May 13, 2021
MPA is very happy to introduce new faculty and staff to the MPA community! Please note: Some of these individuals are familiar faces who have been with us this year in temporary positions. They applied to continue at MPA, completed the application and interview process, and we are so very grateful to re-welcome them to the community long-term.
Keith Braafladt
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Part-Time Technology and Innovation Teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
Most recently I worked as a consultant developing educational materials and activities for museums and educational organizations and before that I worked at the Science Museum of Minnesota
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I’m an artist and educator. I led the Learning Technologies Center at the Science Museum of Minnesota for many years, developing curriculum, materials and experiences for learners of all ages. I am a graduate of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. I’m also a good short order cook!
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
I really appreciate the efforts of MPA in supporting experiential learning, and supporting these efforts with the amazing maker space. I was very attracted to the ideas around collaboration and—as the mission states—of creating “a balance of academics, arts, and athletics” for the students so that these different aspects prepare you for self-growth, learning and engagement in community.
What’s your big dream?
Contributing to equity and change in my community. I live just a few blocks from George Floyd square.
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
I’m a life-long learner and really believe in supporting people of all ages begin and continue to see themselves as learners. I really appreciate the research and work of Carol Dweck on growth and fixed mindsets – that notion that everyone can learn and grow throughout your life.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I am an artist working with sculpture, photography, video, computer programming and most recently oil painting.
Chris Hopkins
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Physical Education Teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
Saint Agnes School
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I graduated with a Physical Education degree from SUNY Brockport and a Master’s Degree in General Professional Education from SUNY Potsdam. I have been teaching Physical Education for the last five years and taught college classes before that.
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
MPA is a diverse and inclusive community that I wanted to be a part of.
What’s your big dream?
To be a Division One Basketball Coach (my wife is a Division One coach in cross country and track)
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
We love heading to State Parks on the weekends, We love participating and watching sports.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
This is my second stint at MPA, I coached track and field here from 2014 to 2016.
Sean Ryther
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Physical Education/Health Teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
Hilltop Primary School – Westonka Public Schools
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I have a Masters in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Iowa and did my undergraduate studies at Minnesota State University, Mankato. I have 17 years of experience ranging from 10 years in Elk River, two years at an International School in South Korea, and five years at Hilltop Primary School. Prior to my formal teaching, I was Youth Development Coordinator for the YMCA. I was also an Activities Coordinator and Site Coordinator at the YWCA in Mankato. I have coached multiple sports allowing me to pour into students in their extracurricular activities.
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
The mission statement was discussed by every one of the committee members showing me that the mission isn’t something just on a website or a piece of paper. I had the opportunity to teach a lesson in front of the panel and showcase my passion. The chance to meet many different people allowed me to hear how great MPA was from others.
What’s your big dream?
My dream is that because of the interactions I had with other and the love I showed to others that their lives are truly changed for the better and they too can show that same kind of love to others.
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
I am passionate about family. Whether its riding bikes, building forts, playing board games, swimming, road tripping or just daily adventures, I love my time with my family. Fitness and being active is also a passion of mine.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I swam in all the Great Lakes with three of my good friends in 16 hours and 26 minutes. Just one of my fun spontaneous adventures.
Liz Schwalen
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Upper School Learning Specialist
From what school/organization are you coming?
Totino-Grace High School
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I hold a Master’s in Special Education from Bethel University and a license in the area of Learning Disabilities. I have been serving a diverse population of students at Totino-Grace High School for 18 years. In addition, I bring with me a parent perspective as I personally have two children with dyslexia. I believe everyone is capable of learning; however, we learn in different ways. My commitment to my students is to challenge them by building on their strengths, encouraging them in a safe environment, and helping them become the best versions of themselves.
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
I was impressed by how comprehensive the interview process was, and I am grateful for the opportunity to explain in detail my skills, experiences, and traits within such a welcoming environment. The Administration and Search Committee were incredibly helpful and patiently answered all my questions. Even though I was a summer hire, I sensed the joy in learning and strong community connection through the Student Panel. I was touched that these students came to MPA on their summer break to connect with me.
What’s your big dream?
I dream of a time when all people can joyfully find their true selves and the world will adjust for the better.
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
I am passionate about spreading kindness, whether it be through a simple thank you, a listening ear, or in teaching my three kids to be friends to everyone. Some extracurriculars we enjoy doing as a family are messy art/science projects, biking, traveling, swimming, and soccer.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I have been practicing yoga for over 18 years and hope to someday land a handstand.
Carlie Erdahl
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Preschool Assistant Teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
CNN
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I graduated from California State University Fullerton in 2017. While my major was in Cinema and Television Arts, spending the last six months working at MPA as a Lower School assistant has inspired me to pursue a Masters in Teaching beginning this fall. Outside of the academic setting, I work as a Girl’s soccer coach for Minneapolis United Soccer Club. Prior to moving back to Minnesota in 2020, I was a Technical Operations Assistant for CNN in Atlanta, Georgia.
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
From the minute you enter the building, it’s clear that MPA radiates joy, promotes passion for learning, and prioritizes acceptance for everyone. Perhaps the most inspiring part of the interview process was hearing the teachers talk about the preschool program and what it means to them. Their excitement and passion is contagious and further solidified my decision to pursue a career in education.
What’s your big dream?
Someday I hope to have my own classroom with my own collection of school supplies and teacher trinkets.
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
Sports are a major passion of mine. I’m a huge advocate for getting more girls into organized sports. As a soccer coach, I’m able to see their pride, excitement and confidence grow as they improve and master new skills. As a soccer player, being able to hold my own, work as a team and have fun is something that I hope to pass onto my students and my future children.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I’ve been playing soccer since preschool! I played for high school, college and most recently a minor league team in Atlanta. I currently coach for Minneapolis United!
Genevievre Colianni
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Third Grade teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
St. John Paul II Catholic School
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I have a Bachelors in Architecture and Sociology from Connecticut College and an MAT in Childhood Education from Manhattanville College. Over the course of the past decade, I’ve honed my classroom teaching practice at multiple grade levels in various school settings. (That sounds very dry, but I promise I am fun!)
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
What I found most appealing about MPA during the interview process was that the community was so genuine and inviting. Each person I spoke with had something unique to share with me about MPA, but the underlying message was the same: “We are a family.”
What’s your big dream?
Not to sound cheesy, but I am living it. Teaching is one of my longtime joys and I am so looking forward to getting back to the classroom! As far a larger dreams dreams go, I hope to reduce carbon emissions.
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
In our family, we believe in the power of kindness, the magic in reading, and the wisdom nature holds.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
My husband and I just bought our first house! We are very much looking forward to making it ours, and enjoying the new backyard with our 9 month old daughter and Labrador puppy.
Bakari Jackson
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Communications Coordinator
From what school/organization are you coming?
Hamline University
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
My communications-focused education at Hamline, as well as my eclectic background/upbringing, has prepared me to be an excellent addition to the MPA community. Growing up overseas and calling multiple countries “home” has given me an incredibly useful set of interpersonal and intercultural skills that will help me thrive in such a diverse environment. Interacting, developing relationships, and connecting with people—professionally and personally—is truly a passion that I aim to cultivate at Mounds Park Academy!
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
The most appealing thing I found about the interview process was how comforting the panel was. There wasn’t a single point of the interview process in which I felt nervous, intimidated, or discouraged by the interviewers and this really allowed me to be myself without fear of judgement, and in this I was glad to see that the values that applied to the students are the same ones applied to the employees. I really appreciated how well and clear the interviewers explained the community, vision, and mission at MPA. The clarity and warmth I received during my interview process is what really made me want this job!
What’s your big dream?
Recording/Performing Artist + TV/Film Producer
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
I am passionate about art and creation in general. The act of creating (whether it’s music, poetry, visuals) is something that drives me. The feeling I receive from going into the studio with nothing, then leaving with a complete song is amazing!
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I was blessed enough to perform at Minneapolis’ First Avenue Main Room on the same stage Prince used to be on!
Page Hauble
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Middle School Mathematics Teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
Drake University
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
During my time at Drake University, I have had several opportunities to observe in Des Moines Public School and Greater Des Moines Public Schools classrooms – both remotely and in-person. These experiences have taught me numerous strategies to take into my own secondary classroom in regards to classroom management, differentiation in instruction, utilizing technology, and different teaching styles. I think that teaching requires a level of patience, especially when teaching students about new topics and topics with which they are not confident. The time that I spend outside of school, with my kids that I nanny and babysit, has strengthened my ability to help assess a situation where a student is struggling to learn new material and devise a plan to point them in a direction that makes more sense to them. My ability to socialize and work with others has helped me develop a comfortable level of confidence when observing or teaching a lesson in a classroom.
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
For a very new teacher the MPA interview process was new and intriguing. I enjoyed being able to converse with new and old teachers about the positive learning environment that MPA promotes to all children. I was able to seek out how an average lesson in my classroom would look like through the model lesson that I taught during the interview process. The students at MPA were receptive to my teaching, and I thoroughly enjoyed becoming a part of MPA for even just the day.
What’s your big dream?
My biggest dream in life is to create a classroom culture where all students have a chance to succeed in the world of mathematics!
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
Traveling is without a doubt one of the most passionate activities for both me and my family. My family and I frequent the west coast, specifically Sun Valley, Idaho, in the winters for downhill skiing and the summer for some mountain hiking! I have also lived and traveled to London, United Kingdom during my college experience. Being able to become a part of someone else’s culture is one of the coolest experiences I have ever had.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I have played 12 different competitive sports!
Anne “Pokey” Phillips
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Middle School Mathematics Teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
Saint Thomas Academy
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I graduated from Breck School and then from Middlebury College. I began my teaching career at Cheshire Academy in Connecticut. Once I moved to Minnesota, I taught at St. Paul Academy for many years. After SPA, I taught at Cristo Rey for two years, then Saint Thomas Academy for four years. Now I am very excited to join the MPA community.
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
The minute I walked into MPA for my interview I felt this amazing vibe. I was impressed with the welcoming feeling and the wonderful learning environment. I loved the building and all the unique spaces. At one point I told Dr. Milam that I felt I was on a college campus and that was a great thing. When I left the building, I kept saying how impressed I was with everyone I met, the building, and what a wonderful feeling there was throughout the building.
What’s your big dream?
Some day I would like to move to Hilton Head Island, SC.
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
I love knitting and animals. A few years ago, I adopted an elderly dog (11 years old) from the animal humane society. I had her for three years before she passed away. Once I am able to, I will adopt another elderly dog. In my free time, I love to knit. My favorite type of knitting is felting.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I was a dolphin trainer before I became a teacher.
Lamar Shingles
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Director of Equity and Belonging
From what school/organization are you coming?
Saint Paul College
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I have more than 15 years of experience working in higher education. Joining MPA from Saint Paul College where I was the Director of Student Life and Diversity. Prior to that I served as Director of Membership and Operations for the National Association for Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education, at the University of Minnesota, and Director of Campus Recreation at Hamline University. I completed both my Masters of Science in Administration and Bachelor of Applied Arts in Entrepreneurship and Industrial Technology from Central Michigan University. Fire Up Chips!
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
From the moment I walked into the school, I felt like a guest and not a stranger. Everyone I interacted with was very welcoming and demonstrated a genuine love and appreciation for being part of the MPA community.
What’s your big dream?
Leaving the world better than I found it by helping others to reach and maximize their individual potential.
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
I have many passions, but the one that gives me a lot of energy is connecting other people to their own passion. I really enjoy the opportunity to meet new people, learn about who they are and what makes them tick.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I originally went to college to become an engineer. When I am not working or spending time with my family you will find me with a tool in my hand building computers, working on projects around the house or riding a motorcycle.
Alyssa Kasuske (but it will be Alyssa Andretta by the start of the school year!)
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Learning Specialist
From what school/organization are you coming?
Oneka Elementary in White Bear Lake School District
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I completed my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with minors in Special Education and Graphic Design at Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) in Marshall, MN. In 2018, I received my masters degree in Elementary Education and PreK-6 Literacy from Walden University. I am starting my eleventh year of teaching next school year. I have spent four years of my career in second grade and six years in reading and math intervention positions.
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
During the MPA interview process, I was excited by how thorough the interview was, what type of questions I was asked, and the broad swath of teachers from the school that came together for the interview. When I was invited in to teach a lesson, I felt welcomed, included, and in awe of the community of MPA. I got to see firsthand what a safe space MPA is for every student and how the whole child is embraced.
What’s your big dream?
My big dream is one where I continue to work hard for an equitable and just world, through my own education and learning, and the environment created in my classroom.
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
My family is myself, my wife, our three children, and two dogs. We are passionate about social justice, expanding our collection of books by BIPOC authors, being active outside, cooking, reading, art, sports, and spending time together.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I love and appreciate a good pun.
Jocque Warner
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Middle School music teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
Park Spanish Immersion Elementary School, St. Louis Park Public Schools
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I received my Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education, K-12, from St. Olaf College in 2016. During my time, I sang as a member of the St. Olaf Choir, assisted undergraduate choirs, and served as a teaching assistant for the choral department. After graduation, I completed my student teaching with Mari and the LS here at Mounds Park Academy! Since then, I’ve been growing with the St. Louis Park Public Schools, most recently at Park Spanish Immersion Elementary, working to build a bilingual music program through the immersion lens. I also hold conducting positions at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church in S. MPLS, and serve as assistant conductor for One Voice Mixed Chorus, St. Paul’s Mixed LQBTG+ community chorus.
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
Interviewing at MPA felt, in many ways, like a homecoming. I was a bit nervous in the car that morning, but the minute I walked through the door, the familiar sights, sounds, smells, and the familiar warmth and welcoming feeling I got allowed me to ease up and just be me. It was a feeling I haven’t experienced in quite some time. That speaks to the true community MPA has.
What’s your big dream?
My big dream is to simply be able to serve others as long as I can. My grandmother taught me early on that life’s true purpose is to help others through it. I can only dream of having half the patience and tenacity for life she does, but as long I am serving others and making music, I’m living my big dream.
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
I am passionate about service to others through music and about truly being in community with those around you. I always say there is a difference between having relationships with others and truly being in relationship with one another; I’m excited to get reconnected with the MPA community and be in relationship with my new school family!
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I have a HUGE sweet tooth, and have several candy stashes of sour patch kids and a diverse variety of skittles throughout my apartment.
Ellen Scharfenberg
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Lower School Art Teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
Hillsboro Elementary School Hillsboro, WI
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I am from Chanhassen, MN and I have always had a passion for education! I grew up in a family of teachers, playing school with the old desks and supplies in my grandparent’s house with my cousins who are also now teachers. In fact, I am the 23rd teacher in my family. I attended the University of Wisconsin Stout in Menomonie, WI where I studied abroad in Scotland and Ireland. I graduated in 2017 with a degree in K-12 Visual Art Education, a minor in art history and a concentration in graphic design. Since my graduation I have been teaching 4K-5th grade art in rural Hillsboro, Wisconsin.
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
Having the opportunity to come and see the school, meet staff and faculty as well as teach my lesson really helped me see how MPA lives it motto of Dream Big. Do Right. MPA has created such an authentic and inclusive learning environment for students to explore the world through hands on learning which is very important to me as an artist and as an educator. Knowing how throughly MPA vets its faculty and staff has me very excited to be working with such high quality educators!
What’s your big dream?
To help both students and myself become our most authentic selves through use of our artistic voices!
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
I am passionate about using my artistic voice as a form of self expression, meditation, social justice and healing. If my students can walk away from art class having only learned one thing I hope it is that their voice matters and they can change the world with it.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I have a first degree black belt in karate! I have not practiced in a long time, but it is something that I worked very hard to earn. I also have a puppy named Claude Monet after one of my favorite artists.
Chris Pula
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Food Service Director
From what school/organization are you coming?
Mounds Park Academy
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I have been working in the food industry for 20 years. My background includes everything to from small scale fine dining and commercial bakeries to large scale food service in a school setting. I worked extensively in restaurants and enjoyed the experience very much but have come to realize that my true passion is feeding kids and I have developed the understanding of how much a good meal can influence a child’s day and hopefully spark an interest in our food system as a whole.
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
I have been at MPA for three years now and can easily see the passion that both the educators and the children have for the school.
What’s your big dream?
My dream is to continue to not only feed children but, through that simple act, hopefully raise their interest in all aspects of our food systems. I think that it is incredibly important that we understand and appreciate everything that goes into getting food from the ground onto our plates and getting children interested in this early is crucial.
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
We are passionate about the outdoors and try to spend as much time outside as possible whether it is a simple afternoon or a long trip. We also have a great interest in travel and have been fortunate enough to be able to take our young kids to some pretty wonderful places.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I have two lower school aged children and, while they don’t attend MPA, it gives me a great insight into how they see the world.
Regina Santiago
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Kindergarten teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
College Prep Elementary in St. Paul and prior to that St. Paul Academy and Summit School
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I studied psychology and education at Macalester College. After that, I pursued my state teaching license and Master of Arts in Teaching at Hamline University. I taught K-2 for nine years (four years in first and second grade, five years in kindergarten) at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, and most recently worked as a K-6 specialist at College Prep Elementary. I also write curriculum for Learning for Justice and published my first picture book last December. I cannot wait to be back in kindergarten! It is the grade that I student taught, and I have loved it ever since.
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
Right away, I was impressed by the “Dream Big. Do Right.” motto of Mounds Park Academy. It speaks to the imagination and creativity that our society will need to face the challenges ahead, while also being anchored in values that will guide us towards healing, equity, and justice. During the interview process and campus visit, I saw firsthand how MPA’s motto and values truly show up in every aspect of the school. I could tell that MPA is a special place where people are authentically welcomed and nurtured. I am so happy to be joining this community!
What’s your big dream?
I dream of a world where every single person can be their whole authentic self, lead a fulfilling life, and experience true belonging and community.
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
My spouse is also a teacher (eighth grade social studies), so we are both passionate about educating future generations and inspiring them to build a better world. As for hobbies, I enjoy cooking as a way to try new foods and also to recreate my favorite childhood dishes that I can’t get in restaurants. We also love to visit new places and spend time with our sweet rescue cat Ellie.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I love surprising people with the fact that I am a trained bowler! I still love to play whenever I can!
Kate Eggers-Leaf
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Spanish teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
Hopkins North Junior High
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I’ve spent the past seven years teaching Spanish in the Hopkins school district. Leading up to my teaching career, I majored in Spanish Education at Gustavus Adolphus College. During college I studied abroad for one semester in Seville, Spain (it was amazing!) and spent a month living with a family outside of San José, Costa Rica. I am currently working on my Master’s in Spanish teaching.
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
I has such a fun time during the interview process! I was impressed with the enthusiasm the MPA staff had towards teaching their content and how welcome they made me feel when I visited the school. I loved interacting with students during my lesson, too! They were kind, curious, and totally up for trying new things.
What’s your big dream?
To be happy and healthy. And to work at Mounds Park Academy!
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
My husband and I are passionate about learning, travel, nature, and so much more! We love to seek out new and different experiences whenever we get the chance, whether it be in the Twin Cities, or on the other side of the world! Since we’re both teachers, we travel a lot during the summer and also make the most of winter and spring break. When not working, we spend most of our time running, Nordic skiing, biking, canoeing, and hiking with our border collie.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I’ve been running competitively since seventh grade! I was the captain of my college cross country team and am now part of the Twin Cities Track Club. I can also ride a unicycle.
Maddy Wolfe ’12
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Middle School English teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
MPA
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I graduated with a Bachelor’s in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and afterwards moved abroad to teach English at the American International School in Tel Aviv, Israel. I left Israel to pursue a Fulbright grant in rural Malaysia, and then moved home to attend graduate school at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where I earned my Master’s of Education.
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
The welcoming environment and close-knit community is unlike any other place I’ve experienced. The commitment to teaching students how to be well-rounded, conscientious, and kind young people makes MPA an extremely special place that I feel so fortunate to be a part of.
What’s your big dream?
My big dream is to help students grow into the justice oriented, kind adults our world needs.
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
I’m passionate about so many things! Including but not limited to: food, books, travel, being outside, camping, writing.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I have an Instagram account all about the books I read. The username is @mads_lit –give it a follow and share what’s on your shelves!
Shian Cousins
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Human resource generalist and payroll
From what school/organization are you coming?
Regions Hospital
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
I recently graduated from Metro State University with a B.S. in Human Resource Management. I’ve taken courses directly on the subject of HR as well as the subject of people and the whats, wheres and whys (industrial psychology, anthropology, linguistics, philosophy, ethics, etc.) and applied my learnings in previous positions, successfully. My goal is to bring the human part back to human resources.
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
Firstly, Dr. Bill Hudson openly recognizing the efforts in his staff as well as his obvious passion for the school and ensuring it heads in the right direction. Additionally, how organic and welcoming the staff was and the school…it’s absolutely amazing.
What’s your big dream?
When I grow up, I wanna be a princess. In the meantime, I randomly dream of writing books for all ages and many genres. I love writing and I absolutely love reading!
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
I’m most passionate about my family, friends and community. I try my best to be someone that they can aspire to be like as well as someone they can come to for just about anything.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I am very artistic (writing, drawing, painting). I also love (corny) jokes and riddles.
Tami Fisher
What position will you be holding at MPA?
Second grade teacher
From what school/organization are you coming?
Osseo Area Schools
Tell us a little bit about your education and past experience.
After receiving my B.A. in International Relations from Macalester College, I travelled and performed with and then worked for Up With People. After deciding that teaching was my calling I received my M.Ed. from the University of Minnesota. I was privileged to teach in the district I grew up in for 13 years. Then after obtaining my IB Certification, I taught overseas in Morocco for a year. I have just completed my 20th year of teaching, mostly in second grade, but have taught all grades K-5, including being a long-term sub in Spanish.
What did you find appealing about MPA during the interview process?
There are many things that are appealing about MPA, over the past year what I have come to appreciate most about MPA is the community–the students, families and staff, the people are really the heart of what we do. I also appreciate the liberal arts style curriculum, it allows us to make many authentic connections and collaborate across curriculum areas.
What’s your big dream?
My big dream is to help students realize their hopes and dreams and prepare them to be a life-long learner. Personally, I would like to pursue my doctorate in education.
What are you (and/or your family) passionate about?
I am passionate about many things…my friends and family, music, traveling and meeting new people and learning their stories, as well as learning about new cultures and languages, family history, crafts, aquatics, and making a difference.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I work at the MN State Fair during the summer.
