Mary Our Queen Catholic School Leadership & Staff
Over half of our teaching staff hold advanced degrees or speciality licenses. We are also blessed with long staff tenures – the staff average is 12 years teaching at MOQ.
Keep reading to learn more about the people serving at our school.
Mary Our Queen Catholic School Leadership
Fr. Marc Lim
Pastor
Fr. Marc Lim is a native of Singapore. An engineer by profession, Fr. Marc came to the United States after receiving an invitation to discern and study for the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Omaha. He undertook his philosophical studies at Conception Seminary in Conception, Missouri, and continued his theological studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. Fr Marc was ordained a priest on June 2nd, 2007, by Archbishop Elden Curtiss in Omaha, Nebraska. Fr Marc has served as Associate Pastor in St Robert Bellarmine Parish, Mary Our Queen Parish, and St Wenceslaus Parish in Omaha and as Pastor of St Joseph in Pierce and St Paul in Plainview, Nebraska. Fr Marc was assigned Pastor of Mary Our Queen Parish in Omaha on July 1st, 2019. Fr. Marc has previously served in the Singapore Armed Forces and his hobbies include keeping saltwater reef aquariums, golf, and photography.
Fr Marc comes from a family of four, consisting of his parents and older brother. His mother Pamela is a retired teacher. She was involved in elementary education in Singapore for 41 years till her retirement in 2002. His father Jock, travels between Singapore, Tianjin, China, and Myanmar where he manufactures Plastic Injection and Blow molding machines and water purification systems. His brother Brian resides with his wife and two children in Singapore.
Maureen Hoy
Principal
Maureen Hoy has served as principal of Mary Our Queen School since 2015. Prior to the role of principal, Mrs. Hoy was a classroom teacher at Mary Our Queen, teaching second and third grade from 2011.
In addition to her experience at Mary Our Queen School, Mrs. Hoy was a classroom teacher for Omaha Public Schools. She taught sixth and fourth grade as well as Special Education. Mrs. Hoy also worked as a Project Specialist for the Omaha Public Schools for seven years. She oversaw the Early Awareness Advanced Education Program for which she wrote and received grant funding.
Mrs. Hoy has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities and an Endorsement in Administration. All degrees were earned at Creighton University in Omaha NE.
Mrs. Hoy was born and raised in Omaha, NE. She and her husband, Tom, have three children.
Tara Petersen
Assistant Principal/STEM Coordinator
Tara Petersen has served as Assistant Principal at Mary Our Queen School since 2011. Mrs. Petersen also began teaching Math & Science. She leads our STEAM initiatives at MOQ and is the lead instructor for MOQ Robotics.
Prior to MOQ, Mrs. Petersen began teaching at St. Cecilia’s in 1995 in 4th grade. In 2000, moved to JR high science teacher at St. Cecilia’s.
Mrs. Petersen holds a degree of a Bachelor of Art History with secondary education support from Creighton University. She also has a Masters of Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska.
Mrs. Petersen’s recognition includes:
- 2016 AFCEA STEM teacher
- 2016 Heartland Regional Teacher of the Year
- 2012 AFCEA award
- 2011 Dora Gommerman Outstanding Teacher
- 2010 Volunteer of the Year at Championship of the Americas (Robotics Tournament)
- 2006 NCEA Distinguished Teacher Award
- 2003 Metropolitan Science and Engineering Fair Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Petersen and her husband Brandon have a daughter who attends MOQ. She is active in volunteering for community events like state track and Olympic Swim Trials. She is also very active in the Omaha community for Robotics tournaments and has led our MOQ robotic teams to National championships.
Mary Our Queen Catholic School Staff
Mrs. Julie Watsabaugh
Secretary
Year you joined MOQ: 2016
What do I love most about MOQ? Love the energy!
Favorite Saint: St. Joseph
Mrs. Cindy Tooher
Communications
Education background:
BSBA in Marketing, Creighton University
MBA Creighton University
Peggy Croy
Counselor
Education background:
B.S. in Comprehensive Social Studies Education from Ohio State University, M.S. in Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Illinois University, Ph.D in Educational Leadership from University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Year you joined MOQ school:
2012
What you love about teaching:
Working and helping students find their own passion in life while reaching for their God-given potential.
Teaching Experience:
3 years teaching departmental junior high students, 4 years as a high school counselor, 25 years as a PS-8th grade principal, 9 years as elementary school counselor.
What you love best about MOQ:
The people, the spirit of faith that permeates the school.
Mr. Darryl Voboril
Maintenance
Mary Our Queen Catholic School Early Childhood Education Staff
Mrs. Kristen Burton
Preschool
Education background:
Masters of Arts in Teaching
Year you joined MOQ school:
2020
What you love about teaching:
The look of pride in a child’s eyes as they show you their hard work. I love helping a child build their self confidence.
What you love best about MOQ:
The sense of community
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
Mistakes are just proof that you are trying.
Miss Claire Oborny
Preschool
Education Background:
First year, Associate Degree-Early Childhood Education, Bachelors Degree- Elementary Education, Early Childhood, Special Education
Joined MOQ Faculty:
2020
What I love about teaching:
I love seeing students get excited about school. I love teaching students skills that they will need in the future. I also love teaching students songs in my classroom!
What you love best about MOQ:
I love that families are involved with their students. It is so nice to have that home/ school connections for students.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be. – Rita Pierson
Mrs. Anita Petersen
Preschool
Education background:
Masters
Year you joined MOQ school:
2022
Teaching Experience
20 years
What you love about teaching:
My students
What you love best about MOQ:
It feels like home.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
God’s unconditional love for me.
Any special fact you want to share about yourself:
I am blessed to be a mom to 4 kids and one adorable grandson.
Mrs. Alice Gerraughty
Preschool Teacher Assistant
Education background:
B.S. Elem Ed
Year you joined MOQ school:
2021
Teaching Experience
Previously taught for 30 years.
What you love about teaching:
I love seeing kids so happy when they are skipping down the hallway!
What you love best about MOQ:
Fun and prayerful community
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
St. Teresa~ Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love
Any special fact you want to share about yourself:
Graduate of MOQ! Proud Alumni!
Kris Vigneri
Preschool Teacher Assistant
Emily Hillebrandt
Preschool Teacher Assistant
Michaela Linquist
Preschool Teacher Assistant
Mrs. Ashley Rosenthal
Extended Care Director
Education background:
I am currently in school working towards a degree in Behavioral Health Science then I would love to get my masters in teaching
Year you joined MOQ school:
2018
What you love best about being at MOQ:
When the kids are excited to show me their accomplishments! When they come in with an A+ paper or their favorite art project or even a new toy that they got for their birthday, my heart is overflowing with happiness and joy for them.
Addison Pierzina
Mini Mustangs - Extended Care
Jill Kramer
Mini Mustangs - Extended Care
Mary Our Queen Catholic School Kindergarten Staff
Mrs. Angie Olson
Kindergarten Teacher
Education Background:
U.N.O.- B.S. in Education
Joined MOQ Faculty:
2015
What I love about teaching:
I love working with the little ones. I love when you see the light bulb go on and they “get it”.
Teaching Experience:
Kindergarten & 4th Grade
What you love best about MOQ:
I love that I can teach about the faith and have the support I need to do it.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
St. Therese the Little Flower- We can all do small things with great love.
Mrs. Rachel Poland
Kindergarten Teacher
Education Background:
Graduated from UNO 2012 with a degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Early Childhood Education and Special Education.
Joined MOQ Faculty:
2012 and 2022
What I love about teaching:
Working with kids and watching their curiosity for the world around them.
What you love best about MOQ:
The Community
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
Whatever you do, whatever your skills, and whatever your age — you can live your life for the glory of God.
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
I have a current 2nd grader and 1st grader attending MOQ.
Mrs. Christa Schieffer
Kindergarten Teacher
Education Background:
I graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2012, with a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Inclusive.
Joined MOQ Faculty:
2023
What I love about teaching:
What I love the most about teaching is the bond you get to have with your students and the growth they make throughout the year. That “light bulb” moment is what I strive for. Seeing that go off in their eyes and gaining that confidence they need to know “I CAN do this”.
Teaching Experience:
I first started teaching preschool in York, Nebraska and then after my first year, I got married and we moved to Texas. While there, I taught preschool in Frisco for 6 years. After starting our family, we decided to head back to Nebraska to be closer to family. I taught preschool in Stanton for a year and then 3 years in Columbus. I am anxious and excited to beginning this new year in Kindergarten started.
What you love best about MOQ:
I really love the open and loving relationships in the MOQ church/school family. Just walking in, you get a glimpse of the closeness the school has with each other. Attending mass as really given us comfort and excitement to be a part of such a wonderful church community.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
I come from a very large family. I am the youngest of 8 and there are 26 grandchildren. I love to exercise by running or lifting weights, love the color green, and hanging out with my 2 children and husband.
Mrs. Tammie Nussrallah
Kindergarten Teacher Assistant
Education background:
B.S. in Human Nutrition from UNL
Year you joined MOQ school:
2014
What you love about teaching:
The kids. It’s so much fun to watch them learn and grow through the kindergarten year!
Teaching Experience:
T.A. for kindergarten
What you love best about MOQ:
The community. It feels like another family here.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
St. John Vianney
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
I just saw my first glacier on a girls trip to Alaska with my daughters.
Mrs. Tracy Gibbs
Kindergarten Teacher Assistant
Education background:
Associate Degree: Computer Programming/Accounting
Year you joined MOQ school:
2018
What you love about teaching:
I love interacting with students. I love seeing their eyes light up as they understand new concepts!
Teaching Experience:
Preschool 3’s and 4’s, Pre-k
What you love best about MOQ:
What I love the most about MOQ is working with amazing teachers, staff and students!
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
Today is a great day to learn something new.
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
I love to cook and bake!
Mary Our Queen Catholic School Primary Grade (1-3) Staff
Mrs. Theresa Fisher
First Grade Teacher
Education background:
BA in Elementary Education and Masters in K-12 Literacy
Year you joined MOQ school:
2005
What you love about teaching:
First grade is an amazing grade to teach. I am laying the foundations for many math skills and teaching the fundamentals for reading. It is an amazing journey to watch the students grow and flourish academically and socially.
Teaching Experience:
I taught kindergarten for three yrs. and 1st grade for two yrs. at OPS. Then took ten yrs. off to be with my 5 children. Now I am starting my 15th yr. at MOQ.
What you love best about MOQ:
The faith filled atmosphere and I am blessed to attend Mass every week! The families and staff are supportive, creative, and care about the our school and the community.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
St. Pio~Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry.
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
Teaching is in my heart and I am privileged to be here.
Mrs. Angelica Prestridge
First Grade Teacher
Education background:
I grauated from UNL with my degree in elementary education in 2014. I will be graduating next summer with my master’s degree in special education
Year you joined MOQ school:
2023
What you love about teaching:
I love teaching students to have a love for their faith and the importance of being kind to others. Plus I enjoy developing meaningful relationships with parents and students.
Teaching Experience:
I have taught second grade for seven years as well as taught faith formation for three years
What you love best about MOQ:
I love the faith filled environment as well as the resources to assist student to excel in their academics.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
”Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire”-Saint Catherine of Siena
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
This is my first year teaching first grade! I am excited to be a part of Mary Our Queen!
Miss Patty Vipond
First Grade Teacher
Education background:
Bachelor of Science from UNO
What you love about teaching:
Building relationships with families is what I love about teaching.
Teaching Experience:
I have taught grades second, fifth and first.
What you love best about MOQ:
I am thankful for the cherished friendships with colleagues from Mary Our Queen School.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
John Paul II
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
I enjoy gardening, biking, swimming and spending time with family.
Mrs. Heather Rubel
First/Fourth Grade Teacher Assistant
Education background:
Briar Cliff University and Iowa State /office management and accounting
Year you joined MOQ school:
2022
What you love about teaching:
I was a preschool director where I lived previously for 5 years and loved it!!!
What you love best about MOQ:
The sense of community
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
St. Christopher
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
Until last year when I moved to Omaha I had never lived anywhere else other than Sioux City where I was born.
Miss Brittany Mangers
Second Grade Teacher
Education background:
I graduated high school from Saint Cecilia’s in Hastings, then went to the University of Nebraska Lincoln and studied elementary education.
Year you joined MOQ school:
2023
What you love about teaching:
I love building long lasting relationships with the students as well as making learning fun and memorable for the kids!
Teaching Experience:
I taught for three years at Saint Teresa’s in Lincoln – one year in 5th grade and two years in 3rd grade.
What you love best about MOQ:
’m excited to continue teaching in a Catholic school where we can learn about our faith and grow stronger in it.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
Saint Maria Goretti
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
Some fun facts about me are: I love to read, play sports, be with my family, go on walks and I love to watch Fixer Upper!
Ms. Melanie Olson
Second Grade Teacher
Education background:
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Endorsement in Early Childhood Education
Year you joined MOQ school:
2021
Teaching Experience:
Entering my 3rd year at MOQ!
What you love about teaching:
I love helping students reach their personal learning goals, and watching their excitement grow with each milestone.
What you love best about MOQ:
I love the family-like community of our parish and school.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
St. Benedict
Any special fact you want to share about yourself:
I attended Mary Our Queen K-8th grade! Proud Alumni!
Mrs. Kathy Skiles
Second Grade Teacher
Education background:
Masters in Education with a Reading Specialist Endorsement along with an ELL Endorsement
Year you joined MOQ school:
2019
What you love about teaching:
I love the lifelong connections I make with my students and their families.
Teaching Experience:
I have over 20 years experience teaching first, second, and third grade. I also have several years of substitute teaching K-5.
What you love best about MOQ:
I love how MOQ is a family that looks after one another in both good and bad times.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
I was a 4 sport athlete many years ago. I married my high school sweetheart and have been married for 28 years.We have two amazing teenage daughters who keep us busy.
Mrs. Michaela Altenhofen
Third Grade Teacher
Education background:
BA BS University of Nebraska
Year you joined MOQ school:
2007-2011 and again 2022
What you love about teaching:
Watching students get the “Ah-ha” moment
Teaching Experience:
Beginning my 8th year!
What you love best about MOQ:
It’s home
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
Julie Moore
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
Im training for my first marathon.
Mrs. Janelle Risdon
Third Grade Teacher
Education background:
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education & Master of Science: Information Technology
Year you joined MOQ school:
2022
Teaching Experience:
6 years of teaching 3rd & 4th grade in OPS and now going into my second year teaching a third grade at Mary Our Queen
What you love about teaching:
Building a positive community of motivated students to work at their highest potential and to grow both academically and emotionally throughout their formative 3rd grade year!
What you love best about MOQ:
The sincere & genuine staff, parents and students. The connected faith based educational experience.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
“Accept what IS, let go of what WAS, and have FAITH in what will be” – Sonia Ricotti
Any special fact you want to share about yourself:
When I was in grades school my best friend’s Mom was a teacher. We had our own elaborate classroom in her basement and I even received my very own overhead projector for Christmas when I was in 3rd grade!
Mrs. Liz Zuegner
Third Grade Teacher
Year you joined MOQ school
2008
What you love about teaching
Forming relationships with my students
What you love best about MOQ
The MOQ community and our staff
Favorite Saint and/or motto
St. Therese of Lisieux / Let your light shine.
Mary Our Queen Catholic School Intermediate Grade (4-5) Staff
Mr. Mark Anderson
Fifth Grade Teacher
Education background:
Grade School: St. Robert’s; High School: Creighton Prep; College: Creighton University
Year you joined MOQ school:
1994
What you love about teaching:
Sharing my faith and knowledge with the students. Each day is a unique experience! :)
Teaching Experience:
4th & 5th, primarily math (including advanced) the past several years
What you love best about MOQ:
MOQ has always made me feel welcome…since student teaching here!
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
St. Padre Pio: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.”
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
I have been a diehard Chargers fan since I was in 4th grade…even through several bouts of futility! :)
Mrs. Stacy Schlautman
Fifth Grade Teacher
Education background:
Graduated from the the University of Nebraska- Lincoln in 2014
Year you joined MOQ school:
2014
What you love about teaching:
Making a positive impact on children and helping them reach their goals. Working with kids has always been a passion of mine.
Teaching Experience:
MOQ 5th grade -5 years; MOQ 4th grade -1 year.
What you love best about MOQ:
I love the community of MOQ. The students here are some of the nicest, most hard working kids I’ve ever been around. They truly bring so much light to my life. I cannot say enough good things about this school.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
St. Teresa of Calcutta
Mrs. Angie Pensick
Sixth Grade Teacher
Education background:
BS in Secondary Education @ Kansas State University and currently working on a graduate degree from UNO
Year you joined MOQ school:
As a parent in 2011, as a TA in 2018
What you love about teaching:
So many things!! I love being a part of a community whose collective goal is to help create thoughtful people who make the world a better place. And, I also love knowing that small acts have big impacts. And, it is an extraordinary thing to see children grow. And, I love to learn alongside the students knowing full well how much they teach me. And, it is fun!
Teaching Experience:
I taught English at the Catholic high school (Hayden) I attended in Kansas. I also spent several years at St. Robert Bellarmine School as the Media Specialist/Librarian. I was unbelievably blessed to stay home with our kiddos for several years. Then I returned to education as a teacher assistant five years ago here at MOQ.
What you love best about MOQ:
I love our patron, Mary. It is an incredible blessing to work in a place where I know Jesus is present.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
Saint Teresa of Calcutta “Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without coming away better and happier.”
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
I am quite excited to teach again!
Mrs. Mimi Fenton
Fifth/Sixth Grade Teacher
Education background:
B.S. Education
Year you joined MOQ school:
2001
What you love about teaching:
Watching students grow in their faith and the fact that no two days are the are exactly alike, makes teaching the best job.
Teaching Experience:
Up until this year, I had taught every grade except First Grade and Fifth Grade. This year I’ll be able to check Fifth Grade off my list. My favorite subjects to teach have been religion and reading.
What you love best about MOQ:
The MOQ Community is filled with an amazing spirit. You can walk into any classroom and see the Catholic culture visible throughout the building.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
St. Teresa of Calcutta
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself?
I once had the privilege of meeting Mother Teresa when she was here in the United States to receive an award from Boys Town.
Mary Our Queen Catholic School Junior High (6-8) Staff
Tara Petersen
Assistant Principal/STEM Coordinator/Grade 6-7-8
Tara Petersen has served as Assistant Principal at Mary Our Queen School since 2011. Mrs. Petersen also began teaching Math & Science. She leads our STEAM initiatives at MOQ and is the lead instructor for MOQ Robotics.
Prior to MOQ, Mrs. Petersen began teaching at St. Cecilia’s in 1995 in 4th grade. In 2000, moved to JR high science teacher at St. Cecilia’s.
Mrs. Petersen holds a degree of a Bachelor of Art History with secondary education support from Creighton University. She also has a Masters of Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska.
Mrs. Petersen’s recognition includes:
- 2016 AFCEA STEM teacher
- 2016 Heartland Regional Teacher of the Year
- 2012 AFCEA award
- 2011 Dora Gommerman Outstanding Teacher
- 2010 Volunteer of the Year at Championship of the Americas (Robotics Tournament)
- 2006 NCEA Distinguished Teacher Award
- 2003 Metropolitan Science and Engineering Fair Teacher of the Year
Mrs. Petersen and her husband Brandon have a daughter who attends MOQ. She is active in volunteering for community events like state track and Olympic Swim Trials. She is also very active in the Omaha community for Robotics tournaments and has led our MOQ robotic teams to National championships.
Kim Prenzlow
Grade 6-7-8/JPII
Education background:
Elementary Education and Minor in Theology from St. Louis University
Year you joined MOQ school:
2015
What you love about teaching:
I love helping students discover something new and I enjoy helping them to know, love, and serve God better.
Teaching Experience:
Every grade 2-8th
What you love best about MOQ:
I love the MOQ community!
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
St. Therese
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
I’m proud to be an MOQ grad, teacher and now parent!
Emily Targy
Frassati
Education background:
Graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in May of 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Human Sciences. Graduated in 2016 from Papillion-La Vista High School. Attended St. Columbkille (k-8).
Year you joined MOQ school:
2020
What you love about teaching:
Encouraging and empowering students to be the best version of themselves not only academically but in all aspects of life.
What you love best about MOQ:
The strong sense of community I feel every day when I walk in the doors.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
Saint Rose of Lima
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
I am a huge Husker football fan.
Jake Cortright
JPII
Education background:
BA in Theology and Philosophy from Benedictine College, Ed. Certification K-12 from University of Nebraska at Kearney
Year you joined MOQ school:
2017
What you love about teaching:
I love the opportunity to answer big questions that students may have about their faith, and being able to help them find the resources that they need.
Teaching Experience:
Began teaching Junior High Religion at MOQ in 2017
What you love best about MOQ:
What I love most about MOQ is the sense of community that exists in every fiber our DNA here and shows itself in every part of the parish/school operation.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
St. Alphonsus Liguori – “Whoever prays is certainly saved. He who does not is certainly damned. All the blessed have been saved by prayer. All the damned have been lost through not praying. If they had prayed they would not have been lost. And this is, and will be their greatest torment in hell: to think how easily they might have been saved, just by asking God for His grace, but that now it is too late – their time of prayer is gone.”
Joanna Meysenburg
Mother Teresa
Education background:
BS Elementary Education, Creighton 1995, MS School Administration Creighton 2002
Year you joined MOQ school:
2018
What you love about teaching:
I love setting up an environment that promotes positive relationships.
Teaching Experience:
5 years as 6th grade teacher, 5 years as 2nd grade teacher, 18 years as 4th grade teacher
What you love best about MOQ:
My colleagues , my principal, and the smaller class sizes
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
Saint Teresa – Do Small Things with Great Love
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
This is my second stint back at MOQ – first taught 1995-2000- we got married at MOQ in 1998 since he proposed to me in Room 20😊
Kristin Monzingo
Mendel
Education background:
University of Nebraska – B.S. in Secondary Education; Endorsement is 7-12 Natural Science
Year you joined MOQ school:
2010
What you love about teaching:
Creating an understanding and passion for science in my students
Teaching Experience:
7/8, Biology & Chemistry/Earth Science
What you love best about MOQ:
The “family”/community. I get to work with amazing colleagues, families, and students.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
St Francis of Assisi
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
In addition to my passion for all areas of science, I also have a passion for traveling and hiking
Cory Vasek
Roosevelt
Education background
25 years teaching
Year you joined MOQ school
1997
What you love about teaching
I love building positive relationships with the students and seeing them graduate to high school. I also love helping them develop a better sense of history and become active citizens.
What you love best about MOQ
Mary Our Queen is like a small town in within Omaha. The sense of community is incredible.
Favorite Saint and/or motto
“Some men see things as they are and say ‘why?’ I dream things that never were and say ‘why not?’” – Robert Kennedy
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself?
Samantha Smith Scholarship – 1993, James Madison Fellowship for Nebraska – 2008, Civic Nebraska’s Outstanding Civic Educator – 2016
Jennifer Peters
6-7-8 Teacher Assistant
Lori Quinn
Resource/6-7-8 Math
Denise Goddard
Resource
Education background:
Elementary Education and Special Education endorsements from UNL 1992, Reading Specialist Masters Concordia University 2012
Year you joined MOQ school:
2008
What you love about teaching:
The students and how they are so eager to learn. Plus, everyday, they teach me something, so I always keep learning too!
Teaching Experience:
6 Grade classroom teacher OPS 2 years, Resource teacher 4 years OPS, and Resource teacher MOQ 2008-present
What you love best about MOQ:
The students. They are some really great humans to be with and they make me smile
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
Saint Faustina/ motto is from her as well: “Jesus, I trust in you”
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
My favorite thing to do is spend time with family and friends/ to be outside running, biking or gardening/ I love to share my knowledge of baking and cooking.
Allison Wagner
Resource
Education background:
BS in Education from University of Nebraska Omaha
Year you joined MOQ school:
1998 and 2023
What you love about teaching:
Building relationships with students and their families.
What you love best about MOQ:
The MOQ community is like family.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” St. Catherine of Siena
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself?
I attended MOQ as a student, grades K-8. Proud MOQ Alumni!
Margaret Righter
Resource
Mary Kay Esser
HS Math
Mary Our Queen Catholic School Special Curriculum Staff
Laura Vranes
Library
Education background:
I graduated from UNO with a degree in Elementary Education. And I received my Master’s from UNO in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Library Science.
Year you joined MOQ school:
2010
What you love about teaching:
I love being a teacher because you can watch your students grow and are able to make a difference in someone’s life. They become curious and excited and you can see a life-long learner emerge.
Teaching Experience:
Library for 21 years
What you love best about MOQ:
We are truly a family and we all take responsibility for the education of our students. We support each other to help navigate students on the pathway to knowledge.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
St. Francis is my favorite Saint because I love animals! Ms. Frizzle from the Magic School Bus has the best motto. She reminds us that to learn you need to take chances, make mistakes, and get messy. Hands on is the best way to learn.
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
My husband and I are street art collectors and have over 600 pieces in our collection.
Indy Engel
Spanish
Education background:
11 years teaching
Year you joined MOQ school:
2018
What you love about teaching:
Being part of a community of learners.
What you love best about MOQ:
Our mission is present in all that we do every single day.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
“Make me a channel of your peace.” = “Hazme un instrumento de tu paz.”
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
I’m a native Spanish speaker (born and raised in Panama) with a love for world languages and culture.
Mike McCarthy
PE
Education background:
BS Business Management/Teaching Certification
Year you joined MOQ school:
2014
What you love about teaching:
Seeing the “A-HA” moment on students faces when they master a concept.
Teaching Experience:
4th grade science/math/reading
What you love best about MOQ:
The small town community feel.
Favorite Saint and/or motto:
Saint Michael
Any Special Fact you want to share about yourself:
I have been officiating basketball for 20 years.
