Meet The Team


Mrs. Richert

Teaching is a passion of mine! I am so excited to work with you and your child ! It’s going to be a year full of fun, learning, and lots of adventures and I can’t wait to see what the year has in store for us! I thought you might like to know a little bit about me.

My husband and I have three amazing kids: Ethan: a graduate from Central High, Sierra: a sophomore at Senior High School and Logan, a 7th grader here at Will James Middle School. They take up most of my free time, but some hobbies that I enjoy are reading, hiking, and spending time with family!.

I have lived in Montana all of my life. I grew up on a ranch outside of Grass Range, MT. I went to school K-12 there. I graduated from MSU-Billings in 2000. I am the oldest of 2! My younger brother and his family live here in Billings as well. This will be my tenth year teaching Kindergarten at Elysian.

It is my mission to instill a love for learning in my students. I work to teach with a passion so that my students develop a desire to become lifelong learners. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. It is so important to keep open communication between us and I would love to talk to you whenever you feel the need! I look forward to a great year together!

Ms. Sundsted & 

Mrs. Pepper

This classroom has two teachers who will be working hard to educate your child. 

Ms. Sundsted will be in the classroom from 7:40-11:00 then working as Assistant Principal and Mrs. Pepper will be teaching middle school title in the morning and then teaching kindergarten from 11:30-3:40.

Hello! 

My name is Jennifer Sundsted. I graduated from MSU Bozeman (Go Cats!) in Elementary Education and I  completed my Master’s in Educational Leadership. 

I am recently engaged and enjoy spending my time with my family, friends and three lovely golden retrievers. 

During the last eight years I student taught, long-term subbed, coached cross country/volleyball, taught kindergarten/8th grade science and have been Dean of Students here at Elysian School. 

This year I am excited to share the kindergarten classroom again with Mrs. Pepper. I will teach our kindergarten class in the morning and Mrs. Pepper will teach kindergarten in the afternoon. 

My afternoons will consist of being Elysian's Assistant Principal.

As a child I attended this wonderful school, so I am excited to show my students all it has to offer! 

I am looking forward to a fun and amazing year working and learning together!

 Ms. Sundsted


Mrs. Emmons


Hello! My name is Savannah Emmons and this will be my seventh year teaching, but my sixth year in Kindergarten at Elysian.  I have experience teaching many grade levels, but Kindergarten definitely has my heart! I look forward to getting to know you and your students this year as they begin their very first year of school.  


A little bit about me…

I graduated from Carroll College in 2017 with a degree in Elementary and Special Education.  While at Carroll, I met my husband who I’ve been married to for 6 years this June.  We also have a very busy two year old, Bennett, and a sweet fur baby, Jasper.  When I am not in the classroom, I enjoy being outside as much as possible, reading, and camping.  


This year is going to be one of growth and learning for your students, and I am excited to share this opportunity with each of them! Please reach out if you ever have any questions or concerns.


Mrs. Emmons

Hi, My name is Lisa Pepper. I have taught for thirteen years. I have taught in one province, three states, and three countries.  I have taught in regular and deaf education.  As well as, substituted for two years. 

I have been married for eighteen years and have two wonderful children that attend Elysian school. I enjoy being active, the outdoors, yoga, reading, and spending time with my family. I look forward to growing with your child this year. I am grateful for this opportunity. 

 Mrs. Pepper