Laura Carlson, Site-Director / Lead Discovery Teacher  

email Laura Laura has a BA in Early Childhood Education from South Dakota State University with her MN Teaching License and has been teaching preschool for over 25 years; the past 19 years with Redeemer’s Discovery Center! Her warm and caring way with children is truly a blessing to all students and families. Laura lives in White Bear Lake with her husband. They have a grown son. Laura and her husband are avid runners and enjoy outdoor activities and fishing. “With God all things are possible.”  -Mark10:27

Achiever   Belief   Connectedness   Developer   Empathy

Bri Thomas, Kinderstart Lead Teacher

Email Bri Bri is a graduate of Concordia University in St. Paul and has an Early Childhood Education degree and MN Teaching LIcense. As a child, Bri attended preschool at the Discovery Center; little did she know years later, she would be working here!  Bri joined the staff in 2012 and loves every minute of supporting and helping children grow and learn. Aside from work, Bri enjoys cooking healthy foods, being outdoors and spending time with family and friends. She strives to be a freelance writer and getting her first children’s book published.

Empathy   Input   Responsibility   Connectedness   Ideation

Jody Doree,, Assistant Teacher

Jody graduated from 916/Century College in 1991 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has 24+ years of teaching experience, spending 5 of those as a Program Director, before joining the Discovery Center teaching team in 2014.  Jody is a huge Wild hockey fan, loves taking hikes and rock hunting. Agates are her favorite! She is learning how to wrap agates and make jewelry from them. “Believe you an and you’re halfway there.”  – Theodore Roosevelt

Context   Responsibility   Deliberative   Relator   Empathy

Lorrie Jeske, Assistant Teacher

  Lorrie joined the Redeemer Teaching Team in 2016. She has many years experience in the field of early childhood education and personal health care.  Lorrie is a strong, caring partner in Redeemer’s Explorers classroom. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled nor let it be afraid.”  -John 14:27

Developer   Connectedness   Belief   Restorative   Empathy

Steve Richter, Assistant Teacher / Extended Care

  Steve joined the Discovery Center teaching team Fall of 2017.  He has his BA in Marriage and Family Psychology from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, as well as his Masters in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary.  Steve enjoys travelling with his wife and young son, visits to the lake and beach, reading and watching movies. “Let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth.”  -1 John 3:18

Adaptability  Consistency  Relator  Learner  Restorative

Tonya Sisterman,  Lead Kinderstart Teacher

email Tonya Tonya received her BA in Elementary Education from Concordia University, St. Paul and has her MN Teaching License. She joined the Discovery Center in 2012, teaching at Community of Grace’s Discovery Center before moving over to Redeemer in 2016.  Tonya enjoys scrapbooking, puzzles and spending time with her family. “Work smarter, not harder.”  

Futuristic   Arranger   Includer   Developer   Adaptability

Briana H., Lead Explorer Teacher

Email Briana Briana has a BA degree in Elementary Education with a Theater minor.  Briana enjoys reading, writing and acting. “May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  – Romans 15:13    

Danielle Gibson, Assistant Teacher

Danielle joined the Discovery Center team in 2017. She has her BS in Preprimary Education (birth – 3rd grade) from Northwestern University-St. Paul.   Danielle enjoys reading, walking, camping and cooking.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.”  -Proverbs 3:5-6  

Angela Sellwood, Assistant Teacher

  Angela joined the Discovery Center teaching team at Redeemer many years after her own children attended as preschoolers! She has her Communications and Business Degrees from St. Thomas University and her MN Lead Substitute License. Angela enjoys yoga/pilates, hiking, reading, music and theater. Her favorite interest is her three children! “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”  – Gandhi