Sister Marie Ensslin, SDS, DS ’52

Ministry: Education

Throughout her ministry, Sister Marie Ensslin, DS ’52, leaned into her love of learning. She worked to make education fun, instilled values in all of her students that shaped their lives, and— most importantly—made learning accessible to all children under her care. Her desire to give all students opportunities to grow came from her experiences with her sister, who had special needs.

To serve students like her sister, Sister Marie was a specialist in a variety of schools, teaching children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and even establishing a gifted and talented program in several schools.

Although she retired from teaching in 2004, she never stopped learning herself. She attended classes on personal growth and development, using the classroom to better herself.

Qualities of a DSHA Graduate: She is a critical thinker. She used her understanding and creativeness to improve the learning of special needs students.