Hi there! My name is Katie Svihel. I am a School Counselor at VMS serving 6th grade (M-Z) and 8th grade students. This is my fourth year as a Counselor for ISD728. Students can visit with me on a walk-in basis, stop me in the hallway or send me an email. It has been such a joy seeing the growth in all of the VandenBerge students over the last few years, and I cannot wait to see where this year takes us. In my free time, I enjoy going on walks with my husband and our lab named Benny. I also enjoy reading, cooking/baking, traveling and trying new restaurants. My husband and I are expecting a baby girl towards the end of October, and we cannot wait! It is about to be a busy year, but I wouldn't want it any other way!
You can reach me by email or phone:
763-241-3450 x2631
My name is Caitlin Ferguson, and I am incredibly excited to be joining the team as a part-time School Counselor at VandenBerge Middle School!
Here are a few things about me. I love being outside, so you would likely find me hiking, gardening, kayaking or with my chickens in my free time. At school, I am the 7th grade Counselor, supporting my students' social-emotional and academic needs and future career goals. You can find my office in the Student Support Services Office in room 021. I work half days alternating weekly between the morning and the afternoon.
You can reach me by email or phone:
763-241-3450 ext 2659.
Hello VMS families! My name is Krista Brannan, and I am the School Social Worker/Counselor at VMS serving 6th grade students (A-L) and all special education students. This is my 7th year at VandenBerge Middle School. While working with your students, I try to have a very open-door policy where students can visit with me by stopping by or they can send me an email if they want to schedule a time. I am also out and about in the hallways and at lunch, so I’m pretty easy to track down! I absolutely love my job! I enjoy seeing students every day, and I’m looking forward to another wonderful year! In my free time, I enjoy going to my children’s sporting events and spending time with my family. My family includes my husband; a 19 year old daughter who is in her sophomore year of college; a 17 year old daughter who is senior, busy planning for her next steps beyond high school and is active with girls wrestling and softball; and a very busy and active 13 year old son that keeps me running to all of his football, hockey and golf events. Middle school is a fun time! Let’s make it a great year!
You can reach me by email or phone:
krista.ketelsenbrannan@isd728.org
763-241-3450 x 2687
My name is Jennifer Eldredge, and I am the Administrative Assistant in the counseling office at VandenBerge Middle School. This is my 13th year working for ISD728 and my 6th year at VMS. I am the first point of contact in the counseling office, answering the phone and directing student traffic in and out of the counseling office each day. I work on student enrollments, scheduling, test administration and a variety of other things throughout the school year. I am always here to help!! Outside of school, I am married to Chuck and have two kids, Charlie and Adam. Charlie just graduated from the University of St. Thomas in May, and Adam will graduate from UST in December. They are former VandenBerge students! We have a spoiled rotten golden doodle, Maisie, who keeps us company in our empty nest at home. I enjoy golfing, shopping, reading, lake time, football season and sometimes a little fishing in my free time.
Hi, my name is Sonny Wang. I am a Student Advocate Support Specialist. My title has changed from Equity Specialist. Many parts of my job remain the same but most importantly I am here to support our students and staff.
This year I will be working at six elementary schools and one middle school. At the elementary schools, my focus is more towards reading literacy. We have a collection of books that align with our elementary reading standards. These books focus on kindness, cultures and much more. I will be in classrooms reading age-appropriate books throughout the year. I also do one-on-one check-ins and small group circles if extra support is needed.
At VandenBerge, I am the advisor of the Multicultural Club. In our club meetings, we learn and celebrate cultures, build connections and discuss college & careers. It is a place that allows students to share their experiences and concerns. Our goal is to make VandenBerge a better place and every student feel safe and welcome here.
Besides advising my group, I work with admin and staff when issues arise at school. When my schedule allows, I also help with lunch supervision.
If there is anything I can help you with, please let me know. The best way to reach me is via email: hai.wang@isd728.org.
