Meet Our Staff
Rachel Otterness
“Mrs Rachel”
Preschool Director
Background: Rachel spent 13 years in kids ministries before joining our staff as the director in 2023.
A few of her favorite things: The Library, ice cream and kayaking/paddle boarding
Best Teaching Wisdom: Talk to kids the way you want them to talk to themselves
Contact: 763-754-2383, rachel@peacecoonrapids.org or Message in Brightwheel
Karleen Fusenig
“Mrs Fusenig”
M/W/F 3s Teacher
Background: Karleen has been teaching preschool at Peace since 2004! She has also been involved with the Children’s Program at Peace for 26 years.
A few of her favorite things: Gardening, spending time with grandkids and going on cruises
Best Teaching Wisdom: It’s okay not to be perfect, just do your best!
Contact: Message in Brightwheel
Jeanie Joo
“Mrs Joo”
M/W/F PreK Teacher
Background: Jeanie has been working with preschoolers since 2006
A few of her favorite things: Hiking with her family, lazy days reading and running with friends
Best Teaching Wisdom: Education is a continuum; we all grow at our own pace
Contact: Message in Brightwheel
Melanie Chenoweth
“Mrs C”
M-F PreK Teacher
Background: Melanie was a preschool teacher before having her own kids, stayed home with them, took care of her niece and nephews and joined our teaching staff in 2022
A few of her favorite things: Reading, hiking and the North Shore
Best Teaching Wisdom: Kids learn by observing and absorbing everything around them
Contact: Message in Brightwheel
Jennifer Semans
“Mrs Semans”
M-Th 3s Teacher
Background: Jenny has a teaching degree in elementary education and has been teaching at Peace since 2019
A few of her favorite things: Diet Coke, spending time with her husband, 4 kids and her 7 cats 🐱
Best Teaching Wisdom: Love your students and they will conquer the world.
Contact: Message in Brightwheel
Jennifer Miller
“Mrs Jenny”
T/Th PreK Teacher
Background: Jenny has worked with children in church ministry programs for many years and a preschool teacher since 2018
A few of her favorite things: Cross country skiing, hiking in state parks, and traveling with my family
Best Teaching Wisdom: Foster a love for learning through positive and supportive play, lots of books, and exploration in nature
Contact: Message in Brightwheel
Melissa Larson
“Mrs Missy”
M/W/F PreK Assistant Teacher
Background: Missy has 2 teaching licensures - Early Childhood and Special Education. She's worked in elementary for 2 years and preschool for 3 years.
A few of her favorite things: Traveling, MN Twins and Vikings, going on walks with our dog, cheering for 2 kids in all their sports
Best Teaching Wisdom: Teaching is a continuous journey of learning and growth for both the educator and the student.
Contact: Message in Brightwheel
Wanda Pramann
“Mrs Pramann”
Substitute Teacher
Background: Had a career in banking prior to teaching for 20 plus years at Peace Preschool
A few of her favorite things: Crafting, spending time at the cabin and with 9 grandchildren
Best Teaching Wisdom: Every child is able to learn, not always in the same way
Contact: Message in Brightwheel
