As part of the effort to establish a sustainable, cutting-edge educational product, Our Lady of the Lake has a unique school governance model that allows an elected School Board to have a more prominent role in working with the Pastor to govern the school. These bylaws have been approved by the Archdiocese and are available for anyone to review.
Video of the State of the School can be found here.
Meeting Minutes
2024
2023
2022
2021
Board Members
Brian Govern, Chair
Finance Seat (2024-2026)
My wife Kristina and I are parishioners and parents of David, currently in First grade at OLL. We moved to the area in 2022 after numerous work-related moves over the last 18 years and are excited to finally be putting our roots down in this wonderful community. I have a bachelor’s in industrial engineering and a JD from Rutgers University. I have over 20 years of experience in Supply Chain Management and Law. I look forward to serving on the school board because I want to help build on OLL’s history and success and help build a strong and vibrant school for my son, his classmates, and the future generations of kids who will attend OLL. I have seen in the two short years that David has attended OLL what a wonderful, caring environment the school is and what amazing and dedicated staff are here.
Allyse Rogers
Finance Seat (2024-2026)
I started my career in finance in 2007 – the first part of my career, I was a private banker while navigating the financial crisis of 2008 and the rebuild of the economy. It was at this time that I decided to go back to school to obtain my finance degree and shifted to the investment advisory side of the finance sector.
In my current role, I am focusing on building the Wealth Management and Planning arm of our investment firm as well as the corporate accounting of our company.
I look forward to contributing to the financial planning and success of OLL!
Ginger Skaja
Education Seat (2022-2026)
My husband Randy and I have two boys who attend elementary and middle school at OLL. Both love their experience at OLL! Professionally, I’ve been in the education field for 25 years. I have my master’s in education and MN teaching licenses. My educational background, belief in, and support of Catholic education, fuels my passion for the continued expectation of excellence in our students’ education, thoughtful innovation, and support of OLL teachers and staff. I currently serve on two committees within the school board and look forward to continuing working with them.
Gretchen Chilson, Secretary
Education Seat (2017-2025)
My husband Bob and I have been members of the OLL community for 18 years. Our sons Jacob and Robbie attended OLL for six years, and our youngest, Miles, is in Kindergarten at OLL. I am a teacher in the Westonka School district, directing 5th – 12th-grade bands at Grandview Middle School and Mound Westonka High School. For the past several years, I have served on the Education Committee of the OLL School Board. It has been my pleasure to use my experience as a parent, teacher, and volunteer to support the parish and school in this role, and I hope to continue serving.
Thomas Herr
Technology Seat (2024-2026)
I am a proud father of a second grader at OLL, and Prek student! I have a passion for technology and pair that with a business/finance background. I believe technology is a fantastic tool, but must be balanced with traditional learning and thoughtful peer to person communications. My goal is to ensure that our children and parents have access to the best tools available, while being mindful that we balance great technology with the budgets available to us. I also enjoy negotiating, so that in any situation OLL achieve’s the best value.
Melinda Young
Technology Seat (2022-2024)
I am very excited to be joining the OLL School Board. I have been part of the OLL community for many years. I worked as the OLL Middle School Math Teacher and Technology Coordinator from 2012-2020 and now my daughter, Molly, is in preschool at OLL. My husband, Cole, and I have lived in Mound for 7 years and love the small lake community we have in town.
I am currently the 7th Grade Math Teacher at Watertown-Mayer Middle School. As an educator, I know the importance of technology in the classroom and how it is ever changing. I am excited to help the OLL staff and teachers create 21st century classrooms with the best technology available.
Talia Hindi
Marketing Seat (2023-2025)
A Mother first, I reside with my beautiful family in Mound, MN. A community I am grateful to be a part of, whether boating – enjoying a relaxing Sunday at Birches or volunteering at my children’s school Our Lady of the Lake! My prior work with the St. Paul Police Department required a high level of integrity and confidentiality. Notions I carry with me, still. When serving my community, I find honor in doing so with a calm & professional mindset. My primary focus is to provide a safe & healthy learning environment for all students.
Kassie Ricke
Marketing Seat (2024-2026)
I am a dedicated member of the parish and a proud parent alum of OLL Catholic School, where I also served previously as the Advancement Director. With a deep-rooted passion for the community, I look forward to leveraging my expertise in marketing to support the school’s strategic goals of growth and retention. My commitment to fostering a thriving educational environment and unwavering dedication to the school’s mission makes me an asset to the OLL School community.”
Claudia Thode
At Large (2024-2026)
My family has been part of Our Lady of the Lake community since we moved to Minnesota in 2016. I am a proud mother of three boys who span the gamut from University level education all the way down to the elementary level at OLL. Before becoming a stay home mother, I worked in my own country of Italy in sales and accounting. I love reading, playing the violin, deepening my faith, and volunteering at the school and parish. I am honored to join the board to continue to support a good Catholic environment that fosters intellectual and spiritual growth of the children.
Meggie Humphrey
At Large (2024-2026)
My husband and I have been parishioners at OLL for almost 6 years. We have four children, three at OLL currently and a little baby at home. We are thankful to the Lord for his gift of community here at OLL. I simply care to see the school continue to grow in holiness by means of robust Catholic education, adventure, joy and raising children ready to meet the world and their vocations as the hands and feet of Christ!