Instructors
Mr. Computer Explorers
Computer Explorers is happy to be returning to STAR. We are a locally owned branch of a national Technology Education Company. Computer Explorers has been enriching children with Technology and Science Classes and Summer Camps for over 10 years! We offer project-based technology education classes that reinforce core academic skills while learning invaluable 21st century competencies.
Ms. Futura Language Professionals
This class will be taught by Futura Language Professionals. We will not know which teacher until a later date.
Ms. Shaun Strohmer and Jennifer Farner
Between them, Jennifer Farner and Shaun Strohmer have 34 years of experience parenting gifted children with a variety of attributes: boys and girls, scientists and artists, introverts and extraverts, high achievers and talent hiders (sometimes all in one kid). Collectively, their kids have participated in educational environments including homeschool (and STAR!), private school, public school, PSEO, and college. They received their SENG facilitator training from Molly Issacs-McLeod, former SENG president. Both Jennifer and Shaun have been active in MCGT for almost 10 years.
Shaun Strohmer sstrohmer@gmail.com 612-822-4321
Jennifer Farner jenniferfarner@gmail.com 952-412-7884
Mr. Youth Enrichment League
Youth Enrichment League was co-founded in 2004 by Chet and Lisa Gunhus to bring the highest quality enrichment programs and the most dynamic instructors to school campuses. We believe that students have certain gifts they are given and that enrichment may serve as a channel for students to nurture those gifts.
We bring with us over a two decades of combined experience teaching enrichment in both public and private schools throughout Minnesota, Colorado, sections of Wisconsin and Iowa.
Ms. Abbi Allan
Abbi Allan’s life work is about creating hybridizations between art & science. She attended the Alfred University: NY School of Ceramic Art and Design; where she majored in Mixed Media, while minoring both in Biology and Art History. She got her Masters of Fine Art in sculpture at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. She has taught at the Science Museum of MN since 2001 – teaching science through visual project, and is currently in the Life Long Learning Department. She has been an adjunct professor at MCAD Since 2008, and has taught at the College of Visual Arts, the Phipps, and other places as well. Her own work examines the fragility of nature: both its beauty and its grotesque accumulated effects when celebrated or abused. www.abbiaallan.com
Ms. Iris Altamirano
Iris is an energetic educator and talented artist, who enjoys making lessons fun and thoughtful for all.
Ms. Katherine Anderson
Katherine has been around science and laboratories all her life. Her home town, Livermore, CA, houses two national laboratories: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and Sandia National Laboratory (SNL California campus). Her after school job in high school was with an environmental chemist at LLNL and her summer job in college was with a chemist at SNL. After graduating from Carleton College with a degree in biology, Katherine was a lab tech for a year in an immunology professor's lab. She conducted experiments determining the effects of BPA on the immune system. The following year, Katherine entered medical school at the University of Minnesota. When Katherine's eldest child was born 5 months before graduation Katherine decided to finish medical school then stay home to concentrate on her family. As a consequence, Katherine's husband (who has a degree in chemistry) sometimes refers to her as a stay at home doctor.
Matt Arends
NOTE: Matt comes to us as a recommendation from Pat Caldwell of Gym Games fame.
Matt Arends graduated from Princeton University in 2016 with a focus in International Policy. He has consulted for several government agencies and worked for the International Rescue Committee in Tanzania. While there, he was part of a team that supported about 400,000 refugees from Burundi and the DRC. Throughout his professional career, Matt has also always been involved in coaching and helping youth find passion through sport and activity. He is a functional breath coach implementing practices that are designed for both stress and anxiety control as well as techniques that help with concentration, focus, and performance.
Matt moved back to Minnesota in 2019 to have double hip surgery and quickly found a passion in the local food movement. He has now built two geothermal greenhouses, one of which is now on the property of the farm he manages called Wild Roots Acres. His mission is to provide healthy, local food around the Prior Lake Area with the long term goal of turning it into an educational center for all ages that will focus on a holistic way of life. Much of the educational programs will be focused on gardening, breath training, yoga (outside instructors), cooking classes, and movement and mobility for healthier living.
Specifically for this course, Matt has spent time living with and observing Maasai culture and has a deep interest in the ways in which natural practices were taught for warriors in ancient civilizations. His deep interest in nature will guide the ethics and teaching throughout the 6 weeks!
Ms. Joyce Ballard
Joyce has been an educator and tutor for many years. Her speciality is language arts.
Mr. Noah Bauer
Noah Bauer is a Minneapolis-born Latinx and Swedish educator, artist, and activist. He has musical experience and training since 2009, actively performing and teaching piano, guitar, vocals, bass, drums, and Latin percussion. Noah loves teaching music to people of all ages and he is a fluent Spanish speaker. His musical background is rooted in Latin, Jazz, Rock, and Classical, but he is always looking to expand his repertoire and learn more! Noah received his BA from North Park University in Chicago, and is looking to further his education with a Master of Music Therapy. Sharing music and working with people is his greatest joy.
Suzann Beck
Suzann Beck is an award-winning commissioned portrait artist working in oil, pastel, and charcoal. She has won multiple ribbons in local art competitions including the Minnesota State Fair, placed in national competitions, and has been published in Artists Magazine. A sought-after art and portraiture instructor, Suzann has the unique ability to capture the essence and spirit of a subject and combine it with masterful likeness. Her inspiration comes from the works of the Old Masters, and she is particularly influenced by the Russian painters of the 19th century. Intrigued and motivated by the depth and craft of masterworks hundreds of years old, Suzann works to understand classical methods and disciplines and leverage them with contemporary practices and sensibilities, and in turn, pass what she has learned on to her students.
Suzann holds a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from Moorhead State University, Moorhead MN, and has studied portraiture with Minnesota artist Jeffery Hurinenko, and figure drawing with Michael Mentler, Dallas, Texas. Suzann also serves as the Minnesota Ambassador for the Portrait Society of America.
www.suzannbeck.com
Jenna Bergendahl
Jenna Bergendahl has a BA from the University of Minnesota and over 12 years of experience teaching in a variety of settings, including preschools, after-school programs, homeschool co-ops, and as a private reading tutor. She is also the parent of three STAR students.
Mark Blaede
Mark is a professional game master specializing in improvisational storytelling and team building for groups of all ages. For over a decade, he has facilitated roleplaying games for private groups and for the public at game stores and conventions. In that time, he has seen the power of interactive gaming to help people develop social skills, practice collaborative problem solving, and have ridiculous amounts of fun.
As a parent of gifted/2E children and a former 2E kid himself, Mark can relate to the unique needs and strengths of STAR kids. Mark holds an M.A. in Transformational Leadership from Bethel University. He has experience as a professional training specialist, church educator, writing tutor, and homeschool parent. Mark's hobbies include cheering on Minnesota United FC and playing board games and RPGs with his friends.
Lukas Brasherfons
Lukas Brasherfons is a dramaturg and violence designer based in the Twin Cities. He is a core teaching artist and Resident Dramaturg for Shakespearean Youth Theatre. His dramaturgical endeavors in Chicago include work with Northlight Theatre, Chicago Dramatists, Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co., Raven Theatre, Next Theatre, the Den Theatre, and Writers Theatre. Lukas holds a BFA in Acting with a minor in Stage Combat from Columbia College Chicago and an MFA in Dramaturgy from the Iowa Playwrights Workshop at the University of Iowa.
Nicole Brilakis
Nicole Brilakis has a BS in biomedical engineering, and has worked in research labs at Johns Hopkins University using the tools we will use and study in this class. She has been in the medical industry her entire career (before homeschooling).
Brianna Broman
I am new to STAR this year and I am excited to be here! Helping young writers create stories of their own is something I love and with 12 years of experience teaching English I bring wide-ranging subject matter knowledge to help facilitate this novel writing challenge. When I’m not at STAR, you can find me with my family reading books, trying new recipes, exploring our neighborhood, and learning from the world around us.
Mr. Chuck Brunnette
Chuck has years of experience in the Minneapolis Toastmasters. He is passionate about gaining confidence in public speaking, learning to express your ideas clearly, and leaving an audience with a positive impression.
Ms. Katrina Budde
My BA is in Classical Languages from Calvin Collage in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I spent my senior year studying abroad in Athens, Greece. I completed two years of graduate studies in Classics at San Francisco State University. In the spring I will begin an M.Ed. in Educational Technology.
I have Latin teaching licenses in both California and Minnesota. I have taught at a public school in San Jose, California; a private high school in the Oakland Hills for students with Aspergers and NLD; Benild-St. Margaret’s School, a Catholic 7-12 achool in Saint Louis Park; currently I teach 6th grade Latin at The Blake School in Hopkins. I have worked extensively with one-to-one laptop programs where technology is heavily and seamlessly interwoven throughout the schools.
One of my passions is traveling. While at Orion Academy I developed and led an academically based tour of Greece. Before embarking on this trip, students were required to research and present a report onsite.
My teaching style includes a wide variety of assignments in order to reach students of all learning styles and multiple intelligences; formative assessments including daily flash cards and individual dry-erase boards; summative assessments (quizzes) will be given occasionally, purely for check-in purposes; utilizing goals set by the American Classical League, American Philological Association and the Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice and Classical World Languages.
Ms. Laura Butterbaugh
I love the confidence and joy that an active lifestyle brings to kids and adults and how it provides a foundation for exploring the world and growing into the person you are meant to be. I have a playful approach to life and enjoy running, birding, hiking, gardening, and cooking healthy food with my family. I have two children and we are starting our third year of homeschooling.
Mr. Patrick Caldwell
Patrick Caldwell
Active Solutions
Director of Sales & Marketing and Lead Instructor
Mr. Caldwell has been a Lead Instructor with Active Solutions since 2008. Prior to working for Active Solutions his background was in sales, management and customer relations. Mr. Caldwell lives south of the river in Prior Lake with his wife Maia, daughters Logan (21) and Hannah(18) and son Jeremiah(15). Mr. Caldwell has experience leading Physical Education and Outdoor Adventures classes with class sizes from 4 students and up to 300 students. Mr. Caldwell has been leading Home School Physical Education and Outdoor Adventure Classes for 7 years. Mr. Caldwell has also been coaching boys and girls hockey, soccer and baseball for 14 years.
Mr. Derek Cantwell
Derek Cantwell - Chief Marketing Officer for Brickmania Toyworks
As a lifelong history student and LEGO lover, Derek has always had a passion for the history of design and the evolution of military doctrine. A graduate of Southwest Minnesota State University with degrees in Psychology and Philosophy, Derek has extensive experience facilitating both educational and corporate events. Since graduating, Derek has developed a management style that emphasizes providing positive and memorable experiences for participants and team members alike. Since joining Brickmania, Derek has facilitated on-going monthly in-store events from Open Game Nights to MOC Monday and others. He is currently planning the international brick building conference called World War Brick that will be held in the Brickmania Toyworks Headquarters in Minneapolis, MN.
Mrs. Justine Carlson
Justine Carlson is a homeschool mother of four. During college she earned a B.A. in Biblical Studies with a minor in Ancient Languages. After college she became a high school Latin teacher but was soon teaching Latin to home schoolers as well. For the past 20 years she has been teaching children (including her own) in a variety of settings from ages 5-18 in Latin and various subjects. Justine enjoys learning, languages, and children and enjoys opportunities to bring those together.
Mrs. Jayme Cisco
Jayme has a PhD in Cultural Anthropology and has taught and researched at the college level for several years. She has lived, worked, and studied in many countries and loves sharing the rich diversity of our world with children and adults of all ages. She is also a homeschooling parent of three children, ages 12, 7, and 3.
Mr. Rod Clark
Rod Clark is recently retired from Honeywell Aerospace, where he managed a team of engineers which developed specialized integrated circuits (‘computer chips’) for space environments. He received his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1976 from Iowa State University. He started at Honeywell in 1976 developing burner safety controls and received multiple patents for microprocessor-driven safety controls. Rod moved to Honeywell Aerospace in 1981 to develop custom ICs (Integrated Circuits). He designed a variety of digital CMOS logic blocks and integrated circuits, designed SRAM (Static Random-Access Memory,) and designed ROM (Read-Only Memory) blocks that were incorporated into other ICs. He also provided support for customers developing specialized digital ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). In 1995, Rod moved into management. Starting in 2003, he provided Program Management leadership for the development of advanced radiation-hardened SOI (Silicon on Insulator) process and ASIC platforms. Then in 2008, he became manager of a team of customer support and physical design engineers developing specialized advanced SOI digital ASICs.
Mr. Lane Davis
Lane Davis is a writer and programmer who has been making games professionally since 2012. Today, he designs and programs for Concrete Software. Lane specializes in level and boss design, and his recent work on Escape Industry's game, Fingeance, has won Best Gameplay awards at conventions throughout Minnesota. He also works as the lead story writer at Pistachi Studio, which makes visual novels and role-playing games including the upcoming Ruler By Default. In his spare time, he plays a lot of board games, and is nearing the completion of his own first board game, Triumph. Lane Davis lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Ms. Lauren Drasler
Ms. Lauren is a professional actor-singer, music teacher and mom! She has integrated her interests and talents in her kids podcast 15 Minutes of Neat Stuff for Kids. She loves using storytelling and music to talk about social-emotional concepts in an age-appropriate way. She also loves swimming, eating fresh veggies and cats!
Ms. Samantha Dryden
Samantha is a mom of three and a former English teacher. She trained in multiple styles of dance and played soccer and softball as a kid. She spent four summers as a camp counselor in Wisconsin during college. As an adult, she likes to stay active exercising at home and hiking through state and national parks with her family.
Tiffany Duong
My name is Tiffany Duong. I am passionate about being creative and helping children grow and develop. As the mother of a beautiful six year girl, I also enjoy playing barbies and coloring outside the lines. We have a cat and five plants that we care for and cherish. I studied environmental science and art and I have worked in graphic design and teaching. These past couple of years I’ve developed an interest in emotional and behavioral therapy, which provided me with skills I enjoy sharing. I hope to help others experience growth through self-care and creative expression. (Tiffany is a former student of Abbi's at Minneapolis College of Art and Design and comes to us via Abbi's recommendation.)
Mr. Paul Ebert
Paul Ebert received his Electrical Engineering degree at University of Minnesota when dinosaurs roamed the earth, then worked 40 years at 3M Company in multiple technical roles, including electrical product development, factory power distribution, and computer support. I retired from 3M in 2014 in order to hike the Appalachian Trail 2200 miles from Georgia to Maine.
Ms. Tiffany Eggers
Tiffany was an English and philosophy major in college. She holds a law degree and a master’s degree in public policy. She lives in Rochester, MN, where she currently homeschools her son. Tiffany loves cats and dogs, books, gardening, photography, and Night Vale.
Hadley Evans Nash
Hadley Evans Nash (she/her) is a director, actor, and playwright from the gorgeous hills of Middlebury, Vermont. Now based in the twin cities, Hadley is the founder of Brick by Brick Players, and has also been proud to work with organizations such as Treefort Music Festival, the Minnesota Fringe Festival, and Classical Actor’s Ensemble. Hadley is an alumnus of the National Theatre Institute and the Shakespeare and Company Summer Training Program, and she holds a BA in theatre from St. Olaf College.
Heidi Ferris
Growing Green Hearts is science education to play, learn, and love nature. Heidi Ferris started Growing Green Hearts in 2011 because it allows her to use her passions for earth’s interconnected systems with creative talents in the teaching of children and educators. Through environmental STEM education with GGH, community groups and schools are boosting their science literacy and creating on-site solutions for today’s environmental issues: climate change, local nutrition, clean water, childhood health, habitat and creation care.
Environmental STEM (science technology engineering and math), along with interdisciplinary teaching and field experiences…this is the way we teach at Growing Green Hearts. The Minnesota Center for Professional Development has certified Ms. Ferris as a science content expert and approved many Growing Green Hearts workshops for their Parent Aware teacher education programs. Environmental STEM (eSTEM) projects range from curriculum and classes with the Minnesota Institute of Talented Youth to MELSA hands-on STEM programs, and Connect-the-Dots: Faith, Science & Youth Leadership church workshops with the Minneapolis Area Synod ELCA. Ms. Ferris is a member of the National Science Teacher’s Association and the Minnesota Association of Environmental Educators. Nature questions from kids keep her exercising her degree Master of Arts in Natural Science and Education from Hamline University along with the chemistry, physics, and earth science labels on her current Minnesota teaching license. Organizations like the EcoFaith Network MAS, Climate Generation-A Will Steger Legacy, Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light, Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth, Success Beyond the Classroom, local nature centers, and many church preschool and child care centers have all helped Growing Green Hearts to grow and thrive with a diverse angle outside a traditional public school classroom.
Prior to Growing Green Hearts, Heidi gained over a decade of first-hand experience through teaching middle and high school level science courses and curriculum writing for classrooms, faith-based groups and secular non-profits. She’s worked with teachers and students from preschool to high school from Minnesota to Hawaii. For Growing Green Hearts educators, teaching is an opportunity to empower the learner in their problem-solving skills and unique talents through a real-world scientific lens.
Ann Flaningan
I am a former homeschooler mom of two wonderful, energetic children. I enjoy working with children and once upon a time was a speech language pathologist and audiologist in the schools. I enjoy reading, art and finding new ways to explore science with my children.
Jessie Forston
Owner of Learning Tree Yoga, Jessie Forston is a licensed elementary school teacher with her Masters of Education, a Certified YogaKids Teacher, RYT-200, and mother of two. She has a passion for teaching, children and movement. In addition, Jessie is a certified NeuroDevelopmental Movement Consultant who enjoys working with children of all abilities to reach their full potential through movement.
Mr. Ray Frigard
Ray Frigard is a retired inventor and designer. He has corporate experience with Rollerblade, Ford, Chrysler, BMW, Polaris and McDonalds. He has worked with Disney, Jim Henson, and Jim Davis (Garfield). He is a toy and game inventor and his game Crossbows and Catapults has sold over a million copies. Ray is an author as well having written two creativity books, FunThink and ArtThink and a fiction series: The Opus Series: The Girl in the Yellow Scarf, The Piano Man and The Opus Cafe.
Mrs. Rachel Geffers
Rachel Geffers has been studying and practicing calligraphy for the past two years and has received training from professional calligraphers, including Younghae Chung, Suzanne Cunningham and Anne Elser. Her professional experience has included a variety of weddings and commissioned work. As a parent to three special needs/gifted children and a background of teaching in a progressive/alternative school, Rachel is excited to combine her passions of child-centered teaching and calligraphy!
Following a car accident and traumatic brain injury which regressed her fine motor and visual skills, Rachel discovered the therapeutic benefits of calligraphy in her healing process. As she progressed through Occupational Therapy and Vision Therapy, Rachel realized how much the motor and visual skills in her calligraphy practice greatly overlapped and paired with her OT/VT and expedited her healing process to full recovery!
Mr. Aaron Gjerde
Aaron is a homeschool dad who loves science and tinkering, especially with his sons. He has a masters degree in engineering and likes to do hands-on projects where he can weave in scientific principles while having fun creating something. He and his son Finn have been to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama and will share some of those experiences to hopefully inspire some future rocket scientists and astronauts!
Ms. Lisa Glaser
I have been homeschooling for 10 years. My children range in age from 4-18. I have 2 students who will be graduating high school this year. While our family doesn’t speak Spanish at home, it has been an interest to us throughout the years. Our kids have attended Spanish immersion schools and one is currently majoring in Spanish through PSEO programming. I hope to bring an interest and curiosity for the Spanish language to your kids.
Ms. Jolene Gleason
Jolene has a M.S. degree in electrical engineering as well as B.S. degrees in electrical engineering and mathematics from Iowa State University. She was named ISUs Outstanding Senior in Electrical Engineering in 1987. She worked as an electrical engineer for 15 years before becoming a full-time homeschool parent to her highly gifted son. Early in her career she also taught Power Systems Analysis and Technical Calculus at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. She currently teaches middle-school math enrichment classes through the Edina Center for Academic Excellence and serves on the board of the Minnesota Council for the Gifted and Talented. She also created the Virtual Math Club (http://virtualmathclub.wordpress.com) for students who are interested in developing their mathematical problem solving skills using problems similar to those found on math contests such as the AMC 8, AMC 10, MATHCOUNTS, or the middle school math Olympiads.
Ms. Ashley Godbold
I am an artist, a mathematician, a game designer, and a teacher. I am currently the lead game and application development instructor at Minnesota School of Business-Richfield, where I teach courses in 3ds Max, Adobe Flash/ActionScript 3.0, Unity/C#, and various levels of mathematics. I also run a small indie/passion studio, Mouse Potato Games, which is in the process of making a few Unity/iOS games. I have also recently started a small non-profit organization, GCHS Interactive, that is dedicated to helping students learn the processes of developing and publishing mobile games along with giving them the tools needed to expand their portfolios.
I hold Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mathematics as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Game Art and Design. I am currently working on a Doctorate of Computer Science in Emerging Media with my dissertation research focusing on Elements of Effective Educational Game Design.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/ashley-godbold/38/a25/b58
Online Portfolio: www.ashleygodbold.com
Trina Greene
*Parent to Ella (8)
*Bachelor of Science from the University of Minnesota in Elementary Education
*Masters Degree from the University of Minnesota in Mathematics Education
*ABD Doctorate of Education in Higher Ed. Administration
*Currently hold a K-8 Teaching License in Minnesota with a certification in Gifted and Talented Education
*14 Years of teaching experience that ranges from Kindergarten to College
*Piano Instructor and Gymnastics Coach (plus being the #1 Ella Greene Gymnastics Fan)
*Licensed Rescue Scuba Diver
*Passions include diving, running, biking, traveling, and spending as much time with my kiddo, husband, and two mischief making cats as possible.
Ashley Griffin
Instructor bio: I was always that kid drawing and sketching. In high school, I discovered my passion for photography which set me on a path towards a degree in Fine Arts. Upon graduating I quickly understood the term “starving artist” and looked for ways to make money while selling my art. I was fortunate to find a job teaching afterschool art classes and discovered I loved teaching. After earning my MEd and teaching licensure, I had a wonderful career teaching preschool – high school aged students at a variety of local art centers. Most of my teaching career was at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) and Eden Prairie Art Center. My teaching skills have taken a different diversion in recent years as I homeschool my daughter. I’m looking forward to a fun semester creating art with the creative kids at STAR!
Maya Hamilton
Maya Hamilton has a master's degree and a PhD in kinesiology from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University. She has a worked professionally as a manuscript editor and high school history teacher, and, most recently, she spent 10 years at St. Olaf College as an assistant professor in both the Psychology and Exercise Science departments and a coach of the men’s and women’s swim teams. She loves all things reading and writing and has published both creative and scholarly work. She has three kids who attend STAR.
Ms. Uve Hamilton
Uve Hamilton is a retired teacher, with experience teaching at the elementary grades as well as the college level. As an elementary teacher she worked with community based artists to develop curriculum that integrates the arts into language arts, math, science, and social studies. She learned sewing and embroidery from her mother and has taken classes in a needle felting, weaving, and crochet.
Douglas Hare
Douglas Hare has competed successfully in many local and national tournaments. He has been teaching chess to children and adults of all levels in the Twin Cities since 1996. Many of his students have earned high awards at the state and national level.
Laura Harley
Laura Harley is a Certified Personal & Professional Coach. She holds an MA in Counseling Psychology from The University of Saint Thomas, is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach through the Coaches Training Institute, and has had her own private coaching practice since 2005. She also serves as the coordinator for the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program in Minneapolis where she trains and supports teens and young adults to mentor younger peers in neighborhood-based groups that focus on youth-led service projects, personal development, and strengthening families and communities. She loves homeschooling her two children and connecting with other homeschooling families.
Mr. Jeff Harrison
Jeff Harrison from South Chess teaches Chess throughout the Twin Cities metro area. South Chess dedicated to the development of our communities and children through the teaching of chess.
William Harrison
My name is William Harrison. I am a National Chess Master (since 1988) and have a masters degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota. I have been teaching chess professionally since 1989. I have taught many state and national champions in that time, and have helped several players become masters themselves. Thank you for the opportunity to work with your children.
Tim Hereid
Tim Hereid is a licensed teacher, home school educator, private tutor and passionate learner who has worked with homeschoolers in Maine, New York, Wisconsin, and Minnesota over the past fifteen years. He grew up in south central Wisconsin, attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received his Master’s in Education from Hamline University in St. Paul. He is a passionate homeschool advocate, a proponent of project-based learning and absolutely loves teaching and learning.
Melissa Hersey
One of my parents was a middle and high school biology teacher whose classroom walls were emblazoned with the slogan “Never say Ick, Ugh, or Gross… say Ooo, Aah, or Awesome!” and that approach to learning carried me through an undergraduate degree in nutritional science, followed by medical school and a stint as a PhD student studying neuroscience and infant brain development at the U of MN. I currently work as a pediatrician while homeschooling three of my four kids. We’ve been grateful members of the STAR community for 5 years.
Katy Hokanson
Katy is a mom of two STAR kiddos. Her family is in year three of homeschooling and loves the flexibility it affords. Especially, when it comes to unique learning profiles and travel! She has a background in graphic design, practices yoga, is learning to crochet, and loves creative kiddos. Her sons, Braddock and Chase, are cardboard-obsessed and are excited to share their creations, ideas, and expertise.
Juni Holtgrewe
AF instructors are French-speakers with training and experience.
Mr. Robert Hopkins
A nerd at heart, I’ve been into computers since I was a child and worked in IT all of my professional career. I started my career in the U.S. Air Force where I spent six years working a wide variety of IT (telephony, networking, and Unix administration). I have also worked as a Linux administrator spending most of my days scripting in Bash and PowerShell. I currently work as a Sr. Security Engineer. In 2014 I earned a Bachelors of Science in Information Technology Security through Western Governors University. Through the program I earned a number of entry level certifications in databases, web development, and programming. I recently earned my CISSP, maintain a CompTIA CASP, and have held CCNA and CCNA Security certifications (currently inactive) as well.
Mr. Stephen Houtz
STEPHEN HOUTZ is active as a director, composer, pianist, vocal coach and performer, serving in that capacity for a variety of theaters, schools, opera companies and studios. Locally he has appeared at Chanhassen Theatres, Park Square Theatre, History Theatre, Minnesota Opera, and Theatre Unbound, among others. As a director, he has worked at SteppingStone Theatre, Stages, Eden Prairie Players, and Morris Park Players. Active in arts education, he teaches classes and workshops throughout the metro area, including SteppingStone and Children’s Theatre Company. He directs at Highland Park High School, St. Francis High School and Visitation School. He had been Education Director for Minnesota Opera, and the head of the voice department at MacPhail School of Music. He is a recipient of a Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Assistance Fellowship for composition; several Meet the Composer grants from Arts Midwest and a Career Opportunity Grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board. He currently teaches in his private studio, where he teaches composition, voice and piano.
Ms. Lorri Jennings
I spent 15 years working in of a variety of roles including auditor, accounting manager, controller, finance director and CFO. I have worked in a variety of industries but spent the majority of my career in high tech. I facilitated raising $100 million of private equity, integrated the financial data of 8 acquired companies and did SEC filings. I have passed both the CPA and CIA (certified internal auditor) exams.
Ms. Rachel (Olli) Johnson
Olli (Rachel Johnson) is a theater artist, musician, crafty lady, cardboard artist, and aspiring paper engineer. She has performed with Bread and Puppet, In the Heart of the Beast, Barebones and Bedlam Theatre. As an arts educator, she has taught in the fabulous arts organizations in the Twin Cities for the past 8 years. This will be her second semester teaching at Star Academy. Olli teaches at Mia, Articulture, Adventures in Cardboard and is currently an instructor in the Youth and Community Programs at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts. Formerly, she was an ensemble member of the Unseen Ghost Brigade, a clown troupe that travelled by raft and shared performances in small towns along the Mississippi River. Her obsessions are book-binding and making pop-up books, automata, and playing accordion.
Rebekah Jorgensen
Rebekah has taught a wide variety of subjects in many different educational settings, including math, science, writing, languages, fine arts, and performing arts. She has a special interest in connecting curriculum to other subjects and to real-life, practical uses; and working with kids for whom traditional education models aren't always successful.
Ms. Ellen Kaiser
Ellen Kaiser is a veteran homeschooling parent of seven. Ellen is an intellectual property attorney with undergraduate degrees in sociology and computers. She is looking forward to helping the students create their own legal, economic, governmental and social systems.
Jessica Kellogg
Jessica Kellogg is a photographer and graphic designer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Emergency Management, and dual Masters of Science in Strategic Communication and Sports Communication. Her work may be viewed at https://jessicakellogg11.myportfolio.com
Ms. Jessica Kelm
I am a homeschool mom. I have a degree in Interior Design and own a sewing business that I run from home. Lauren and Mason have both been with me at STAR, and we couldn't be more blessed to have joined STAR. It has been a complete game-changer in our week, to finally be surrounded by other parents and kids who understand us. I look forward to teaching your kids how to sew and learning more about them as we discover the art of creating through sewing!
Emilie Kosse
Hi! My name is Emilie, and I am an educator and writer currently living in Minneapolis (by way of Haiti, Washington, DC and NYC). I am deeply passionate about creating conversation, storytelling, and teaching history. My goal is to help people acknowledge the past and feel empowered by the information they learn. In guiding learners of all ages, I find that it is incredibly important to make the coursework as relatable as possible. To achieve this, I use several approaches: teaching with a variety of media, creating engaging in-class group activities, and encouraging topical conversations.
It is essential to know history, not so much to support the cliche of “history repeating itself,” but to understand what it means to be a human being in a global world. Understanding history means also understanding its primary sources--rather than textbooks which have interpreted the primary sources for the student--and to glean as much information as possible through experiential learning and through the arts and literature, which I think are absolutely essential to learning.
I think history is fascinating, and an opportunity for reflection and empowerment. The classes and workshops I create are as much of a social connection for students to participate in intentional conversation as they are about learning, unlearning, and growth.
When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me at the gym, playing with my daughter and our cat, or reading!
Shanti Krishna
Shanti Krishna brings almost two decades of professional voice acting experience to the Radio Play Workshop, creating stories through sound. As a certified yogini, she also guides children in mindfulness and breath-work, fostering creativity and confidence in performance. Shanti loves helping kids discover their voices and shine in unique expression.
Ms. Melissa Lamb
Melissa Lamb has an MS in Medical Research and has a particular interest neuroplasticity. She has spent countless hours learning and practicing various occupational and vision therapy techniques with her own children.
Derek Lee
Hi! I'm Derek Lee, a grown-up MCGT kid and parent to another, and am very excited to have the opportunity to nerd out on my special interests at STAR! My formal education is a masters in theoretical physics, with a double major in math and a Latin/classics minor as an undergrad, and have a life long love of classical piano, which is my main hobby and expression. I'm deeply curious about a wide range of historical and artistic interests, and have nowhere near enough time to pursue all the hobbies I would like to have! I have a distaste for over-specialization, and get great enjoyment out of connecting knowledge across disciplines.
Ms. Elsa Litecky
Elsa started EcoElsa back in 2018 as a blog and YouTube channel. Prior to starting EcoElsa LLC, she worked in naturalist and outreach roles for the MNDNR, Dakota County, environmental nonprofits, and nature centers. She is passionate about the outdoors and loves learning new things. Her favorite areas of interest for natural resources are ethnobotany, biomimicry, and outdoor survival. Outside of her work she enjoys a lot of other creative outlets like making art, reading and writing books, and cooking.
Kelly Maynard
Kelly Maynard is a pediatric ICU nurse who also highlights at the Star Tribune, where she is a copy editor in sports and news. She loves a good headline, and all her nursing notes have perfect grammar!
Mr. Julian McFaul
Julian McFaul has been a high school and middle school teacher, an actor, set designer and community arts organizer. Before directing Adventures in Cardboard, Julian taught Dramatic Arts and Writing classes at Brooklyn Center Arts Magnet. He has also served as an instructor with the Flint Hills Children’s Festival, in Saint Paul, and as a staff collaborator with notable organizations in Minneapolis including Urban Arts Academy, ArtStart and Leonardo’s Basement where he designed and developed the first giant cardboard castle classes before looking for wilder spaces in the metro area.
Since 1992 Julian has worked in communities across the Midwest to create public works of art and performance, facilitating projects that seek to reinvigorate festival life by celebrating local culture and history. Members of the community are often involved in all aspects of design and production.
Julian is a founding member and associate artist of Bedlam Theatre and Barebones Productions’ which hosts the “Annual Mississippi Halloween Extravaganza”, currently in it’s 21st year of production. He conceived and organized the wildly popular “Powderhorn Art Sled Rally”, now in it’s 7th year and ever growing. He often participates as a Staff Artist for In the Heart of the Beast Theatre’s Mayday Parade and Celebration.
Julian is unparalleled by his use of cardboard as a medium for sculpture. Regularly using cardboard in theatrical design, he won critical acclaim for his design of a spaceship interior that rotated around the audience in Terminus at Bedlam Theatre in Minneapolis, 2002.
He has hosted numerous creative cardboard furniture building workshops for adults at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and at Open Eye Figure Theater. As part of Naked Stages 2009 he produced a solo show at Pillsbury House Theater entitled “Disappearing Trick” based on live cardboard sculpture and improvised text.
As an actor Julian has worked with companies including Children’s Theatre Company, the former Theatre de la Jeune Lune, Bedlam Theater, and Open Eye Figure Theatre. As a puppeteer he has had the honor of working with Lee Breuer & Mabou Mines, Improbable Theatre and with Basil Twist.
Ms. Robin McGalliard Nelson
Robin delights in leading people of all abilities in traditional folk dance and song! She has
over 40 years of experience and has led dancing and singing as an Artist-In-Residence, at
summer camps, and for all kinds of community celebrations (weddings, anniversaries,
birthdays, etc). Additionally, you can dance to Robin’s calling at Tapestry Folkdance Center’s
Saturday contra dances and the Monday Night Square Dance at the Eagle’s Club. With her
relaxed and easy-to-follow teaching, Robin strives to help build connections and create a joyful
community wherever people gather on the dance floor to to raise voices in song.
Scott Meyer
CHEM Athletics provides after school programs for sports that increase hand-eye coordination while placing an emphasis on character development. CHEM stands for Character, Hand, Eye, and Mind. We provide sports mentoring that delivers a combination and mental focus to improve and develop sports fundamentals, awareness, and character both on and off the court.
Ms. Minnesota Sword Play
Sword Play's owner and main coach Maria Los Angeles Hechavarria Benford is an International trained ranked fencer. Member of the United States Fencing Association, and teaches fencing at the college of Saint Catherine in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Maria served as the President of the U.S.F.A. MN. Division and Vice President. She is very competitive and has taught and coached fencing to both men and women for more than 15 years during which time her students have often gained regional distinction.
Mrs. Kari Molhoek
Kari Molhoek has had a passion for learning and an interest in how the mind works ever since she found it was easier for her to read upside down. Figuring out her own unique learning style has proven to be a huge asset when it comes to working with her four boys as well as other students. Thinking out of the box is her normal! She has been given several teaching awards including Coolest Teacher Ever and #1 Teacher of the Year (all from her four boys and husband, but she still thinks that counts!).
Cassandra Monson
Nell Morningstar Ubbelohde
I have raised four wonderful, unique children, negotiated a wide variety of jobs (including bookstore owner, life-sized Muppet costumer, food co-op coordinator, film and commercial photography production freelancer, and college professor), and continue to explore this amazing world we live in through reading, writing, visual art, and teaching. I currently teach at UW-Stout, in a variety of community settings, and with Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop in the MN prison facilities.
Liz Musbach
I am an educator with nine years of experience as an elementary classroom teacher, specializing in Kindergarten and 1st grade instruction. I hold current Minnesota teaching licenses in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. I am passionate about helping young learners build strong foundations in literacy, creativity, and curiosity through hands-on, play-based exploration.
As both an experienced teacher and a mom of two girls who attend STAR, I understand how important it is for children to feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. My class is designed to be joyful, imaginative, and developmentally meaningful — allowing students to grow in confidence while having fun.
Kari Navratil
As a lifelong musician and music instructor, I am passionate about helping little ones connect with music. I utilize games, movement and folk songs along with classical music and theory to teach music in a fun way.
Nancy Nyabuti
Homeschooling mom of 4 who enjoys learning and doing STEM related activities alongside the kids.
Adrianna O'Brien
Adrianna O’Brien is a cellist and Suzuki teacher. She has performance degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and The Hartt School in Connecticut. In 2004, Adrianna moved to Minnesota to teach at MacPhail Center for Music. Soon after, she began a Suzuki cello program at Breck School, and in 2009 she founded the Emerald Suzuki Academy. In 2010, Adrianna established the only Suzuki Early Childhood Education program in Minnesota, and has since been invited to bring her expertise in this area to St. Joseph’s School of Music in St. Paul and Augsburg College Suzuki Talent Education in Minneapolis. Adrianna is a sought-after cello clinician and has taught at workshops and institutes around the United States. She is also a founding member of the Loring String Quartet in Minneapolis.
Kathy Oaks
Kathy Oaks is a long-time homeschool parent, an author, photographer, and travel buff. This will be her fourth year participating in NaNoWriMo (the adult goal is 50,000 words) and her middle son Benjamin has published the book he wrote during the NaNo Young Writers Program when he was 12. You can find their books on Amazon.
Lisa Oberski
Instructor bio: Raised on a small family farm in central Minnesota, Lisa
Oberski was a first-generation college student. She has a Bachelor’s degree
in English Literature from Minnesota State University-Mankato and a Master’s
degree in Children’s Literature from Eastern Michigan University, where she
taught for a few years. A parent of two highly gifted children, Lisa first became
interested in gifted education after her children’s needs became evident. She
revived the dormant chapter of MCGT at Eastern Carver County schools in
the early 2000s, and volunteered in the schools, providing enrichment
opportunities for students. Lisa returned to school to earn an elementary
teaching degree so that she could guide other students to follow their
passions and build upon their gifts. She has taught gifted elementary
students at Eastern Carver County Schools, in the Navigator program at
Minnetonka Schools, and at Farmington Public Schools. In addition to
teaching, Lisa has volunteered for the Chaska Historical Society for 25 years,
and has served as the President of the organization for the last 10 years.
Relatively recently, Lisa has written for and edited a book on Chaska history
published in 2024. She is excited and delighted to return to gifted teaching as
a part of STAR Academy!
Mr. Steve Perkins
Steve Perkins is an accomplished musician and technician with a wealth of experience. He holds his Bachelor of Music from Visible Music College as well as his Associates of Arts in Audio Engineering from San Jacinto College. Steve Interned at the prestigious Sunrise Sound Studios in Houston, a recording home for artists such as Lenny Kravitz and Beyoncé. A skilled Singer/Songwriter, he produced his self titled album “Beautiful Word”. He holds experience composing Electronic Music, specifically Synthwave, with programs such as Pro Tools and Reason. Steve is married to his beautiful wife Jennifer, and have one dog and one cat as their children. In his spare time, Steve likes to read comic books, play N64 video games, and take walks with his wife and their black lab Conan. You will also find Steve enjoying culture in big cities, especially the Twin Cities. He is excited to be a part of Opus Music Academy as Steve has a desire to develop musicians while also being a positive influence within the community.
Andre Phillips
André has been an educator at the Bakken Museum since 2008. Since then he’s taught all of the museum’s onsite field trip offerings, many of the offsite outreach programs, and as the museum’s Youth and Family Programs Manager he also oversees the weekend engineering-based invention programs and the similarly-themed summer camps. He’s been teaching robotics with Lego Mindstorms since joining the museum, including developing a two-week robotics summer camp for the Minnesota Institute for Talented Youth.
Ms. Theresa Redfern-Hall
Theresa Redfern-Hall graduated from a women’s liberal arts college in the Midwest. She has a BA in Paralegal Studies and has spent time working on an MA in Library and Information Science at the College of St. Catherine. Over the years, Theresa has worked as a legal assistant in a law office, an advocate for battered women, a court reporter and bailiff for county court judges and a volunteer coordinator for a women’s shelter.
Theresa began a homeschooling journey with the birth of her oldest daughter in 1995 and is a former STAR parent. She has been involved in teaching homeschooled youth since then, through various co-ops and study groups. Theresa began teaching at PlanetHomeschool in 2008 and continues to teach there and also offers other small group learning opportunities to homeschooled students. She loves working with the students and helping them make connections between their lives and the subjects she teaches. Since not every student learns in the same way, her goal is to present information in a variety of forms and mediums that appeal to all types of learners. She has even been accused of making history and learning "fun." Her motto for life and learning is "Question Everything." For more information, contact Theresa Redfern-Hall at taredfern@usfamily.net
Classes often use the website: homeschoolingclasses.com
Susan Rotilie
Susan Rotilie was an elementary art teacher in Ohio and, upon moving to Minnesota, began a 30-year career as an art museum educator working with school and tours programs at the Walker Art Center, Weisman Art Museum and other organizations. After retirement she has organized art tours to many places around the world and focused on being an art maker and crafter. She loves to embroider, crochet, draw, paint, collage and many other crafts.
Fa Saifullina
A fun and enthusiastic Russian lady, Farida is a kind, attentive, educated, and fun music teacher with 13 years of experience teaching music to people of all ages. She knows how to rock and chill while playing music!
She is full of positive energy and works as a piano and voice instructor for both private and group lessons. Farida uses an individual approach for each student. Her repertoire spans from classical to contemporary music and techniques.
Farida received her education at the Music College in Surgut (Siberia, Russia) and the Institute of Culture and Arts in Chelyabinsk (Ural, Russia).
Back in Russia, she worked at a large children's School of Art as a Solfeggio (music theory) and Music Literature teacher. Her students participated in major State and International Music Theory and History of Music contests, winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places (students aged 7-14). She was also part of the local Siberian School of Rock, teaching voice, piano, and leading rock bands.
With 13 years of experience working with people of all ages, Farida believes that anyone can play and sing. The key is inspiration and a supportive teacher by your side. Farida can teach you how to feel and control your voice, discover your range, and develop your technical skills.
She can teach you how to sing your favorite songs and accompany yourself (or your friends) on the piano, which opens the door to joining a band—a dream many people have.
Farida has been performing on stage since she was 5 years old and continues to enjoy performing with the rock cover band "Coffee & Vanilla."
Rachel Scheevel
I taught for six years as a 6-12th grade Language Arts teacher in Zimmerman, after graduating from Bethel University. Since then, I have been teaching our three boys to love books as much as I do, and supporting the curriculum team at Church of the Open Door. The thing I love most about teaching is finding creative ways to help kids understand a new concept.
Ms. Angie Scheitel
I am Angie Scheitel. In the 6th grade, when I was given an assignment to write a story involving opposites, I got so wrapped up in the story that I forgot about putting in the opposites. I received an F for following directions and an A+ for the story. I was hooked. In college, I worked as a tutor for a diverse range of subjects. I loved seeing the eureka moments on the faces of the students. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in English, specializing in Poetry from the U of M. I participated once in Nanowrimo in 2015. I have two small kids, 6 and 8, who are currently attending Star. I have been homeschooling for 3 years. I love literature and writing in all its forms, and I love sharing that love with others.
Mr. Jamie Scheitel
Jamie Scheitel is a professional drummer, former instructor and current software developer. He is also a father of two children who are also students at STAR.
Sarah Schultz
I am Sarah Schultz- wife of Will, mother of Ellie(13), Liam(11), Samuel(8), and Aviva(2), and a lifelong learner. Becoming a homeschooling family was never in the grand plan, but it has opened up time and opportunity to learn with our whole brains, ask tough questions, search out answers, spend more time in nature, and creatively engage with the world.
Elizabeth Scott
Crown Shepherd
Crown Shepherd is a prolific author with six published books to her name and many more in the pipeline. She is a seasoned marketing manager at Wise Ink Creative Publishing, a dedicated owner and bookseller at Liberate Your BookShelf, and an unwavering advocate for reading.
Born and raised in the vibrant community of north Minneapolis, Crown Shepherd has always been passionate about literacy and education. Her life's mission revolves around reducing the illiteracy rate within the Black community. She firmly believes that reading is the key to unlocking a world of knowledge and opportunity.
With the firm conviction that if you can read, you can learn; if you can learn, you can grow; and if you can grow, you can be anything, Crown Shepherd has tirelessly worked to inspire and empower individuals through the written word.
In addition to her literary pursuits, Crown Shepherd actively contributes to her community by serving on several non-profit boards in the Twin Cities. Her commitment to fostering positive change has not gone unnoticed, and she has been recognized as a publishing fellow for Wise Ink.
Crown Shepherd's dedication to the arts and literature has also earned her accolades in the form of several prestigious Minnesota Art grants. These grants have allowed her to further her mission of promoting literacy and making a lasting impact on her community.
As an author, marketer, bookseller, advocate, and community leader, Crown Shepherd's multifaceted contributions continue to leave an indelible mark on the world of literature and education. Her passion for storytelling and her commitment to the betterment of her community make her a true literary force to be reckoned with.
For more about Crown Shepherd, visit www.crownthewriter.com
Ms. Minda Shultz
I am Minda Shultz, and I wrote my first book when I was 12, studied Literature at Bethel University, and am a three time winner of NANOWRIMO (2009, 2013 and 2014). I am a lover of stories. I have self-published one anthology of writing with my husband. I have three kids, two who are married, and one in high school. I am a granny (my what big teeth you have!) and I have been homeschooling for 11 years. I love helping people discover it is safe and fun to believe in the value of their personal perspective. I have a special place in my heart for works of antiquity and helping people see how they are relatable to modern times.
Maria Signorelli
Maria Signorelli is the Managing Director of Shakespearean Youth Theatre. In addition overseeing SYT programs, she is also a teaching artist and stage manager, at companies including Shakespearean Youth Theatre, Children’s Theater Company’s Theatre Arts Training program, GREAT Theater Summer Camps, Collective Unconscious Performance, Redbird Theatre, and The Grumble Theater. She has also taught creative writing for teens and adults at The Loft Literary Center, Minneapolis Institute of Art (through a partnership with Pathways), and Planet Homeschool Co-Op. Maria holds a BA in Theater from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts.
Vee Signorelli
Vee Signorelli (they/them) has worked as a guest teaching artist for Shakespearean Youth Theatre since 2017 and at Saint Paul Public Library as a Children's Specialist. Vee graduated from St. Catherine University in 2021 with a degree in Theology and English.
Snapology of Minneapolis
Give kids the gift of learning through play! At Snapology of Minneapolis, children will be guided through hands on activities using things they already love: LEGO® bricks, K’Nex and technology. Ideal for children ages 1-14, kids will have so much fun in our classes, camps and parties that they don’t even realize they’re learning!
Ms. Serafima (Sima) Sokolovskaya
I was born in Moscow, Russia where I graduated from University. I have worked as an engineer-programmer, and then as a chess coach since 1975. Some of the places I have taught chess include US Embassy, Embassy of India, Finland, Poland, Greece, Cypress and others. I started learning chess when I was 5 years old and have never stopped. I have played in championships in USSR, Russia (champion in 1968), Moscow, and in multiple international tournaments. I taught a State Champion in 2009. Currently, I try to play at least 1-2 tournaments a year and am a FIDE master.
Erika Steiner
Erika is a homeschooling mom of 4. Her Bachelor’s degree is in social work, and she has experience working in schools, a homeless shelter and a nursing home, but her expertise lies with engaging young kids in fun and supportive ways! Outside of the (homeschool) classroom, Erika enjoys running, hiking and travelling with her family.
Mrs. Robyn Steuernagel
Robyn Steuernagel has educational degrees in Music, Elementary, and Early Childhood education. She taught first grade, Preschool, ELL, and worked as a Daycare coordinator. Despite this educational experience, she was flummoxed by how her own children did not love traditional school as much as she did! For the last 3 years she has been learning as much as she can about Twice Exceptional Learners, after discovering she was raising 2 of them. Robyn has spent most of her life living and traveling overseas. She grew up in Hong Kong, and then lived and worked in Korea, Hong Kong and Switzerland. She loves learning about different countries, customs and cultures. She has been to Rome twice, and is bound to go again, as she threw a coin in the Trevi Fountain!
Guy Stewart
Guy Stewart is a husband supporting his wife who is a multi-year breast cancer survivor; a father, father-in-law, grandfather, foster father, friend, writer, and recently retired teacher, and school counselor who maintains a SF/YA/Childrens writing blog by the name of POSSIBLY IRRITATING ESSAYS (https://faithandsciencefiction.blogspot.com/) that showcases his opinion and offers his writing up for comment. He has 77 science fiction publications to his credit including one book (1993 CSS Publishing)! (and has participated in curriculum writing, both in his home district of Robbinsdale, as well as working with the Science Museum of Minnesota on a special project; and with the old television show, Newton’s Apple; and working with Pearson Testing in creating questions and a framework for the teacher licensing PRAXIS exam.) In his spare time, he keeps animals, a house and loves to bike and camp.
Kelly Sullivan Noah
Kelly Sullivan Noah is a financial advisor with a master's degree in family financial planning. She works daily in the intersection of real people's lives and the data of the world where they live. Kelly is also a voracious reader and homeschools her two sons, aged 14 and 12.
Mrs. Kirsten Tacheny
Kirsten is a lover of all things learning and hands-on discovery. She has a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Material Science. She received her degree from the University of St. Thomas where she became a member of the Society of Women Engineers. Kirsten worked in the biomedical engineering industry for over four years at Boston Scientific and Medtronic. Kirsten is a recent, first-time mother. She welcomed her son, Theo, to the world in February 2023. Since then, she has decided to make a career change from corporate engineering to lactation consulting and STEM outreach. This change will enable her to have a flexible work schedule and environment while allowing her to spend more time with her son and husband. In her free time, Kirsten enjoys spending time outdoors, caring for her family and pets, cooking, and crafting. Kirsten's dream is to purchase her family farm from her great aunt and uncle in Askov, MN and spend her days dairy farming, homesteading, and caring for her family.
Mr. Kirby Taylor
An absolute lover of learning in all forms, almost to a fault. Kirby often needs to restrain himself, as not to take on too many exciting projects at once. His ideal living situation would be one where he was not required to eat, drink, sleep, or do any of the other needful but tedious body maintenance necessary to continue existing as a physical entity, and instead could devote 100% of his time to learning and gaining new skills. But things being as they are, Kirby has opted to learn and participate in the realm of education itself so that he may know the most efficient ways to use what time he does have for his own learning, and to help others achieve the same thing. He is often profoundly frustrated with the conventional education model in the United States which, he believes, fails in almost every respect to create intelligent, tenacious, independent thinkers. Kirby currently attends the Minneapolis College of Art and Design as an Entrepreneurial Studies major with a double minor in Creative writing and Teaching Artist.
(Note: Kirby is the college student who has been assisting Abbi in her classes.)
Cindy To
Cindy To is a visual storyteller from Iowa. She is a student at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with an Illustration major and a Teaching Artist minor. Most of her work expresses a child-like wonder inspired by experiences and media she enjoyed during her youth. Her illustrations are created digitally with photoshop, and traditionally with watercolor and colored pencil. After she graduates, Cindy plans to find a career in children’s publishing and engage with her community through teaching. Cindy has worked as an Assistant Teacher at the Des Moines Art Center for 2 years with ages 5 through 14 and with lifelong learners as an art instructor at Pillars. She enjoys cultivating her students' creativity in a fun and safe environment. Cindy’s mission as a teacher is to help students find their inner strengths and achieve their personal goals.
Logan Verdoorn
Logan Verdoorn has worked nationally and internationally as an actor, director, and educator, with a particular focus on Shakespeare in translation, cross-cultural collaboration, physical theatre, and devised work. Logan currently serves as the Artistic Director of Shakespearean Youth Theatre (SYT), a Twin Cities-based theatre company for young people, where he has led the organization, conceived and developed core programming, and overseen all artistic and educational offerings since 2016. Before that, Logan worked as Theater Coordinator at New York University Berlin and Tisch School of the Arts, where he directed original, multi-lingual productions with students from NYU and local Berlin high schools. He is a graduate of Tisch School of the Arts.
Ms. Lauren Verhel
Lauren graduated from McNally Smith College of Music magna cum laude in 2011 with a bachelors in vocal performance. She's played everywhere from Duluth, Minnesota to Lima, Peru: sharing the stage with artists as diverse as Andres Prado and Judi Donaghy. In addition to her McNally Smith Degree, Lauren received master classes from Bobby McFerrin and the New York Voices. Passionate about giving back to the community, Lauren instructed voice and piano students at the Urban Hub, a community center for inner city youth in Minneapolis, MN. She spent the last 6 months of 2011 as an instructor at Jazz Jaus in Lima, Peru. She taught music theory, history, songwriting, and applied voice at Ex'treme Institute by Nelly in St. Louis, MO for 3 years. She moved back to the Twin Cities in 2015 to perform and teach.
Dr. Bernard Walker
Dr. Bernard Walker holds a PhD in Philosophy from Loyola University in Chicago. He has professional academic experience as Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at Howard University, Metrostate University, Century College, St. Paul College, St. Catherine University, Augsburg College, Minneapolis Community Technical College, Bethel University, University of St. Thomas, Loyola University, National Louis University and Chicago State University. He is a current member of the American Philosophical Association and has many published works.
Mr. Lejing (Luke) Wang
My name is “Luke” Lejing Wang, a native Chinese who graduated from St. Olaf College. I have taught personalized Chinese lessons for more than 6 years in Minnesota. I have taught Chinese at Concordia Language Villages, Holy Spirit, Language Sprout and St. Paul Public School system to more than 200 students. I am committed to continued learning and development for both myself and others.
The first year of studying Chinese is a critical one because it builds the base of the language knowledge, and students will have to rely on this foundation throughout their Chinese speaking careers.It is also the introduction of a new language, and it needs to be something that students enjoy and are excited to learn. Often times if the student is struggling, it can be very discouraging for them as well as affect their feelings toward wanting to learn another language!
I tailor my teaching toward the specific needs of the students and focus on practicality in their future communication and interaction with Chinese natives. I believe that learning a language is like learning to swim. Traditional systems often stopped at connecting the new words and sentences to our mother language. We will get better at "translating", but still have trouble speaking and forming sentences.
In intermediate levels, I incorporate knowledge of Chinese culture, custom, and social and professional etiquette in my teaching throughout the courses. I believe that learning a language is like learning to swim. In my experience as a language teacher as well as a student, in order to speak a language fluently, we need consistent reinforcements and exposures to establish and enhance the "muscle memory". which connects the new language directly to our THOUGHTs and IDEAs, and skip our mother language entirely.
Ms. Sara Wang
Sara Wang is a veteran homeschooling mom of two STAR alumni and was a STAR administrator for over ten years. She loves to read, cook, and travel the world.
Mr. Blake Wanger
My name is Blake Wanger. I am a performer at Jesters Comedy Improv and I currently teach a teen improv class at HUGE Improv Theater. I have previously taught improv at several local schools, including Palladin High School, River's Edge Academy, and Sanford Middle school. I have 15 years of improv experience including training at ComedySportz, Brave New Workshop, HUGE Improv Theater and more, and currently perform regularly with multiple groups. I also run my own business called Spontaneous Education, LLC which educates and empowers students and teachers through improv workshops and shows. I am a trained teacher and have taught students of all ages in a wide variety of educational environments, including homeschool, since 2006. Teaching children improv is my passion and I would love to share it with your children!
Ms. Marla Westfield
Marla Westfield has taught science and technology classes at STAR Academy since 2012. An electrical engineer by training, she is enthusiastic about students discovering science and math are used everywhere! Classic STEM topics of algebra are used in electricity and magnetism, geometry is essential to art and star gazing, physics is seen in action everyday when you open a door, play an instrument or ride a bike/unicycle. Creative minds will discover new ways to look at problems, see solutions and improve our world with science and math.
Marla lives in Victoria with her husband, Brian, also an electrical engineer. She enjoys reading, gardening, hiking and quilt making. They have two artfully creative daughters, Katy and Erika, son-in-law Mike, and charming granddaughter, Aurelia.
Elara Willett
Elara is a homeschooling mom of two. She has a BA from Oberlin College in Mathematics and Computer Science and an MEd in Montessori education. She's spent a LOT of time with little kids, taught mathematics at all levels, developed STEM curriculum materials at the preschool and elementary levels, and worked as an educational data analyst. She enjoys playing complicated board games, drawing comics, making music, and doing math with her family.
Cara Wilson
Cara Wilson brings over 20 years of experience teaching music to groups and individuals. Her teaching philosophy centers on preparing students to take music wherever their interests lie, and holding them to high standards in order to develop the ability to wield this expressive language with facility and skill. Wilson maintains her violin and ukulele studio at St Joseph’s School of Music in St Paul, where she has also conducted chamber orchestra and taught Suzuki group lessons. Wilson has held positions as elementary classroom music teacher and middle school strings instructor at St Paul Academy. She performs professionally as a classical violinist, and a non-classical multi-instrumentalist.
Ms. Chrissy Wirtz
I am a fifth year homeschool mom of Sean (11) and Ava (9). I graduated from the University of MN in 2003 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Development and worked as a manager in the banking industry. My son started attending STAR Academy in 2014 and it immediately felt like home. We love the unique, bright kids that come to STAR and the support from the other parents. I also served for two years as an administrator of STAR and as the New Family Coordinator for the MCGT Homeschool Chapter. The favorite subjects studied in our homeschool have been geography and history; I have learned so much right along with the kids!