Mrs. Elsen serves as the Extended Care Facilitator for St. Joseph’s preschool program and this year stepped into an expanded role as the school’s Communications and Operations Coordinator. She is passionate about early childhood education and building a strong, connected school community where every child feels valued and every family feels welcomed.

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She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child and Family Studies and is licensed to teach through third grade. Mrs. Elsen’s educational philosophy centers on the importance of play and the development of social-emotional connections as the foundation for lifelong learning. She finds great joy in watching young learners grow and is committed to creating a nurturing, supportive environment where they can thrive.

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Originally from southwestern Minnesota, Mrs. Elsen moved to St. Cloud for college before settling in Grand Rapids in 2010. She brings extensive experience working with toddlers and preschoolers, including five years in the classroom. After stepping away to raise her young children, she continued her work in early childhood education by becoming a licensed in-home childcare provider in 2018.

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Deeply rooted in the St. Joe’s community, Mrs. Elsen has also served as a school board member. Her husband is a counselor at Grand Rapids High School, and together they have three children: two currently attending St. Joe’s and one who continues to build on that foundation in middle school.

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Mrs. Elsen values the strong sense of faith, family, and community at St. Joe’s and is dedicated to supporting both students and families in meaningful ways.