Our Teachers

Dee Anne Toby is Director of St. Michael’s Preschool. Born in New Jersey and grew up in Oklahoma. Attended U of Oklahoma. Moved to University of New Orleans where she earned Degree in Education. Joined St. Michael’s staff in 1998. Responsible for financial management of the Preschool program, curriculums, teaching activities of nine teachers and daily programs and safety for 187 pre-school children. She also teaches. For the last 25 years, Dee Anne has worked in education either in the school setting or at the Children’s Museum of Denver. Serves on St. Michael’s Funding and Resources Committee. Spare time activities include reading and riding motorcycles with her family.

Marilyn Bauer is a Preschool teacher. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio and moved to Denver when she was two. Attended Christ the King Grade School and Machebeuf High School. Received B.A. from University of Northern Colorado. Moved to Strasburg with husband, Lyle where they raised four children, Lena, Aaron, Wesley, and Noah. Desire to work with young children inspired her to earn Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Taught at Queen of Peace Preschool and at Buckley Child Development Center. Substitute teacher at St. Michael's for two years before obtaining a preschool teaching position which she has enjoyed for two years.

Connie Brunner, a Preschool teacher, was born in Dumas Texas and then moved to Colorado when she was 8 years old. Attended college in Florida and Texas and then returned to Colorado where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Celebrating 22nd year as a teacher at St. Michael’s Preschool. Loves teaching “these precious souls and watching their amazing growth in their early years.” Daughter Rebecca, now 13, attended St. Michael’s Preschool 98-00. Married to David for 18 years. Family enjoys hiking in the Rockies and other family activities.

Clara Davis is in her first year as a preschool teacher at St. Michael’s. Lived in Colorado for last 25 years. Received a B.A. in education from University of Northern Colorado in 2005. Substitute teacher and volunteer in Denver area following graduation and before joining St. Michael’s staff. Clara feels she has found her calling in the past seven months and is excited about bringing new and fun ideas to the classroom. Enjoys teaching Preschool because she finds this age very inspiring. Enjoys quilting, knitting and decorating her new house in spare time.

Mary Ford is a Jr. Kindergarten teacher and the Assistant Director of St. Michael's Preschool. Born and raised in southern Minnesota. Attended Winona State University where she earned degrees in psychology and sociology. Teaches Jr. Kindergarten Monday-Friday AM and PM. Assists Dee Anne Toby in management of the Preschool program. Worked in the field of early childhood education for 30 years. Joined the staff of St. Michael's in 1984 and is completing her 24th year. Member of the National Association of Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Colorado Association of Education of Young Children (CAEYC). Her hobbies include reading and watching movies.

Kellie Martin, our Preschool secretary, is a Colorado native and a graduate of CU at Boulder. After positions in the airline, truck, railroad and beer distribution industries, she joined the staff. Responsibilities include but are not limited to, bookkeeping, filing, idea generation, social needs, volunteering, substitute teaching, back up to Dee Anne Toby, record keeping, and the Preschool monthly newsletter. Considers staff like family (the family that you like, not the ones that pinch your cheeks). Thinks of preschool as second home (since she spends so much time there). Married to Cameron and mother to 3 boys; Greyson, Kiffin, and Colton. Feels she has a blessed life filled with family and friends.

Kelli Musielak is a Preschool teacher. Native of Florida. Earned Early Childhood Education certification in Florida. Involved in childhood education for 14 years. Previously taught for 4 years with 3 year-olds in Florida educational system. Moved to Colorado 11 years ago and joined the staff at St. Michael’s a year later. Working with children brings much joy to her life. Seeing them smile makes her day. Spends free time with her wonderful family. Married to Vic 22 years. Three sons; Anthony, Nick, and Bradley. Sports fan as time permits.

Jenny Weidner, a Preschool teacher, was born in El Paso, Texas and grew up in Buffalo, New York. Received degree in Early Childhood Education in 1992 from Illinois State University. Developed and implemented a preschool curriculum for day care center where she worked part time. Also employed by home builder at same time coordinating purchasing of materials used in home construction and finishing. Joined St. Michael’s staff in 2006. Feels it is rewarding to observe children grow and develop while they learn to become good friends. Looks forward to many more years at St. Michael’s. Wonderful family – Jamie, husband of 14 years. Six year –old son, Jamie and 4 year-old Bridget.