Ms. Nygaard

After growing up in Waseca, pursuing higher education in the Twin Cities area, working in a variety of early childhood jobs in Minneapolis and St. Paul, I moved to Mankato with my husband in1979 when he was hired by Minnesota State University, Mankato.  When my 2 boys (now 28 and 32), were older, I began working as a substitute teacher in the district and Loyola school systems, and continued that until I was hired by St. Johns as Youth Minister 21 years ago.  I have had the opportunity to walk with many young people on their faith journey, and have been blessed to travel all over the country and world with them in that pursuit.  I believe that the faith of our youth can inspire and change the world, enliven our parishes, and spread the Good News everywhere.
My work with young people and the church has awakened in me a passion for justice and love for the poor.  I am trained in the Justice initiatives of the Church, and have worked with the poor in the Mankato area, Appalachia and other United States locations, and Guatemala.  I have been forever changed.  I currently am on the board of Partners for Affordable Housing and hope to continue to be engaged and to engage students in making a difference in the lives of the poor in our community and the world.
I am delighted to be here at Loyola at this time, and feel at home and welcomed here already.  I look forward to getting to know the community of students, parents, and supporters.

Education Background
Attended: Macalester College
Degree: BA in Psychology, Minnesota State Teaching Certification

Finally, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me. Then the peace of God will be with you. Phillipians 4: 8-9