About Our Teachers
Miss DeNeui
Hello, my name is Hope DeNeui and am a high school science teacher. My education started in ISD 518 and am a 2016 graduate from Worthington High School. I received my associates of liberal arts in 2018 from Minnesota West, my bachelors degree in chemistry (biology minor) from Southwest Minnesota State University in 2021, and my masters degree in chemistry with an emphasis on education from Grand Canyon University in early 2023.
What I enjoy the most about Worthington is its diversity and community. I am excited to share my passion for the sciences with all of the students that enter my classroom! Outside of the classroom I am spending time with my family, pets and friends. Some hobbies/interests of mine include gaming, muscle cars, rock music, and anything outer space.
Miss Fuentes
Graduated from Worthington High School in 2017. Decided to major in Biology (pre-med) at the University of Minnesota-Morris and graduated in 2021. Took a couple gap years to gain clinical experience and continue my studies before going to medical school. Came back home and heard about in opening in the district as the student immigrant liaison and I enjoyed my time working with the kids decided I wanted to teach students on my favorite subject (biology). I am now a science teacher at the high school and loving every part of it. I have two brothers and a sister. On my day off you can catch me at the soccer game events, hanging out with friends or biking around the lake.
Mrs. Hansen
My name is Jodi Hansen. I have been teaching in Worthington Public Schools since 1993. The first eight years were with the 9th graders at Worthington Junior High teaching mainly Physical Science. I moved to the high school with the 9th graders in the fall of 2000. Since then I have continued to teach Physical Science and have added Reading Workshop, Forensic Science, Contemporary Science Survey, Chemistry and AP Chemistry.
I received my undergraduate degree from Bethel College in Physical Science Secondary Education in 1993 and my Master’s degree in Reading Specialist from the University of Sioux Falls in 2001. I have been very active in both state and national professional organizations throughout my teaching career. These include Minnesota Science Teachers Association, National Science Teachers Association, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Education Minnesota, National Education Association, and American Federation of Teachers.
I enjoy finding new ways to help students master science content. I strive to find ways to engage students with the material and make learning interesting.
Mrs. Harms
My name is Lisa Harms and I currently teach Chemistry and Biology courses at WHS. I earned my Bachelor’s in Secondary Education: Physical Science and Chemistry, a minor in Physics Education, and a BA in Chemistry at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. I also obtained licensure to teach Secondary Life Sciences.
I started teaching a variety of health and science classes in 1994 in Tracy, MN. I joined the WHS staff in 2001 teaching health and chemistry, coaching MS Volleyball and advising the Junior Class. From 2015-18 I had the opportunity to teach in the George-Little Rock district a few years while my children attended school there and came back to WHS in 2018 to teach chemistry and conceptual physics. I currently am a Co-Advisor for the STEM Club.
My hobbies include spending time camping, boating and other various outdoor activities with my family. I also enjoy reading and taking long walks with my dogs.
It has been most rewarding teaching science to Worthington high school students. I love having former students stop in and say “hi” so I can get caught up on all their life’s achievements. We have great students at WHS that graduate and become wonderful professionals!
Ms Hastings
Hello! I’m Taylor Hastings and I am a high school science teacher. I graduated from South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota with a Bachelors of Science in Biology and a specialization in Secondary Education. I am also currently working on my Masters of Biology from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. While at SDSU I had the opportunity to student teach at both Brookings Middle School and High School. As a Worthington graduate, I am excited to be back teaching science in my home town! I also look forward helping the Trojettes Dance Team as I danced all four years of college!
Dr. Morales Collazo
¡Hola! My name is José A. Morales Collazo and I am from the island of Puerto Rico. I am a certified science educator that often teaches Chemistry, Physical Sciences, and Earth Sciences. Besides, I have experience teaching Chemistry, Geology, and Education courses at the college level.
I earned a Bachelor’s in Chemistry and a Master’s in Geology from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and a Doctorate in Educational Philosophy, Theory, and Practice from the State University of New York at Binghamton. My studies in science focused on Marine Geochemistry and those in education focused on individuals’ motivation, identity, and career choice.
Some of my hobbies include camping, swimming, mixology, barista, board and video games, dot art, and collecting rock samples.
I strive to make science fun and intellectual to encourage future generations to consider any of the STEM fields as a career. My motto is “You never know unless you try”