Faculty and Staff

Our teachers, administration, and staff teach academic skills and also guide children and help them learn about faith, right vs. wrong, love, charity, and community.

administrator

Mr. Mark Matzek

Administrative Assistant

Mrs. Amy Matzek

Mrs. Tracie Esterby, Preschool and Wraparound

My name is Tracie Esterby and I am the current Preschool and Wraparound teacher here at St Francis School. This is my first year with St. Francis and I am loving my room, school, students, families, and coworkers! I am a momma to four beautiful girls, married to Andy, and live on a farm right outside of Ellsworth. Before coming to St. Francis I worked as a nurse at Fairview Clinic for almost 15 years. I also worked at the Ellsworth Community School for about ten years. Most of them were in the classroom (Title One program) and then for my last two years I worked in the health office. Teaching has always been a part of my heart; teaching patients how to live their lives to the best they could be or teaching little ones how to play and learn. Here at St. Francis, I get the privilege of doing that every day along with wonderful coworkers who are now my friends.​

Mrs. alyssa busse, 4YK

My name is Alyssa Busse. This is my 10th year of teaching, and I’m so excited to be a part of the St. Francis family this year! I live right in town with my husband Michael and our children Lucille(8) and Theodore(3). I went to school at University of Minnesota Duluth and graduated with my bachelor’s degree in early childhood general and special education. Most of my past years in teaching have been with 4YK, but I am excited this year to also be teaching physical education classes to all the St. Francis students, and I am teaching 2nd-5th grade technology. Some things you might find me doing outside of school are…reading, yoga, spending time with my family, and I am a dance instructor! (Tap is my favorite.) I feel very blessed to be a part of St. Francis School!

Miss sabrina avery, kindergarten

My name is Sabrina Avery and I am from the small city of Roberts, Wisconsin. I graduated from St. Croix Central High School and began my journey to become an elementary teacher. I graduated from the University of Stout with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood. In the future, I plan on continuing my education to earn my master’s degree in early childhood. I have been teaching at St. Francis School for two years and every day my love for teaching and children continues to grow. My goal as a teacher is to continue to help and support students to become lifelong learners.

Mrs. alyssa brockman, 1st grade

My name is Alyssa Brockman. I have a husband and three cats. I am from Northfield, Minnesota where the delicious smell of Malt-o-Meal cereal covers the town on a windy day. I graduated Cum Laude from University of Wisconsin-Stout in 2019. I have a Bachelors of Science degree in Early Childhood Education and am certified to teach birth through third grade. I have known I wanted to be a teacher since my first day of Kindergarten in 2002. I remember being so excited to be in school. The smell of fresh crayons, the buzz of excitement, finding who is in your class, labeling all the notebooks, I get to relive that every August. I have been teaching First Grade at St. Francis for two years. I choose to teach at St. Francis for the sense of community and sharing the knowledge of Jesus’ love with my students. ​

Mrs. dawn koch, 2nd grade

My name is Dawn Koch. This is my 38th year teaching at St. Francis! I have taught Kindergarten, Third Grade, and Second Grade. My husband Rollie, and I live in River Falls and we just celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary! We have 3 children, and 3 grandchildren. I graduated from Ellsworth High School. I received my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education degree from UW-River Falls and am certified to teach Preschool through Grade 8.  My favorite part about being at St. Francis School is the sense of family that our school has. It is especially rewarding being on the journey with the Second Grade students as they receive the sacraments for the very first time!

Miss mary schmitt, 3rd grade

I grew up in Glencoe, MN and currently live in River Falls, WI. I received my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and minor in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin River Falls. This is my third year of teaching, and second year at St. Francis. My Catholic faith has always been a big part of my life, and it is a joy to share this with St. Francis students everyday. I enjoy making personal connections with students and love watching their growth throughout the school year! In my free time I enjoy traveling, biking, reading, shopping, and spending my weekends with family and friends!

Miss kylie hanley, 4th grade

Hello, my name is Kylie Hanley.  I graduated from Marian University in Fond du lac WI with a degree in Elementary-Middle Education and a Minor in Coaching. This is my first year as a teacher and I am absolutely loving it! The one thing I enjoy most about it is being able to make those personal connections and watch the students grow throughout the school year! I grew up in Gurnee, IL. I lived right down the street from Six Flags Great America. When I am not teaching, I enjoy doing archery, soccer, woodburning, and being with family.

Mrs. shari turvaville, 5th grade

I began my journey at St. Francis Catholic Elementary School in 2008 when my oldest daughter, Hope began kindergarten. My husband, Jeff and our two other daughters Joy, a senior at EHS and Grace, a fifth grader here at SFS live in Bay City, WI.  After growing up in Hammond, WI and graduating from SCC, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from UWRF. I have additional certifications & licenses in the areas of horticulture and communications as well as education. I am also very involved in 4-H as a General Club Leader and I serve on various committees at the county level.  My years at St. Francis have defined me as a hybrid of parent, volunteer, and teacher.  In those 15 years, I have worn many hats. Currently you will find me in the 5th grade classroom teaching Math, Spelling, and Handwriting as well as Religion and Art to both 4th and 5th grade students.

Mrs. Kaile wescott, music

Hello, my name is Kaile Wescott I graduated from UW River Falls with a degree in education. Currently I am the music teacher for the 3k-5th grade students. I have been at St. Francis for 4 years, 2 years teaching kindergarten and 2 years teaching music. Some of the favorite aspects of teaching music have been planning and evolving the programs and music to meet the students abilities and interests. I enjoy teaching students the fundamentals through hands-on exploration and real world experiences. I live in River Falls with my husband Connor, son Charles and our 2 dogs. When I am not teaching I enjoy spending time outdoors snowboarding, snowmobiling and camping.

interventionist & classroom asst

Mrs. Liza Chatt

classroom assistant

​Mrs. Ashley Plahn

Food Service

Custodian
Ms. Mary Dougherty
Mr. Dave Poole