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
Sara Ehrenkrook, Lead Kinderstart Teacher
Sarah joined the team at St. Jude of the Lake Discovery Center in 2023. She has her degree in Elementary Education from Bethel College. Her teaching experience includes Kindergarten, 2nd grade, 3rd grade and reading intervention for grades K-5. Sarah’s favorite part of teaching is watching children have fun while learning, seeing their progress and watching them “get it” – that is the reason we do what we do!
“In a world where you can be anything, be kind!”
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
Trish Dahl, Lead Older Explorers Teacher
Trish received her BA in French from the University of Michigan, later completing a certificate in Secondary Education. Both of Trish’s sons attended the Discovery Center when they were young and are now in Middle and High School! In her free time, Trish enjoys cooking, entertaining, traveling and watching soccer.
“Be still and know that I am God.” -Psalm 46:10
Top 5 Strengths * Empathy * Developer * Responsibility * Adaptability * Harmony
Laura Gustafson, After-School Lead/EAP Manager
Laura has an Associates of Arts degree from Century College. Her favorite part of teaching is seeing students grow and flourish in the classroom, knowing that her care and teaching makes a difference in their lives!”
“For His anger lasts only a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” – Psalm 30:5