Leadership Team
Anna Robinson, 7/8 Social Studies Teacher in LASS, leadership team member, board Exofficio
Name Preference: Anna
Pronouns: She/Her
At LJA Since: 2014
Contact Info: annar@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? My students, my family, and people, past and present, who stand up for what is right and fight the good fight!
What do you love most about LJA? My students and my colleagues.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? I hope my scholars know the power they hold and use their voices to advocate for themselves and others now and in the future.
Education: B.A.A. in Teaching Social Studies with minor in Women's Studies from University of MN Duluth; M.Ed Teaching and Learning from St. Mary's University Winona
What’s on your bucket list? Sky Diving
Which skill would you love to learn? Painting!
Which time period would you visit in history? 1920s
What takes a lot of time but is totally worth it? Teaching and cleaning!
Elizabeth Forshee, Special education teacher, Leadership Team Member
Name Preference: Ms. Lizzie
Pronouns: She / Her
At LJA Since: 2008
Contact Info: lizzief@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? Scholar Light Bulbs - When a scholar embodies a growth mindset and continues to persist their "light bulb" will shine. Helping scholars find their internal drive, and the acceptance of feeling comfortable in the uncomfortable is what inspires me in the day to day work.
What do you love most about LJA? Its community. A diverse group of people is pulled to LJA and watching the way in which our community grows is what I love most about LJA. We are a special niche in an unknown world that brings a sense of purpose to young scholars.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? Feel confident in themselves and what they have to offer society.
Education: BS in Biology, 5-12 Life Science Licensure
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life what would it be? Tacos
If you had to delete all but 3 apps from your smartphone, which ones would you keep? Pinterest
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be? Swiss Alps
Which skill would you love to learn? Woodworking
What topic could you give a 20-minute presentation on without any preparation? LJA!
What takes a lot of time but is totally worth it? French Onion Soup
Eileen Lindstrom, 6-7 Math Teacher, Leadership Team Member
Name Preference: Eileen Lindstrom
Pronouns: She/Her
At LJA Since: 2018
Contact Info: eileenl@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? Seeing the aha moment when the math makes sense to a scholar and they feel empowered by it.
What do you love most about LJA? The scholars, they have so many ideas and the power to change the world.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? I hope that they find their place in the world and change it for the better. I also hope they continue to grow and see themselves as doers of math and that they can find the joy in mathematics.
Education: Masters in Math Education from University of Minnesota, Bachelors Degree from Cornell College
Do you collect anything? Yarn and knitting projects, also terrible dad jokes & puns
Who is your hero or inspiration? Sara Van Der Werf
What is your catchphrase, or a word you say a lot? It is proportional?
What topic could you give a 20-minute presentation on without any preparation? Math, the Minnesota Lynx, or knitting
Nate moore, Special Education Teacher/coordinator, Leadership Team Member
Name Preference: Mr. Nate
Pronouns: He/Him
At LJA Since: 2022
Contact Info: natem@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What do you love most about LJA? I love that it is a small community that is responsive to the needs of its scholars.
What inspires you? Working with kids and seeing their creativity and ingenuity.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? I hope that they grow and are able to see themselves as life long learners.
What is your educational background? I have a B.A. in History from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and received my Teaching License through Bethel University.
Maddi mcdonell, social worker
Name Preference: Ms. Maddi
Pronouns: She/Her
At LJA Since: 2022
Contact Info: maddim@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? YOU! Getting to know you and your interests, what you are curious about, and your worldview inspires me. I am always motivated to expand my thinking and learn more.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? My hope is you experience LJA as the welcoming, safe, and enriching place it is. And, I especially hope you use your talents, strengths, and capacity to contribute to making it a very special place to grow. We are glad you are here.
Outside of LJA: I have a fabulous family, husband and 3 young adult kids, but they were young once! We also have two playful and crazy dogs! I love to ride my bike, explore and travel. Sharing good food, making food, and eating good foods are definitely some of my favorite things to do!
AdministratION
Greg Coleman, Dean of Students
Angela DeCourcy, Office Administration/Food Service
Name preference: Ms. Angela
Pronouns: She/Her
At LJA since: 2024
Contact info: angelad@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? Life & my kids!
What is your hope for LJA scholars? I hope each scholar is comfortable here at LJA and knows that the staff is here to help support them be successful.
Favorite quote: “Look at the glass half full.”
If you could live anywhere in the world for one year, where would it be? I would like to live in Jamaica.
Sree Lakshmi Nagadevara, Operations Coordinator
Teachers
Lizzie Warpinski, 7/8 lass teacher
Name Preference: Mx. Lizzie
Pronouns: Any
At LJA Since: 2023
Contact Info: lizziew@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? A good story.
What do you love most about LJA? Our commitment to inclusivity.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? I hope that LJA scholars grow confident in their abilities to ask questions, investigate answers, and problem-solve both independently and collaboratively.
What is your educational background? I have a BA in English Literature from UW-Whitewater and received my teaching certification from Augsburg University.
You have to sing karaoke, what song do you pick? All These Things that I've Done, by The Killers
If you had to delete all but 3 apps from your smartphone, which ones would you keep? Libby, Tumblr, Podcast Player
If you could choose any two famous people to have dinner with who would they be? Daniel Kahn and Boots Riley
Heidi Jarmuz, 5/8 Math teacher
Name Preference: Ms. Heidi
Pronouns: She/Her
At LJA Since: 2023
Contact Info: heidij@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? Nature inspires me. It is constantly evolving and learning. Each organism is beautiful, necessary, and interconnected to the success of the planet.
What do you love most about LJA? The community and how welcoming everyone is as well as how focused everyone is on the scholars and giving them the best opportunities.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? I hope they retain they curiosity, enhance their problem-solving skills, and grow in their personal journey, and that they continue to use these skills to make the world a better place.
What is your educational background? Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan Technological University and Master's in Math Education from University of Minnesota
Who is your hero or inspiration? My dad is my inspiration. He loved nature and could see the amazing in the smallest things like finding a 4-leaf clover, seeing a shooting star, smelling a rainstorm, or the stillness of a winter night. He loved and respected all people. He believed that every person has something valuable to contribute.
Which skill would you love to learn? Iron working/welding - I would love to make some type of art work by welding metals together.
What takes a lot of time but is totally worth it? A good book.
cece watkins, 5/6 stem teacher
Name Preference: Ms. Cece
Pronouns: She/Her
At LJA Since: 2022
Contact Info: cecew@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? New ways of thinking, as well as ancient ways of thinking that are new to me (but surprisingly still resonant and applicable!
What do you love most about LJA? The commitment to supporting our scholars as holistic humans and empowering them as change makers.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? For them to develop an abiding love for themselves, other humans, the non-human world, and learning. For them to find and develop their own strengths, and then have opportunities to share those gifts with their broader communities and the world.
What is your educational background? BA in Sociology and Islamic/Middle Eastern Studies from Brandeis University; Masters in Education with a STEM focus from University of St Thomas.
Got any favorite quotes? Radical simply means ‘grasping things at the root.’ – Angela Davis
Bridger Hagen, wellness/physical education teacher
Name Preference: Mr. Bridger
Pronouns: He/Him
At LJA Since: 2023
Contact Info: bridgerh@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? Helping the future generation make the world a better place.
What do you love most about LJA? The community is strong, supportive, and welcoming.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? As a wellness teacher, I hope my scholars will commit to health-enhancing behaviors to improve their overall wellness now and in the future.
What is your educational background? Graduated from UWRF in the Spring of 2023.
Do you have any favorite quotes? "Don't sweat the small stuff."
Do you collect anything? I collect Pokemon on Pokemon GO.
What skill would you love to learn? Lockpicking!
Katie Kirschmann, 5-8 Music Teacher, Educational Support
Name Preference: Ms. Katie
Pronouns: She/Her
At LJA Since: 2020
Contact Info: katiek@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? I like to cook, travel, make art and write music. I am inspired by new experiences such as going somewhere I've never been, trying new food, learning a new subject, hobby or skill, etc.
What do you love most about LJA? I love the autonomy I have in my curriculum, the kindred spirit, and shared culture and values.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? For them to make connections between all content areas, feel comfortable enough to express themselves fully, as well as both confident and competent to pursue whatever they desire.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Choral Education from Dickinson State University
Favorite Quote: "To practice art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow." -Kurt Vonnegut
You have to sing karaoke, what song do you pick? Criminal by Fiona Apple
What topic could you give a 20-minute presentation on without any preparation? The Beatles!
Lizbeth Rosas Real, 5-8 Art Teacher
Name Preference: Ms. Rosa
Pronouns: She/Her
At LJA Since: 2021
Contact Info: lizbethr@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? To create art that can express my view and thoughts. And how I can help the scholars express theirs too.
What do you love most about LJA? How open everyone is and how kind and inclusive it is.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? To be successful in their goals and to grow and how they realize that.
Education: Bachelors in Illustration, Minor in Teaching Artist, Minneapolis College of Art
If you had to delete all but 3 apps from your smartphone, which ones would you keep? I ❤ YouTube and Pinterest
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be? Italy
What takes a lot of time but is totally worth it? Creating artworks
Anna Marie Rutz, Special Education Teacher
Name Preference: Ms. Anna Marie
Pronouns: She/Her
At LJA Since: 2020
Contact Info: annamarier@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? Learning new things
What do you love most about LJA? That it is teacher-led.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? That they see their brilliance.
Education: Bachelors of Applied Science in Elementary Education, University of Minnesota-Duluth
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life what would it be? Pho
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be? Thailand Scuba Diving
What’s on your bucket list? Become a skydiving instructor.
Julie Silvers, Special Education Teacher, board member
Name Preference: Julie Silvers
Pronouns: She/Her
At LJA Since: 2021
Contact Info: julies@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? I am inspired by simplicity. It could be a line in a book, or a moment in a book, something that a scholar may say in class. It’s the little things that you least expect that seem to come out of nowhere but carry so much power. That was inspirational to me.
What do you love most about LJA? I love everything about LJA! There is a uniquely, beautiful ebb and flow to LJA. We aren’t just a school, we are a community, a family, with its own heart and soul.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? My hope for our scholars is that they never lose their truth as they go out into the world and make it a much better place.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Master’s Degree in Special Education Emotional Behavioral Disorders, Specific Learning Disabilities
Favorite Quote: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." - Maya Angelou
What are your favorite songs from your teenage years that you still rock out to when nobody else is listening? “Dancing with Myself “ by Billy Idol, “Just Like Heaven “ by The Cure, “Every Little Step” by Bobby Brown
Who is your hero or inspiration? Audrey Hepburn
Birdie Miller, 7/8 STEM Teacher
Mary Jane Miller, 5/6 LASS Teacher
Megan Hein-Ferris, Reading Interventionist & EL Teacher
Name Preference: Megan
Pronouns: She/Her
At LJA since: 2024
Contact info: meganhf@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? People doing extraordinary things.
What do you love most about LJA? The staff are so very nice and knowledgeable.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? I hope scholars gain confidence as readers.
What is your educational background? Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota, a K-6 Grade Elementary License from Augsburg College, and a K-12 Reading License from the University of Minnesota.
What’s on your bucket list? Travel to Egypt, Alaska, and Australia
Which skill would you love to learn? Crochet (Woobles!)
You’re stuck on a deserted island with only three things; what would you have? Family, food, and shelter
Kristin Hankwitz, Special Education Teacher
Support Staff
Mellie ernst, 5-6 1:1 Education Assistant
Name Preference: Mellie
Pronouns: She/Her
At LJA Since: 2023
Contact Info: melliee@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? Community! The incredible ability of a collective to nourish and support one another drives so much of what I do.
What do you love most about LJA? That everyone is seen as whole humans with lots of strengths and complexities.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? To be able to foster a strong sense of curiosity.
What is your educational background? Bachelors in Sociology and Educational Studies from Macalester College.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life what would it be? Everything bagel sandwich.
Which skills would you love to learn? To make my own clothes.
What are your favorite songs from your teenage years that you still rock out to when nobody else is listening? A little hard to admit, but I still listen to Glee covers on a weekly basis.
Emma Welter, Math teacher/Interventionist 5-8
Name Preference: Ms. Emma
Pronouns: She/Her
At LJA Since: 2018
Contact Info: emmaw@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? Learning about different cultures and trying new things.
What do you love most about LJA? The close-knit, supportive community.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? To inspire them to learn new things and try new strategies.
Education: AA from Saint Paul College, AAS from Herzing University, currently working on Mathematics BA from Metro State but also have many credits from Secondary Teaching Mathematics & Urban Education from Metro State
Do you collect anything? Elephants
Which time period would you visit in history? Jurassic
Which skill would you love to learn? To speak multiple languages.
Kate Dario, Social Work Intern
Josie Schroeder, Social Work Intern
Sara Sirag, Social Work Intern
Hodan Abdiaziz, Promise Fellow
Ariana Brown, Educational Assistant
Rodreakal Brown, Educational Assistant
Name Preference: Ms. Brown
Pronouns: She/Her
At LJA since: 2003
Contact info: Rodreakalb@laurajeffreyacademy.org
What inspires you? Persevering through tough situations and circumstances
What do you love most about LJA? The tight-knit community and the genuine interest in the scholars.
What is your hope for LJA scholars? For each scholar to strive to be their best and work hard.
Education: Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Capella University
Do you collect anything? Dutch Ovens or anything Cast Iron/Cast Iron Enameled
If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be Barcelona, Spain!
What takes a lot of time, but is totally worth it? Cooking.
Meara Cline, Educational Assistant
Bronson Evans-Scott, Educational Assistant
Deon Lara, Educational Assistant
Leigh Mark, Educational Assistant
Elysabeth Page, Educational Assistant
Jenn Radtke, In House Substitute
Amy Devecka, in-house substitute
Name Preference: Ms. Amy
Pronouns: She/Her
At LJA Since: 2022
Contact Info: amyd@laurajeffreyacademy.org