Meet the Team
Emily Fast
Hello! I’m an experienced educator dedicated to helping students unlock their reading potential. I’ve had the pleasure of teaching first and third grade, as well as providing Title I reading interventions for students from kindergarten through fifth grade. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the Science of Reading approach, which ensures that students develop fundamental skills in the early grades, laying a solid foundation for later learning and success.
I grew up in Iowa and pursued my college education in Minneapolis. After graduating, I taught in Minneapolis before moving to Mankato to further my teaching career. I am a licensed teacher in Minnesota with a Master’s degree in Reading and Literacy, which has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact on my students’ learning experiences.
On a personal note, I’m married and a proud parent to two amazing kids—a talkative 3-year-old and an energetic 1-year-old. When I’m not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time outdoors—whether it’s hiking, playing volleyball, or enjoying a game of pickleball. I also love hosting gatherings with family and friends, which brings joy and connection to our lives. These experiences motivate me to create a positive and engaging learning environment for all my students.
Marin Oldenburg
Hello! My name is Marin, and I have a diverse background in education, with degrees from Viterbo University in Music Education and Elementary Education, as well as a Master's in Early Childhood Special Education from Minnesota State University. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of teaching elementary music and working with preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade students with special needs. My passion for education comes from my deep commitment to helping children grow and discover their potential, especially during their early years of learning.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy a variety of hobbies that help me recharge, including reading, gardening, swimming, and playing the piano. I also love spending quality time with my family. One of my favorite parts of teaching is witnessing the moment when a student finally grasps a challenging concept, and I get to experience their excitement and pride in their progress. It's these "aha" moments that keep me motivated and remind me of the powerful impact we can have as educators. Teaching has always been my calling, and there's nothing more rewarding than seeing the growth of my students over time.
Helena Satterness
Hi there! I’m excited to share a bit about myself. I graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and earned my Master’s in Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato. My expertise lies in teaching English as a Second Language, and I’m dedicated to supporting Multilingual Learners at St. Peter Middle School. It’s incredibly rewarding to help students from diverse backgrounds find their footing and excel academically.
Outside of my teaching role, I’m passionate about a variety of hobbies. I love singing with my husband Rob, who plays guitar to accompany me. I’m an avid reader and enjoy listening to audiobooks, and I’m actively involved in the Mankato community choir, Musicorum. Walking, hiking, and traveling are also high on my list of favorite activities. We recently welcomed our first son into our lives this June, adding even more joy to our family.
A fun fact about me is that we hosted a high school exchange student from Germany last school year, which was an enriching experience for our family. One of the highlights of my teaching career is building meaningful relationships with students and experiencing their candid, often profound, insights. This connection is why I’m passionate about teaching—to help students of diverse backgrounds see and achieve their full potential.