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Our Teachers and Staff

 We are fortunate to have excellent teachers and staff dedicated to the success of our students.  All of the teachers at Twin Cities Academy are certified and licensed to teach by the State of Minnesota. We are pleased to introduce our teachers and staff.

Humera Akmal –  Special Education Teacher (hakmal@twincitiesacademy.org)

Kinyari Al-Ahad – Special Education Teacher (kalahad@twincitiesacademy.org)   Meet Mr. A!

Line art,Symbol,Line,Circle,Clip art,Coloring book #76880 - Free Icon Library Branch Allen – Facilities Manager (ballen@twincitiesacademy.org)

Line art,Symbol,Line,Circle,Clip art,Coloring book #76880 - Free Icon Library Ayoub Ammar – Special Education Teaching Assistants (aammar@twincitiesacademy.org)

Bryan Bew – Middle School Social Studies Teacher (bbew@twincitiesacademy.org

My name is Bryan Bew (formerly Elyea-Wheeler). This is my third year at TCA, I teach 6th Grade Minnesota History and 8th Grade Global Studies. I am also involved in the Middle School Student Council, and Head Coach of Varsity Girls Basketball and Track and Field.   I have taught two years in Colorado and two years in Northern Minnesota on the Iron Range. I completed my undergraduate at Concordia University St Paul where I was involved in student government and competed as a division two track and field athlete. I completed my masters from Western Governors University. In my free time I enjoy hiking, camping, and going on runs with my border collie named Keezey. Meet Mr. Bew!

Samantha Bew – Science Teacher (sbew@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Samantha Bew (formerly Ms. Berg) and I have been teaching 8th Grade Earth Science and Middle School STEM for the last 10 years here at TCA. I attended the beautiful University of Minnesota Duluth for my undergrad and received my Master of Science degree from Montana State University Bozeman. I love to coach as much as I love to teach and here at TCA I coach varsity volleyball and softball.  When I am not busy with school, I enjoy biking, hiking, reading, board games, and spending time with friends and family.
Line art,Symbol,Line,Circle,Clip art,Coloring book #76880 - Free Icon Library James Brown –  Special Education Paraprofessional (jwbrown@twincitiesacademy.org)
Line art,Symbol,Line,Circle,Clip art,Coloring book #76880 - Free Icon Library Jill Brown –  Behavior Interventionist (jbrown@twincitiesacademy.org)

 Kathleen Carmody (she/her) –  Science Teacher (kcarmody@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hello.  My name is Kathleen Carmody.  I am teaching Chemistry and 9th grade Integrated Science.  This will be my first year teaching at TCA.  But it will be my eighth year teaching.  I recently moved back to Minnesota after 7 years in Florida, so I will probably complain about the weather when it gets cold.  I like cooking (it’s related to chemistry) and reading, especially murder mysteries.

Emily Cook – Behavioral Specialist (ecook@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Emily Cook and  I started as a paraprofessional and am now a Behavioral Specialist. I went to college at Winona State University.

Marquette Culpepper – Community Coach (mculpepper@twincitiesacademy.org)

 

 John Dabla – Community Coach and Racial Justice Committee Advisor (jdabla@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is John Dabla, but I prefer to be called Mr. John. I’m one of the Community Coaches and Racial Justice Committee Advisors. The 2023-2024 school year will be my sixth year at TCA and my 14th year working with K-12 youth with having held a variety of roles in Education. In my free time, I am a signed Fashion/Editorial model and I enjoy listening to music and hanging out with my family and friends.

Lynn Delesha – Librarian (ldelesha@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Lynn Delesha and this is my seventh year as the Library/Media Specialist at TCA.   I love reading and traveling—books are passports to fantastic places! I received my MA in Education from the University of St. Thomas, my master’s degree in Educational Leadership from The College of New Jersey and my Library/Media degree from St. Cloud State University.  I have lived and worked as an educator in Nicaragua, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Egypt and the U.A.E. In my spare time I read, practice yoga and walk my little Chihuahua named Gigi.

Lisa Dennis (she/her) – Social Worker (ldennis@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Lisa Dennis and I grew up in Iowa but moved to Minnesota in 2013. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Iowa State and my Masters in Social Work at the University of Minnesota. I have worked in the school setting for 7 years in various roles but school social work is my favorite! Prior to this, I worked as a school therapist in various districts throughout the Twin Cities. Travel is a big passion of mine but I also love spending quality time with family and friends!

 Wende Diaz –  Special Education Teacher (wdiaz@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Wende Diaz and I have been a teacher here at Twin Cities Academy for 5 years. I have taught Minnesota History, Global Studies, and I am currently teaching in a Special Education classroom. I have an undergraduate degree from St. Catherine’s University and a Master’s from Concordia. In my spare time I enjoy writing and listening to music, and in the summer I like to bike ride and river kayak. Go Tigers!

Alison Drummond (she/her) – History Teacher (adrummond@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hello!  My name is Alison Drummond and I teach high school social studies at TCA. I will be guiding students in U.S. History, Human Geography, Sociology and History of the 1960s.  I grew up in Richfield, Minnesota, graduated from Richfield High School, and received my BS in Social Science/History Education from Winona State University. I currently live in Minneapolis with my husband and dog, Harper. Apart from teaching, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and being outside as much as possible. 

  Maura Eckert – Kitchen Staff

 Monique English –  Special Education Paraprofessional and Advisory Teacher (menglish@twincitiesacademy.org)

Erin Enquist – English Teacher (eenquist@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Erin Enquist, and I earned bachelor’s degrees in Literary Studies and Communication Studies from Iowa State University and a master’s degree from Simpson College.  I have substitute taught for a couple of years and enjoy working with students of all ages and in different subjects. Meet Ms. Enquist!

Wayne Flenniken – 7th & 9th Grade Science Teacher (wflenniken@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hello! I’m Wayne Flenniken and this is my second year at TCA. Please call me Mr. Wayne. I will be teaching Life Science and Integrated Science. I’m from Delaware and I have a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Guilford College. I worked as a chemist for six years in several industries such as medical research, polymer chemistry, drug development, and chemical terrorism prevention. I live near TCA with my wife and our two cats. My hobbies are video gaming (PC and PS4) cooking, reading, dungeons and dragons, and playing board games. I’m a licensed scuba diver and I grew up on a farm. Meet Mr. Wayne!

Valeria Flores Santisbon – Math Teacher (vflores@twincitiesacademy.org)

I am a recent math graduate from the University of Minnesota. I spend my free time singing, reading mystery novels and going to the theater. As a first year teacher, I look forward to sharing my love for math with the students and to getting to know the TCA community.

Brian Ford – Math Teacher (bford@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hello! My name is Brian Ford and I will be teaching Algebra 8 and Honors Intermediate Algebra 7/8. In my spare time, I enjoy soccer, basketball, disc golf, poker, reading, and watching movies. I got my undergraduate degree at Hamline, and then got my teaching license from the University of MN Twin Cities (and am also currently working on my masters there as well). I previously worked in the AVID program in the Robbinsdale School District. I am married and we live in Maplewood.

Meet Mr. Ford!

Vanessa Gomez – Special Education Paraprofessional (vgomez@twincitiesacademy.org)

 

Wendy Gorman – Spanish Teacher (wgorman@twincitiesacademy.org)

Meet Ms. Gorman!

Andrew Gorrell – District Assessment Coordinator and Behavior Interventionist (agorrell@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Andrew Gorrell (Mr. G) and I coordinate all state-mandated assessments and will work with juniors and seniors in regards to college readiness.  I previously worked in a Hmong charter school for seven years in Brooklyn Park, MN doing similar roles.  I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Spanish from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2009 and completed a Master’s in Educational Leadership from St. Mary’s University in 2015.  One of my greatest life experiences was teaching English in South Korea for one year.  I have also traveled to 16 countries in Europe and Asia.  In addition to traveling, I enjoy exploring the bike trails in St. Paul, driving my collector car to car shows in the summer, watching Jeopardy! (and any form of trivia), and spending time with friends and family

Julie Harvey – Special Education Teacher (jharvey@twincitiesacademy.org)

 Yizong He – Math Teacher (yhe@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Yizong He. I am from China and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fujian Normal University, Doctor’s Degree from Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. I have two kids. Being a teacher teaching STEM for more than 20 years, I sincerely desire to help all the students to be interested in learning STEM in a fascinating and passionate way.

I look forward to working together with you as partners in student’s growth and development!!

Alexandra Howes (she/her) – English Teacher (ahowes@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Alexandra Howes, and I am a Minneapolis native. I received my BA in English/Creative Writing and Theatre at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia.  After graduation, I worked in professional theatre before joining the JET Programme and teaching English for two years in Fukuoka, Japan. When I returned to the United States, I acquired my MA in Education from what is now St. Catherine University. This will be my 12th year as a high school teacher at TCA. I teach American Literature, AP Language and Composition, and the University of Minnesota’s WRIT 1201 as part of College in the Schools. I am also the high school theatre director. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy reading, writing, and climbing mountains. Meet Ms. Howes!

Jonathan Hughes – Technology Coordinator (jhughes@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Jonathan Hughes. Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, nestled against the Sierra Nevada mountains, I received my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Nevada, Reno, and my master’s degree in Education from Graceland University.  I’ve taught for almost 15 years, teaching both middle school science and upper elementary grades. I enjoy getting outside, camping and binge watching shows on Discovery+.

AJ Jama –  Special Education Paraprofessional (ajama@twincitiesacademy.org)

Line art,Symbol,Line,Circle,Clip art,Coloring book #76880 - Free Icon Library Julie Kalinowski –  Paraprofessional & Behavior Interventionist (jkalinowski@twincitiesacademy.org)

Anne Kealy (she/her) – Theater (akealy@twincitiesacademy.org)

This will be my 6th year at TCA, and my 1st year teaching full time. I am looking forward to getting students started on their AVID journeys and preparing for life beyond high school. In any remaining spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, writing, and watching way too much Tik Tok.

 Charlie Kersey – English Language Teacher (ckersey@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Charlie Kersey, and I am excited to be a part of Twin Cities Academy. My family and I have recently relocated to MN from Panama where we lived for the past six and a half years. While in Panama, I worked at an international school as a teacher/administrator with students and teachers from the Americas, Europe, and Africa. I have a BA in Cultural Anthropology from Macalester College and am close to completing my Masters of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL) at Hamline University. In the past year I have learned how to surf (sort of!), which has been great fun and has kept me physically active. We know that our relocation to MN won´t be easy but are eager to take advantage of all that MN has to offer. I look forward to meeting you all and a wonderful year of learning at TCA!

 Erick Knudson – Band Teacher (eknudson@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hi! My name is Erick Knudson and I will be the music director at TCA for the 23-24 school year. For the last five years, I’ve been teaching in Barnesville, MN, near the Fargo-Moorhead area. I grew up in Lake Elmo and will be living in Saint Paul. I am really excited to be back in the Twin Cities, and to work somewhere so close to home. This summer I’ve been busy finding housing and I spend a lot of my free time playing ultimate frisbee (3-4 nights a week). I’m really excited to be teaching at a school with such a focus on equity and inclusion, and I can’t wait to hear my new ensembles!

My partner Megan and I love to travel.

Craig Koch (he/him) – Social Studies and AVID 10 Teacher (ckoch@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Craig Koch, and I have taught social studies at Twin Cities Academy for 20 years.  I currently teach 9th grade World History and AVID 10. Besides teaching, some of my favorite things include parenting, listening to music, collecting vinyl records, going to shows, exercise, reading, Halloween, and Colorado. Meet Mr. Koch!

 Lindsay Landisch-  Director of Special Education (llandisch@twincitiesacademy.org)

Lindsay Landisch is the new Assistant Director of Special Education at TCA. She has nine years of experience in special education, most recently in South Texas and then in Minneapolis. She is dedicated to creating and maintaining resilient collaboration and systems of sustainability to foster positive educational experiences for students and staff. Lindsay lives in Roseville with her husband and two terriers, Max and Winston.

 Dani Langowski – Due Process & Instructional Coach (dlangowski@twincitiesacademy.org)

Dani has seven years of experience in education. She has taught in Morocco, Mexico, and Minnesota. Dani holds a M.A. in Education and Human Development from George Washington University where she explored the dual identity of learners who have a disability and who are also English Language Learners. Dani will work alongside Dave Mitsch to coach and support special education teachers and staff with due process and instruction. Outside of work, Dani enjoys playing board games, watching reality TV shows, and recently found enjoyment in sudoku puzzles!

Marilu LaVoie – Special Education Paraprofessional (mlavoie@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Marilu LaVoie!  I enjoy my position as a paraprofessional in Special Ed working with students and watching the students learn and grow year to year as I learn and grow alongside them.  I have two adult children and six grandchildren. I enjoy being outdoors, reading, walking and spending time with my family and friends.

Scott Lindholm (he/him) – Health & Physical Education, Nutrition, and Sports Psychology (slindholm@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Scott Lindholm, and this is my 15th year at TCA! I love baseball, being active, listening to music, and cooking. I also enjoy coaching our high school baseball program and hanging out with my dachshund, June. I graduated from Winona State University and grew up an hour north of St. Paul in the beautiful river town of St. Croix Falls. I fully enjoy all things summer, beaches and eating tacos. Go Padres!

Ashley Martinson – English Teacher (amartinson@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hi! My name is Ashley Martinson and this is my 8th year in education. I am teaching AP Language and 9/10 ELA.  I live in St. Croix Falls, Wi with my husband and our two cats, and I am a self-proclaimed lover of all things ‘nerd.’  My favorite book series (currently) is The Dresden Files. I’m currently getting my MFA at Hamline University and in my free time I like to bike, hike, cross country ski, play video games, listen to audiobooks/podcasts and write.

Maureen McCall – Social Worker (mmccall@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hello, my name is Maureen McCall.  As a school social worker, my goal is to ask the right questions.  This will be my 12th year at TCA, and my 48th (!) working with young people.  They continue to impress me with their answers and their viewpoints.  My duties include meeting one-on-one with students, facilitating groups and connecting students and their families with community resources.  My husband and I have two grown sons: Brian, who is a Marine Corp vet and works for the US Postal Service, and Tim, who lives in LA and travels the world filming professional skateboarders.  My hobbies include traveling, gardening and sewing.  I’ve loved TCA since the moment I walked in the door. 

Ellie McCarty – Social Worker (emccarty@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Ellie McCarty and this is my 1st year as a social worker at TCA.  I received my undergrad degree in Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Chemical Dependency at SCSU and my Masters in Social Work at Augsburg University, Minneapolis MN.  I have worked in a school setting for 16 years in various roles providing social emotional support and resources for young people and families to navigate life’s opportunities and challenges.  I enjoy spending time with family and friends in nature, around animals, exploring, and traveling.

Dave Mitsch (he/him/his) – Special Education Due Process Coordinator (dmitsch@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hi! My name is Dave Mitsch. This is my tenth year at TCA. I’ve worked as a special education and social studies teacher.  I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a history degree, and I also received a social studies teaching license from the U.  I received my special education license from Augsburg College. I am the Due Process and Assessment Specialist. In my free time, I work at Target Field for Twins games. I also enjoy going to concerts, playing the guitar and walking my dog. Meet Mr. Mitsch!

Sean Morgan – Teaching Assistant (smorgan@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Sean Morgan and I am in my first year as a Special Education teaching assistant at Twin Cities Academy. I have spent the past 15 years as a paraprofessional and licensed Special Education
teacher. I attended Earlham College where I majored in Music and minored in Peace and Global Studies. While an undergrad, I spent 3 months studying and performing in Vienna, Austria. I attended
the University of St. Thomas for grad school as a member of the Collaborative Urban Educators’ cohort and have my license in Autism Spectrum Disorders.

I am originally from Chicago and have been a proud Eastsider for the last 13 years. Three cats allow my spouse, our son, and me to live with them. In my free time I like to spend time with my family,
cook, participate in community social justice actions, listen to and play music, and generally do whatever the cats want.

Andrew Ng – Math Teacher (ang@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Andrew Ng. I graduated from Winona State in 2010, studying Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics Education, and I have enjoyed every moment of teaching ever since. I have a passion for learning and helping others see and understand math in ways that otherwise go unnoticed. I teach Algebra Two and Pre-Calculus, as well as Personal Finance and ACT Prep. In my free time, I like to play all sorts of games as well as build and customize computers.

 Eunice Rivera –  Front Desk/Attendance (erivera@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hey there! My name is Eunice and I am the front desk receptionist here at TCA. I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio. I am bilingual in Spanish and English and I’m a proud Puerto Rican. When I’m not at work you can find me at the gym or in the forests hiking somewhere. I’m just happy to be here!

Tommy Reynolds – P.E. and Health Teacher (treynolds@twincitiesacademy.org)

David Sanchez- Spanish Teacher (dsanchez@twincitiesacademy.org)

“Hola, I am David Sánchez de León Gómez-Porro and I have been teaching Spanish at Twin Cities Academy since January 2020. Born and raised in rural Europe, I attended the University of Salamanca in Spain graduating with a BA in Philosophy, a MA in Education and another MA in Sociology. I have taught in Spain, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China and now the US, where I lived since 2019. In my spare time I enjoy books, science fiction movies, video games, biking, taking care of my garden, playing with my two kids and going on dates with my wife.”

Madison Sauer (she/her) – School Counselor (msauer@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hi! My name is Ms. Sauer and I am the school counselor at TCA. I received my B.S. in Psychology from Iowa State University and my M.A. in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. I am the person to come to about social and emotional concerns, college and career planning, or general academic advising. Outside of work I love to spend time with friends and family, be outside, travel, ride my motorcycle and go to concerts!

Line art,Symbol,Line,Circle,Clip art,Coloring book #76880 - Free Icon Library Giovanni Saunders – Special Education Teaching Assistants (gsaunders@twincitiesacademy.org)

 Andrea Schreiner – Middle School Social Studies Teacher (aschreiner@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hello! My name is Andrea Schreiner and I will be joining the TCA community as a Social Studies teacher! I am a recent graduate of UW-River Falls. I have also just recently moved to Inver Grove Heights after living in Wisconsin for the past 22 years, so I’m still learning to be a Minnesotan. I’m very excited to join the team!

Arlene Seashore (she/her) – Health Aide (aseashore@twincitiesacademy.org

Hello all! I am Arlene Seashore. I have had two children pass through the doors of Twin Cities Academy, and have found the staff so agreeable that I came to work at TCA as the Health Aide. I thoroughly enjoy my work with the students because no day is ever the same with teenagers around!  I have a degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Work, and have an Associates as a Physical Therapy Assistant. In the summer I enjoy part time employment at the fairgrounds. My free time is spent enjoying my family, walking my dog, planning summer adventures, gardening and reading.

Line art,Symbol,Line,Circle,Clip art,Coloring book #76880 - Free Icon Library Sam Seegers – Paraprofessional (sseegers@twincitiesacademy.org)

Ben Sellin – Paraprofessional (bsellin@twincitiesacademy.org)

Bob Skweres (he/him) – Social Studies Teacher (bskweres@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Bob Skweres, the students call me Mr. Bob! I was a Special Education teacher at TCA, but now I am teaching High School Social Studies. I have two adult children and love golf, cribbage and hunting.

Megan Skweres – Special Education Paraprofessional (mskweres@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hello, my name is Megan Skweres and the kids call me Mrs. Bob (married to Mr. Bob). I am a paraprofessional and love working with children. I have two kids and love all things sports.

 Andrew Stafford –  Art Teacher (astafford@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hello My name is Andrew Stafford.
I am the art teacher for the 2023/2024 school year.
I have taught fine arts/video game art for almost 20 years.
I received my B.F.A. from the Maryland I institute , College of Art.
I received my M.F.A. from the New York Academy Of Art.
I also have done Concept /art and Scenic Art for T.V. Movies, and Video Games I enjoy Soccer and running.

I am looking forward to teaching everything I know about art,design, comic creation, and video game design.

 Rachel Steffen – Special Education Teacher (rsteffen@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hi, my name is Rachel Steffen. I am a recent graduate from Southwest Minnesota State University and am starting my first teaching position here at Twin Cities Academy! A little bit about me is that I love being active and spending time with friends and family. As a first year teacher, I am excited to share my love for education and continue learning through my students!

Emily Stripe – Spanish Teacher and 504 Coordinator (estripe@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Emily Stripe and I’m excited to be in my 11th year at TCA. I received my BA in Spanish Studies in 2008 from the University of Minnesota and my teaching license two years later from Bethel University. I am also currently working on my masters there! I enjoy working with our students and am equally passionate about their academic growth and character development. My husband and I live in Falcon Heights with our kids Gavin and Eliza and our hounds Artemis and Apollo. In my spare time, you’ll find me spending time with my family, gardening, and doing dance fitness at local gyms.

Tony Toledo – Special Education Paraprofessional (atoledo@twincitiesacademy.org)

Julie Trebtoske-El Eid – Special Education Substitute Teacher (jtrebtoskeeleid@twincitiesacademy.org)

Yolanda Valle – Food Service & Transportation Manager (yvalle@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hello, my name is Yolanda Valle.  I’m a wife and a loving mother of four; we live in St Paul. In my spare time I love to watch my children play their sports. We are all BIG Minnesota sports fans!  Go Vikings, Timberwolves, Twins, Wild and Lynx!

Liz Vandergon – Middle School English Teacher (evandergon@twincitiesacademy.org

Hello! My name is Liz Vandergon and I teach English 7, AVID 8, Mythology, and Graphic Novels at TCA. I received my degree in English from the University of Minnesota and am currently pursuing my Masters in Teaching from Hamline University. Outside of school I am the happiest when I am spending time with my friends and family or enjoying a cup of coffee and a good book. I am entering my 4th year at TCA and am so excited to continue to be a part of this amazing community!
 Paseuth Vang – French Teacher (pvang@twincitiesacademy.org)
Bonjour! My name is Paseuth Vang, and I am fluent in three languages: French, Hmong, and English. It will be my first year at TCA, and I cannot wait to serve and give my savoir-faire to
the community, especially the students. I have worn various hats, such as a professional French/Hmong medical interpreter/translator and a French tutor for over 16 years. I became a Substitute Teacher last year and found a passion for teaching various subjects to children.
I was born and grew up in Bourges, France, and moved to St Paul, MN, in September 2005. I graduated with a Baccalauréat in Electrotechnics from Lycée Pierre Emile Martin in France.
Over the years, I graduated with an Associate in Science of Business Computer Systems and Management from North Hennepin Community College and a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages Concentration in French from the University of Louisiana Monroe, Louisiana.
As I wanted to become a version of myself and learn to serve others better, I also graduated with a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from St Mary’s University of Minnesota. I am a second year pursuing my Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership Concentration in Human Resources Development from Regent University Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Outside of school and education, I am the Director of “Bowling C’est La Vie” and host bowling tournaments around the cities. I used to play Table Tennis at the National Level in France. My other sports are Shotokan karate, judo, soccer, tennis, and bowling.

 Victor Vondracek– Athletic Director (vvondracek@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Victor Vondracek. I was born in southwest Minnesota and grew up in Walnut Grove. I graduated with a B.S. in Sports Management and a Minor in Business Administration from Southwest Minnesota State University where I played Division II rugby for the Mustangs. Upon graduation, I moved to Memphis, TN to work for an AAU basketball program called M33M (a.k.a. Hoop City Basketball Club), working with more than 300 kids and parents in the program and coaching athletes from the age of ten and under, all the way to Division I and NBA players.  Currently, I serve as the President for TCA’s respective athletic conference (Eastern Minnesota Athletic Conference) consisting of ten (10) schools. I donate my time to charitable foundations such as the Youth Athletic Foundation, Mike Miller Foundation, and D1Minnesota, helping organize events and tournaments that raise money to help give our youth opportunities through basketball and athletics. Aside from Athletic Director responsibilities, I currently coach AAU basketball with the organization D1MN.

Jami Watson-Jiang – French Teacher (jwatsonjiang@twincitiesacademy.org)

Bonjour! My name is Jami Watson-Jiang and I have taught French Language and Culture since January 2021 at TCA. I graduated from Central Michigan University with my Bachelor’s degree in French Language. More recently, I graduated from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with my Master’s degree in French Studies. I’m very happy to be back at TCA this year teaching the French I-IV sequence. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my husband and dog, and knitting sweaters.

Alexa Wevers (she/her) – Math Teacher (awevers@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Alexa Wevers. (I am formerly Miss. O!) I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with double degrees in Mathematics and French, and from Bellarmine University with a Master’s degree in teacher leadership and trauma informed practices. I am originally from the Twin Cities, and I enjoy hiking around the area, as well as camping, playing both soccer and golf, and reading in my spare time. I also love to travel and learn about other cultures. I have currently been to 18 different countries and Morocco and France were two of my favorites.

Sarah Whisler – Middle School Math (swhisler@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hello! My name is Sarah Whisler and this will be my fourth year teaching at Twin Cities Academy.  I’ve been teaching math for the past 5 and a half years and have been in education for 8 years now.  What drew me to teaching was being able to help students find success in math and help build a student’s confidence in their own abilities.   A little on me: I grew up in Iowa, where I met and married my husband and we decided in 2013 to move north to the Twin Cities. In my free time, you’ll find me either baking, working out, traveling, spending time with friends, seeing family, going to the theater or orchestra, supporting our home pro-teams, or enjoying one of the many great cultural events in our cities.  There’s so much to do here and I love it! I currently live in Saint Paul with my husband, Robbie, and our dog, Addy.

Janet L. White – ELA Middle School Teacher (jwhite@twincitiesacademy.org)

Hi, my name is Janet L White. I enjoy reading, of course, crocheting, fishing and scrabble or any other board game.  I am looking forward to a successful school year working with a wonderful staff and students. Meet Ms. White!

Brittany Williams – Biology Teacher (bwilliams@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Brittany Williams and I will be teaching Biology and AP Biology this year. In my 4 years of teaching, I have taught middle level math, Intro to Earth and Space Science, Intro to Biology, and Intro to Physical Science. I am very excited to get to know everyone at TCA. I am originally from Missouri, where I studied at Missouri State University. My husband and I moved to Minnesota in May of 2019 and we have loved every second of it! We have three fur-children, a tuxedo cat named Mitch, a Cardigan corgi named Tesla, and Pembroke corgi named Edison. In my spare time I like to play survival games (PC), play with my dogs, and sip coffee on my back deck.

Zach Wilmot – Operations Coordinator (zwilmot@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Zach and I am the new Operations Coordinator here at TCA as well as the new Boys Varsity Basketball Head Coach. I originally hail from the East Coast and moved to the Twin Cities in 2013. I have a background in Urban Education and have been serving youth in many different capacities since my arrival. My hobbies include spending time with my wife and daughter exploring new things, getting out into nature, and hoops, of course!

Olivia Wulf – English Teacher (owulf@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Olivia Wulf, and I am very excited to start at Twin Cities Academy this fall! I graduated from Winona State University with a bachelor’s degree in English, and from Metropolitan State University with a master’s degree in education. I live in St. Paul, and this will be my fourth year teaching. In my free time, I enjoy theater, books, and travel.

Joann Zakrzewski – Kitchen Staff