MCC WELCOMES TWO NEW FACES

By Jenny Kirk It takes a lot of hearts and hands to juggle all the needs of students in a PreK through 12th-grade school, and while new staff members Marcus Engbarth and Greg Scheitel might not be front and center in a classroom at Murray County Central, but both play vital roles in the district.

Marcus Engbarth, Technology Support

Engbarth’s job involves helping students and teachers with any technology-related issues. “This ranges from fixing laptops with broken screens to installing hardware within the school and everything in between,” he said. “I also set up and manage accounts for staff and students, as well as manage the systems and software that teachers and students use every day. Basically, if it’s electronic in nature, I’m one of the people taking a look at it.”

Engbarth graduated from MCC High School in 2007. He attended the University of St. Thomas, St. Cloud State University and Southwest Minnesota State University, navigating through different diverse areas of learning en route to finding his passion. After facing some adversity, he came to the realization that he was meant to work with computers. “Since I was very young, I have always been extremely interested in computers and taught myself everything I know about them,” Engbarth said. “I love teaching myself things and in the end, that turned out to be what worked best for me. So far, it’s been fun and a very interesting change of pace for me. There is constantly new and unforeseen challenges. Trying to figure them out keeps me thinking. It is also enjoyable to be back at the same school I went to as a student.”

Working with technology, of course, has its challenges. “The biggest challenges within my position, especially since I just got here, are learning all the different systems the school uses and trying to mem-orize all the new passwords,” Engbarth said. “Also, it seems we are always needing more computers and resources, so finding a way to allocate them is definitely a challenge.”

The technology guru said one of the best parts of his job is the nostalgia of being back in his old school and seeing so many familiar faces and friends. The gratitude he receives for helping people is certainly another perk, he added. “Even if it was just a minor problem I helped figure out, both students and staff are so appreciative,” Engbarth said. “Getting to help keep a facility running that is based around educating our kids is a cool experience. It’s serendipitous that my biggest hobby — computers — is no longer just a hobby.”

Engbarth has a 7-year-old daughter named Marin and a 12-year-old cat named Cali who both mean a lot to him. He is the son of Mark and the late Lynette Engbarth. Marcus’ sister, Kelsey Sturges also works at the school, as a paraprofessional. “The best part of my job is getting a secret little wave or hug from my daughter when I happen to see her in the hallway,” Marcus said. “It is something I look forward to every day. Not too many people get to experience that, so I’m very grateful.”

Interests and hobbies for Engbarth include exploring outside with his daughter, playing Legos with his daughter, coaching A-ball and soccer, playing board games, binge watching shows and movies, hunting, drawing, building computers and spending time with family and friends.

Engbarth is excited to be part of the MCC community but he also puts in time running heavy equipment at Johnson Ditching in Lake Wilson. “I think MCC has a great team of people supporting each other and I can’t wait to see where this new chapter leads,” he said.

Greg Scheitel, Social Worker/Mental Health

Scheitel is a (shared staff) mental health consultant through Southwest West Central Service Cooperative. This year marks his 22nd year working for SWWC in a mental health role. The bulk of his job entails assessing and working with students 1-on-1 or in groups. “If students or families need more expertise, I make referrals to community mental health providers, but I also train and support staff, and provide community education around mental health,” Scheitel said. “I think it’s going very well (at MCC). It’s great to get to know students, families and the staff and make connections.”

An increased need for mental health support across the state and nation is an ongoing challenge. “I think the biggest challenge, or the hardest decision, is making sure you’re doing enough for the student and their family, so they are getting the help and the support they need,” Scheitel said. “Sometimes those decisions are unpopular, but you want to make sure people are safe and that they matter even when they can’t or don’t feel that way.”

Scheitel said the best part about his job is the relationship you build and the wonderful people you get to collaborate with. “I get the opportunity to listen to a person’s story,” he said. “It’s very rewarding knowing that they are willing to share their story with me, and I get the opportunity to listen and help find solutions or refer them to great resources that can help provide the solutions they are looking for.”

Scheitel graduated from Worthington High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in social work from Winona State University. He then got his license in social work and completed supervision hours as a mental health practitioner. “In all my years of work, I have also become a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainer, a certified Trauma and Resilience Trainer in Education, and ALICE Violent Critical Incident Trainer, a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Coach, and my latest certification is a LiveMore ScreenLess Digital Wellbeing trainer,” he said.

Scheitel has been married to his wife, Kari, for 19 years. The couple has two daughters — 15-year-old Grace and 12-year-old Ava.

Interests and hobbies for Scheitel include any type of athletics. Football is his biggest passion — he coached high school football for 21 years — but he also follows all the Gophers, Vikings and Twins games. He also enjoys reading and loves attending movies and theater events with his girls.