MNVA K-8 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.

Michelle Allmon received her bachelor’s degree in English and her master’s in elementary education from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. She taught for six years in Bloomington Public Schools before joining the MNVA staff in 2008.

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.

Robyn Christopher has been a teacher with the Minnesota Virtual Academy since 2003 and has 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 more than 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.

Melissa Friberg joined MNVA in 2007. She received her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Bemidji State University with a Middle School Endorsement in Science. Before she joined MNVA’s team, Melissa was the director of the Sylvan Learning Center in Brainerd, Minnesota. She actively volunteers in her community and is a Girl Scout leader.

Patty Herman earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education with a minor in math from 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 it’s impressive growth. Her 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 at Queen's University, Belfast. She is currently working toward a master’s degree in elementary education with specialization in K-6 reading and mathematics. Before moving to Minnesota, where she was a paraprofessional prior to joining MNVA teaching staff, Roberta served as substitute in Ireland.

Jennifer Nagel joined MNVA in 2007. Previously, she taught school readiness and early childhood 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 teaching experience covers 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 brings and like having the opportunity to work closely with students and parents to individualize instruction to meet the needs of each student best.

Joslyn Runyan has taught with the Minnesota Virtual Academy since 2003 and has been a lead teacher with MNVA since 2005. 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 in 2003 completed a master's degree in elementary education with a cognate in reading education. She is a licensed K-6 teacher and enjoys the options and opportunities each student has as learners in MNVA.

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).

Cary Whittington has been a K-6 elementary teacher with MNVA since fall 2008. 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 fifth and sixth grade drama and speech in Ft. Worth, TX for two years and spent time in the corporate world before moving to Minnesota in 2008. What she likes best about working at MNVA is helping to meet the unique, individual needs of her students. Cary continues to attend workshops and courses that help enrich her knowledge in education.

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. 

Kevin Condit has a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University, Moorhead, with a K-12 certification, a master’s 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 teaching 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 seventh and eighth grade Latin.

Rebekah Jorgensen teaches seventh and eighth grade German.

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

Amber Knapp has been with MNVA since 2005. 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 7 & 8. This position allows Amber to connect with the families of gifted students and help plan for their academic future with MNVA and beyond.

Ann Lopez teaches seventh and eighth grade Spanish.

Steve Schmidt teaches part-time Spanish for our seventh and eighth graders. He joined the MNVA team in 2008 with more than six years of classroom and online Spanish teaching experience. Steve earned his master's degree in education studies from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. He also holds a degree in Spanish from UND and has studied in Costa Rica. In addition to teaching at MNVA, Steve is a course writer and online Spanish instructor with UND.

Lan Liana Tan teaches seventh and eighth grade Chinese.

Kathy Undeland teaches seventh and eighth grade 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 from Minnesota State University at Mankato. She also holds a master's degree in education from St. Mary's University, MN, and is completing 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. In addition to teaching at MNVA, she is a varsity volleyball coach, and teaches as an adjunct instructor for a few local universities.

Ann Laudon

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.