KLA 2026-2027 Cohort

Dr. Ambria Crusan, PhD, MS, RD/LD, is a Registered Dietitian, Indigenous Research Fellow with the University of Minnesota’s C2DREAM P50 Center, and Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics at St. Catherine University. Her strongest area of leadership lies within mentorship for students in the classroom and research; equipping them with the tools to think critically, apply knowledge meaningfully, and transfer these skills into their future careers. She strives to present multiple perspectives on the practical applications of nutrition science and dietetics, illuminating injustices within our profession, and challenging a deeper examination of the norms and systems that shape the field. Additionally, leading the nutrition services at the St. Mary’s Medical and Rehabilitative Therapies Clinic has deepened her understanding of food and health inequities. This has fueled her leadership to support multiple communities that experience barriers to food and healthcare access, including ensuring access to culturally-appropriate foods.

Rachel Droogsma, Associate Director for Curricular Engagement and Research, manages Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) and Research and Creative Inquiry (RCI) courses across St. Kate’s undergraduate and graduate programs, facilitating 100 courses and 2,000 student experiences each year. Along with team members in Community Work and Learning and Collaborative Research, she collaborates with faculty and community partners to design high-impact learning experiences that align students' community work and research with course learning objectives and St. Kate’s social justice mission. Rachel holds a Ph.D. in Communication and Culture from Howard University. Previously, she held faculty appointments at Nebraska Wesleyan University and Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she taught intercultural communication using CEL as a pedagogy, advanced bias response initiatives, and advised student research.

Lydia Fasteland, a double St. Kate's alum, has worked in various capacities on campus since 2008 in the campus bookstore and now in the Centers for Equity and Belonging. In addition to her position in CEB, Lydia holds a seat on the University's Staff Council, is Co-Chair of the One Read for Racial Justice Initiative, and is the current Staff Advisor for the student newspaper, The Wheel. Her passion for equitable education for all has grown from both personal and professional pursuits, allowing her to focus on helping students feel empowered to claim their education and St. Kate's as their own. She is also passionate about finding and building diverse communities, both on campus and off.  Outside of her role on campus, Lydia is an avid reader, hiker, nerd extraordinaire, and loves all the dogs, especially golden retrievers, she comes into contact with!

As an Assistant Professor in the Radiography Program, Kelly is passionate about developing future healthcare professionals both inside and outside the classroom. In addition to teaching, she leads our Radiography Mentorship and Tutoring Programs, fostering meaningful connections and creating supportive learning environments that promote student success. Outside of higher education, Kelly serves as the head coach of a high school girls' tennis team and as a Senior Radiologic Technologist at Hennepin County Medical Center, where she continues to practice and mentor in a clinical setting. Throughout her career, she has intentionally sought opportunities to lead, inspire, and make a positive impact. Kelly believes leadership is about serving others, building strong relationships, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. The opportunity to influence, encourage, and empower others is what brings her the greatest sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Dr. Hugo Klaers, PT, DPT is an assistant professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at St. Catherine University. His professional leadership journey began when he completed the Fairview Health Services Orthopedic Physical Therapy residency program in 2015. He became a board-certified specialist in orthopedic physical therapy in 2016. He then began teaching continuing education courses for local physical therapists and other allied health professionals, and has presented at the APTA's national annual conference. He also is the Director for the Human Anatomy Lab at St. Catherine University, as well as serving as one of the co-chairs of admissions for the DPT program. Most recently, he has taken on the role as primary clinical mentor for the Orthopedic Residency program at Motion, a private-practice physical therapy clinic in St. Paul. 

Margret McCue-Enser, currently Sister Alberta Huber Endowed Chair for the Liberal Arts, holds a doctorate in communication studies from the University of Iowa as well as a graduate certificate in gender studies from Colorado State University. McCue-Enser served on the executive committee Indigenous Studies caucus of the National Communication Association from 2022-2025.  At Saint Catherine University, McCue-Enser has served in multiple leadership positions including as a member of Faculty Senate, chair of University Curriculum and Assessment Committee, Higher Learning Commission Assurance Review Team, and multiple student leadership award committees.  Prior to Saint Catherine University, she was the co-director of the Roberts Study Abroad Fellowship at Saginaw Valley State University where she was also named an honorary fellow.  McCue-Enser believes that the tools that a liberal arts education offers; learning how to seek out and evaluate information as well as how to engage and empathize with others; are not only central to democracy but also to leadership.  

I am an Event Coordinator at St. Catherine University, where I create meaningful experiences that foster connection, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. Before joining University Events, I spent seven years with Sodexo at St. Catherine University, including five years as a Catering Supervisor and two years as Head of Catering. Those leadership roles strengthened my skills in team management, operations, customer service, and problem-solving while reinforcing the value of collaboration.

Today, I build strong relationships with campus and community partners while managing events that support the university's mission and values. I have helped grow conference and event opportunities by cultivating lasting client relationships and encouraging organizations to return
year after year. I believe leadership is rooted in service, integrity, and continuous learning. I strive to lead with a calm, solutions-focused mindset and create welcoming environments where others feel supported and valued as I continue to grow as a leader.
 

Katherine Tolcser, DNP, RN, is an Associate Professor and the Prelicensure Clinical Experience Liaison in the School of Nursing at St. Catherine University. A proud St. Kate’s alumna and faculty member since 2014, she is a dedicated leader who serves as Co-Chair of the university's Clinical and Field Education Team and is an active member of the Faculty Senate. Dr. Tolcser's leadership centers on bridging academia and practice through strategic partnerships with regional healthcare systems to expand high-quality clinical opportunities and enhance student readiness for professional practice. Drawing on her experience as a pediatric intensive care unit nurse, she brings a strong clinical perspective to experiential learning and academic-practice collaboration. Through her collaborative approach and passion for innovation, Dr. Tolcser is deeply committed to preparing the next generation of Katie nurses. 

Jocelyn has served at St. Catherine University as a Career Coach for College for Women students for the past 2.5 years and has served young people from diverse backgrounds in higher education for more than eight years. She embodies the mission of loving the dear neighbor without distinction in her interactions with students, her team, across campus, and within the broader community.

In the Career Center, Jocelyn has been instrumental in expanding the Center’s classroom presentation offerings in addition to serving students in individualized appointments. Guided by a commitment to continuous learning and inclusion, Jocelyn collaborates across the university to advance initiatives including First-Generation Celebration Week. In the classroom, Jocelyn develops meaningful connections with students in the TRW lab. Beyond campus, she has served on the national planning committee for IMPACT National Conference which gathers college students, educators, and staff focused on service, advocacy, and social justice. This past year, St. Catherine University recognized Jocelyn’s efforts and care by awarding her the 2026 Sister Amata Miller Catholic Mission in Action.

Jocelyn is always ready to learn, adapt, and expand her impact, meeting every student, colleague, and community member with genuine curiosity and a commitment to service.