Teachers
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.
MNVA K-8 Teachers
Tammy Bartz
has been with the Minnesota Virtual Academy since 2003. She received her bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and vocal/instrumental music from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, in 1994. She is currently working on her master’s degree in education, integrating technology into the classroom. Her previous experience in the brick-and-mortar schools was nine years of teaching K-12 Music in Houston, Minnesota. Tammy enjoys the opportunity to work in the virtual setting and be a team member with the parents and their children.
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 earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a 5-8 Mathematics Endorsement from St. Cloud State University. She went on to earn her master’s degree in education from Saint Mary’s University. She has classroom experience with students ranging from kindergarten through the eighth grade. Pam taught in the New Prague School District for five years, where she taught sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade Mathematics, along with sixth-grade Science and Reading. Pam first worked as a virtual teacher in the fall of 2007.
Dana Bloom graduated from Minnesota State University – Mankato with a bachelor of science degree in earth science education. She is licensed to teach in middle school and high school. Her professional experiences include substitute teaching, homebound tutoring, working as a special education teacher, and working as a teacher’s assistant. Dana has volunteer experience as an ESL teacher.
Jason Carrier has been a teacher at MNVA since 2003. Before joining the Minnesota Virtual Academy, he taught Reading and was the gifted/talented coordinator at Houston Elementary School in Houston, Minnesota, for one year. Jason is a graduate of Winona State University (BS ’98) and St. Mary’s University of Minnesota (MA ’02). He is licensed to teach K-8 with a middle school Science emphasis. In addition to teaching duties, Jason also sits on the Staff Development and Continuing Education committees, and coaches at Houston High School. Jason is enthusiastic about teaching and loves to share his excitement with students and parents.
Robyn Christopher has been a teacher with the Minnesota Virtual Academy for six school years. She has also worked as a lead teacher with MNVA since 2004. 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 an exciting option in public education, which has grown from a school of nearly 100 students, to over 800 students. 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.
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 for the past four years 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 homeroom teacher for seventh- and eighth-grade students.
Melissa Friberg joined the MNVA staff this year. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bemidji State University with a Middle School Endorsement in Science. Before joining the MNVA team, Melissa was the director of the Sylvan Learning Center in Brainerd, Minnesota. She also actively volunteers in her community. She has been a Girl Scout leader for three years. She loves the challenges it brings to her days.
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, 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+ this fall. This will be Patty’s fourth school year with the academy. The part she likes most about her job is getting to know the families.
Roberta Hop has been with MNVA for three years. She is originally from the United Kingdom. Roberta earned her bachelor of arts degree in elementary education at Queen's University, Belfast. She is currently working toward a master of arts degree in elementary education with Specialization in K-6 Reading and Mathematics. Roberta substitute taught in Ireland before moving to Minnesota. She then became a paraprofessional until joining the MNVA teaching staff.
Amber Knapp has been with MNVA for three years. She graduated in 2003 from the University of Minnesota with a degree in elementary education along with a Middle School Mathematics Endorsement. This past summer, Amber received her MEd in elementary education from the University of Minnesota as well. Amber also fills the role of gifted and talented coordinator for the Minnesota Virtual Academy, in addition to teaching grades K-6. This position allows Amber to connect with the families of gifted students and help plan for their academic future with MNVA and beyond.
Jennifer Nagel is a new to MNVA this year. Jennifer taught School Readiness and Early Childhood classes for the previous five years, and was a substitute teacher for grades K-8 for the Brainerd School District. Jennifer is committed to a working partnership with families, staff, and administration to provide a quality education that is centered on the individual needs of each student.
Carol Polodna has worked for MNVA since 2002. Before joining the Minnesota Virtual Academy, Carol 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.
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 14 years of teaching experience cover a variety of ages and topics, including elementary classrooms, high school mathematics, and district computer coordinator for grades K-12. She also taught a mixed age elementary classroom on the island of Madagascar for three years. She enjoys the variety and challenges that teaching in an online setting gives. 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.
Joslyn Runyan has taught with MNVA since 2003 and has been a lead teacher with MNVA since 2005. Before moving to Minnesota, Joslyn taught third grade in North Dakota. She graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and in 2003 completed a master’s degree in elementary education with a cognate in reading education. Joslyn grew up in South Dakota with her younger sister and parents. Her husband and three small children enjoy time together biking, swimming, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Mary Thompson has been a first- through sixth-grade teacher with the Minnesota Virtual Academy since 2006. She received a master of arts in teaching degree from Alaska Pacific University and is currently certified to teach in Alaska and Minnesota. Before joining the teaching staff of MNVA, she worked for five years as a contact teacher for homeschoolers in Alaska through a state-wide public school program called IDEA (Interior Distance Education of Alaska). She also spent four years teaching first through third graders in a traditional classroom setting. Mary enjoys partnering with parents in their quest to provide the best educational experience for their child(ren).
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.
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 earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a 5-8 Mathematics Endorsement from St. Cloud State University. She went on to earn her master’s degree in education from Saint Mary’s University. She has classroom experience with students ranging from kindergarten through the eighth grade. Pam taught in the New Prague School District for five years, where she taught sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade Mathematics, along with sixth-grade Science and Reading. Pam first worked as a virtual teacher in the fall of 2007.
Dana Bloom graduated from Minnesota State University – Mankato with a bachelor of science degree in earth science education. She is licensed to teach in middle school and high school. Her professional experiences include substitute teaching, homebound tutoring, working as a special education teacher, and working as a teacher’s assistant. Dana has volunteer experience as an ESL teacher.
Jason Carrier has been a teacher at MNVA since 2003. Before joining the Minnesota Virtual Academy, he taught Reading and was the gifted/talented coordinator at Houston Elementary School in Houston, Minnesota, for one year. Jason is a graduate of Winona State University (BS ’98) and St. Mary’s University of Minnesota (MA ’02). He is licensed to teach K-8 with a middle school Science emphasis. In addition to teaching duties, Jason also sits on the Staff Development and Continuing Education committees, and coaches at Houston High School. Jason is enthusiastic about teaching and loves to share his excitement with students and parents.
Robyn Christopher has been a teacher with the Minnesota Virtual Academy for six school years. She has also worked as a lead teacher with MNVA since 2004. 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 an exciting option in public education, which has grown from a school of nearly 100 students, to over 800 students. 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.
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 for the past four years 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 homeroom teacher for seventh- and eighth-grade students.
Melissa Friberg joined the MNVA staff this year. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Bemidji State University with a Middle School Endorsement in Science. Before joining the MNVA team, Melissa was the director of the Sylvan Learning Center in Brainerd, Minnesota. She also actively volunteers in her community. She has been a Girl Scout leader for three years. She loves the challenges it brings to her days.
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, 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+ this fall. This will be Patty’s fourth school year with the academy. The part she likes most about her job is getting to know the families.
Roberta Hop has been with MNVA for three years. She is originally from the United Kingdom. Roberta earned her bachelor of arts degree in elementary education at Queen's University, Belfast. She is currently working toward a master of arts degree in elementary education with Specialization in K-6 Reading and Mathematics. Roberta substitute taught in Ireland before moving to Minnesota. She then became a paraprofessional until joining the MNVA teaching staff.
Amber Knapp has been with MNVA for three years. She graduated in 2003 from the University of Minnesota with a degree in elementary education along with a Middle School Mathematics Endorsement. This past summer, Amber received her MEd in elementary education from the University of Minnesota as well. Amber also fills the role of gifted and talented coordinator for the Minnesota Virtual Academy, in addition to teaching grades K-6. This position allows Amber to connect with the families of gifted students and help plan for their academic future with MNVA and beyond.
Jennifer Nagel is a new to MNVA this year. Jennifer taught School Readiness and Early Childhood classes for the previous five years, and was a substitute teacher for grades K-8 for the Brainerd School District. Jennifer is committed to a working partnership with families, staff, and administration to provide a quality education that is centered on the individual needs of each student.
Carol Polodna has worked for MNVA since 2002. Before joining the Minnesota Virtual Academy, Carol 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.
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 14 years of teaching experience cover a variety of ages and topics, including elementary classrooms, high school mathematics, and district computer coordinator for grades K-12. She also taught a mixed age elementary classroom on the island of Madagascar for three years. She enjoys the variety and challenges that teaching in an online setting gives. 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.
Joslyn Runyan has taught with MNVA since 2003 and has been a lead teacher with MNVA since 2005. Before moving to Minnesota, Joslyn taught third grade in North Dakota. She graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and in 2003 completed a master’s degree in elementary education with a cognate in reading education. Joslyn grew up in South Dakota with her younger sister and parents. Her husband and three small children enjoy time together biking, swimming, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Mary Thompson has been a first- through sixth-grade teacher with the Minnesota Virtual Academy since 2006. She received a master of arts in teaching degree from Alaska Pacific University and is currently certified to teach in Alaska and Minnesota. Before joining the teaching staff of MNVA, she worked for five years as a contact teacher for homeschoolers in Alaska through a state-wide public school program called IDEA (Interior Distance Education of Alaska). She also spent four years teaching first through third graders in a traditional classroom setting. Mary enjoys partnering with parents in their quest to provide the best educational experience for their child(ren).
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.
MNVA High School Teachers
Chris Johnson graduated from Bethel University in 2001 with a double major in history and secondary education: social studies. After substitute teaching in St. Paul for a year, he began a four-year teaching placement at Northwest Passage High School, a charter school that used expeditionary and project-based education. In 2007, he earned his master’s of education from Bethel University and began working for MNVA. Chris is continuing his education by participating in courses and workshops related to education and technology.
Janine Lohman joined the MNVA staff for the 2007-2008 school year as a middle school homeroom teacher and a high school mathematics teacher. She previously taught middle and high school mathematics in the Mankato area for more than four years. Her teaching experience includes teaching seventh through 12th-grade mathematics as well as college algebra and college trigonometry. She received her master’s of arts in teaching from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Before teaching, she was a quality analyst for a local long-distance phone billing company for 10 years. Janine loves helping her MNVA families reach their goals.
Jennifer Miller is a native to northern Minnesota, and has been with the Minnesota Virtual Academy since 2004 as the Language Arts Specialist. She has worked primarily with seventh- and eighth-grade students, but also has experience with our newly added ninth grade program. She earned her bachelor of science degree in secondary education (English) from Bemidji State University in 2001. Jennifer genuinely enjoys working with MNVA families and students, especially in the writing/composition areas.
Special Education Teachers
Allison Pierce
Georgia Rehbein earned a bachelor’s degree in English and history at Mankato State University. She taught high school English, Adult Basic Education, and GED for seven years before earning licensure in special education and work-based learning. Mrs. Rehbein enjoys attending workshops and graduate courses that expand her knowledge of methods to better serve her students. She has been a special education teacher for the Minnesota Virtual Academy since 2003.
Lisa Silmser has a bachelor's degree in secondary language arts education and a master's degree in special education. She has been a teacher for the past 15 years in several school districts in the Twin Cities and has been a part of the MNVA staff as a part-time special education teacher since 2007. She has also been an adjunct professor with Bethel University for the past six years and is working on her doctorate.
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 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 starting the 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. She models lifelong learning and her love of providing successful experiences for children.
Georgia Rehbein earned a bachelor’s degree in English and history at Mankato State University. She taught high school English, Adult Basic Education, and GED for seven years before earning licensure in special education and work-based learning. Mrs. Rehbein enjoys attending workshops and graduate courses that expand her knowledge of methods to better serve her students. She has been a special education teacher for the Minnesota Virtual Academy since 2003.
Lisa Silmser has a bachelor's degree in secondary language arts education and a master's degree in special education. She has been a teacher for the past 15 years in several school districts in the Twin Cities and has been a part of the MNVA staff as a part-time special education teacher since 2007. She has also been an adjunct professor with Bethel University for the past six years and is working on her doctorate.
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 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 starting the 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. She models lifelong learning and her love of providing successful experiences for children.