Tonya Sisterman, Site-Director/Lead Discovery Teacher
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.”
Top Five Strengths: * Futuristic * Arranger * Includer * Developer * Adaptability
Marissa Prelgo, Lead Explorer Teacher
Marissa started at LADC in 2020. She graduated from Iowa State with a double major in Event Management and Public Relations and a minor in Psychology. What Marissa looks most forward to in teaching is learning alongside the children. “They teach me something new every day as well! I love seeing how much growth and development occurs over the school year and I am blessed to be a part of that.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13
Christina Iverson, Lead Infant Teacher
Christina joined the Infant Room Teaching Team in the Fall of 2019. She has her B.S. degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a Concentration in Children from the University of WI, Stout. Christina enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to concerts, plays and movies, reading and staying fit with group exercise.
“And now may the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you, giving you his peace.” Numbers 6:24-26
Top Five Strengths: * Harmony * Empathy * Developer * Consistency * Maximizer
Sarah Mathisen, EAP manager
Sarah joined the staff at Community of Grace Discovery Center in 2023. She attends the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, studying Animal Science. Her previous teaching experience includes Preschool before and after care with Mahtomedi Preschools and as part of the Wrangler staff with the YMCA Camp St. Croix. What Sarah loves most about teaching is getting to know students and watching them grow and learn as the year goes on.
“But he said to me, ‘My grade is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Abby Rehr, Lead Kinderstart Teacher
Abby graduated from the University of Iowa with her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She has found her love of young children and teaching through her experiences as a swim instructor, camp counselor, athletic recreation coach, nanny and youth group leader. Abby joined the LADC Teaching team the summer of 2024. Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing children’s brain working as they start understanding and making connections!
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18
Sara Nentwig, Lead Teacher Young Explorers
Sarah began teaching with LADC as an Assistant Teacher at Redeemer’s Discovery Center in White Bear Lake. She was the Lead Toddler Teacher for 2 summers, before moving to Community of Grace as the Lead Teacher for Young Explorers. Sarah’s Child Development Certification is in process.
Sarah’s favorite part of teaching is having the privilege to watch the progress each child makes while learning and growing.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6