Introducing Our New High School Staff
MRS. DOGGETT
Mrs. Doggett, one of Saint Joseph High School’s new math teachers, grew up in Detroit and recently moved back to Michigan after teaching for ten years in South Carolina. Her initial career path was to become a guidance counselor, but a transformative experience with a dynamic biology teacher during her sophomore year of high school shifted her focus. This biology teacher made learning exciting and engaging with activities and a relaxed atmosphere, sparking Mrs. Doggett’s desire to teach.
Although her pursuit of science in college didn’t work out, her love for teaching and math persisted. She loves the supportive environment at SJHS and looks forward to possibly coaching cross country and track again once her 14-month-old daughter, Thea, is older. Outside of school, Mrs. Doggett enjoys reading, especially true crime, fantasy, and sci-fi, watching movies, and spending time with her daughter and husband.
MR. KLUNDER
Mr. Klunder, a new math teacher at Saint Joseph High School, has been teaching for eight years, previously at Lakeshore High School. He currently teaches Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 but is also certified to teach physics. His passion for teaching stems from his desire to mentor students and ensure they feel seen and valued.
In addition to teaching, Mr. Klunder has spent much of his career coaching basketball and is actively involved in “Young Life,” a Christian ministry focused on building relationships with high school students through fun events, small groups, and camps. He hopes to restart the program at SJHS, where it once had a presence.
Mr. Klunder lives downtown with his wife, who is an elementary teacher in Bridgman, and their two children: Finley, their two-year-old daughter, and Walter, their four-month-old son. If you spot a family with a stroller and a black lab downtown, it’s likely the Klunder family!
MR. ROMMEL
Mr. Rommel, the new principal at Saint Joseph High School, brings a wealth of experience from his diverse career in education. For the past two years, he served as principal at Brown Elementary, and before that, he spent seven years in Educational Technology at Berrien RESA, where he helped students across the county utilize technology effectively. His career also includes seven years at Upton Middle School and another seven at Brown Elementary.
Transitioning from dealing with seven-year-olds to engaging with 17-year-olds has been an exciting change for him. Mr. Rommel is enthusiastic about his role, aiming to make a significant impact on the entire school community.
Outside of school, he enjoys staying active, whether by playing golf and basketball or spending time at the beach. He is also a devoted father to four children: Grace, a college freshman; Ava, a senior in high school; James, a sophomore in high school; and Gwendolyn, an eighth grader. He cherished the time spent with his family and finds joy in their shared activities.
MR. OLMSTED
Mr. Olmsted, Saint Joseph High School’s new woods teacher, is embarking on his first teaching role, having transitioned from a successful career in insurance and construction. After working in insurance as an agency owner and consultant, he shifted to remodeling and construction about 25 years ago, where he combined his passion for woodworking with new skills. Now as a woodworking teacher, Mr. Olmsted is excited to offer students hands-on project experiences and customer interaction opportunities, aiming to make learning enjoyable.
Additionally, Mr. Olmsted is in his sixth year of coaching football at SJHS and encourages everyone to explore the woodshop, hoping that “any and all” will give it a try.