Lana Duff
I teach at St. Theresa Catholic School because this is where I feel called to be. There is something special in the atmosphere of STCS. It starts with our leadership and is reflected throughout the entire school community. Living our faith is the foundation of STCS. I am grateful to be able to incorporate our Catholic faith into every aspect of our school day.
I grew up near the small northeast Iowa town of Protivin and attended Catholic grade school there. From the time I was a child I have wanted to be a second grade teacher. I received my undergrad and graduate degrees in education/special education from ISU. This is my twenty-ninth year of teaching second grade at St. Theresa Catholic School–best grade ever!! I love sharing the works of Tomie dePaola with my students.
My husband Kevin and I have been members of St. Theresa Parish for 40 years. We have 5 children, all graduates of St. Theresa Catholic and Dowling Catholic. We have 7 grandchildren, 5 of whom are either current or past students of STCS. In addition to spending much time with my grandchildren, I also love to read, walk, have morning pool and prayer time at the Y, watch football, and eat! Go Bears! Go Cyclones!
Michelle Cortlandt
My name is Michelle Cortlandt and this is my third year at St. Theresa’s as a Teacher Associate. I am an active member of St. Theresa Parish, a graduate of St. Pius X Catholic School, Dowling Catholic, and the University of Iowa. I am currently working on my second Bachelor’s through the University of Northern Iowa with the expectation of graduating in May of 2025 with a Degree in K-6th Education. I love working with young people, but have a special place in my heart for our primary students. My favorite activities as an Associate include visiting with students in the lunch room, hallways, or on the playground at recess, and assisting with academics, especially reading and math. I am genuinely thrilled to see those ah-ha moments and to watch students persevere and grow. The best part of my job is sharing my Catholic faith with students, particularly celebrating the Feast Days and Holy Days. Like our parish, the school also has that family feel. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to serve the students and families of St. Theresa! I do not have much free time at the moment, but when I am not at school or in my own classes, I am spending time with my husband and adult children, working in my garden or walking my dogs.
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. ~ C.S. Lewis