Mrs. Sarah Striemer

My name is Sarah Striemer.  I attended Minnesota State University-Mankato where I earned my Elementary Education degree.   I graduated from St. Mary’s University with my master’s degree in Educational Leadership.  St. John Vianney Catholic School has been a part of my life from the beginning of my teaching career.  I began teaching here during the 2002-2003 school year in 1st grade.  I spent two years with the first graders and then moved upstairs to the 4th grade classroom.  I taught 4th grade for 12 years.  Now, I am so blessed to say that I have my dream job of being the principal at SJV.  I am so grateful that I get to come to a place that is as wonderful as SJV every day.  My husband, Jay, and I have four children—Isaac, Gabriel, Clare and Jonah, all of whom are alumni of SJV.

Fr. Andrew Beerman

 Fr. Andrew Beerman graduated from St. James High School in St. James and attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona. He studied theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, while attending the North American College Seminary. While in Rome he received a license in the field of moral theology. He was ordained in 1996 and has served as parochial vicar in Rochester, pastor of St. Catherine’s in Luverne and St. Mary’s in Ellsworth, dean of formation/vice rector and then rector at IHM Seminary, pastor of St. Adrian in Adrian, St. Anthony in Lismore, Our Lady of Good Counsel in Wilmont and St. Kilian in St. Kilian. He was appointed to be pastor at St. John Vianney and Holy Family on December 20, 2016. He has two sisters and one brother, but both of his parents are deceased. Other responsibilities in the diocese include: spiritual director of Pathways TEC,and coordinator of Totus Tuus in Winona Diocese.

Mrs. Yonna Ruschy

My name is Yonna Ruschy. I have lived in Martin County since 1995 and grew up in Chetek, Wisconsin. I went to school at UW-STOUT and graduated with a BS in Early Childhood Education with a minor in coaching.

My teaching experience has been with various age ranges and classrooms including working at a Hutterite colony, Jackson Public School, Immanuel Lutheran School and subbing in multiple towns. My husband, who I met in college, is Brian Ruschy and we have been married since 1995. When my daughter was born, I decided to stay home. In my spare time I enjoy playing with my dog and cats. My family enjoys short trips & just spending time together. I am excited & delighted to be back working with your children.

Karrie Eckles

Hi, I am Karrie Eckles.  I am beyond ecstatic to be a part of the St. John Vianney School Family.  I will be working part time as a para in the preschool room.  I am formally from Blue Earth, MN.  My family and I moved to the Fairmont area in 2019.  We love it here!  My husband Bill and I have 2 children, Landen and Faith.  After high school, I attended a Community College and worked 11.5 yrs doing cosmetology.  Of those 11.5 yrs I also did massage therapy for 4 yrs.  When my son was 3 years old, I decided to stay home and raise him.  Then when my daughter got into school I knew it was time to get back in the working field.  I am honored to be working with this great group of kids, and can’t wait to see what they all have in store for me at SJV!!!!

Ms. Shelby Thiner

I grew up in St. James, MN. After graduating from high school, I attended and graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University with a degree in Early Childhood (birth-3rd grade) and a reading licensure (kindergarten-12th grade). Throughout my teaching journey so far, I have taught either kindergarten or preschool in Ivanhoe, MN, Jackson, MN, and Jordan, MN. I am enjoying my time being here at Fairmont and at SJV! During my spare time I enjoy reading, baking, listening to music, and shopping!

Mrs. Mary Betts

I was born and raised in Fairmont.  I went to the University of Waseca and graduated with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Pre-Kindergarten.  From there, I went to the University of Minnesota at Mankato and received a BS degree in Elementary Education with concentration in Kindergarten.  I received my Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Catherine College.  I enjoy Spending my extra time walking, reading a good book and of course, spending time with my family.  My husband, Paul, and I have 3 children;  Andrea, Mackenzie, and Daniel.

Mrs. Karen Sandhurst

My name is Karen Sandhurst and my education includes attending a one-room school for grades 1-6, a Catholic school in New Ulm for grades 7-12, and then Winona State University. There I earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood, graduating in 1980. I completed my master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction at St. Catherine’s College in St. Paul, MN in 2003.

I married Ron Sandhurst in 1982 and we have three married children – Adam, Kimberly, and Brent. We also have seven grandchildren!

I’ve been teaching at St. John Vianney School since 1982. I really enjoy working in this faith-based community with such great families! I feel called by God to help form children to be disciples of Jesus Christ!

Mrs. Sarah Schiltz

I grew up in Elmore, MN. I attended Mankato State University and earned a BS degree in Elementary Education with a Math concentration. My husband, David, and I like spending time outdoors, traveling, and being with family and friends. I have been teaching at SJV School since 1997. I truly enjoy working with my students and being a part of Catholic education.

Ms. Kristyn Nelson

My name is Kristyn Nelson. I grew up in Fairmont, and I attended SJV as a child from preschool until seventh grade (my class was the last group of seventh graders!). I attended Minnesota State University, Mankato where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies. I worked with people with disabilities as well as at Martin County Human Services before moving to New Zealand. I lived in New Zealand for 13 months. While I was there, I worked as an au pair for a family in Wellington and volunteered at the local primary school. I also spent a good amount of time traveling the country to see new places and do new things like bungy jumping! Afterwards, I returned to Minnesota and completed the Elementary Education Master’s program at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. As part of the program, I was a student teacher for a year in a Kindergarten classroom in Minneapolis. I am happy to be returning to SJV as the fourth grade teacher.

Ms. Phyllis Surprenant

My name is Phyllis Surprenant. Since 1980 St. John Vianney School has been my home away from home. I say this because we have a wonderful family atmosphere here at SJV. Being able to teach children and help them to realize the many blessings God has given them has been a joy. I grew up in Luverne, MN with four brothers and one sister. After graduating from Luverne High School, I attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. I was a double major in elementary education and theater. A bit of trivia, my graduation day was May 18, 1980 which was the day Mount St. Helens blew up. I have been blessed to teach at St. John Vianney School.

Mrs. Jen Fogelson

I grew up and graduated from Hinckley-Finlayson High School. I went to Southwest State University in Marshall, and received my BS degree in Elementary Education with a math concentration. My husband, Mike, and I have 3 children; Hayley, Tyler and Shelby. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, and camping. I have been teaching at SJV since 2003 and enjoy working with my students to further their education and to help them grow in their Catholic faith.

Ms. Abby Landsteiner

 Say hi to Ms. Landsteiner when you see her!

Mrs. Elizabeth Leiding

Hello, my name is Beth Leiding and this is my sixth year teaching Physical Education here at St. John Vianney! I was born and raised in Fairmont, attending St. John Vianney School from 1st through 4th grades. I graduated from Fairmont High School. I then attended Minnesota State University in Mankato, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Middle School Math endorsement. My husband, Josh, and I live on the original Leiding family farm and have four daughters: Jaiden (22 ½), Gabriella (10th grade), Saige (10th grade) and Amalia (8th grade). I spend my spare time attending all my girls’ athletic activities and even coach them in volleyball and softball. I have taught in various area schools over the past 19 years but am thoroughly excited to be teaching at my origin! I feel blessed to be teaching in this wonderful school environment, with amazing staff and students, and I look forward to many more years ahead!

Mrs. Kathleen Lockwood

My husband, Michael, and I have 5 children and have lived in the Fairmont area since 2004. We have had 4 of our 5 children graduate from SJV School and have had one or more of our children at school for 17 years straight. We love SJV School and parish community. This is why I love being the SJV School Secretary!

Mr. Joe Maidl

Say hi to Joe when you see him!

Nicole McCarthick

My name is Nicole McCarthick. I am the Kid Stop Coordinator here at St. John Vianney. I am originally from Mahnomen, MN (a very small town in northern MN). I attended South Dakota State University, in Brookings, SD, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies along with two minors; Gerontology & Leadership and Management of Non-profit Organizations. Prior to moving to Fairmont (for the 2nd time) in 2011, I lived in Brookings, SD; Denver, CO; Fairmont, MN; Sioux Falls, SD & finally back to Fairmont; MN (again). God has blessed me with two boys, Logan (8) & Liam (5), who attend St. John Vianney. The boys and I have four (4) Parakeets and one (1) Cockateil; Timmy, Hammy, Twenty, Pickle, and Uno. My family and I truly enjoy being part of the SJV family.

Anna Nordquist

Say hi to Anna when you see her!

Mrs. Vanessa Bettin

 Say hi to Mrs. Bettin when you see her!

SJV School Board

Leo Algarra

Kari Clayton

Leslie Truesdell

Bob Bishop (Trustee)