Staff
Curtis Kleisinger
B.Ed., B.A., M.A.
Executive Director
Curtis received his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Regina in 1996 and Bachelor of Arts in History from Campion College at the University of Regina in 1999. He also completed an M.A. in Educational Leadership via the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program at the University of Notre Dame in 2016.
Curtis taught at the high school level in the Regina Catholic School Division for fourteen years before taking on the challenge of becoming the founding principal of Canada’s first Jesuit middle school based on the NativityMiguel model. Under his guidance and leadership, Mother Teresa Middle School opened its doors in 2011. Curtis moved into the role of Executive Director/CEO of Mother Teresa Middle School in 2013.
Curtis was inducted into the Jesuit Honor Society - Alpha Sigma Nu in 2015 and received the Magis Medal as one of 100 Alpha Sigma Nu Members who best exemplify scholarship, loyalty, and service in their work to better the world. He was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (2022), the Campion College Alumni of Distinction Award (2014), the Regina Catholic Schools Catholic Leadership Award (2013), and the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation (2009). In 2008, he was named a finalist for the Governor General’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History. Curtis also served two terms on the Judicial Advisory Committee for the Province of Saskatchewan. He currently serves on the Saskatchewan War Memorial Committee, the Board of Governors for the Saskatchewan Corps of Commissionaires, and The Royal Regina Rifles Trust Fund.
Terri Cote
B.Ed. , M.Ed.
Principal
Terri has a deep passion for educating students in marginalized communities. She is exceptionally creative and is known as a leader and innovator in curriculum and instruction. Terri was the first 6th-grade teacher at MTMS after spending 15 years at Sacred Heart Community School. She has been recognized on a number of occasions for her teaching excellence. In 1998, she was awarded the Roy C. Hill Award, Great Merit and in 2009, she was part of a Sterling McDowell Research Project which focused on “Unleashing the Power of Collective Intelligence”. She completed her master's degree in curriculum and instruction in August 2017. Terri has also served on the Board of Directors for the Jesuit Schools Network.
Ron Gonzales
BPAS, B.Ed.
Director of Student Support/Graduate Support Director
Ron began his teaching career with the Ranch Ehrlo Society in 1998. He served as a teacher/youth mentor in the Guidance Department of Archbishop M.C. O’Neill Catholic High School for ten years before moving to St. Luke School. A two-time Canadian body building champion, Ron has a strong passion for health and fitness. He spent five years as a collegiate wrestler at the University of Regina, and coached the men’s wrestling team to a gold medal and the women’s team to a silver medal at the Canada Summer Games in 2005. He has been coaching wrestling for over two decades, including the past eleven with the Wolverines Wrestling Club where many MTMS students and alumni attend. Ron’s positive energy and enthusiasm make him a wonderful mentor and role model for students.
Evie Sawatzky
CFRE, AFP
Director of Development
Evie has experience as a professional performer, director, manager, educator, collaborator, entrepreneur, and planner. Her passions include classical music, theatre, arts management, non-profit organizations, and tourism/events, and social media strategy & management.
Evie was a Management Fellow at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-On-The-Lake and a Social Media Strategist at HJ Linnen Associates. For 13 years, she was the founding Artistic Director & CEO of RuBarb Productions Inc. and a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres. She has taught dance, drama, and voice for over 25 years (Briercrest College, Doris Sitter School of Dance, RuBarb School of Performing Arts, Class Act Studios, Sawatzky Studios), sat on many non-profit boards (Saskatchewan Association of Theatre Professionals – Chair, Moose Jaw Downtown Committee (Vice President), Association of Creative Industries of Saskatchewan, The Jaleta Pacer’s Royal Road Race), and has directed, produced, conducted, or choreographed over 50 full-length productions (Globe Theatre, RuBarb Productions Inc., Briercrest College).
Evie is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Management from Harvard University. She has completed a Graduate Certificate in Marketing Management and Digital Strategies from the Harvard Extension School, and the CORe program with Harvard Business School Online. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive and a member of the South Saskatchewan Association of Fundraising Professionals. She loves fundraising and planning gala events that tell a story and help you connect with your donors. She was awarded the CBC Future 40 under 40 (2013), Discover Moose Jaw’s Top 40 under 40 (2014), and a Canadian Arts & Business Award (2013).
Jane Brundige
B.Ed.
Intervention Specialist (Maternity Leave)
Jane has had the pleasure of being a part of the Mother Teresa Middle School family since 2011. She began as a volunteer in the grade 6 classroom. The following year Jane was given the opportunity of interning under Terri Cote in the grade 6 classroom. Jane completed her education degree at the University of Regina in 2012. She began her teaching career with Regina Public Schools in a grade 7/8 classroom. In the fall of 2013, she then took on the role of the grade 7 teacher at MTMS for the next five years. Jane is now in the role of Intervention Facilitator where she loves being able to work with the students in grade 6 all the way up to the alumni in post-secondary. Jane loves the MTMS mission and believes that at the heart of what we do is the relationships with our students and families – this is her favourite part of her job!
Devin Yarnton
B.Ed.
Intervention Specialist (Interim)
Devin is excited to support the students, families, and staff at the Mother Teresa Middle School as the interim Intervention Specialist. After receiving his degree from the University of Regina in 2014, Devin began his career working in Regina’s community schools as a Middle Years classroom teacher. During this time, he worked extensively with students in Grades 6, 7, and 8, where he shared his passion for math and literacy. In 2021, Devin worked with the United Way as the Director of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. In this role, he blended his knowledge of the education and non-profit sectors to deliver literacy resources to hundreds of Regina families. He believes in the mission of MTMS and looks forward to building strong relationships with MTMS families and students, helping them reach their education and employment goals.
Becky Bernhardt
B.S.W. M.Ed.
Graduate Outreach Coordinator
Becky has brought a wealth of knowledge and passion in working with students and families to the MTMS Team. After obtaining her Social Work degree from the University of Regina in 2010, Becky served as a Community School Coordinator at St. Francis Community School for four years. Becky spent six years serving the middle school youth and families at MTMS in a social work capacity. Becky then transitioned to working with the MTMS high school and post-secondary team in a similar role. Becky will continue to build meaningful and lasting relationships with the MTMS School Community.
Evan Whitestar
Indigenous Advocate
Evan is Cree, from the Pasqua First Nation. He brings a wealth of knowledge in traditional First Nation cultural ways. As an elder's helper Evan is actively involved in various ceremonies and religious events. Evan is a drum carrier whom loves to sing and share the gift of the drum whenever, wherever he is needed. Evan is excited to be a part of the Mother Teresa family and contributing in any way that he can.
Alice Dumba
B.Ed.
College and Careers Coach
Alice brings over 30 years of teaching experience to MTMS with a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Regina. Spending her teaching career at Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, SK meant involvement in all aspects of her student’s lives. Mind, body, and spirit. An English, Economics, and History teacher by day she also served the Hounds community in the dormitory for over 15 years, was the Drama and Multimedia Club Director as well as a coaching a variety of sports. During her long career at Notre Dame College, she served as Languages Dept Head, trained, and developed curriculum for International Baccalaureate certification for Notre Dame College, and served a term on the College’s Senior Leadership team in the role of Director of Communications.
Very familiar with MTMS since its inception, Alice brings passion, positive energy, and expertise in education. Her ability to communicate and collaborate with young adults while building relationships with each of them as individuals is perhaps her greatest skill. As MTMS alumni journey through their post-secondary education, Alice will provide coaching and mentoring in all aspects of their lives.
Jayde McFee
B.Ed., B.H.J., M.Ed.L.
Teacher - Grade 6 (Maternity Leave)
Jayde joined the MTMS team in 2018 after teaching high school in her hometown of Prince Albert. She graduated from the University of Regina with a Bachelor of Education, as well as a Bachelor of Human Justice. She also recently completed her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Notre Dame. As a former University of Regina soccer player, who has experience in both justice and education, she values teamwork, commitment, and finding innovative ways to support student learning and wellbeing. Jayde is dedicated to making a positive impact within the MTMS community.
Maija Ash
B. Ed.
Grade 6 Teacher (Interim)
I am a Cree/Saulteaux/Sioux, from Saulteaux reserve. I completed my Bachelor of Education degree at the First Nations University of Canada in 2022. I am thankful to have an opportunity at Mother Teresa Middle School to start off my first year of teaching in Grade 6. I am excited to incorporate Indigenous teachings and worldviews into the classroom. I have a passion for music, specifically guitar and singing. I also enjoy sports such as biking, swimming, running, and soccer.
Jordan Puscus
B.Ed., M.S.W.
Teacher - Grade 7
Jordan completed his Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of Regina in 2012. Following the completion of his degree he worked as a Youth Probation Officer with the Government of Saskatchewan. Jordan decided to return to school and attended the University of Calgary where he obtained his Master of Social Work degree in 2015. Since that time Jordan has worked for the Ministry of Social Services and Cornwall Alternative School before joining MTMS initially as the College and Careers Coach. Jordan continued his studies and recently completed his Bachelor of Education degree and is excited to be in the classroom as the MTMS Grade 7 teacher. Jordan also has a strong passion for basketball and continues to stay involved with the sport through coaching.
Andrea Hart
B.Ed., B.A.
Teacher - Grade 8
Andrea began her teaching journey in 2004 with the Regina Catholic School Division. Prior to joining the team at MTMS, she shared her expertise at Sacred Heart, St. Joan of Arc, Holy Rosary, and Deshaye.
Andrea's post-secondary journey began at Brandon University, where she enjoyed playing two years of basketball with the Bobcats before returning home to complete her post-secondary at the University of Regina. She has two degrees, a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology and a minor in French.
Andrea's enthusiasm extends beyond the classroom, with a passion for sports, most notably basketball, where she actively engages in coaching her children.
Andrea is very excited to be part of the MTMS family!
David Nelson
B.Ed., M.E.T.
Teacher/ I.T. Coordinator – Grade 6, 7, 8
David began at MTMS in 2012 and brings a lot of expertise from previous teaching and life experiences. He spent his first three years teaching in the Regina Public School division. He comes to MTMS offering an extensive knowledge of music, as well as he has a passion for physical education and science. David also maintains the technology at the school and offers plans of improvement to enhance the student’s digital literacy. David is a young, enthusiastic teacher and a great asset to the MTMS Community. David completed his Masters in Education Technology from the University of British Columbia in 2019, and his certificate in educational technology through Queens University in 2020.
Laura Liebel
Executive Assistant
Laura has several years of experience with Regina Catholic Schools, both working with students and as an Executive Assistant. She is a caring and enthusiastic person and her strong multi-tasking abilities have proven to be highly valuable to the MTMS staff, students, and parents.
Jeff Zerr
Director of Marketing, Communications and Data Management
Jeff joined the MTMS team in 2021. He has a passion for helping others with many years of experience working in the non-profit sector. He is inspired by the great work being done at MTMS and enjoys sharing stories with the community through the MTMS communication channels. Outside of work, Jeff enjoys spending time with his young family, playing basketball, and being outside in nature.
Stan Klisowsky
Bus Driver
Stan has been part of the MTMS family since 2013. His cheerful and positive personality is always appreciated by students, families, and staff at MTMS. Stan is reliable and always willing to go above and beyond to get students to school, extracurricular activities, events, or appointments. In 2023, Stan was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for his dedication to the school and community.
