Roseville Faculty and Staff
Hand In Hand Board Members:
Current Board Members: Joshua Legband (President); Jeremy Sizer (Treasurer); Leah Maloley (Secretary); Stephen Whiting (Ex Officio); Rev. Dr. Morris G.C. Vaagenes (Chaplain); Michelle Lee Thompson (Head of School), Jeremy Gustafson (Member), Jessica Wohler, (Member).
Former, Distinguished Board Members: Gary Carlson, Jane Tramm, Heather Elting-Ballard, Tim Masek, Keith Jones, Angela Koehler, Jody Ternes, David Horsager, Judie McKay, Mark Bruce and Brent thompson.
Michelle Lee Thompson “Mrs. Thompson”
m.thompson@hihcm.org
Staff and Faculty since 1999, Founder and Head of School; Family Programming Lead Teacher
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Bethel University; Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership with a Montessori Concentration from Argosy University; Certificate of Montessori Theory from Montessori Centre International, London; Certificate of Montessori Elementary Education from Child Alive Institute
“Leading Hand In Hand Christian Montessori is more than my job, it is my joy! I love inspiring staff and faculty, parents and children to be all God intended!”
Sue Shields “Ms. Sue”
s.shields@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2009 and Staff since 2011, Roseville Campus Director, Kappa E2 Lead Teacher
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Multi-categorical Self-Contained Class with Integration from Northwestern College, Orange City, IA; Certificate of Montessori Elementary Education from Child Alive Institute
“It’s a joy to help lead and grow Hand In Hand. I love guiding children into learning and sharing the love of Christ with them every day!”
Christine Berg, “Miss Chris”
c.berg@hihcm.org
Staff since 2017, Community Engagement, Facilities Coordinator
Credentials: Bible Certificate from Christ for the Nations; Attended Mountain View and Minnesota State University Moorhead
Julie DuBois “Miss Julie”
j.dubois@hihcm.org
Staff since 2015, Finance Administrator
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts from the University of St. Thomas with majors in Business Administration and Social Science
“It’s great to work where God is glorified and people are built up in Him. I’m happy to administrate finances so our teachers can focus on skillfully and lovingly educating children.”
Jason Lee “Mr. Jason”
j.lee@hihcm.org
Staff since 2019, Director of International and Virtual Classrooms
Credentials:
Mikalah Marx “Miss Makalah”
m.marx@hihcm.org
Staff since 2022, Human Resource Assistant
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance from University of Northwestern St. Paul
“I love working at Hand in Hand because it’s a great environment with so many wonderful people who love the Lord!”
Craig Overgaard “Mr. Craig”
c.overgaard@hihcm.org
Staff since 2020, Facilities Manager
Credentials:
Laura Praske “Miss Laura”
l.praske@hihcm.org
Staff since 2021, Human Recourse Director
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts Management, Luther College; MA Theological Studies, Bethel Seminary
“I love the mission of Hand In Hand and am passionate about finding, further developing, and supporting the team that God is calling to bring the mission to fruition.”
Jeanne Savitt
j.savitt@hihcm.org
Staff since 2019, Tuition Systems Administrator
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Accounting from University of St Thomas; CPA, Inactive
“I am blessed to be a part of a team that passionately pursues Jesus! I love that I can offer my support to the staff and families by using the gifts that God has given me.”
Dayna Taylor “Miss Dayna”
d.taylor@hihcm.org
Staff since 2019, Director of Development
Credentials: Master’s in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary; Master’s in Business Administration from University of Northwestern; Bachelors of Arts in Theater Arts from Bethel University
“I love my work at Hand In Hand, serving with a team and leader who is all in about following and pursuing the Holy Spirit! Advancing the Kingdom of God through this work at HIH is a pleasure and honor!”
Stacy Thompson “Miss Stacy”
s.thompson@hihcm.org
Staff since 2013, Campus Administrator
Credentials: BA in Art from Bethel University
“I love my position at HIH because I have the opportunity of sharing my gift of helpfulness that God gave me to students, parents and staff members, while always striving to be able to bring a smile to someone’s day.”
Sara Boyer “Miss Sara”
s.boyer@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2020, Family Programming Lead Teacher
Credentials:
Marlene Krumrie “Mrs. K”
m.krumrie@hihcm.org
Faculty since 1999, CMFE Coordinator
Credentials:
Michelle Lee Thompson “Mrs. Thompson”
m.thompson@hihcm.org
Staff and Faculty since 1999, Founder and Head of School, Family Programming Lead Teacher
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Bethel University; Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership with a Montessori Concentration from Argosy University; Certificate of Montessori Theory from Montessori Centre International, London; Certificate of Montessori Elementary Education from Child Alive Institute; Co-Founder of Nonna’s “Intergenerational Christian Montessori Daycare”.
“Leading Hand In Hand Christian Montessori is more than my job, it is my joy! I love inspiring staff and faculty, parents and children to be all God intended!”
Myra Arnold “Miss Myra”
m.arnold@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2001, Children’s House Lead Alpha Teacher
Credentials: BA in Natural History from the University of MN; Certificate of Montessori Early Childhood from the University of St Catherine, St Paul, MN; MA in Montessori Early Childhood Education from University of St Catherine, St Paul, MN
“I love teaching at Hand in Hand because I love to help children learn and grow into the beautiful people that God intends them to become. Hand in Hand is a very special learning environment in which I can live out my calling as a teacher who serves the Good Shepherd.”
Janice Collova “Miss Janice”
j.collova@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2021, Children’s House Aid
Credentials: BA in English Literature, theater minor, Bethel University
“I enjoy working at HIH because of the sense of community here. I’ve experienced community in previous workplaces, though HIH enacts community to a much higher level. I also enjoy that we can share the Christian faith openly here, with students and staff alike.”
Barbara Edgar “Miss Barbara”
b.edgar@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2019, Zeta E1 Assistant Teacher, NIDO Assistant Teacher
Credentials:
Angelina Frohlich “Miss Annie”
a.frohlich@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2002, Children’s House Lead Casa Teacher
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Children’s Ministries from University of Northwestern St Paul
Certificate of Montessori Children’s House from Child Alive Institute
Certificate in Musik Garten: Babies/ Toddler’s/ Cycle of Seasons/ God’s Children Sing/ Music Makers At Home and In the World
“What I love about a Christian and Montessori environment is that it allows me to guide the youngest among us to what is most important: to know Jesus, and love learning!”
Christie Gray, “Miss Christie”
c.gray@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2017, Children’s House Assistant CASA Teacher
Credentials: I am currently training for my Montessori children’s house certificate
Mary Pat Hiller “Miss Mary Pat”
m.hiller@hihcm.org
Faculty Since 2000, Children’s House Lead Alpha Teacher
Credentials: Certificate of Montessori Children’s House, Child Alive Institute; Catechesis of the Good Shepherd CJS; Certificate of Musik Garten (Cycle of Seasons / God’s Children Sing); Certificate of Godly Play
“I love being able to guide each child independently within their abilities and strengths, with practical, academic, and spiritual hands on work.”
Maggie McKnight “Miss Maggie”
m.mcknight@hihcm.org
Faculty Since 2021, Children’s House Assistant Teacher, NIDO Infant Teacher
Credentials: BA in Asian Philosophy from Macalester College, Certified Teacher of Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Level 1 (3-5yr olds)
“I find great joy and purpose in working with young children, and I am delighted to have the privilege to do so in such a loving and supportive Christian community as is HIH!”
Tina Stebbing “Miss Tina”
t.stebbing@hihcm.org
Faculty since January 2012, Children’s House Lead Beta and Theta Teacher
Credentials: Montessori certificate from St Catherine’s college
“I enjoy every day I come to Hand in Hand and the interaction with other staff, parents and the students. I also feel blessed to teach excellence of children’s education and importance growth of character and Faith.”
LaVonne Bluhm “Miss LaVonne”
l.bluhm@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2004, Kappa E1 East Lead Teacher
Credentials: B.A. degree business communications and French, Spanish minor from Concordia College Moorhead, Mn. Teaching license from Bethel University, St. Paul, Mn. Received certificate of Montessori training through the Child Alive Institute in 2008.
“I love my job and being able to combine the love for teaching with sharing the love of Jesus with my students.”
Sydney Deas “Miss Sydney”
s.deas@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2019, Zeta E2 Co-Lead Teacher, CREO Jr. High Math Lead Teacher
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies with a major in Bible and Theology and a minor in Early Childhood Education from Bethany Global University, Bloomington, MN; Elementary Christian Montessori Full Credential from Christian Montessori Training Center, Bloomington, MN
“I love getting to play a role in the development of our students. It is so fulfilling to watch students learn, grow, and discover new things. It makes all the difference that we are able to bring Christ and His Word into everything that we do at HIH.”
Stephanie Determan “Miss Stephanie”
s.determan@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2020, Kappa E1 and Lambda E2 Assistant Teacher
Credentials:
Anna-Lena Forsman “Miss Anna-Lena”
a.forsman@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2019, Lambda E1 Assistant Teacher
Credentials: BA degree in Christian Education, Bible and Psychology from Northwesten University. Montessori Certificate throuh the Christian Montessori Training program at Bethany Global Univeristy.
Naomi Glidden, “Miss Naomi”
n.glidden@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2022, Kappa 1 West Assistant Teacher
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Service Management for Non-Profits from University of Wisconsin – Stout
“I love my position at HIH because I love working with the children, seeing them as created in the image of God, helping them grow into the person they can be.”
Amie Beth Grubidge, “Miss Amie Beth”
a.grubidge@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2017, Zeta E1 Lead Teacher
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Bethel University; Master of Arts in Special Education with teaching licenses in Specific Learning Disabilities, Emotional Behavior Disorders, and Academic Behavior Strategies from Bethel University; Montessori Training from the Christian Montessori Training Center.
“I am blessed to be teaching at Hand in Hand where I have the distinguished honor of advancing the kingdom of God through my work with your children.”
Susan Leigh Jakubiec “Miss Susan”
s.jakubiec@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2006, Kappa E1 East Lead Teacher
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts degree in Linguistics with a concentration in Biblical and Modern Hebrew from the University of Wisconsin, Madison; Master Teacher Certificate from Logic of English; Montessori training through the Christian Montessori Training Center.
“The Christ-centered community of Hand In Hand is my joy and blessing. What a privilege it is to share the nurturing love of God with our precious children!”
Anne Johnson, “Miss Anne”
a.johnson@hihcm.org
Faculty since January 2017, Zeta E2 Co-Lead Teacher
Credentials: Degree in Elementary Education from Wheaton College and holds an Illinois K-9 teaching license. Taught for three years at a Christian bilingual school in Bogotá, Colombia. Completed Montessori certification classes in summer 2017 through the Christian Montessori Training Center. Before Hand In Hand, Anne taught for three years at a Christian bilingual school in Bogotá, Colombia.
“I love teaching and working with children and I am very thankful for the opportunity to be part of the HIH community!
Faith Marie Nava, “Ms. Nava”
f.nava@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2021, Lambda 1 West Lead Teacher, CREO Spanish Teacher
Credentials: Doctorate in Education from Bethel University, Trained at the Montessori Elementary Seton Institute
“Hand In Hand is family. We see God’s gifts and blessings in each person. We encourage one another with their academics and growth. We stand together and give glory to our Lord and Savior as children of God.”
Sue Shields “Ms. Sue”
s.shields@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2009 and Staff since 2011, Elementary 2 “Kappa” Lead Teacher (ages 9-12 years); Roseville Campus Director
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Multi-categorical Self-Contained Class with Integration from Northwestern College, Orange City, IA; Certificate of Montessori Elementary Education from Child Alive Institute
“It’s a joy to help lead and grow Hand In Hand. I love guiding children into learning and sharing the love of Christ with them every day!”
Katie Stone “Miss Katie”
k.stone@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2021
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies and Biblical Theology with a minor in Early Childhood Education
“I love HIH’s working environment. My co-workers are amazing at what they do and genuinely love their students. I love working alongside Miss Amie Beth as we serve our Zeta 1 students.”
Sydney Deas “Miss Sydney”
s.deas@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2019, Zeta E2 Co-Lead Teacher, CREO Math Lead Teacher
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies with a major in Bible and Theology and a minor in Early Childhood Education from Bethany Global University, Bloomington, MN; Elementary Christian Montessori Full Credential from Christian Montessori Training Center, Bloomington, MN
“I love getting to play a role in the development of our students. It is so fulfilling to watch students learn, grow, and discover new things. It makes all the difference that we are able to bring Christ and His Word into everything that we do at HIH.”
Bethany Finnern “Miss Bethany”
b.finnern@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2019, CREO Art Secialist
Credentials: Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Certificate of Child Development Through the Arts and Academics from Child Alive Institute, Certificate of Completion from AMI Adolescent Development Training
Caren Harringshaw “Miss Caren”
c.lee@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2019, CREO Science and P.E. Lead teacher
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an Integrated Science Endorsement from Hope College, Holland, MI
Kay Kelly “Miss Kay”
k.kelly@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2022, CREO Chemistry teacher
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Bible from Northwestern College, St. Paul
Anna Lattner “Miss Anna”
a.lattner@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2019, CREO Math and Logic Lead Teacher
Credentials: Bachelors of Science in Mathematics Education and Minor in Bible from University of Northwestern, St. Paul.
“I love working in a place that truly seeks to give each student what they uniquely need to grow and learn. Working with a team of teachers who love Jesus and whose passion is for students to love Jesus has been transformative.”
Damian Leverett “Mr. Damian”
d.leverett@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2020, CREO Theater & Recreation Specialist and Apologetics Teacher
Credentials: BFA in Acting from the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater Actor Training Program. Certified Personal Trainer from The American Council on Exercise
“The culture of Hand in Hand is truly unique in the landscape of education. The combination of Montessori values and the Christian worldview is so beautiful and enriching for children and wonderful as an educator. Everything is geared towards glorifying God by guiding children towards true growth as believers and followers of Christ.”
Megan Mathis “Miss Megan”
m.mathis@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2012, Dean of Academics, Apologetics and Occupations Lead Teacher
Credentials: Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences from The University of Minnesota; Master’s Degree in Family Education from The University of Minnesota; Teaching License in Family and Consumer Sciences from University of Minnesota; Teaching LIcense in Work Based Learning from Bethel University
“I love preparing junior high students for their futures at Hand in Hand where we start with their hearts and work towards daily life skills!”
Kristin Tabb “Miss Kristin”
k.tabb@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2019, CREO Language Arts Lead Teacher
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in English with an Education emphasis from Cedarville College; Master of Arts in Biblical Studies from Wheaton College.
“I am thankful to work in an environment that values faith in Christ and that values students as whole people. It’s a joy to be able to approach literature from a Christian worldview in the classroom.”
Nikolas Winter-Simat
n.wintersimat@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2018, CREO Dean of Students, Seminar, PSEA and Occupations Lead Teacher
Credentials: Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from the University of Minnesota; Master of Philosophy from Queensland University of Technology; Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
“One of the things I love about working at Hand In Hand is being able to integrate spiritual development in our larger approach to education. I am greatly encouraged as I witness students creatively live out their faith in authentic ways.”
Ben Witt
b.witt@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2020, CREO History Specialist
Credentials: Bachelor of Science in History and a Bachelor of Science in Bible from the University of Northwestern – St. Paul.
“I am extremely blessed to work at a school where Jesus’ name is spoken every single day and everyone is seeking excellence in everything they do for the glory of his name. I am so grateful for my students, my fellow CREO teachers and everyone else who make Hand in Hand such a special place to be.”
Barbara Eckert “Mrs. Barb”
b.eckert@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2007, MSTEM (Montessori Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) with ages 5 – 15; Math specialist in Kappa E1 and Lambda E1 classes, ages 6 – 12.
Credentials: Bachlor’s degree from Bethel University, majoring in Math and minoring in Chemistry and Language. In house Montessori training from Stephanie Wehman and Child Alive at Hand In Hand Christian Montessori. STEM Certificate graduate program from St. Catherine University.
“MSTEM naturally engages children, including me, which makes it fun to teach. I get the privilege of meeting almost every student!”
Christine Edwards “Miss Christine”
c.edwards@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2019, Art Specialist K-6th grade
Credentials: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts from the University of Minnesota, Certificate of Montessori Elementary Education from Child Alive Institute
Julie Erickson “Miss Julie”
j.erickson@hihcm.org
Staff since 2018 and Faculty since 2015, NIDO Director, Music Specialist, Compliance and Licensing
Credentials: Bachelor of Science in Music from North Central University; Certificate of Montessori Theory from Bethany Global University; Musikgarten Teacher; Zumba Instructor
“I love that I get to work with every student from preschool-8th grade as a music specialist! We have so much fun learning here!”
Bethany Finnern “Miss Bethany”
b.finnern@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2019, CREO Art Secialist
Credentials: Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, Certificate of Child Development Through the Arts and Academics from Child Alive Institute, Certificate of Completion from AMI Adolescent Development Training
Johanna Holliday “Miss Johanna”
j.holliday@hihcm.org
Staff since 2020, Assistant Cook
Credentials:AA from Finlandia University in Hotel/Restaurant Management
“I love my job at HIH because the staff is so encouraging and kind.”
Damian Leverett “Mr. Damian”
d.leverett@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2020, CREO Theater & Recreation Specialist and Apologetics Teacher
Credentials: BFA in Acting from the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater Actor Training Program. Certified Personal Trainer from The American Council on Exercise
“The culture of Hand in Hand is truly unique in the landscape of education. The combination of Montessori values and the Christian worldview is so beautiful and enriching for children and wonderful as an educator. Everything is geared towards glorifying God by guiding children towards true growth as believers and followers of Christ.”
Beverly Penn “Miss Bev”
b.penn@hihcm.org
Staff since 2011, Kitchen Manager / Cook
Credentials: Food Manager License; Certificate from the Minnesota Department of Health
“God has blessed me with the joy of cooking and being in the kitchen. I find it is an honor and a blessing to serve God’s children at Hand In Hand.”
Paul Robotnik “Mr. Paul”
Adjunct Staff since 2003, Kitchen Assistant
Jennifer Lee “Miss Jen”
jen.lee@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2015, School Counsler
Credentials: Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a Masters of Science degree in Guidance and Counseling: School Counseling PK-12. Northeast United Educators Most Influential Staff – Awarded the title three times in 2006, 2008, and 2010. Working as a School Counselor in Wisconsin Public Schools since 2003 and as a School Counselor and Handle With Care Coordinator at Hand in Hand since 2014.
“Working at Hand-in-Hand is such a blessing. Connecting with the families and the students, seeing them flourish emotionally, academically, and spiritually, growing in the gifts God has given them.”
Sari Shorey, “Miss Sari”
s.shorey@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2020, School Nurse
Credentials: Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Minnesota, School of Nursing; Registered Nurse; Public Health Certified; Licensed School Nurse
“It is beautiful to work in an educational setting where the children are seen as whole persons (mind, body and soul). I love that HIH supports wellness with age-appropriate ergonomics, nourishing food, physical activity, fresh air and spiritual care.”
Amy States, “Mrs. Amy”
a.states@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2017, History Specialist, Virtual Classroom Lead Teacher
Credentials: Degree in Pastoral Studies and Cross Cultural Communications from Philips School of Ministry and Missions in conjunction with North Central Bible College; Introduction to Montessori Education Child Alive Institute; Audited training for E2 Mathematics, Geometry and Language from CMTC
“Working at hand in hand is a delight because of the wonderful staff. Each one has such love and care for the children, for their co-workers, and for the Lord. This translates to an incredible workplace and a wonderful education environment for the children.”
Sharne Winter-Simat “Miss Winter”
s.wintersimat@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2017, Handle With Care and Resource Room Specialist
Credentials: Bachelor of Education (Secondary education); Bachelor of Arts (dance/ theater); currently working on Masters of Education (Wellbeing and Positive Mental Health)
“Hand in Hand provides the balance I was seeking between homeschooling and Christian education. I enjoy working alongside staff who value the whole child – mind, body and soul.”
Beth Wood, “Mrs. Wood”
b.wood@hihcm.org
Faculty since 2011, Preschool Art Specialist
Credentials: B.A. in Art Education from Bethel College, Masters in Christian Education from Bethel Seminary, post graduate credits in both degrees also
“There is no greater joy than giving art supplies to children, who were created by God to be creative artists! I am privileged to do just that!”
Jason Lee “Mr. Jason”
j.lee@hihcm.org
Staff since 2019, Director of International and Virtual Classrooms
Credentials:
Ashley Bendeckson “Miss Ashley”
ashley@hihcm.org
Staff since 2021, Director of International and Virtual Classrooms
Credentials: Associates degree in Entrepreneurship from North Hennepin Community College
“I spent my elementary years as a student at HIH and the education I received helped form me into who I am today. Now, I am excited to help families around the world bring Christian Montessori into their homes through Hand in Hand’s new virtual campus!”