Shannon Buncher, Site-Director / Lead Kinderstart Teacher
Shannon earned her BA in Elementary Education with Preprimary Emphasis from the University of MN-Morris and has her MN Teaching License. She taught 8 years teaching Kindergarten before joining the Discovery Center in 2013. Shannon enjoys singing, musical theatre, scrapbooking and loves traveling to visit family and friends.
“Live every moment in love.” – Mother Theresa
Top 5 Strengths * Harmony * Developer * Achiever * Empathy * Learner
Patty Delander, Lead Kinderstart Teacher
Patty began teaching with the St. Jude Discovery Center as a PreK Assistant in the fall of 2023. She moved into a Lead Teacher role in 2024. Patty has her B.S. PreK-12 Phy Ed/Health and adapted Physical Education degree from the UW-Eau Claire, and has worked in special education in MN, WI and New York.
Patty’s favorite part of teaching is witnessing the wonder in the children’s eyes as they are learning.
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk down the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.” – Deuteronomy 6:8
Brianna Hinderks, Lead Young Explorer Teacher
Brianna joined the Discovery Center team in 2015. She has her Art Education and English degrees from UW-River Falls and is working toward her Childcare Development Associations Degree (CDA). Brianna is a busy mother of two young children. Her calm and gentle manner are a perfect fit for our young preschool students!
“For I know the plans I have for you…” -Jeremiah 29:11
Top 5 Strengths * Input * Connectedness * Communication * Woo * Positivity
Emily Sullivan, Program Director / Lead Kinderstart Teacher
Emily has lots of excitement for life and for kids! She is a graduate of St. Benedict’s with a degree in Kindergarten/Elementary Education and has her MN Teaching License. Emily has been teaching and directing with the Discovery Center since 2003. Emily enjoys shopping, biking, gardening and crafting. She and her husband love to spend time with their young sons, visiting the cabin and anything out in the sun!
“Why choose to fit in when you were born to stand out!”
Top 5 Strengths * Communication * Empathy * Maximizer * Positivity * Woo
Edina Beckwith, Lead Discovery Teacher
Bio Information Coming Soon!
Cara Vacha, Lead Older Explorers Teacher
Cara has her Early-Childhood Education Degree from UW-Stout, and was the owner/lead teacher of Cool Kids daycare before joining the St. Jude of the Lake teaching team in 2024. Her favorite part of teaching is watching children having fun while learning!
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13