Operations and Logistics Director, Rochester Community Initiative

Aden Aden, a senior at John Marshall High School, serves as Operations and Logistics Director at Rochester Community Initiative (RCI). He’s active in Student Council, Honor Society, and founded John Marshall's Muslim Students Association. As President of the E-Cigarette Prevention Youth Council, he works to reduce youth drug use. Aden is passionate about using his voice to inspire change in his community.

Literacy Coach, Rochester Public Schools

Alison Krinke is currently celebrating her 31st year in education. During this time, she has served as a classroom teacher, reading specialist, and instructional coach, and she is currently a District Literacy Coach for Rochester Public Schools. She strives to support her students and families with best practices for literacy in the classroom and beyond.

Community Youth Council Coordinator, RiseUp Partnership

Alyvia Xiong is the Community Youth Council Coordinator at RiseUp Partnership. In this role, Alyvia will continue to grow the Community Youth Council by expanding outreach, leadership training, orientation sessions, and mentorship for new members. She also leads other key youth leadership initiatives, including research, training, and recruitment on best practices for youth participation on boards. In addition, Alyvia works in partnership with Red Wing High School to create a co-design space to improve communication, student voice, and equitable systems in the school, aiming to reimagine education through youth-adult collaboration.

School Readiness Coordinator, Families First

Amanda Lacek is the School Readiness Coordinator at Families First of Minnesota and has over 20 years of experience working in early childhood care and education. Since the Transition to Kindergarten Network began, she has served as a co-convener, helping bring schools, families, and community partners together to support children and their families in their transition to kindergarten.

CEO, Global Center for Resiliency and Wellbeing

Dr. Amit Sood serves as CEO of the Global Center for Resiliency and Wellbeing. Dr. Sood is a former Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic, and he created the Resilient Option Program, a resilience program that has been tested in over 35 clinical trials. Dr. Sood has won numerous awards for his contributions to the medical field and is the author of multiple books, including It Takes You to Tango and SMART with Dr. Sood.

Community Health Specialist, Olmsted County Public Health Services

Anna Oldenburg, MPH, RD is a Community Health Specialist at Olmsted County Public Health, where she coordinates the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant. Anna leads cross-sector efforts to improve food access and community food security. As a Registered Dietitian, she is passionate about fostering a body-inclusive environment and helping individuals build healthy relationships with food.

Network Facilitator, Cradle 2 Career

Born and raised in Rochester, Anna Schmidt is a former teacher and parenting coach passionate about helping families build healthy relationships. As a Network Facilitator, she collaborates with community partners to create lasting change. She enjoys crafting, bookbinding, reading, and exploring the outdoors with her partner and son.

Community Health Specialist, Olmsted County Public Health Services

Angela Laack, RN, BSN, PHN is a registered nurse with over 22 years of experience, including the past decade serving with the School Age Services team at Olmsted County Public Health, where she currently serves as a School Age Services Public Health Nurse. She is a certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist and Health and Wellness Coach with a deep passion for youth health, mental well-being, substance use prevention and cessation, and promoting positive body image and self-esteem. Angela is committed to creating healthier futures by empowering young people today—supporting them to grow into happy, thriving adults.

Owner/Parent Coach, Timeout Behavior Coaching

Angie Ellsworth, MS, LSW, LSC, is the owner of Timeout Behavior Coaching, LLC, where she trains and coaches parents and teachers in research-based positive behavior strategies to create a more calm and respectful environment and build healthier relationships. As a wife, parent of three, and with nearly 30 years of experience as a school social worker, counselor, and behavior coach, Angie knows all about the challenges that happen in the trenches. It is a pleasure and an honor for her to now be providing in-home parent coaching to support families in more meaningful and transformational ways.

Executive Administrator, PossAbilities

Ashley Evans is a recent graduate of Gustavus with a BA in English and Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies. She will graduate in 2026 with a master's degree in Library and Information Science. She is assisting in the development of a family resource center for a newly planned community-driven PossAbilities Achievement Hub.

Community Advocacy Manager, Cradle 2 Career

Beth Martinez is the Community Advocacy Manager for Cradle 2 Career. With over 20 years of experience working alongside children, parents, families, and community members, Beth brings a wealth of knowledge in collaboration and relationship-building. Coming from a migrant family that moved from Texas, she has firsthand experience navigating various systems, which has shaped her deep understanding of the challenges families face. A proud graduate of the Rochester Public School District, Beth continued her education at Rochester Community and Technical College, Winona State University, and Saint Mary’s University, where she earned her Master’s degree in Educational Leadership.

Founder & Senior Consultant, Flourish Consulting LLC

Bethany von Steinbergs is the founder of Flourish Consulting LLC, a boutique consulting firm dedicated to engaging and developing talent within organizations. Her 20+ year professional career spans education, cross-cultural service, student affairs, organizational leadership, and consulting nationally and internationally. Bethany has witnessed first-hand the transformational impact of an asset-based approach to developing people and teams. Bethany holds an undergraduate degree in education and a Master of Arts in Missional Leadership. She lives on a hobby farm in southeastern MN with her husband and three sons.

Director of Community Engagement and Career Development, University of Minnesota Rochester

Dr. Bridget Tetteh-Batsa is Director of Community Engagement and Career Development at the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR). She collaborates with stakeholders on and off campus to develop and define best-practice approaches to high-impact initiatives and learning at UMR.

Public Health Nurse, Olmsted County Public Health

Carrie Briese serves as a Public Health Nurse with the School Age Services team at Olmsted County. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the College of St. Benedict. With a passion for youth development, Carrie’s career has spanned inpatient care, outpatient infusions, and now public health. She supports youth through classroom education, community presentations, small group facilitation, one-on-one consultations, and youth-led initiatives. Carrie finds joy spending time with her family, reading, and tending to her garden.

Director of Public Infrastructure and Strategic Development, Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency

Catherine Malmberg directs economic development and placemaking activities of the Destination Medical Center initiative. DMC is a 20-year, $5.6 billion plan designed to position Rochester, MN – home to Mayo Clinic – as the world’s premier destination medical center. DMC is the largest public-private economic development partnership in Minnesota’s history.

Catherine works to advance 21st century city design practices with particular attention to centering health in all DMC investments.

Catherine’s background is in urban development, particularly mixed-use, transit-oriented, urban infill projects with a focus on a triple bottom line investment approach that incorporates environmental, social, and economic goals. Design excellence, resiliency planning and innovation are common threads in her past projects in New York, Boston-Cambridge, DC, Houston, and Seattle metro areas.

She completed her undergraduate work in History & Literature at Harvard and holds a master’s degree in architecture from Princeton University. She is adjunct faculty and an affiliate practitioner at the University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Design Center, where her research interests include civic participation and the built environment, project prototyping as a market catalyst and the intersection of urbanism, behavioral economics and health.

Chair, School Board of Rochester Public Schools

Cathy Nathan is the Chair of the School Board of Rochester Public Schools and has been on the Board since 2019. Prior to her election, she organized community groups, served on educational committees and non-profit boards, and worked as a healthcare and public policy consultant in state and local agencies and legislatures across the US. Cathy is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago and has a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Chicago.

Public Health Nurse, Olmsted County Public Health

Christa Seymour is a Public Health Nurse with Olmsted County’s School Age Services team. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. In her current role, Christa supports youth in achieving their health goals through diverse programs and outreach initiatives. When she’s not working, Christa enjoys outdoor adventures and relaxing at her family cabin.

Community Engagement and Marketing Coordinator, Project Momentum-Southeast Service Cooperative

Claudia Tabini is the Community Engagement and Marketing Coordinator for Project Momentum. With over 15 years of experience working in youth and education nonprofits in Rochester, Minnesota, she is dedicated to educational equity. Tabini has a strong record of building community partnerships that support diverse learners and inclusive practices.

Homeless Education Navigator, Rochester Public Schools

Connie Cohen is the Homeless Education Navigator for Rochester Public Schools, supporting families experiencing homelessness. She brings 15 years of experience from Olmsted County and four years of RPS experience to the team. Connie is a strong advocate and support for families throughout the community.

Co-Founder & Co-Owner, Coping Copliots, LLP

Dagney Willey Adamson, MHI, CCLS, is Co-Founder & Co-Owner of Coping Copilots, LLP. Over a 15-year career as a Certified Child Life Specialist working in healthcare organizations, she has gained an incredible wealth of knowledge and skills in a variety of settings and populations. With experience in a wide variety of settings, Dagney also has a special interest in supporting individuals with neurodiversity. She brings together her background of working in school settings, utilizing her kinesiology degree, along with her child development degree and child life training, to tailor support to the individualized and unique needs of each child and family and the challenges they are facing. Dagney graduated with her Master’s of Healthcare Innovation from Arizona State University in May 2025.

Co-Director of Operations and Education, Rochester Community Initiative

Dania Amra, a senior at Mayo High School, is Co-Director of Operations and Education at Rochester Community Initiative (RCI). She is involved in Youth in Law, AEDs for Athletes, and leads educational outreach in her community. A dedicated student and violinist, she performs with the KML Violin Studio and Mayo’s Honors Orchestra. Through RCI, Dania advocates for youth empowerment and civic engagement.

Literacy Coach, Rochester Public Schools

Danielle Knoll has been a part of the Rochester Public School system for 13 years. She was a classroom teacher for Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 4th grade before stepping into her current district-wide coaching role. Danielle is strongly committed to helping all teachers and students with best practices in literacy.

Board Member, Minnesota PTA; Member, National PTA Volunteer Development Committee; Match Program Coordinator, Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association (IMAA)

Deborah Seelinger serves on the Minnesota PTA Board and the National PTA’s Volunteer Development Committee. A former member of the Rochester School Board, she has led a Head Start parent empowerment program for over a decade and presented nationally on family engagement. She coordinates the Match Program at IMAA, supporting Rochester’s diverse families.

Assistant Professor and Civic Engagement Scholar, University of Minnesota Rochester

Dr. Elizabeth Dunens is an Assistant Professor and Civic Engagement Scholar at the University of Minnesota, Rochester. Her research and teaching focuses on higher education, the civic development of college students, and successful university-community collaborations.

HOPE Navigator, Housing Stability Team, Olmsted County

Emily Krage is a HOPE Navigator with Olmsted County Housing Stability Team, supporting families since the program’s launch in 2023. She holds a master’s degree in social work and has a background in adult mental health. Through a close partnership with Rochester Public Schools, Emily provides intensive case management to help families connect with resources, navigate housing challenges, and secure stable housing.

Director of Early Learning, Rochester Public Schools

Erica Schumacher serves as the Director of Early Learning for Rochester Public Schools, where she leads efforts to ensure every child and family experiences a strong start. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, she is a passionate advocate for equitable access, high-quality early learning, and collaborative systems that support children from birth through school entry. As a Cradle to Career Network convener and Leadership Table member, Erica works to strengthen partnerships across the community, always centering what’s best for children and families.

Tutoring Director, The Reading Center

Evalina Day is Director of Tutoring for SE MN and is credentialed through IDA and OGA. She has a BS in Psychology from the University of Illinois.

Clinical Director, The Reading Center

Fay Van Vliet is a Fellow of the Orton Gillingham Academy (OGA) and credentialed through IDA. She holds Minnesota State Teaching Licenses in elementary education, middle school language arts, and K-12 reading.

Network Facilitator, Cradle 2 Career

Gregory Jacob III was born and raised in New Orleans, LA. After earning a degree in Communications, he moved to Minnesota to experience a new part of the country and began working as a Media Director in Rochester. With a deep passion for helping others and a growing love for the Rochester community, Gregory transitioned from media to education as a special education teacher. Today, he serves as a Network Facilitator with Cradle 2 Career, where he works to drive community collaboration and lasting change. In his free time, Gregory enjoys writing poetry, playing video games, watching sports, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Director of Academics for Secondary, Rochester Public Schools

Heather Willman is the Director of Academics for Secondary at Rochester Public Schools, where she builds transformative professional development experiences, supports reflective practitioners, and provides leadership development. She began her educational career as a middle school English teacher, spent several years teaching reading at the middle level, and served as the Instructional Coaching Coordinator for Rochester Public Schools. Heather has also served as an adjunct professor at Augsburg College, specializing in children’s literature. She has a master's degree in Reading Education from the University of North Dakota and a principal’s license from the University of Minnesota.

Program Manager, Olmsted County Public Health Services

Holly Jones is the program manager of the team leading the Community Health Needs Assessment (the Performance Management, Quality Improvement, and Accreditation Team) and ongoing LGBTQIA2S+ co-design projects that tie directly to this session.

Community Development Director, City of Rochester

Irene Woodward, AICP is the Community Development Director for the City of Rochester. Irene holds a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and a master’s degree in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to serving in her current role, Irene was the Director of Planning for the City of Allentown, PA. Irene has worked in planning and community development at the local government level and as a consultant both for herself and with a small firm based in New Jersey. Throughout her career, Irene has worked on many activities involving community planning, grants management, brownfield redevelopment, neighborhood planning, and economic development projects.

Program Manager, Olmsted County’s Housing Division

Jacob Radtke is a Program Manager with Olmsted County’s Housing Division, where he supports the Housing Stability Team in helping households experiencing homelessness. With over 14 years in social services and mental health, he is committed to building strong community partnerships and advancing efforts to create housing stability in Olmsted County.

President, Rochester Community and Technical College

Dr. Jeffery S. Boyd has served as President of Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) since 2018. He is recognized as a visionary leader in higher education and a strong advocate for the mission of community and technical colleges. A first-generation community college graduate, Dr. Boyd has previously held leadership roles at Tidewater Community College in Virginia, including Provost and Chief Operating Officer, and multiple administrative positions at Elgin Community College in Illinois, including Associate Dean, Interim Dean, and Dean of Business and Career Technologies. Dr. Boyd earned an associate degree from San Joaquin Delta College, a bachelor’s degree from Judson University, a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, and a doctorate in Community College Leadership from National Louis University.

Division Administrator, Olmsted County Health, Housing and Human Services

Jenna Gilbertson is a well-rounded public servant with nearly 15 years in the public sector across city, county, and state agencies. As Division Administrator of Olmsted County Health, Housing and Human Services, Jenna leads the day-to-day work of Adult & Family Services, Child & Family Services, Corrections, Family Support & Assistance, Housing, Public Health, and Veteran Services. Her career has been shaped by a deep commitment to building strong teams, fostering collaboration, and eliminating red tape wherever possible. Outside of work, Jenna loves to wrangle her two young kids, is a mediocre golfer, and always wants to hear the best thing you’ve ordered lately at a local restaurant.

Early Childhood Longitudinal Data System Lead, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Jennifer Verbrugge, MLIS is an experienced project manager and public servant who oversees Minnesota’s Early Childhood Longitudinal Data System (ECLDS), leading its maintenance, expansion, training, and interagency data governance efforts. Prior to 2019, she served children and families through her work in and for Minnesota’s public library system.

President, Rochester Area PTSA Council; President, Bamber Valley PTA; Vice President & Advocacy Commissioner, Minnesota PTA

Joanne Barkmeier is President of the Rochester Area PTSA Council and Bamber Valley PTA and serves as Vice President and Advocacy Commissioner for Minnesota PTA. A mother of four, she is committed to the PTA mission by promoting advocacy, family engagement, and inclusive school communities.

Director, Education Partnerships Coalition of Minnesota

John Fanning is Project Director for the Education Partnerships Coalition of Minnesota. Passionate about helping students navigate pathways to and through higher education and onto high-quality first jobs, John has served on the undergraduate admissions team of Stanford University and as a college counselor in Chicago Public Schools and as the Director of Post-Secondary Access and Success at Aspire Public Schools. John has also served as the Senior Director of Early College Pathways at Wonderful Education and Vice President for Program Design and Innovation at College Track. John holds an undergraduate degree in business from the University of Illinois, an MBA from the J. L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, and a master’s degree from the Crown School of Social Work at the University of Chicago.

Housing Advocacy Coordinator, Three Rivers Community Action

Jordan Boyum serves as the Housing Advocacy Coordinator at Three Rivers Community Action, where she leads housing advocacy efforts and supervises the advocacy team across the four counties served by the agency, including the Homework Starts with Home Navigator. A licensed social worker with six years of experience in housing and homelessness services, Jordan is passionate about creating real, lasting solutions for individuals and families in Olmsted County and beyond.

Coordinator of Community Partnerships, Rochester Public Schools

Josh Halverson began his career in Rochester Public Schools as a kindergartener at Churchill Elementary, making swift and substantial progress since. He is now at home in the Community Education department, where he partners with community members and volunteers to support students.

Philanthropy Manager, SPARK, Children’s Museum of Rochester

Julia Moffit is SPARK’s Philanthropy Manager, building connections that help the museum grow and thrive. She works with community partners and supporters to make play and learning accessible for all families. In her free time, Julia enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends by the lake.

Instructional Coach, Rochester Public Schools

Julie Doschadis is an educator and instructional coach with a master’s degree in Innovative Teacher Leadership and Instructional Coaching and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and K–12 Special Education. She is passionate about alternative learning, literacy, and equity, ensuring all students experience a student-centered education.

Community School Facilitator, Gage Elementary School

Julie McLaren currently serves as a Community School Facilitator in Rochester Public Schools. Since beginning in education professionally, Julie has taught preschoolers to adults, at classroom, university, and district levels. She loves reading, researching, and exploring new ways to make our schools work for everyone.

Community Youth Council Members, RiseUp Partnership

Amarie Williams and Katherine Tazin are both members of the RiseUp Partnerships Community Youth Council, which works directly with the community to bring change that youth want to see. They are both student leaders of culture and heritage groups at their school. Amarie is the president of the Red Wing High School Black Student Union, and Katherine is the co-founder of the Hispanic Students United Club. Both Amarie and Katherine are strong advocates against discrimination within their community and hope to continue to make a positive change.

Community Health Specialist, Olmsted County Public Health Services

Katie Hackman, RD is a Community Health Specialist at Olmsted County Public Health, where she leads efforts in policy, systems, and environmental change within school districts and the broader community. She brings a strong foundation in nutrition and public health, having previously worked with WIC to provide education and support to families. Katie is passionate about mental health and body-inclusive education, and committed to creating healthier, more equitable communities.

Library Director, Rochester Public Library

Karen Lemke is the Library Director at Rochester Public Library, which was the winner of the 2018 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Located in Rochester, Minnesota, RPL includes a single branch location and the busiest bookmobile in the state. With initial experience as a library desk aide and Marketing Coordinator for the Pine River Library (PRL) in Bayfield, Colorado, Karen was part of the team that responded to community needs and updated award-winning services. In 2014, PRL was honored as Library Journal’s “Best Small Library in America." Karen has a B.A. in Journalism/Mass Communications from the University of Northern Colorado and an MLIS from Clarion University. 

Superintendent, Rochester Public Schools

Kent Pekel is Superintendent of Schools in Rochester, Minnesota. Throughout his diverse career, he has sought to bridge research, practice, and policy to help all young people thrive. Prior to joining Rochester Public Schools, Dr. Pekel spent nine years as President and CEO of Search Institute, served as the founding Executive Director of the University of Minnesota’s College Readiness Consortium, and as Executive Director of Research and Development in the Saint Paul Public Schools. Dr. Pekel began his career as a high school teacher in his home state of Minnesota. He holds a B.A. in East Asian Studies from Yale University, a Master’s in Education from Harvard University, and a Doctorate in Education from the University of Minnesota.

CEO and Co-founder, Genograms

Kristine Stensland is the CEO and Co-Founder of Genograms. Her professional experience includes healthcare leadership roles at large institutions and start-up companies, non-profit management and fundraising, marketing management, and entrepreneurship. Kristine has an MBA in Finance and a master's degree in Health Care Administration.

Multilingual Learner Teacher, Riverside Central Elementary School

Laura Lenz is a Multilingual Learner Teacher at Riverside Central Elementary School in the Rochester Public Schools. She has been a public school teacher for 30 years, teaching English to multilingual students from kindergarten through adults. In 2024, Laura became a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide with the support of the Healing Forest Cohort and Project Get Outdoors. She collaborates with Quarry Hill Nature Center to offer free monthly Mindfulness in Nature sessions for adults and families. Laura is also a mindfulness teacher and integrates this practice into all of her work. In her free time, Laura enjoys being in nature, spending time with her family and friends, meditating, reading, drinking coffee, and making scones.

Literacy Instructor, P-TECH

Leah Baethke has been in education for over 20 years. A majority of her career has been spent at alternative and innovative school programs. She currently serves as a Literacy and Speech teacher at P-TECH 535.

Talent Solutions Specialist, Mayo Clinic

Liana Michelfelder-Tessum is a Talent Solutions Specialist within Mayo Clinic’s HR–Workforce Development team, where she designs and leads innovative programs that connect students and early-career talent to high-demand roles within the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. Her work centers on building sustainable career pathways through strategic partnerships with schools, community organizations, and healthcare education programs. Liana holds a Master of Arts in Leadership and Political Advocacy and brings expertise in program design, partnership development, and workforce strategy, helping shape solutions that strengthen both the talent pipeline and the communities Mayo Clinic serves.

Coordinator of Targeted Supports, Rochester Public Schools

Lida Casper is the Coordinator of Targeted Supports for Rochester Public Schools. As the product of a “village” herself, she knows firsthand that it takes a network of people and systems working together to build a healthy and vibrant community where all children can thrive. Lida has spent nearly 20 years as an educator, from New York City to rural Alaska, and finally, landing in Rochester, Minnesota. In 2010, she was awarded District Teacher of the Year in the Southwest Region School District. In 2019, she completed her administrative license at the University of Minnesota.

Director of The College Place, Southern Minnesota

Mainhia Yang is Director of The College Place-Southern Minnesota. With more than four years of experience in higher education admissions and financial aid, she brings a breadth and depth of knowledge to the students and families that she works with. Born and raised in St. Paul, Mainhia has a passion for educating and empowering students. Mainhia holds a BS and MBA from St. Catherine University.

Talent Solutions Specialist, Mayo Clinic

Mandy Satterfield serves as a Talent Solutions Specialist within Workforce Development at Mayo Clinic, where she leads initiatives to promote career awareness, literacy, and exploration for high school and college students. With over a decade of experience at Mayo Clinic, Mandy brings deep institutional knowledge and a passion for talent cultivation. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wesleyan College and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Human Resource Management. Mandy began her career in social work, supporting at-risk youth through organizations such as Project Adventure and CHRIS Kids in Georgia. She later transitioned into Human Resources, holding roles at Piedmont Healthcare and Kubota Corporation before relocating to Minnesota and joining Mayo Clinic.

Early Childhood Workforce Project Manager, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Marah Weidensee, Early Childhood Workforce Project Manager at the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families, is an analyst skilled at conducting qualitative and quantitative research in the early childhood education space. Marah holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

Co-Founder & Co-Owner, Coping Copliots, LLP

Marne Perrin, MS, CCLS, is Co-Founder & Co-Owner of Coping Copliots, LLP. For 13 years, Marne has trained and worked in a broad range of healthcare organizations across the United States as a Certified Child Life Specialist. She uses her master’s degree in Family and Human Development to elevate the importance of human behavior and relational connections, in support of children and families, as well as across interdisciplinary teams. Marne has a special interest in chronic illness and supporting youth in their ongoing understanding of their diagnosis and preparing for the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare. Marne has served as an adjunct faculty Teaching Specialist at the University of Minnesota since 2018 and is pursuing her Doctorate of Education in Leadership & Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University, with anticipated graduation in August 2027.

Education and Program Manager, SPARK, Children’s Museum of Rochester

Megan Long is the Education & Program Manager at SPARK Children’s Museum in Rochester, MN. She designs and leads hands-on activities that spark curiosity, creativity, and play for children and families. In her free time she enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time in nature.

Licensure Specialist, Project Momentum-Southeast Service Cooperative

Merissa Russie, Multilingual Education Licensure Specialist for Project Momentum, is an expert in education for multilingual learners. Previously an ELD Officer in Minneapolis, she developed a multilingual program and managed a grant to increase licensed staff of color. She holds a K-12 Principal License, an M.S., and a B.A. in K-12 ESL.

Career-Connected Learning Specialist, Southeast Service Cooperative, and Statewide FutureForward Lead, the Minnesota Service Cooperatives

Mike Schnell is a Career-Connected Learning Specialist at Southeast Service Cooperative and the Statewide FutureForward™ Lead for the Minnesota Service Cooperatives. He partners with schools, businesses, and community organizations to expand access to real-world learning experiences across Minnesota. Mike also serves as Southeast Minnesota’s Regional Data Coach for SLEDS and ECLDS, helping education and business leaders use data to guide planning and improve outcomes. With over 20 years of cross-sector experience and a background in political science, he is known for building strategic partnerships and was recognized with the 2023–24 Minnesota Manufactured Outstanding Partner Award.

Chief Research Officer and Co-founder, Genograms

Dr. Michael Stensland is the Chief Research Officer and Co-Founder of Genograms. He has over 20 years of experience in health outcomes research, including 15 years of owning a research consulting small business. He has extensive expertise in observational research methods and measurement validation to demonstrate the value of interventions with data. Dr. Stensland has a PhD in Clinical Psychology and Applied Quantitative Psychology.

Director of Multilingual Learning, Rochester Public Schools

Natalia Benjamin is Director of Multilingual Learning at Rochester Public Schools and is former Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Natalia leads district efforts to build inclusive, culturally responsive classrooms that honor the strengths of multilingual learners and their families.

Students Experiencing Homelessness Coordinator, Rochester Public Schools

Nicole Wibstad, LSW, MEd is the Rochester Public Schools point of contact for students and families experiencing homelessness. She brings 25 years of experience working in public schools and county systems to the team. She has worked with many collaborative teams and is proud to currently work in a highly effective collaborative partnership.

Data Analyst, Cradle 2 Career

Noah Shore is the Data Analyst for Cradle 2 Career. A graduate of the University of Minnesota in Rochester, Noah has been connected to C2C for over three years. Noah uses his experience and knowledge in quantitative and qualitative data to assess how the community is doing and help C2C communicate this data with partners and community members.

Community Health Specialist, Olmsted County Public Health Services

Pa Houa ‘PH’ Moua is a Community Health Specialist at Olmsted County Public Health Services. She has a Master of Public Health degree in Health Management, Administration, and Policy from New Mexico State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health from Minnesota State University, Mankato. She has worked on the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant for over seven years to combat commercial tobacco use and obesity rates. PH was a 2019 Truth Ambassador with Truth Initiative, America’s largest nonprofit public health organization committed to making tobacco use a thing of the past. She is a certified instructor in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) and a certified Mental Health First Aider. PH is passionate about public health initiatives that advance health equity for all people.

Director of Research and Evidence, Rochester Public Schools

Peter Wruck currently serves as Director of Research and Evidence for Rochester Public Schools. Prior to his current position, Peter served as a college dean and professor of sociology and criminal justice. Peter holds a Ph.D. in sociology and education sciences from the University of Minnesota. In his spare time, he does nothing but cater to his rambunctious 7 year old's every whim.

Head Start Director, Families First

Sandra Simar is currently the Head Start Director for Families First of Minnesota in Rochester. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota in Educational Policy and Administration. Sandra has served in Head Start programs since 1990 and has held the Director position since 1994. She also served as the Head Start-State Collaboration Director for five years. Sandra participated in many state-level groups, including the Governor’s Interagency Coordinating Council and the Governor’s Early Learning Council, and has been a board member of the Minnesota Head Start Association.

Program Coordinator, Project Get Outdoors

Sara Holger has been an environmental educator since 1994. She has worked for various organizations including the US Forest Service, Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, Olmsted County Parks, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Sara is a certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and a founding member of the Southeast Minnesota Park Rx coalition working to empowering healthcare providers to prescribe time outdoors.

Nurse Manager, Olmsted County Public Health

Sarah Stevens is a public health nurse manager in Family Home Visiting for Olmsted County Public Health. She has experience as a hospital-based nurse in orthopedic trauma and hyperbaric medicine and as a public health nurse home visitor in maternal/child home visiting. Sarah enjoys advocating for health at both the individual and community levels. She earned her Doctor of Practice in Nursing (DNP) in health innovation and leadership from the University of Minnesota. Passionate about mentoring and leading, Sarah engages with local, regional, and state organizations to promote public health. Sarah lives with her husband and two kids in Rochester, MN, where they enjoy a variety of outdoor activities with their hound mix.

Minnesota Student Survey Specialist, Minnesota Department of Education, Data Practices and Analytics Division

Dr. Seyma Birinci serves as Minnesota Student Survey specialist at MDE. Her work focuses on leveraging youth voices to improve the social, emotional, and educational experiences of Minnesota youth in schools.

Eviction Prevention Specialist, Rochester Public Schools

Shai Nichols is the Eviction Prevention Specialist for Rochester Public Schools, dedicated to reducing barriers for students impacted by housing instability—most commonly eviction. With a strong commitment to supporting families in crisis, Shai works to ensure every student has the stability they need to thrive. Throughout her career, she has worn many hats and brings a wealth of experience in youth-focused work.

Student Pathways Research Analyst, Minnesota Department of Education, Data Practices and Analytics Division

Dr. Shandell Pahlen, a Student Pathways Analyst at MDE, examines the unique journeys high school students follow as they transition into higher education and the workforce, while considering individual, institutional, and community factors.

Community Organizer, American Lung Association

Shantal Maharaj is a seasoned Neurophysiologist with over two decades as a healthcare provider. Having been recruited by the Mayo Clinic in 2005, her experience includes numerous global research projects. Shantal's expertise is further amplified by her Executive Master of Healthcare Administration from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Neurophysiology from South Africa, allowing her to offer a unique blend of skills, strategic leadership, and a deep understanding of the evolving healthcare landscape. Currently, Shantal is the organizing consultant in Rochester for the American Lung Association, passionately driving the Love Your Lungs Rochester Campaign!

Instructional Facilitators, Rochester Public Schools

Sierra Lindfors and Kyle Casper are Instructional Facilitators for Rochester Public Schools, supporting K-12 math and science. They collaborate with educators to implement best practices through coaching, data analysis, and professional development. Their work focuses on aligning state, district, and building initiatives to enhance student learning and support standards-aligned instruction.

Assoc. Professor, Leadership Education, Winona State University

Steve Baule is an Associate Professor of Leadership Education at Winona State University, where he also serves as Director of the Education Doctorate Program. He holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and Educational Policy Studies from Loyola University Chicago and an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology from Northern Illinois University. Dr. Baule's extensive academic career includes numerous publications and presentations focusing on educational leadership, instructional technology, and school library development. He has authored several books and articles that delve into topics such as generative AI, technology planning, leadership, and historical military research.

Executive Director, PossAbilities

Sue Mackert is Executive Director of PossAbilities. Identifying herself as a "senior-senior, white female who is not afraid of challenge," she was a small business owner for 32 years. Sue mentors young professionals, "fixes" broken systems, and is vastly interested in community. She served on a major regional hospital board, bank board, United Way and Chamber boards, and has been appointed to several disability-related state commissions and association boards. Last year, she received the Spirit Award from MOHR in recognition of her impact on excellence in leadership and innovation.

Student Pathways Research Analyst, Minnesota Department of Education, Data Practices and Analytics Division

Dr. Tai Do is a Student Pathways Analyst at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). He focuses on understanding high-impact practices that are conducive to students’ positive educational trajectories, whether academic, social, or professional.