Meet Mrs. Gergen
Hello! My name is Melissa Gergen and this will be my sixth year teaching third grade at Pine Island Schools. Prior to coming to Pine Island, I substitute taught in Byron for two years. I grew up in Owatonna and attended St. Mary's University of Winona where I received my BA in Elementary Education in 2010. In 2016, I earned my Masters of Education from Walden University. In my free time, I love spending time with family and friends, reading, and playing with my two nephews. I have also enjoyed my involvement with the Rochester Civic Theatre where I've been in a few community productions! I live in Rochester with my husband, Lincoln, and our dog, Betty. Lincoln is our Math Intervention Teacher at PI Elementary.
Meet Mrs. Erickson
Welcome to Third Grade! My name is Jane Erickson and I am excited to be in my 19th year of teaching! I have taught 6th grade, 8th grade, 2nd grade, and this will be my 8th year teaching 3rd grade. I grew up in Sgt. Bluff, Iowa, and did my under-grad at Wayne State College in Nebraska. I received my Masters in Education from Winona State University in 2006. My husband Craig is a science and math teacher in the Pine Island High School. We live in Byron with our children, Isabelle (13) and Nathan (9). In my spare time, I enjoy reading, biking, running, boating and spending time with my family and friends.
Meet Mrs. O'Reilly
Hi! My name is Carrie O'Reilly and I love teaching! I have been teaching for 28 years in the Pine Island School District. I am originally from Breckenridge, MN and graduated with my Elementary Education degree from MSU-Moorhead. I have a Master of Education degree from St. Mary's University in Winona. I have taught Kindergarten and Third Grade over the years. I am currently teaching 3rd grade and love third grade curriculum! I love teaching young children and their enthusiasm for everything we learn! My husband and I have 5 children; Carter age 15, Julianne age 17, Courtney age 22, Jackie age 25 and Cody age 28. We are so blessed by our children and the many activities they are involved in to keep us busy. We also love to travel and take camping and boating vacations with our children. I love being a teacher and a mom, and nurturing the inner spirit and learning styles of children!
Meet Mrs. Fernholz
My name is Molly Fernholz and I am thrilled to be your teacher. I have been teaching for 15 years in PI. I have taught 1st grade, 2nd grade, 4th grade, and this will be my 7th year teaching 3rd grade. I received my Masters in Education from Winona State University in 2006. My husband Chris is a business and accounting teacher in the Kasson-Mantorville High School. We live in Oronoco with our children, Abby (17), Brynn (8) and Nora (3). I enjoy reading, watching movies, gardening, visiting the lakes up north and spending time with my family and friends.