Shannon Buncher, Site-Director / Lead Kinderstart Teacher
email Shannon 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
Strengthfinders Top Five: Harmony Developer Achiever Empathy Learner
Annie Francis, Kinderstart Lead Teacher
Info Coming Soon!
Stephanie Fralich, Lead Discovery Teacher
Email Stephanie Stephanie graduated from Bemidji State with a degree in Elementary Education and MN Teaching License. She LOVES working with children! Stephanie joined the Discovery Center in 2014 as a Lead Toddler and Afternoon Lead PreK Teacher, moving in to the Discovery Classroom full-time in 2018. In Stephanie’s spare time she likes to read and binge watch Netflix. She has two dogs and one amazing husband!
“In a world full of cheerios, be a fruit loop!”
Strengthfinder Top Five: Harmony Achiever Discipline Consistency Adaptability
Riley Monsour, Assistant Teacher
Riley joined the Discovery Team in 2017 and is currently enrolled at Century College studying Elementary Education. Riley enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves hiking, being outside and traveling to new places.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9
Strengthfinders Top Five: Positivity Woo Learner Communication Developer
Kay Honsa, Assistant Teacher
Kay has a BA in Psychology from Metropolitan State University. She joined the St. Jude’s teaching team Fall of 2020. Kay has a wealth of experience from her years of running her own family daycare program. She enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters and loves baking, camping and going for walks.
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” – Mother Teresa
April Leaf, Assistant Teacher
April has taught with the Discovery Center at St. Jude’s since 2017, in both assistant and lead toddler teacher roles. She has a CDA (Childcare Development Associates degree.
Strengthfinders Top Five: Empathy Adaptability Developer Individualization Consistency
Emily Sullivan, Program Director / Lead Kinderstart Teacher
email Emily 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!”
Strengthfinders Top Five: Communication Empathy Maximizer Positivity Woo
Brianna Hinderks, Lead Explorers Teacher / Older Toddlers
Email Brianna 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 toddler students!
“For I know the plans I have for you…” -Jeremiah 29:11
Strengthfinders Top Five: Input Connectedness Communication Woo Positivity
Trish Dahl, Lead Explorers Teacher
Email Trish 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
Strengtfinders Top Five: Empathy Developer Responsibility Adaptability Harmony
Abbey Griebler, Assistant Teacher
Abbey has a degree in Elementary Education from Western Governor’s University. She joined the St. Jude’s team Fall of2020. Abbey enjoys exercise, reading, singing, coloring and playing with her dog Ava!
“Human kind. Be both!”
Kabao Xiong, Assistant Teacher
Kabao is currently attending Century College, working toward her degree in Education. She joined the Discovery Center Teaching Team in 2017. Kabao enjoys dance/teaching dance and volleyball.
“Today you’re a supporter, tomorrow you’re a leader.” – Anonymous
Strengthfinders Top Five: Adaptability, Restorative, Relator, Positivity, Aranger