staff

We are thankful for the talented and loving teachers who serve here! Some have been a part of Messiah since childhood, and others are new to the Messiah family.

Kristen Casserly

Preschool Director

Kristen Casserly serves as the Director of Messiah Lutheran Preschool & Early Learning Center, where she has been guiding young learners and supporting families since 2026. With a degree in Early Childhood Education and over 17 years of experience in early childhood development, Kristen is passionate about creating a safe, play-based, and faith-filled environment where children can thrive emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

Inside the classroom and across the center, Kristen believes that early learning happens best through hands-on discovery, joyful relationships, and Christ-centered care. She works closely with dedicated educators and parents to ensure every child feels valued, capable, and deeply loved. Outside of Messiah Lutheran, Kristen enjoys spending time with her significant other, Jason, and her two children, Landon and Oaklyn. Together, they love gardening, fishing, and serving their community.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14

Pooquelle Christianson

Lead Teacher, Curious Cubs

Toddler Class

Ms. Pooquelle Christianson began working at Messiah in the summer of 2021. She grew up at Messiah Lutheran and has volunteered here in the Sunday School and VBS for many years. Pooquelle also works at Target. She enjoys getting to know the students personalities and watching them grow. Her favorite kid quote so far is, “Why is the milk spicy?” Pooquelle spends her free time enjoying friends, music, books, adventures, and going to musicals. She loves pasta, tatertot hotdish, and traveling.

Maggie Kersey

Lead Teacher, Little Lambs

Infants

Amy Herrald

Lead Teacher, Soaring Eagles

Preschool Class

Mrs. Herrald received her degree in elementary education from Concordia University St. Paul. She first worked for Messiah Preschool in 2015. Mrs. Herrald is married to Nicholas and they have 3 children and a bunch of pets! Amy enjoys hanging out with her family and friends when she isn’t at work. She loves watching the growth and development of each of the kids every year. Mrs. Herrald loves to vacation at Disney World in sunny Florida.

Shelley Oslund

Lead Teacher, Fish Kids

Pre-Kindergarten Class

Mrs. Shelley Oslund is our 4 and 5 year old classroom teacher and says there is never a dull moment. She has been a part of the Messiah Preschool team since 2009 and has enjoyed hearing many crazy stories from the students! Mrs. Oslund attended Messiah Preschool as a child and all three of her children have graduated from Messiah Preschool. Shelley graduated from Moorhead State University with a degree in Art, specializing in photography and sculpture. She enjoys teaching the students about specific artists and then allowing the kids to explore their artistic side with the mediums and processes of those artists! Mrs. Oslund is married and has 3 children along with a dog and 3 cats. Mrs. Oslund enjoys spending time with her family and watching her kids play sports. She wishes she could travel more and hopes to one day swim with sharks… and she will gladly eat breakfast food any time of day!

Cassie Burkhow

Lead Teacher Float