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Meet our Totus Tuus teachers for Summer 2023
Office of Religious Education
Jun 12, 2023
Team 1
Hello! I am Holden Giefer and I am an Air Force brat and first year seminarian. I graduated high school from Lansing, KS, and college last year from KSU, majoring in Electrical Engineering and getting my MBA in the process. After completing my first year of seminary, I am extremely excited to share what I know about the faith, but more importantly the ways that the Spirit and our Blessed Mother have moved in my life. Some fun facts about me are that I am fourth cousins once removed with Blessed Stanley Rother, I’m a big film buff, I’ve played a lot of sports but currently favor ultimate frisbee, and I love to run.Hello! My name is Michelle Zarybnicky, and I am from Hanover, Kansas. I just finished my freshman year at Benedictine College where I am studying nursing and I am a member of the cross country and track teams. In addition to running, some other activities I enjoy are reading, playing Spikeball, baking, and playing board games, especially Catan. I attended Totus Tuus growing up and I am thrilled to now be a member of a team. I have learned a lot about the Catholic faith this past year and I am excited to share what I have learned with the youth of the diocese.Hi there! My name is Riley Chrisler! I’m from Oakley, KS and currently attend Kansas State University. I’m majoring in Elementary Education and minoring in Dance. I love days spent at the lake, listening to music with my brothers, and Sonic’s Cherry Limeades! I am so excited to spend my summer leading and learning with the youth of our Diocese while encountering the Lord’s wondrous works!
Team 2
Hi! My name is Candace Taylor and I am from the very small northwest Kansas town of Dresden. I am a junior at Fort Hays State University majoring in elementary education. Some things I enjoy are reading, going for a walk or run, hanging out with my friends and family, journaling, and, of course, spending time with the Lord! I taught Totus Tuus last summer and loved it, so I really look forward to this summer and what God has in store for us! I am Connor Kuhlman, from Sharon Springs, Kansas. I am going into my sophomore year at Fort Hays State University to be an industrial arts teacher. I like to play cards and do just about anything active. I’m really excited to spend some time with the kids and I’m looking forward to a great summer of Totus Tuus.Heyo my name is Atalee Amthor and I am from Goodland, KS. I will be a junior at Benedictine College next fall, and I am an Elementary Ed major. I love playing cards, sports and outdoor games, or really doing anything outdoors! I also love spending time with my 10 nieces and nephews! I can’t wait to share Christ’s Love all summer, and I am looking forward to being pushed out of my comfort zone, and to grow closer to him and help those around me do the same! Hey everyone! I am Joshua Juenemann from Oberlin KS. I recently graduated from Decatur Community High School and will now be taking the HVAC program at Manhattan Area Technical College. Some things I love to do include singing, swing dancing, playing the guitar, shooting trap, hunting, making Rosaries, and watching football. I am looking forward to sharing my love for the church with everyone and making new friends!
Team 3
Hey there, my name is Emma Evins! I just finished my freshman year at Oklahoma State University, studying Human Development and Family Science: Child and Family Services. My home town is Oakley, KS where I became rooted in my Catholic faith. The St. John Catholic Student Center at OSU has continued to assist me on this journey, only enriching my love for Jesus! One of my favorite hobbies is reading, as well as being silly with my friends, and connecting with others through genuine conversation. I’m so excited to embark upon this journey of Totus Tuus. What I’m most looking forward to is connecting with all the children this summer and growing in community with my team members! 🙂Hello! My name is Maria Mick. I grew up in Newton, KS, but my family of ten moved to Beloit three years ago. I graduated from St. John’s Catholic in 2022 and now attend Benedictine College majoring in Elementary Education. In my free time, I love to bake, go on walks, and hang out with my family and friends. I’m looking forward to meeting people this summer while sharing the faith! Hi! My name is Laken Rudolph and I am from the humble little town of Clyde, Kansas. I graduated from Clifton-Clyde High School, and now I go to Fort Hays State University studying Animal Science. I am so excited to teach Totus Tuus this summer!! Here are some fun facts about me: I love being outside, I like singing and dancing to music, I am a sucker for all the high school musical movies, and I love just spending time with my best friends! I cannot wait to spend the whole summer teaching and growing in my own faith!Hey y’all! My name is Imagen Tremblay and I’m so excited to teach Totus Tuus again this summer! I am from Hoxie Kansas but I’m currently attending Benedictine College where I will be a junior studying special and elementary education as well as theology! I love drawing, playing games, watching movies, and just spending time outside! I feel very blessed to have another summer to share my knowledge and love of Jesus Christ with the young church!
Team 4
Hi there! My name is Lauren Schmitt and I’m currently studying Communications Sciences and Disorders to become a speech pathologist at Kansas State! I’m from the wonderful town of Beloit, KS and graduated from St. John’s Catholic Schools. My fun fact at college is typically that I had a graduating class of thirteen, but that’s not too impressive for the rural towns of our diocese (but the KC kids are always amazed🤪). I am so excited to have the opportunity to meet everyone and teach totus tuus this summer!Hello! My name is Collin Thielen and I am from Quinter KS. Next year, I will be a college Junior at Conception Seminary College, majoring in Philosophy. I enjoy playing sports, especially those involving a ball, specifically basketball. I also enjoy playing video games and watching movies. I was assigned to teach Jr. High School religious education and enjoyed it immensely. I am excited to teach the youth about our faith and get to know the people of our diocese better. Hello! My name is Elaina White and I am from Hanover KS. I graduated from Hanover High School, and now I’m attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in Psychology. Go Big Red! A few things I enjoy doing in my free time are reading, baking, and gardening. I also love creating art when I have the chance. This summer, I’m looking forward to meeting new people and growing my faith through serving. I can’t wait to start this new adventure!Hello! My name is Mark Underwood and I am from Overland Park, Kansas. I graduated from Blue Valley Northwest High School, and I am now attending Fort Hays State University majoring in Agronomy Business. This is my first year teaching, and I am very excited to get started! Some fun facts about me are that I love to go hunting and fishing with family and friends, I enjoy mountain biking, and I also like to read in my free time. I also enjoy playing intramural sports at Fort Hays, mainly sand volleyball, basketball, and softball. I am very much looking forward to teaching Totus Tuus this summer!
