Community School Facilitator, Gage Elementary

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.

Rochester Public Schools Literacy Coaches

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.

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.

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.

Rochester Community Initiative Co-Directors and Operations Directors

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.

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.

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

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.