Team Up with Professional, Minnesota-licensed Teachers

Teachers at the Minnesota Virtual Academy are among the best in the state for online education. They are your partners in your children's education, and are available every school day to help you and your children through any challenges you may face. Here are a few of the regular education and special education teachers you'll get to know at the Minnesota Virtual Academy.

Elementary Teachers (Grades K–5)

Michelle Allmon holds a bachelor's degree in science in English and a master's degree in elementary education from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. Michelle earned her Certificate in Urban Teaching from Hamline University in 2006. She taught for six years in Bloomington Public Schools, where she served on the district’s Math Quality Assurance Team and Diversity Advisory Council. Michelle joined the MNVA staff in 2008, and she enjoys having the ability to work closely with families to bring out the capabilities in each student.

Rana Bell has been on staff with MNVA since 2004. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from the University of Wyoming and a master's degree in special education from St. Thomas University. Before joining the Minnesota Virtual Academy, Rana worked as an Early Childhood teacher for Prior Lake–Savage area schools. She continues to attend workshops and courses to further her education.

Pam Bishop has been with MNVA since 2007 as an elementary teacher. Previous to teaching at MNVA, Pam taught math and science for the New Prague school district for 5 years. Pam earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from St. Cloud State University and her master’s degree from St. Mary’s University. Pam has a passion and a joy for teaching.

Robyn Christopher has been an MNVA teacher since 2003. Robyn graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and an endorsement in English as a second language. She has enjoyed being a part of this exciting option in public education. What Robyn enjoys most about her job is connecting with and getting to know MNVA families, and making MNVA a successful school choice for students.

Melissa Friberg joined the MNVA staff in 2007. She received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bemidji State University, with a middle school endorsement in science. She is currently working on her certificate in Gifted and Talented education through St. Thomas University in St. Paul. Before joining the MNVA team, Melissa was the director of the Sylvan Learning Center in Brainerd. Melissa enjoys being part of the academic team to help each student reach his/her full potential.

Patty Herman earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education, with a minor in math, at St. Cloud State University. Before joining the teaching staff at MNVA in 2004, she taught third grade in St. Michael, Minnesota. Since then, she has enjoyed watching MNVA face many challenges, changes, and grow from a school of 300+ students to 800+. Patty's favorite part of this job is getting to know the families.

Roberta Hop has been with MNVA since 2005. Originally from the United Kingdom, Roberta earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education in 2004 at Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Roberta then moved to Minnesota and continued her studies and earned a master's degree with specialization in K–6 reading and mathematics in 2008 at Walden University. Before moving to Minnesota, Roberta served as substitute teacher in Northern Ireland. Following her overseas move, Roberta worked as a paraprofessional in the Minneapolis area while waiting for her teaching license to process in Minnesota. Roberta then joined the MNVA team and enjoys individualizing each student's education and helping all students reach their full potential.

Jennifer Nagel has been with MNVA since 2007. Jennifer earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education at Bemidji State University, Bemidji Minnesota. Before joining MNVA, Jennifer taught School Readiness and Early Childhood classes for the ECFE program and was a substitute teacher for grades K–8 for the Brainerd School District for five years. Jennifer is committed to a working partnership with families to provide a quality education that is centered on the individual needs of each student.

Wendy Nelson is a K–5 teacher in her first year with MNVA. She attended Dakota State University and received her elementary education bachelor's degree and a master’s degree in elementary administration from South Dakota State University. She taught third grade for the last four years in Madison, SD. During her tenure there, she also served as the varsity head volleyball coach and an assistant varsity track coach.

Carol Polodna has worked for Minnesota Virtual Academy since 2002. Prior to joining MNVA, she worked as a first-grade teacher for six years and a preschool and preschool/special needs teacher for three years. She is a graduate of Winona State University, with a degree in early childhood and elementary education, and earned her master's degree in reading and literacy. Carol genuinely enjoys helping families to be successful and effective in schooling their children.

Heather Rabanus earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Heather has been in the field of education since 1998. She has taught elementary, middle, and alternative high school. In addition to teaching, she has been tutoring in the areas of math and reading for over ten years. Heather’s true passion is working one-on-one with students to help them reach their full potential. 

Todd Randall joined the Minnesota Virtual Academy in 2009. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1991 from Hope International University in Fullerton, CA, and a master’s degree in elementary education from the Claremont (CA) Graduate University in 1994. Todd taught for 17 years in the classroom, mostly in low-income and inner-city schools in California. He has taught elementary school, middle school, and alternative high school. Todd especially enjoys working closely with MNVA families and empowering parents to provide a great educational experience for their children.

Deb Rokenbrodt has been a teacher with MNVA since 2006. She holds degrees in elementary education (grades 1–8) and mathematics (grades 7–12), and a minor in computer science from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. Her 17 years of teaching experience cover a variety of grades and topics including elementary classrooms, high school mathematics, and district computer coordinator for grades K–12. She taught in a mixed-age elementary classroom on the island of Madagascar for three years. Deb enjoys the variety and challenges that teaching in an online setting gives. Answering questions on a wide range of topics on a daily basis keeps the job fun and interesting. The part that she likes best about online education is the opportunity to work closely with students and parents to individualize instruction to meet the needs of each student.

Samantha Ronsberg joined Minnesota Virtual Academy in 2011. She graduated from Bethel University, with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a specialty in pre-primary education. Before joining MNVA, she had an extended student teaching experience in the Frogtown area of St. Paul, working with English learners in a high-transience, low-income population. She is a licensed K–6 teacher and enjoys the ability to individualize education for students that MNVA offers.

Joslyn Runyan has taught with Minnesota Virtual Academy since 2003. Before moving to Minnesota, Joslyn taught third grade in Grand Forks, North Dakota. She graduated from the University of North Dakota, with a bachelor's degree in elementary education and an endorsement in English as a second language. In 2003, she completed a master's degree in elementary education with a cognate in reading education. She grew up in Sioux Falls, SD, where she taught with the district enrichment program for six years before transitioning at graduation to a full-time teacher and graduate assistant at UND. She is a licensed K–6 teacher and enjoys the options and opportunities each student has at MNVA.

Amy Sollie joined the MNVA staff in the fall of 2011. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a specialty in Spanish (K–8) from Bethel University. Before joining MNVA, Amy taught Spanish and preschool at a charter school in St. Paul. She has spent the past two years as a nanny for two young children. She is looking forward to working with families to help their children be successful.

Karen Swanson earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota with an Elementary Education and Developmental Cognitive Disability license. Following graduation she was hired by the Minneapolis Public Schools. She spent the first seven years working in a Non-Categorical Resource Room, and then held positions as a teacher on special assignment and instructional integration specialist before retiring from the district. During this period, Karen completed her master’s degree in special education from the University of St. Thomas, with licenses in specific learning disabilities and emotional/behavior disorders. After joining Minnesota Virtual Academy, Karen returned to the University of St. Thomas to earn state certification in autism spectrum disorders. Karen has authored and implemented various grants at the state and district level. Karen models lifelong learning and her love of providing successful experiences for children.

Jacqueline Welshons joined Minnesota Virtual Academy in 2012. She graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a master's degree in special education. Before joining MNVA, she worked as an education program specialist with the Minnesota Department of Education. She also worked extensively with children with learning disabilities and autism. She is a licensed K–12 special education teacher. New to MNVA, she looks forward to working with families and sharing her love of learning with her students.

Cary Whittington has been with MNVA since fall 2008 as a K–6 elementary teacher. She received her bachelor's degree in elementary education and English, with a minor in studio art from the State University of NY at Potsdam. Cary taught drama and speech for grades 5 and 6 in Ft. Worth, TX for 2 years, then spent time in the corporate world in Texas and Ohio before moving to Minnesota in 2008. What she likes best about her job is the opportunity to work with students and parents in a relationship to meet the individual needs of her students. Cary continues to attend workshops and courses to enrich her knowledge in education.

Jessica Winter graduated from Bemidji State University with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and middle school mathematics. Jessica has worked as an online teacher since 2009 and in the education field since 2004. Her prior experiences were with the Aitkin School District and the Minnesota Center of Online Learning. Her teaching experiences have given her the opportunity to work in a variety of grade levels using innovative strategies, technologies, and solid curriculum. She is dedicated to building a successful experience and education for all of her students.

Middle School Teachers (Grades 6–8)

Tim Anderson is in his second year with MNVA. Graduating with a degree in history from Bethel University, Tim furthered his studies by completing his master's in teaching in 2007. Upon graduation, Tim spent the first few years teaching high school economics and history in the northern suburbs of the Twin Cities, only to eventually come on board with MNVA in 2010. Tim's favorite areas of study are Cold War history and Roman civilization, and he enjoys connecting the relevancies of yesterday to today.

Michelle Andres received her bachelor's degree in elementary education with a 5th–8th grade language arts specialty from Bemidji State University. Before joining MNVA she taught in the Brainerd School district. Michelle loves teaching at MNVA and having the opportunity to work closely with the families.

Tammy Bartz has been with Minnesota Virtual Academy since 2003. She received bachelor's degrees in elementary education and vocal/instrumental music from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, in 1994. In 2009, Tammy completed her master's degree in education, specializing in integrating technology into the classroom. Her previous experience in brick-and-mortar schools includes nine years of teaching K–12 vocal and instrumental music in Houston, Minnesota. Tammy enjoys working in the virtual setting and teaming with parents and their children.

Jenna Brown received her bachelor's degree in math education in 2007 from Bemidji State University. She has experience working with a variety of different ages through substitute teaching in Itasca County before joining MNVA in 2010.

Jason Carrier has been a teacher at MNVA since 2003. Before joining Minnesota Virtual Academy, he taught reading and was the gifted/talented coordinator at Houston Elementary School in Houston, Minnesota, for one year. Jason earned his bachelor's degree from Winona State University in 1998 and his Master of Arts in instruction from St. Mary's University of Minnesota in 2002. Jason is active in the Houston School district as junior varsity football coach, varsity boys' basketball coach, junior high baseball coach, continuing education committee member, MNVA staff development/grant committee member, district staff development committee member, and founder and coach of the "Hurricane Hoops" youth basketball program.

Kevin Condit holds a BS degree from Minnesota State University, Moorhead, with a K–12 certification. In addition, he has an MA degree in studio arts with an emphasis in graphic design from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and an MFA degree in studio arts with an emphasis in interactive design from the University of Minnesota. He has more than 10 years of teaching experience, which includes students in elementary school through university courses. Kevin has been with MNVA since 2004 and believes that MNVA is a great program that provides excellent educational opportunities for students throughout Minnesota.

Anthony DeCamillis holds a bachelor of arts in secondary social studies education from Bethel University with a minor in history. He has taught upper-level high school courses in south Florida, as well as middle-level social studies in Minnesota. Anthony completed International Baccalaureate training and taught both IB and Advanced Placement courses in History and Psychology. He began his online teaching career in the fall of 2007 with the Minnesota Center of Online Learning, teaching courses in AP U.S. History and AP Micro/Macro Economics before joining the MNVA team as a teacher for seventh- and eighth-grade students.

Deirdre Erb teaches middle school Latin.

Alexandra Hampel teaches history for grades 6–8. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota with a major in sociology: law, crime, and deviance. Alexandra then completed the Graduate Teaching Licensure program through the College of St. Scholastica in St. Paul, focusing on social studies for grades 5–12. She had worked with MNVA–HS since the spring of 2010, and started with MNVA K–8 in the fall of 2010.

Erin Holey has been with MNVA since 2010. She has degrees in math and biology and completed the MAI program at Saint Mary's University. Erin loves the one on one time that she is able to give her students at MNVA and loves to get to know students and their many hobbies from all over the state!

Rebekah Jorgensen graduated from Concordia College, Moorhead with a German major and math minor. She is completing her math license through the Hamline University MAT program.

Alicia Katka joined the MNVA staff in November of 2008. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education and a 5–8 math endorsement from Carthage College in Kenosha, WI. Prior to working for MNVA she taught 7th grade math for the Anoka-Hennepin school district and worked as a substitute teacher for local school districts.

Peggy Knetter-Johnson (Mrs. KJ) joined MNVA in 2010 after 9 years of teaching in brick and mortar schools in Wisconsin, Hawai’i and Minnesota. Mrs. KJ earned her BS in biology and 6–12 Education along with a minor in Chemistry from Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI, and a master's in K–8 Science Education from Walden University. Mrs. KJ’s favorite part of science is helping students explore their world!

Jami Kruschke was an artist for over 15 years before pursuing her BS in art education from Minnesota State University, Mankato. In her art career, Jami was involved in graphic design for over 10 years with 6 of them owning her own design company. Additional mediums she frequents are acrylic and airbrush painting and illustration. New mediums include; sculpture, printmaking, and ceramics. Jami’s experience with middle school youth is found in the classroom and other extracurricular events. She is new to MNVA, and is excited to oversee the creative process within her students.

Jennifer Saathoff teaches science for grades 6–8. She earned her bachelor's degree in middle school science education and elementary education from the University of St. Thomas. Her teaching career has been focused on teaching middle school science. Before joining MNVA in the fall of 2009, she taught in Bloomington and South St. Paul. Jennifer is excited to share her love of science with her students.

Steve Schmidt middle school Spanish teacher, has 10 years of regular classroom and online teaching experience in Minnesota. He is a native of Bismarck ND and is a former newspaper reporter. He studied Spanish in Costa Rica and at the University of North Dakota, where he earned a master’s in education studies and developed UND’s first online Spanish courses. Señor Schmidt is in his fourth year with MNVA.

Lan Liana Tan teaches middle school Chinese.

Kathy Undeland teaches middle school French.

Kara Wicklund graduated from Northwestern College with a degree in elementary education and a minor in middle school language arts. Before joining the Minnesota Virtual Academy in 2007, she taught middle school English in a large public school system for three years. Kara also owns a small tutoring business that specializes in skill development for students who struggle with learning for various reasons. She has enjoyed working with MNVA and the variety of experiences it has brought to her teaching career.

Becky Wilfahrt received her bachelor's degree in Secondary English Education along with a minor in middle school education from Minnesota State University at Mankato. She also holds a master's degree in education from St. Mary's University, MN, and a master's degree in family studies from the University of Minnesota. Becky has experience as both a student and a teacher in the online environment and thoroughly enjoys it. Before joining MNVA in 2008, Becky taught middle school and high school English in the traditional school setting for 11 years. In addition to teaching for MNVA, she also is a as an adjunct instructor for a few area universities.