About Our 1st Grade Teachers
Mrs. Ahlers
My name is Ashley Ahlers. In 2021, I started teaching 5th-grade in District 518 before moving to 1st grade. I earned my B.S. in Psychology from South Dakota State University and my M.A. in Elementary Education (K-6th) from Western Governors University. I love teaching and sharing my passion for learning. I currently live in Worthington, MN with my husband Logan. We have a daughter and 2 dogs. In our spare time, we love to visit national parks, remodel our home, and spend time with family.
Mrs. Bahl
Hello! My name is Mrs. Bahl. I began teaching at Prairie in 2016. I graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in May 2015. After graduating I spent a year as a substitute teacher in the Mankato Area Public Schools. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, doing crafts, traveling, and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings. I am so excited to be working in first grade this year!! I love teaching and watching students grow with their learning throughout the school year and all of the accomplishments they can make!
Mrs. Groen
Hello! My name is Maitland Groen. I grew up in George, IA, and graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University in 2020 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. After graduation, I substituted in various school districts. I enjoy working with kids and watching them learn and grow. In my spare time, I like to spend time with my family and dogs, ride snowmobile in the winter, and travel. On November 11, 2022, I married my husband, Jordan. I am excited to apart of the Prairie team and looking forward to meeting you all!
Contact Mrs. Groen
Mrs. Hamilton
I’m a Minnesota lady at heart, born and raised. I grew up not too far from here in Welcome, MN. After graduating from Martin County West, I went on to obtain my bachelors degree from Southwest Minnesota State University. The past ten years I have actually been in the district teaching preschool for District 518 Even Start program and School Readiness. This year I have the privilege to move up to 1st grade and see some familiar faces as well as many new ones.
Ms. Hibbing
Hello! My name is Heather Hibbing. I grew up in St. Clair, MN. I graduated from South Dakota State University with my degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. I received by Elementary Education certification from Dakota State University. I taught fourth grade and kindergarten in the Mankato Area Public School District for three years before joining the Prairie Elementary team to teach first grade in 2016. I am passionate about helping each child reach their highest potential so they can be productive, lifelong learners.
Mrs. Lupton
Hi! I’m Nichole Lupton! I’m one of the first grade teachers. I went to high school at Harris-Lake Park. I went to college at Minnesota West and Southwest Minnesota State University. I was previously a first grade teacher at St. Mary’s here in Worthington. A couple interesting facts about me are: I’ve broken my nose and I’ll play volleyball wherever whenever—in the gym, in mud, in sand, and even in the dark (glow volleyball)!
Mrs. Nelson
I am a first grade teacher at Prairie Elementary. I graduated from SMSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education in 2015. Previous to taking the position as a first grade teacher, I was a para with the district for 4 years in 3rd and 4th grade. I have two boys. One thing that I love to do is read.
Mrs. Rogers
Hi! My name is Mrs. Rogers and a 1st grade teacher at Prairie Elementary. I graduated from SMSU with my Early Childhood Education degree in the fall of 2019. I got married on July 2nd this summer to my husband Nolan. We have a yellow lab named Beau that I love spending my free time with! I also enjoy crafting and spending time at the lake with my family! I am so excited to join the Prairie team and look forward to meeting all of you!
Miss Schettler
Hello! My name is Lexie Schettler, and I am a first grade teacher at Prairie Elementary. I grew up in Adrian, MN, and graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. I started teaching at Prairie Elementary in 2024, right after graduation. Outside of school, I love to play sand volleyball and spend time with my family and two dogs!
MS. Thier
Hello! My name is Ms. Thier, and I teach 1st grade at Prairie Elementary School. I graduated from the College of Saint Benedict in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language. I am originally from Worthington, and I’m excited to be back in this wonderful community! What I enjoy most about teaching is working with the students and watching them grow and learn each day!