energy and brighten up my day! I learn right along with my students every day. It is such a great feeling knowing that I am making a difference in a child’s life. Teaching at St. John’s Academy is especially unique for me because I went to St. John’s as a student. It’s fun to now be able to relate to my former teachers as coworkers and mentors. Stop in for a tour - I can't wait to meet you!

2nd Grade

My name is Meghan Rene (pronounced "rainy"), and I started teaching 2nd grade in 2019 at St. John's Academy. I was born and raised in Jamestown, attended SJA, graduated from the University of Jamestown in 2020 with a degree in Elementary Education, then completed my master's degree in 2021 in curriculum and instruction. I married my high school sweetheart, Austin in 2021, and together we have one son, Linkin, who was born in August of 2024, and a mini golden-doodle, Rizzo. I am so glad God has given me the opportunity to teach in a faith-based environment. Every day I get to grow my relationship with God and teach students more about Him. St. John's Academy is a special place, and I am truly grateful to be a part of it!

2nd Grade

Abigail Newton

abigail.newton@k12.nd.us

Hello! My name is Abigail Newton, and I am thrilled to be joining St. John's Academy as a second-grade teacher. I graduated from Valley City State University with a degree in Elementary Education and I'm excited to begin my teaching journey. I have always loved working with children and creating a classroom where every student feels loved, encouraged, and excited to learn. I am thankful God has led me to St. John's Academy, where I have the opportunity to grow in my faith alongside my students each day. I can't wait to make wonderful memories and watch my students learn and grow throughout the school year! 

3rd Grade

“... I believe that each of us, no matter what our age or background or walk of life, each of us has something to contribute to the life of this nation." ~Michelle Obama


What or how can we contribute to our country and world to make it a better place? This question is one that often has me thinking of the sweet young faces that enter through my door every school day. I believe one of the largest components of our life is to be able to love one another and I try to carry that over into my classroom. We are all blessed with imperfections and that is what makes us so wonderful and it allows us the experience of appreciating the good with the bad. My students learn throughout the year that we are all God’s children and the importance of living our lives as life-long learners – looking for answers if we have questions and growing in love with all humans no matter race, creed, hairstyle, age, or disability. Together we can help our children become great contributors to society and I look forward to us all working together (parents, teachers, students, administrators, etc.) as a team. When we work together we are able to build a solid foundation for our children and that foundation will follow them the rest of their lives.


Blessings, Mrs. Tammy Gapinski

4th Grade

Hi! I am Peggy Vandal, and I am excited to be part of St. John’s Academy again! Our two children, Jessica and Paul attended SJA, and my husband, Steve, and I have always had a love for this school. When both our children were in school, I started working in the Faith Formation Office so I had many contacts with the teachers and students at SJA. Then I decided to go back into teaching as a substitute teacher for all the elementary schools in town which I did for the past five years. This was a great experience, and I met a lot of nice people and learned many different things from working in all the schools. I had always thought that I would continue subbing until my son graduated from high school, but the saying holds true, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.” I guess God had other plans for me, and I am truly happy to be here! Since I have started back at SJA, there have been many times where my heart just overflows with gratitude, and I feel so blessed to be here. I will work hard to help bring your children closer to the Lord and to continue in their academic growth. Please feel free to contact me if you ever have any questions. God bless!

5th Grade

I am excited to begin my first year of teaching as the new 5th grade teacher at St. John's Academy! I recently graduated from Valley City State University and have enjoyed substitute teaching across the Jamestown area. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and visiting historical sites. I'm passionate about creating an energetic, mission-driven classroom environment where students are encouraged to think critically. I'm thrilled to join the St. John's Academy community and I look forward to a great year ahead!

5th Grade

Monica Ripplinger

monica.ripplinger@k12.nd.us

I was born and raised here in Jamestown. I graduated from 6th grade here at SJA in 2016! I have been heavily involved in the SJA community since then, as I have been working in SJA Childcare since 2019. In May, I graduated from Benedictine College in Atchison, KS with degrees in both Elementary Education and Special Education. In my free time I enjoy baking sourdough, running, and spending time with my friends and family. St. John’s Academy is truly a special place, and I am beyond thrilled to be back where the seeds of my love of teaching were planted!

6th - 8th Grade MATH

Zebedee Willer

zeb.willer@k12.nd.us

I am from here in Jamestown where I attended St. John's Academy K-6 then graduated from the high school in 2020! After four years at NDSU I graduated with my degree in Math Education in the spring of 2024. A week before that graduation, I got married to my wife, Kourtney. We have one son, William, with another one due in December! We are so excited to be back in town closer to family. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be back at St. John's teaching math and being able to share my faith with these students! 

6th - 8th Grade SOCIAL STUDIES & SERVANT LEADERSHIP

I grew up in Jamestown and attended St. John’s Academy for part of my elementary education. I attended college at MSUM in Moorhead, MN. After graduating, I spent a year substitute teaching in Fargo before being hired at SJA and moving back to Jamestown in 2008 to teach 3rd grade. I moved into 4th grade which I taught for many years. When St. John’s Academy decided to add middle school, I saw this as an opportunity to use my social studies specialty that I studied in college. It has been such a blessing to remain at St. John’s Academy for so many years and have different experiences but still great students and families no matter which grade I was teaching. St. John’s Academy is family and has been for many moments in my life.

6th - 8th Grade SCIENCE & STEM

Hi! I’m so excited to join St. John’s Academy as the new middle school science and stem teacher. I’ve always had a passion for science and expanding knowledge, not just in the classroom , but in life as a whole.


I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to teach middle school. I loved my own middle school experience, and I’ve always been drawn to that unique time in a students life. Middle schoolers are in such a special place, they are growing up, starting to think like young adults, and they are allowed to make mistakes and learn from them. I truly believe this is the perfect age to be a positive influence and make a real difference. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach at St. John’s Academy where I can help students grow not only academically, but in character and faith as well.

6th - 8th Grade LANGUAGE ARTS

Hello! I’m so excited to join St. John’s Academy as the new Middle School English teacher! I grew up in Jamestown and attended St. John's Academy from kindergarten-6th grade. I graduated from Jamestown High and the University of Jamestown. I’m so excited to be back at St. John's Academy to share my knowledge and faith with the students!

Specialists

Title 1, Intervention & Enrichment

Hello! I grew up in Jamestown and attended Valley City State University, where I earned my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. I later received my master's degree in Reading Education from the University of North Dakota.



My husband and I were both part of the Oakes Public School system for many years before returning to Jamestown. I am excited to begin my fourth year at St. John's Academy! During my time at SJA, I have had the privilege of teaching kindergarten, first grade, and second grade.

We have two wonderful daughters, Mariah and McKinley. I feel truly blessed to be part of the St. John's Academy community, where I have the opportunity to share my faith while helping students learn, grow, and reach their full potential. I am excited to begin this new position and look forward to a wonderful year of new experiences with my students!


Library - Tech - Life Skills

My educational journey began at St. John's Academy as a kindergarten student, making it especially meaningful to return and serve the school community. I earned my degree in Elementary Education, with a concentration in Special Needs, from Jamestown College. I later continued my education by completing my Library Media Credential from Valley City State University.



It is a privilege to work with students in Pre-K through 8th grade in Library, Computer Applications, and Life Skills. I am grateful for the opportunity to foster a love of learning while supporting students' academic, technological, and personal growth. I enjoy the Christian environment at St. John's Academy and the values and virtues we foster in students. 


Physical Education

I am excited to teach physical education here at St. John’s Academy (SJA). I am connected to SJA in a number of ways. My wife, Gina, was a student at SJA. Our six children have all attended SJA. Presently, our youngest is our final child at SJA. I also worked as an office assistant at SJA from 2011 to 2017. My time at the school sparked in me a desire to teach, particularly at SJA. Thus, in 2017, I returned to college to get a degree in physical education (PE).

I completed my degree in May 2019 at Valley City State University. My philosophy is student learning in physical education in three domains – psychomotor, cognitive and social/emotional. The primary goal is for students to gain an appreciation for lifetime fitness. Finally, I seek to focus on the development of the whole student, which at SJA includes their spiritual and faith growth.

Music

Greetings! I was born and raised in Jamestown, ND. I attended college at Jamestown College graduating in 1991 with majors in Music Education, Vocal Performance, Elementary Education and a minor in Early Childhood. I started teaching music at St. John’s Academy in 1992. While growing up I dreamed of being a singer or a teacher. I became both, a music teacher. I teach general music to grades pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Some of the things we learn about are music theory, instruments of the orchestra, and composers and their music. We also prepare for and participate in Eucharist at St. James Basilica. I am so blessed that I have the opportunity to teach at a Christian Catholic school where I can share my God given talents to teach about Christ and Eternal Life through music. God has blessed me with a rewarding job, a great husband, and two wonderful, handsome sons. We enjoy our home in the country.

Para

Bio Coming Soon!

Para

Hi!! When I asked my kids what I should say about myself and they said that I'm “funny and fun and love to play with kids!"  That pretty much sums me in a nutshell. I'm also an animal lover and I have a passion to teach kids to know Jesus and lead by example of what that looks like! St. John’s Academy has been such a blessing to be apart of and I look forward to another year of helping kids learn and grow in their faith! 


Para

Bio Coming Soon!

Childcare Staff

Childcare Program Director

Hi there! I'm so excited to be part of the St. John's Academy family and to welcome your little one into Childcare! I grew up attending Sargent Central School in Forman, North Dakota, before moving to Jamestown in 2008. I graduated from Jamestown High School in 2014 and began pursuing my passion for Early Childhood Education at Valley City State University. I later transferred to Mayville State University, where I earned my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education in May 2018. In October 2022, I married my wonderful husband, Brandon, and we continue to call Jamestown home. We have two beautiful babies, Tatum & Jacoby.


I love watching little minds grow as they discover, explore, create, and build confidence every day. There is nothing more rewarding than helping children learn through play, laughter, and hands-on experiences. Most importantly, I love sharing the love of Jesus with my students. It is such a blessing to help children grow not only academically, but also spiritually, socially, and emotionally. My prayer is that every child who walks into my classroom feels loved, valued, encouraged, and knows just how deeply God loves them.


I feel incredibly blessed and grateful to be part of St. John's Academy, and I can't wait for an amazing year of learning, growing, and making wonderful memories together!


Childcare Program Assistant

Kylie Burgess

Bio Coming Soon!

Childcare Lead Teacher

Abbie Backstrom

Bio Coming Soon!