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.
Lindsey Pratt
Hi! My name is Lindsey Pratt, and I am passionate about helping students learn, grow, and build confidence in themselves. I graduated from St. Cloud State University and earned my Master’s endorsement in Early Childhood Education from Bemidji State University. I have experience teaching both 4th grade students and Pre-K learners ages 3–5, which has allowed me to work with children at many different learning and developmental stages.
My favorite part about teaching is seeing how much progress students make throughout the year and knowing I’ve made a positive impact on each child I work with. Outside of teaching, I enjoy dancing, spending time out on the lake, and working as a Shipt shopper. A fun fact about me is that I recently got engaged this past winter!
Amanda Rueter
Meet Amanda Rueter! She has a passion for education and a heart for helping others. Amanda earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and her Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a reading endorsement from Concordia University, St. Paul. She has taught 1st and 2nd grades and has a wide range of experience working with students from kindergarten through 6th grade. Outside of teaching, Amanda enjoys homeschooling her five kids, working on home décor and DIY projects, and spending quality time with friends and family. She and her husband have been married for nearly 20 years and have five children ranging in age from nine to seventeen.
A fun adventure ahead for Amanda and her family is a trip to Florida, where they’ll be volunteering at Give Kids the World—a special place they stayed during her son's Make-A-Wish trip. Amanda is also the executive director of Lasting Imprint, a local nonprofit that supports families of children diagnosed with congenital heart defects. Her love for teaching comes from a deep desire to inspire kids and help spark a lifelong love of learning. One of her greatest joys is seeing her former students grow into incredible adults—some even becoming teachers themselves!
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.
Danielle Kastenschmidt
Hi! My name is Dani Kastenschmidt and I’ve loved school and learning ever since I was in kindergarten. I earned a Communications degree from Bethany Lutheran College and went on to earn my Minnesota K-6 Teaching License and Master’s of Science in Teaching from the College of St. Scholastica. I then taught kindergarten and second grade for six years before switching to preschool in order to spend more time with my baby. One of my favorite parts of teaching is watching students grow more confident in their skills. It is so fulfilling to have a student who used to tear up while reading ask me to give harder words to spell and longer passages to read!
When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my son, husband, and my seven siblings. I also love to read Harry Potter, do puzzles, and spend time with animals. I am excited to continue to impact students’ lives through tutoring!