Brent Hawkins 

The new Dean of Students is Mr. Brent Hawkins. His goal is to support staff and students and to have the best experience at Owatonna High School as possible. The Dean of Students’ role is to help students struggling with attendance, getting to school, emotional needs and making sure students are on track for graduating. Mr. Hawkins grew up in Wisconsin and has lived in Owatonna for the past 20 years. He went to the University of Wisconsin-Stout for his undergraduate as well as graduate degree and got his administration licenses through Minnesota State University. Mr. Hawkins has worked in schools for the past 22 years. His most recent position was at Faribault Middle School working as the school counselor, activities coordinator, web coordinator, student council advisor as well as a coach. Mr. Hawkins enjoys watching, playing and coaching different sports. Mr. Hawkins also enjoys watching his kids activities and relaxing at his cabin. His advice to students is to get involved, learn from your mistakes and understand that the future is wide open. Mr. Hawkins’ office is located in the main office in room 104.

Mackenzie Paulson 

Ms. Mackenzie Paulson is from Medford but spent a lot of time in Owatonna growing up. She graduated from Minnesota State University. Ms. Paulson is an English teacher, and this is her first year teaching. Her hobbies include reading, writing, spending time with her dogs and finding ways to be outdoors. Ms. Paulson’s goal as a first year teacher is to make sure that she picks up on things and learns as much as she can. Some advice she has for students is to get involved, work hard and take things seriously. Ms. Paulson’s classroom is located in room 236. 

Melissa Koch 

Ms. Melissa Koch grew up in Owatonna and graduated from OHS. She then finished her education at the University of Minnesota to pursue a career in agriculture education and animal science. Ms. Koch was formerly a long term substitute teacher and worked for 4H. She has been working in education for about 20 years. Ms. Koch hobbies are spending time outdoors, having bonfires, spending time with her two children and watching rodeos and horse shows with her whole family. Some goals she has as a new career navigator is wanting everyone to have an opportunity to explore their interests and career paths. Ms. Koch’s advice is to take advantage of all the situations that are offered to you in high school and ask lots of questions. Ms. Koch’s office is located in the Career Center in room 211. 

Jen Schwab 

Ms. Jen Schwab is from Owatonna and has lived here her whole life. She graduated from Minnesota State University and got her master’s degree from St Mary’s University. Ms. Schwab has been teaching elementary school for five years, but she left teaching to stay home with her kids for 13 years and has been back to teaching in classrooms for nine years. Schwab is an English ESL teacher along with co-teaching 9th grade English with Ms. Rohman and an additional math class. She previously taught first grade in Morristown and taught at the ALC. Some of her hobbies include exercising, watching sports and spending time with her family. Ms. Schwab’s goals are to learn how the new high school operates and to support students as much as she can. Her advice to students is to never give up and always believe in yourself and what you can achieve. The classrooms she works in are rooms 222 and 311. 

Christopher Magner 

Mr. Magner is from Albert Lea and now lives in Mankato. He went to college at Minnesota State University Moorhead for an English degree and took courses from North Dakota State University for a history minor and Minnesota State University Mankato for a master’s degree in education. He has been teaching for nine years. Mr. Magner has taught in New Ulm for six years and Mankato for two. He has also taught middle schoolers. His hobbies include reading, traveling, and gardening. Mr. Magner’s goals as a new teacher are to get established and figure out the community. His advice for high school students is to take in as much information as you can because you will never know how much you will need it to make connections and relationships. His classroom is room 224. 

Ellery Bonde 

Ms. Ellery Bonde grew up in Faribault and has worked in Cannon Falls for the past four years. She attended the University Of Wisconsin, and she got a degree in special education. Ms. Bonde has been teaching English for four years. Some of her hobbies are playing and watching sports, trying new foods, crocheting and making crafts. Since she is expecting to give birth in December, Ms. Bonde is going to be gone for part of this year. She hopes she can try to navigate her way around the building as best as she can and try to establish a good connection with students and staff. Her advice is that time goes by really fast so try not to take it for granted. She can be found in room 221 or 235 

Joli Mancilman 

Ms. Mancilman has lived in multiple different states and countries due to her father being in the army, but she was born in Minnesota. Her undergraduate degree for social work is from Winona State University, her first master’s degree in counseling is also from Winona State and her second master’s degree was in education leadership from American Public University. She has been working in education for 19 years. For the past 18 years, she has worked in the Rochester School District and worked with grades K-12. Some of her hobbies include watching her kids’ activities, reading, cooking and taking care of her pets at home. Her goals as a new social worker is to get to know the kids in her caseload and form solid relationships with them. Ms. Mancilman’s advice is to not rush growing up, enjoy your time in high school, ask lots of questions and join all the activities because you might miss out on all the fun. Her office is in room 210. 

Qamar Hersi 

Ms. Hersi has lived in Owatonna for the past 17 years. She is currently attending college at South Central, and she is looking forward to getting a bachelor’s degree in social work. Ms. Hersi has been working at schools for the past six years and is coming from Wilson Elementary. Some of her hobbies are reading and spending time with her kids. Her first four years working, she was a liaison. For the last two, Ms. Hersi has been the district-wide bilingual success coach. As a bilingual success coach, she works with families and advocates for them as well as supporting students. Her biggest goal is to meet with students so she can support them better. Her advice is to focus on education and being true to yourself. Her office is located in the Student Support Center in room 212.