About Our Student Support Staff
Mrs. Knudson
My name is Mrs. Knudson. I work at Prairie Elementary as a School Counselor. I started with the district in 2002, and happy to say I’m still here. The first 5 years I spent at the Middle school and the last 5, I have been here at Prairie. I went to the University of WI-Oshkosh for both my Bachelor’s of Social Work and my Master’s in Education-counseling.
I love my job and the time I spend with the students; they bring such energy and excitement. It’s interesting to see the world through their perspective. As a school counselor I meet with children individually, in small groups and also in the classroom. Topics in the classroom include, but are not limited to, feelings, empathy, careers, bullying, and tolerance and diversity. I help children in the areas of academics, career development, and personal/social development which help them develop a better understanding of themselves.
Mrs. Markus
I graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN. I have been a licensed social worker for three years. Prior to working for District 518, I worked for Nobles County and Murray County as a Children’s Mental Health Case Manager. This experience has prepared me to work with the youth. I am very excited to meet the students and to explore ways to overcome certain barriers in their life- may it be mental health issues, truancy, or family struggles. I enjoy watching children grow and recognize their own potential to be successful in life.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family which consists of my husband, our daughter, and our dog.