Getting to know you – New MPA faculty and staff

August 25, 2015

Join us in welcoming new faculty and staff members to MPA!

	Kyle Bell Custodial Supervisor Kyle joins us from Macalester College with eight years of experience in the custodial and maintenance field. He is excited to join the team and work with the wonderful MPA staff and faculty. Kyle loves to be outdoors, and enjoys golfing and biking in his free time.
	Alex Bolduan Middle School Assistant Alex may be a new employee, but she is no newcomer to MPA! A former student, Alex attended MPA from K-12. Alex then graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris and University College London. She is excited to be back at MPA as a staff member and says she feels right at home.
	Eric Gustafson Technical Director Eric brings a wealth of theater knowledge to MPA. A graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth theater program with an emphasis in scenic design, Eric has worked at theaters across the country. Eric enjoys sailing and snowboarding, and he is looking forward to sharing his knowledge of technical theatre with the students of MPA.
	Dan Haase P.E. Teacher, Sub Coordinator Dan is a returning MPA team member, who has spent 14 years of his teaching career at MPA! He is looking forward to reuniting with his colleagues and enjoying MPA’s wonderful campus. Dan loves all sports, and coached his daughter’s traveling fast-pitch softball team in over 50 games this summer.
	Kevin Hagen Middle School Spanish Teacher Kevin joins us this year from Oltman Middle School in St. Paul Park, MN. A former student-athlete, Kevin studied Spanish Education and played baseball at Gustavus Adolphus College. He will be sharing his expertise in both with MPA students this year as a Middle School Spanish teacher and the varsity baseball coach.
	Ellie Lijewski Marketing and Communications Manager Ellie joins us this year from the University of Minnesota Foundation. She is inspired daily by the student accomplishments and dedicated staff and is excited to be a member of the MPA team! Ellie is a graduate of the University of Minnesota, and enjoys running, Golden Gopher Football (Ski-U-Mah!), and anything Disney.
	Sarah McFarland Middle School Math Teacher, ESL Teacher, International Student Coordinator Sarah is excited to become part of the MPA team this year. She will be teaching middle school math and English as a Second Language (ESL). Sarah plays the Irish sport of hurling and will be playing in the National Hurling Finals this year. She can’t wait for the first day of school!
	Sara Mohn Upper School English Teacher, Yearbook Advisor Sara has been teaching English for 25 years, and has taught in Minnesota, South Carolina, and Slovakia. Sara believes that the commitment to learning and the accompanying joy at MPA are impressive and she can’t wait to join the team. Speaking of impressive Sara is planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro next summer!
	Jay Noland Upper School Math Teacher Jay has spent the last four years teaching at St. Croix Preparatory Academy in Stillwater, MN, and is excited to be part of a school that focuses on whole student education. In his free time, Jay enjoys golf and biking, and is currently working on a home remodeling project.
	Chris Peterson Middle School Math Teacher Chris joins MPA from Oltman Middle School in St. Paul Park, MN. He has been teaching for four years, and is excited to join the MPA team because of the enthusiasm for learning from teachers and students alike. A special congratulations to Chris, who was married on August 1!
	Hannah Sullivan Upper School Science Teacher Hannah is passionate about science education and environmental stewardship for all ages. She studied Civil and Environmental Engineering at MIT and is a returning MPA faculty member. Hannah recently completed a native prairie restoration in her front yard and enjoys mountain biking, running, and participating in triathlons when she’s not busy with her two young boys.
	Mark Taylor Upper School Social Studies Teacher You may have seen Mark before at MPA, as a substitute teacher for many classes ranging from elementary music to Upper School math. He has always enjoyed the strong bond of community at MPA. Mark is a tour guide at the James J. Hill House in St. Paul, gives walking tours of Summit Avenue, and has auditioned for Jeopardy! twice in person.