Claudia Risnes
Program Director, Master of Arts in Education

Claudia Risnes, Program Director for the Master of Arts in Education Program, served in Minnesota public schools education from 1972 to 2006, in a number of capacities. Claudia taught grades 4 – 12 in both music and English, in the Rochester Public Schools and the Anoka-Hennepin School District. In addition, she served as an instructional resource teacher, a staff development coordinator, a curriculum director for the Stillwater District, and lastly, served in the Minnetonka Public Schools as the Executive Director of Teaching and Learning.

Diane Steffen
Associate Program Director, Master of Arts in Education

Diane Steffen, Associate Program Director for the Master of Arts in Education Program, served in the public school system in the Anoka-Hennepin District for thirty-four years prior to coming to Saint Mary’s University.  Diane has experience as a classroom teacher, district facilitator for the Gifted and Talented program, and middle school principal. In addition to working with the Master of Arts in Education Program, she teaches the Creativity course in the Gifted certificate program.

Administrative Assistants

Marie Lorbiecki                  612-728-5185

Natalie Novacek                612-728-5181

Amy Wolde-Michael          612-728-5107

Site Coordinators
Site Coordinators are responsible for recruiting students and developing cohorts for the MA in Education Program.  They serve as advisors and facilitators for students throughout the program and are assigned to specific geographical locations.

Mike Andrews            612-728-5211            Hennepin County, Minneapolis

Michael Benedetto    612-728-5131            Sherburne, Wright, Anoka Counties

Bob Funk                     877-768-4545            Southeastern Minnesota

Lisa Hansen               507-829-7418            West central Minnesota

Jim Howard                651-485-9944            Dakota, Goodhue Counties

Ann Kastler                612-728-5215            Washington, Ramsey, Chisago Counties

Jan Mesich                 218-744-3257            Northeastern Minnesota

Dean Souter               612-419-3234            Northwestern Minnesota

Greg Spath                 507-553-6190            Mankato, Worthington area

Beverly Stofferahn    612-728-5204            Scott, Carver Counties, West Metro

Dean Taylor               320-253-2525            Stearns, Benton Counties, Central Minnesota