Staff Bio's

Kristy Konopacki -
Hi!  My name is Kristy Konopacki. I am originally from Bloomington, MN. After graduating high school I went Augsburg College where I majored in Elementary Education. Before coming to Green Isle Community School, I had a variety teaching jobs that ranged from kindergarten to eighth grade. Approximately two years ago my husband, Markus, and I bought a house in Belle Plaine. In my free time I like to go camping, fishing, and any other kind of activity where I am outside. I am excited to be teaching grades 1-3 at GICS.

Kristine Schwartz -
Kristine (Flannery) Schwartz grew up on a dairy farm north of Henderson. She went to Minnesota State University, Mankato for Elementary Education and Special Education. Kristine’s first teaching position was at St. Bernard’s Catholic School in Cologne, MN, where she taught fourth grade for two years. Then she taught special education for six years at Lester Prairie Elementary and Junior High. This will be her third year teaching special education and math at Green Isle Community School. She lives outside of Green Isle with her husband, Todd, and four children, Julia, Austin, Grace and Hailey.

Anna Paul -
My name is Anna Paul and I teach grades 4, 5 & 6 in County Cork. I just finished my 2nd year of full-time teaching. Prior to coming to GICS I taught math part time. Prior to getting my education degree I was a leader of a before and after school program in Andover. I was attracted to GICS because of its hands on, project-based curriculum and commitment to service learning.  I currently help with the Student Service Learning Task Force and the Student Ambassadors. I moved down here from Isanti and my family still lives in Cambridge. When I'm not planning projects for my class, I enjoy reading and taking walks. I also enjoy spending time with my family and our dogs at our lake cabin.

Julie Grams -
Julie Grams grew up in Silver Lake, MN. She attended Minnesota State University Mankato to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. She received her degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in middle school math. After graduating she worked as a substitute teacher while searching for a full time job.  Julie is one of the Meath (grades 1-3) teachers here at Green Isle Community School. Julie is also a member of the GICS School Board. Julie recently got married to her husband Aaron. They live in Norwood Young America. They enjoy spending time with their two Shih Tzu puppies, Oscar and Cassie. In her free time, Julie enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and being outside.

Kacy Panning -
Kacy Panning was born and raised on her family farm five miles east of Green Isle.  She developed a strong sense of teamwork while working together to operate the farm.  She attended college in Mankato and earned her AAS degree in Child Development.  She worked for five years as a preschool teacher in Prior Lake.  She believes that the small town of Green Isle offers a great family atmosphere and hopes to someday raise a family of her own.

Ida Mae Jane Dissette
Ida Mae Jane Dissette grew up on a grain and livestock farm near Willow City ND.  She is #2 of 9 children – 6 girls & 3 boys. She received her higher education at the Medical Institute of MN where she became certified as a Medical Lab and X-ray Tech. Ida’s past careers consist of:       

• Family Practice Clinics, Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Clinics
• Horticulture and Landscaping businesses – Roses, herbs, garden centers
• Schwan’s Frozen Foods – Sales & Training, interactive sales
• Office Worker

Currently, she is the Extended Day Program Coordinator at Green Isle Community School. Ida is married and has a 21 year old stepson. She currently lives in Green Isle, although she lived most of her adult life in the metro area. Ida’s hobbies include gardening and crossword puzzles.

Terry -
Terry is married to Keven and has four children – Zach (14), Alyssa (12), Ben (9), and Tim (9). She was born and raised in California where she taught for two years.  She then moved to Colorado and taught there for four years. She and her family reside in Henderson, MN. She enjoys reading, hiking, swimming, biking, sewing, playing her guitar, and spending time with her family. Terry taught grades 1-3 at Green Isle Community School. She will be teaching Kindergarten beginning the 2007-2008 school year.

Jo Liebhard -
Jo Liebhard is the Administrative Assistant for the Green Isle Community School.  She grew up in rural Green Isle, attended the Green Isle Elementary School, and has many fond memories of the school. For the past 17 years, she has been working in administrative positions. Jo currently resides in Belle Plaine with her husband Jeff and three boys – Jordon (d), Jake, and Jesse. She enjoys swimming, hiking, boating, fishing, traveling and spending time with her family.