Although born and raised in Montana, Utah has been home for the Nielsen family for the past 20 years and Saint Marguerite has been their parish. Mrs. Nielsen and her husband Tim have been married for 31 years and have raised three sons who love the outdoors who value morality, hard work, and service.
Mrs. Nielsen received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1989 from Montana State University in Criminal Justice & Sociology, and worked in Corrections for five years prior to becoming a stay-at-home mom. For roughly 10 years she operated her own in-home daycare, served as parish catechist and Cub Scout Den Leader, and then changed careers when she was called to the ministry of Catholic education at Saint Marguerite Catholic School. She received her Educator license through the Alternative Routes to Licensure (ARL) program and was fortunate to be a part of the birth and expansion of the elementary school.
Mrs. Nielsen has taught first grade for the past 15 years, and Kindergarten for the past two years. At the start of the 2021-22 school year, she took on an Administrative role and is currently serving in both capacities, principal and lead-teacher. She oversees the Service Club at the school and enjoys helping with Cross Country running. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, baking, and bike riding.
Her teaching philosophy is to partner with parents to help her students learn, become the best version of themselves, and to grow in their faith journey. While she thinks learning should be fun, academically she pushes her students to reach for the stars. Her greatest reward is seeing the marvelous gains made throughout the year as students strive to reach their potential.
Her favorite scripture is from Psalm 51:10: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. This verse reminds her to be thankful each day, to act lovingly, and to keep a positive attitude and outlook on life.
Chris Nielsen
