Teaching online since: 2002
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 103

Biography: Tracy Quarnstrom serves as the executive director at Minnesota Online High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social studies education from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Tracy earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Hamline University, where she also obtained certificates for principal and superintendent licensure. Since 2002, Tracy has worked in the online learning arena to support high-quality virtual education. She is passionate about providing a safe and welcoming space for staff, students, and families to flourish in an accepting and motivating educational culture. Tracy has been highly involved in promoting strong virtual schools for many years, including membership in the MN K-12 Online Learning Alliance and the MN Association of Charter Schools. She is a past recipient of the MN Association of Charter Schools Leadership Award. Tracy has been at MNOHS since July 1, 2024.

Teaching online since: 2005
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 118

Biography: Anastasia Martin is a licensed social studies educator (grades 6-12) who has taught since 1999 in Connecticut, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Her teaching experiences include middle school and high school students in a wide variety of courses. She has also taught in a college setting and worked with students earning their GEDs. A North Dakota native, Anastasia loves to travel and has been to five continents. Anastasia received her BA in Political Science and Education from North Dakota State University and her Master’s degree in Public Administration from Southern Connecticut State University. She joined MNOHS is 2005 and is currently teaching World Geography, American History, World History and Psychology. She is also coordinates the MNOHS Professional Development Committee and is a volunteer member of the MNOHS Board.

Teaching online since: —-
Email: —-
Phone: —-

Biography: Arwa Ahmed is a Senior at the University of Minnesota studying Psychology. She plans to pursue a master’s in social work to become a therapist. Arwa graduated from MNOHS in 2021, and we are delighted and grateful that she has chosen to volunteer at MNOHS for her capstone project. Her time at MNOHS will be spent gaining practical experience in supporting students and working on mental health and education initiatives. Her academic and volunteer experiences reflect her dedication to helping others and preparing for a career in therapy.

Teaching online since: 2019
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 129

Biography: Laila Alamy earned her teaching license at Hamline University in 2019, where she is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Teaching. She is licensed to teach communication arts and literature to students in grades 5-12. She is a graduate of Metropolitan State University where she earned a B.A. in Philosophy. She is passionate about language and literature, and aspires to pass that along to her students. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family.

Teaching online since: 2011
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 115

Biography: Christie Allison is a graduate of Kent State University in Ohio where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Special Education in 2005 and her Master’s Degree in 2007 in Special Education with a Transition endorsement. Ms. Allison has worked as a Transition teacher since 2006–on the Kent State campus, at Stillwater Area High School, and at MNOHS since 2011. In 2006, she received a grant to develop a curriculum for students with autism to learn job skills. Ms. Allison is currently continuing her study at Kent State as an online PhD student in Educational Psychology researching learning within online gaming environments.

Teaching online since: 2014
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 322

Biography: Carianne Anderson earned a degree in secondary education (7-12 social studies) from Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota and has been teaching since 2000. Carianne has worked in New Prague, Lakeville, and is currently teaching social studies at Metro South in Bloomington, Minnesota. She joined MNOHS in 2014 and is teaching American history and psychology.

Teaching online since: 2023
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 133

Biography: Shelby Andrist is a joyful math teacher, born and raised on the Iron Range in Northern Minnesota, and has a passion for helping people find their place in the world. After finding her love of teaching early by tutoring in high school, she completed her Associate of Arts in education from Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids, MN. From there, she transferred to Bemidji State University to obtain a mathematics education (5-12) B.S., a music performance (trumpet) B.A., and a minor in Spanish in 2017 after a semester of study in Seville, Spain. While working in a variety of schools in Minnesota, Colorado, and North Dakota, she determined she didn’t quite know enough to reach all of her students and wrapped up a master’s degree from Concordia College in Moorhead in World Languages and Cultures, M.Ed., in 2023. Ms. Shelby has been thrilled to settle in at MNOHS to change lives, create opportunities, and flexibly pursue mathematics with a purpose. If you came across Shelby in the real world, she would probably be walking her pups outside, reading a book, and jamming out to some great tunes – somehow all at the same time.

Teaching online since: non-teaching staff
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 137

Biography: Sarah Bayrd has worked as the Enrollment Specialist at MNOHS since 2012, assisting new and returning students in the enrollment and application processes. She holds B.A. in Psychology from Saint Olaf College in Northfield, MN. Sarah enjoys working in such a distinctive environment with so many unique and talented students. She loves the outdoors (especially biking and walking with her husband), reading, travel, and spending time with family and friends.

Teaching online since: 2017
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 105

Biography: Sarah Benson has worked as a school counselor and case manager since 2012. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2010 and her master’s degree in school counseling from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2012. In 2006-2007, Sarah served in Iraq with the Minnesota Army National Guard and it was through that experience that she decided to pursue working in the human services profession. She was a co-founder and is a current board member of a non-profit in her local community that celebrates and supports the LGBTQ+ community. In her free time, she enjoys family bike rides, reading historical fiction, cheering on the Vikings and writing adventure stories for her children.

Teaching online since: 2025
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 800

Biography: Miriam Birdsell is a dedicated school counselor who recently earned her Master’s degree in School Counseling. Passionate about supporting middle school students, she is committed to fostering their emotional and academic growth. Originally from Mexico City, Miriam moved to the United States in 2001, bringing with her a deep appreciation for diversity and equality—values shaped by her Hispanic heritage. She holds degrees in Communications and Family and Marriage, which provide her with a unique perspective on building strong, effective relationships. Miriam aspires to become a nationally certified counselor and is driven by her dedication to helping students thrive in all areas of their lives. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing sports, and celebrating her love for animals.

Teaching online since: non-teaching staff
Email: [email protected]
Phone:(800) 764-8166 Ext. 101

Biography: Adrianna Black Bull joined MNOHS staff in 2021 as the Office Manager and District Assessment Coordinator, supporting school operations and coordinating state, local, AP and ACT testing. She began working in the online public-school environment as an office administrator in 2016, and has enjoyed being able to support families, students and teachers. She appreciates the opportunities an online education can provide for families and students. Adrianna has a husband and two young children. She loves reading, being on the lake and spending time with friends and family.

Teaching online since: 2006
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 119

Biography: Kimberly Breeden has taught mathematics to students in grades 8 through 12 since 1997. She received her Bachelor of Applied Science degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and in 2002 completed her Masters in Educational Technology at the University of St. Thomas. She taught high school in Chisago Lakes and Rockford before coming to MNOHS in 2006. At MNOHS she teaches Applied Geometry, Calculus, Preparing for Post-Secondary Math, Applied Statistics, and Computer Science. As the senior member of the MNOHS Student Success and Intervention Team, Ms. Breeden has provided critical leadership for creating a positive school climate and for using technology to document students’ strengths and needs and to communicate about them. She also served for six years as a member of the MNOHS Board.

Teaching online since: 2006
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 121

Biography: Lori Breidenbach has taught English and language arts since 1988 and joined MNOHS in 2006. She currently teaches Myths and Legends, English Survey, Research Learning, World Literature and British Literature at MNOHS—and is the TAG Team (talented and gifted) Coordinator and a member of the Professional Development Committee. She previously taught traditional classroom English at Kentridge High School in Kent, Washington and at Hopkins High School in Hopkins, MN for several years. Ms. Breidenbach received her bachelor’s degrees in English and Secondary Education from the University of North Dakota and earned graduate level credits at Seattle Pacific University. She also started her own tutoring business and has tutored students in English, reading, study skills, and math.

Teaching online since: 2023
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 794

Biography: Courtney Buck has been an educator since 2013, when she graduated from Cornell College with a B.A. in Elementary Education. After several years of managing young children as a classroom teacher in Minneapolis, working with 3rd and 1st-grade students, she chose to follow her enthusiasm for assisting students of all grades and abilities. In 2021, she completed her master’s degree in special education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. When she is not engaged in student-related activities, she spends her time gardening on her family farm, cooking for friends, or playing music around the Twin Cities.

Teaching online since: 2022
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 785

Biography: Tammy LOVES being a special education teacher. She has been teaching since 2011 when she received her Bachelor’s in Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD) at Minnesota State University-Mankato. Before working at MNOHS, Tammy taught at charter and district schools teaching mostly middle and high school students, and also taught 2 school years in elementary. When Tammy is not teaching, she is spending time with her husband and son, reading one of many books, kayaking in the summer, traveling back to her home state of Michigan, or watching one of many shows she likes!                                 

Teaching online since: 2005
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 139

Biography: Heather Dehn-Brastad has been teaching at MNOHS since 2005; her current assignments are Beginning Algebra, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Geometry–and she has also developed courses in Essential Math, Applied Statistics, and Precalculus. Previously she taught middle school and high school math in Hawaii and northern Minnesota, tutored students individually in math, and taught enrichment mathematics. She has also designed and taught a paraprofessional training course in central Minnesota that is a hybrid between an online course and an on-site course. Ms. Dehn-Brastad has her BS in mathematics from Bemidji State University and has taken graduate courses from St. Cloud State University. She is licensed to teach mathematics for grades 7-12 in Minnesota.

Teaching online since: 2022
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 790

Biography: Lynne Deitz earned her special education degree (Academic Behavioral Strategist licensure) in 2020 through Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN.  Lynne has taught special education since 2018 at Fisher Public School in Fisher, MN, before working at MNOHS.  Lynne also holds an occupational therapy assistant degree that she earned in 2010 at Northland Community and Technical College.  Lynne has worked with all age groups in a K-12 school, with an emphasis in educating middle and high school students. 

Teaching online since: 2014
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 792

Biography: Matthew Finnesgard holds a Master’s in Special Education from Augsburg College with a special education license in the areas of Learning Disabilities and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders.  He has taught students from every age group from kindergarten through the age of 21 with an emphasis on teaching math.  Prior to working at Minnesota Online High School, Matthew has worked in a variety of school settings including elementary, middle, and high school, Area Learning Centers, Online, and at home as a stay-at-home father. Matthew currently lives in Minneapolis with his wife and toddler.  When not teaching, he can be found biking around on the local trails with his family or chasing his toddler around on his balance bike.

Teaching online since: 2022
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 787

Biography: Constantine (Daniel) is a music educator living in Plymouth Minnesota. He is a 2016 graduate of the University of St. Thomas, where he earned a double B.M. in K-12 Instrumental Music Education and Music Performance for the clarinet. He is also currently pursuing his Master’s in Music Education, also from the University of St. Thomas. He plays first chair in the Plymouth Concert Band and Minnetonka Concert Band, and serves on the former as Director of Operations. Since 2017 Daniel has worked with students of all ages and abilities, from Kindergarten to graduate level, through numerous experiences as an on-call reserve music teacher, in private lessons, including helping graduate students with entrance exams, and as an instructor for Orono district’s Discovery Academy of Music. He prides himself on establishing strong connections with his students and being able to effectively teach a wide variety of musical instruments and subjects. Daniel’s areas of expertise include clarinet performance, band pedagogy, music theory, and composition.”

Teaching online since: 2019
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 160

Biography: Peter Glaser received a B.S. in Life Science Education in 2013 from Metropolitan State University, and is licensed in Minnesota to teach life science, chemistry and earth and space science. He has taught across all three licensure fields, including forensics and food science—at Lahainaluna High School in Maui, Hawaii; at Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas, Nevada; and at El Colegio High School in Minneapolis. Mr. Glaser joined MNOHS in 2019, and currently teaches Earth and Space Science, and Physical Science. He is also the coordinator of the MNOHS Technology Orientation for students and the advisor for the MNOHS Tech Squad, a student technology leadership team. His approach to life is as a polymath, someone who pursues knowledge in multiple subjects.

Teaching online since: 2014
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 158

Biography: Melissa Greene holds a K-12 license in the areas of emotional behavioral disorders (EBD) and specific learning disabilities (SLD) and earned her Master of Special Education from Bemidji State University. Melissa has over a decade of experience in online instruction and serves as the Racial Equity Coordinator at MNOHS. She earned her B.A. in psychology/religion from Eastern New Mexico University. She lives on the Leach Lake Reservation in Northern Minnesota where she enjoys reading, writing and spending time on the lake with her husband, children and grandchildren.

Teaching online since: 2014
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 122

Biography: Matt Hawk is the Family Coordinator and teaches Financial Skills and Entrepreneurship courses at MNOHS. Matt attended Minnesota State University, Mankato and received his license in K-12 Emotional Behavior Disorders. Prior to working at MNOHS, Matt worked for District 112 as a special educator. Matt also has a business degree from Augsburg College in Minneapolis and has assisted in outreach and fundraising efforts at MNOHS. Outside of the classroom, Matt enjoys traveling and playing with his two young sons.

Teaching online since: 2015
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 112

Biography: Ashley Jensen earned both a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Science Education from the University of Minnesota. She has taught Biology and other Life Science courses since 2013 and enjoys showing students the creative side of science. She has completed zookeeper internships at both the Minnesota Zoo and Henry Doorly Zoo, and completed a teaching internship in Thailand. Ashley likes to spend her free time with her dog Zowie, and working on hobbies like painting and drawing.

Teaching online since: 2023
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 793

Biography: Julie Johnson-Willborg holds a Master’s in Special Education from the University of Minnesota with a special education license in the areas of Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities.  Julie also has a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Bemidji State University in Business Education and Work Based Learning.   She has taught students from every age group since the 1989-90 school year with an emphasis teaching Special Education Work/Job Skills, Personal Finance/Consumer Economics and Business Education.  Prior to working at Minnesota Online High School, Julie has worked in a variety of school settings including elementary, middle, and high school, Area Learning Centers and Charter Schools. Julie lives in Minneapolis, but spends the summers at her cabin in Northern MN.  She has two adult children and three pets (2 cats and 1 puppy – Opie).  

Teaching online since: 2014
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 114

Biography: Amber Lamp is a graduate of Saint Cloud State University where she earned her Bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry education and Life Science education in 2012. She is licensed to teach 9-12 Chemistry and Life Science and 5-8 General Science. Before joining MNOHS in 2014, she taught and coached Knowledge Bowl at ROCORI High School. At MNOHS she teaches Chemistry, Physical Science, Physics and Earth Science–and enjoys sharing her passion for science with online students.

Teaching online since: 2022
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 165

Biography: Dongmei started teaching high school students in 2007 in China, and she got her Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2015. Dongmei started as a Chinese language teacher at Yinghua Academy in 2020. Currently, Dongmei holds licensure in K-12 Chinese Language Teaching. Her professional passion is working with students to help them gain language skills, understand different cultures and prepare them to be global citizens.

Teaching online since: 2023
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 166

Biography: Bo Liu started teaching high school students in 2005 in China. He taught high school Chinese Language arts class in Nebraska from 2012 to 2015 and got his Master’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2019. Since then, Bo Liu has been teaching Chinese language arts at Yinghua Academy. Currently, Bo Liu holds a Tier 4 Chinese Language arts teaching license . Bo believes in building a low anxiety learning environment to help students become engaged and productive global citizens.

Teaching online since: non-teaching staff
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 146

Biography: Melissa Lovely started working for MNOHS in 2015 as a Counseling Assistant. She loves being able to work from home and really helping the counselors be able to focus more on the students. She holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Capella University, an online university based in Minneapolis, MN. When not working she enjoys time with her two kids, husband and friends. She also enjoys sewing and other crafty endeavors.

Teaching online since: 2019
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 131

Biography: Rebel Marie received a MS in School Counseling in 2012 and a Masters Certificate in Community Mental Health Counseling in 2018. She has worked as a full-time school counselor since 2014. In 2016, while studying at MSU Moorhead, she counseled college students of every background and was soon getting requests from community members not connected to MSUM. Since then, she has run a support group for transgender people for which she was a YWCA Woman of the Year nominee in 2018 and Grand Marshal of the Fargo-Moorhead Pride Parade in 2017. In addition to supporting LGBTQ+ youth and communities in Fargo, she has done community organizing to promote suicide prevention and research on fair housing that received national attention. She enjoys spending free time with her wife Kasey and their two young children.

Teaching online since: 2024
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 799

Biography: Wendy Mayer earned her elementary education degree from Bemidji State University in 2004. She then attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she obtained a special education degree focusing on learning disabilities and emotional behavior disorders. Wendy began her special education teaching career at International Falls High School in 2009. She later pursued an additional license in developmental disabilities through St. Cloud State University’s online program.

In 2012, Wendy joined Indus School, where she continued to work as a special education teacher until the district closed the school in 2023. She is excited to return to working with special education students at MNOHS.

Outside of teaching, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband at the lake, traveling, walking, and being with her two children and their families.

Teaching online since: 2019
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 127

Biography: JoAnn Moats has Bachelor’s Degrees in Physical Education, Health Education and Developmental Adapted Physical Education and is licensed in Minnesota in all three areas. She has a Master’s Degree in Administration/Education Leadership from the University of Wisconsin. Ms. Moats began teaching in 1985 and recently retired from teaching full time physical education and DAPE in a district school. She currently teaches part time at St. Cloud State University and continues to work with students with special needs in local school districts and through Special Olympic programs. She joined MNOHS in 2019 as a long term substitute teacher in PE and Health, and is currently providing DAPE services for MNOHS students with disabilities.

Teaching online since: 2023
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 132

Biography: Katie Parker-Riccio graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a creative writing emphasis and a film production minor from Minnesota State University Moorhead. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in English Education from Dickinson State University. She has been teaching English Language Arts and Reading Intervention since 2013. Before coming to Minnesota, Katie taught for West Fargo Public Schools (Cheney Middle School and West Fargo High School) and Bismarck Public Schools (Legacy High School) in North Dakota. Some of the classes she’s instructed include various reading intervention courses, English 9, English 10, Honors 10, AP Lang and Comp, and English 12. She recently retired from coaching dance in which coached primarily middle and high school dancers for eleven years. In her free time, Katie loves reading, writing, exercising, fishing, watching the Twins and the Wild, playing softball, and running around with her three kids, three cats, and her spouse. 

Teaching online since: 2012
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 136

Biography: Vanessa Petek loves being a social studies teacher and has taught since 2009. She earned her degree in secondary education at the University of Minnesota Duluth, is certified for 5-12 grade social studies classes and has also earned a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Vanessa has taught on the Mystic Lake Reservation and was excited to join MNOHS in 2011. She currently teaches Popular Culture, Civics, U.S. Government, Economics and Advisory.

Teaching online since: 2024
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 797

Biography: Angie Schreader is a Minnesota State University Moorhead graduate with a B.A. in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology. She is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Cappella University. Since 1996, Angie has dedicated herself to supporting children, adolescents, and families through her work with non-profit organizations, county and state agencies, and public school districts. Angie enjoys planning adventures and exploring new travel destinations with family and friends in her free time. 

Teaching online since: 2017
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 157

Biography: Amanda Seelen has been a Licensed Social Worker since 2009. She has worked with adults, children, and families with mental health and addiction concerns in hospital, community, and in-home settings. Amanda has earned degrees in Social Work and Human Relations & Multicultural Education from St. Cloud State University. She was licensed as a School Social Worker in 2016.

Teaching online since: 2020
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 152

Biography: Kim Skalbeck is a special education teacher who is licensed in the areas of specific learning disabilities, academic behavioral strategist and elementary education. She earned a master’s degree in Specific Learning Disabilities in 2003 at St. Cloud State University. In 2015, she completed the Academic Behavioral Strategist License Program through Bethel University’s online platform. Prior to joining MNOHS in 2020, Kim coordinated and taught special education for ten years and taught high school math for six years. In addition, she taught and coordinated a homebound school program for two years for pregnant and parenting teens.

Teaching online since: 2015
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 154

Biography: Kylie Stanfield is a graduate of the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University where she earned a B.A. in Spanish and Education. She has her Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning through the University of Saint Mary’s. She spent fall semester of her junior year studying in Viña del Mar, Chile. She has taught high school Spanish since 2013 and has been fortunate to take students on trips to Costa Rica, Spain, and other countries. She is very passionate about the Spanish language and culture and she hopes to pass that along to her students. In her free time, she enjoys reading, being outside, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.

Teaching online since: 2017
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 104

Biography: Virlen Tank completed her undergraduate K-12 Special Education degree at Moorhead State University in 1999, with licensure in Mild to Moderate Mental Impairment (MMMI). She earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education with licensure in Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (E/BD) and Learning Disabilities (LD) from Bethel University in 2004, and added licensure in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in 2015. She most recently taught in Special Education in the Eagan/Rosemount area from 2003-2016 and brings a vast array of teaching experience with her.

Teaching online since: 2023
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 110

Biography: Katie Tauer has been working with students in the education field since 2013. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Mary’s University and a master’s degree in school counseling from Minnesota State University – Mankato. It was through her experience of living in Mexico, working with high schoolers, and engaging with underserved youth in Minnesota that she decided to pursue her master’s degree in school counseling to help students achieve their academic and personal goals. She is passionate about supporting students as they work towards personalized and holistic plans. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, baking, and spending time with her family.

Teaching online since: non-teaching staff
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 106

Biography: Mike Tempel joined the staff at MNOHS in 2015 as the Technology Coordinator, supporting staff and students in their technological needs. Mike has previously supported and led staff up through senior management. He is a dynamic professional with demonstrated capacity to manage a variety of core business operations and IT projects. He holds a B.A. in Computer Science from St. John’s University in Minnesota.

Teaching online since: 2023
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 791

Biography: Kelley Velleux is a licensed special education teacher in the field of academic and behavioral strategy. She has been working with students with disabilities since 2018 and began her career as a special education paraprofessional. Ms. Velleux earned a bachelor’s degree in special education – mild to moderate from Western Governor’s University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in special education at Walden University. Outside of the classroom, Kelley enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time outdoors with her children.

Teaching online since: 2012
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 324

Biography: Michael Wiechmann, a graduate of MSU Mankato, has a B.A. in Studio Art from Bethany Lutheran College and is licensed to teach K-12 Art. Michael started with MNOHS in 2014 and currently teaches Media Arts, Graphic Design, Video Production, and our Summer Video and Soundtrack Immersion Project. He enjoys outdoor activities; traveling with his family to experience new cultures and aesthetic beauty in the world around him; and incorporating these experiences in the art studio and classroom. An active artist, Michael works on commissions for a variety of patrons and has taken part in forty-nine art shows, including three solo shows. He enjoys supporting students to create art that mean something to them, as well as helping them grow as artists and individuals. His art can be seen at https://wiechmannart.com/

Teaching online since: 2005
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 142

Biography: Dave Wilfahrt has been teaching mathematics since 1991; in the course of his career he has taught Algebra 2, Precalculus, Calculus, Astronomy, Physics, and Consumer Math. Dave also teaches mathematics in Mankato, Minnesota, where he has coached basketball. Dave has been involved in many technological aspects of instruction, including online teaching. In July 2005, he received his Master’s of Education degree with an emphasis in distance education. In June 2011, Dave also received a Master’s degree in Administration. Dave has been teaching for Minnesota Online High School since 2005. He is currently teaching Discrete Math, Applied Statistics, and Algebra 2 with Statistics.

Teaching online since: 2020
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 116

Biography: Paula Williams has been teaching since 2008 and joined MNOHS in 2020. Her passion for education came from working with children on the Autism spectrum. She has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish, Psychology, and Secondary education and is licensed in Minnesota to teach Social Studies. From 2008 to 2013 Ms. Williams taught students through a distance ed program in several rural schools and was an adjunct professor for Dickinson State University. Since 2013, she has taught middle school, high school, and homeschool students. Ms. Williams is a Fulbright-Hays Scholar, the recipient of a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. She enjoys travel, cooking, lifelong learning, sewing, and listening to audio books—and although she is no athlete she has spent a few years playing roller derby and volleyball, plus enjoys a good outdoor run.

Teaching online since: 2014
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 145

Biography: Lu Yang has been teaching Chinese as a foreign language since 2011. She earned her Master of Education in New Literacies and Global Learning from North Carolina State University in May 2013. She served as a Chinese language instructor in Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures at North Carolina State University from 2011 to 2013. In August 2013, she joined Yinghua Academy, an immersion Chinese K-8 charter school, where she teaches Chinese Language Arts and Media Studies to 5th-8th graders. She joined MNOHS in September 2014.  Yang Laoshi enjoys teaching Chinese very much and is very excited to share with her students both Chinese traditional culture and contemporary youth lifestyle in China.

Teaching online since: 2024
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (800) 764-8166 Ext. 798

Biography: Shirley Zeiszler is a licensed special education teacher working in education since 2004. She holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Special Education from St. Cloud State University, with licenses in Other Health Disabilities, Physical Impairments, Traumatic Brain Injuries, and Developmental and Cognitive Disabilities. She also has multiple administrative licenses from Hamline University and recently completed her Educational Specialist degree. Before joining MNOHS, Shirley taught in various settings, including elementary, middle school, high school, intermediate districts, and charter schools. Shirley serves as the MN Association of Charter Schools (MACS) representative for the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) Special Education Licensure Reciprocity work group. Shirley lives in the Twin Cities area and enjoys traveling with her family.