Meet Our Board

Twin Cities Academy Board (as of August 2025)

Rich Holst, Board Chair and TCA Parent – rholst@twincitiesacademy.org

Rich has had three children attend TCA in the past. He is actively involved in the St. Paul community by serving on several community boards and committees. Additionally, he brings a focus on marketing and finance, using skills from his current sales and project management position. Rich was instrumental in helping TCA through the tough decision-making during the pandemic, and is deeply committed to the ongoing success of TCA for its staff and students.

Erin DuPree Vice Chair – Current Board Member – edupree@twincitiesacademy.org

Ms. DuPree has a 9th grade student at TCA. Ms. DuPree has board experience on several boards including Bohn Financial Group, EK Holdings, Great Norther Claims and Erickson, Braun and Associates. As an entrepreneur, Ms. DuPree has substantial financial background, as well as legal and public relations experience. Ms. DuPree is interested in using her experience in marketing to help TCA. Ms. DuPree has experience in media management and traditional print marketing, as well as experience preparing press releases and doing outreach with the intent of growing the TCA community. Ms. DuPree has worked with and in government agencies at the state level in agriculture and health services. Ms. DuPree wants to be of service to a community that is giving community to our kids, and intends to lead with a “service heart.”

Elizabeth Vandergon Treasurer – Current Board Member & Teacher – evandergon@twincitiesacademy.org

Ms. Vandergon is currently a middle school English teacher. She is excited to have the opportunity to join the school board because of her passion and interest in education as it extends beyond her classroom. She has fundraising experience by leading both the student council and the yearbook. She looks forward to contributing to our school community at a higher level and help make decisions for TCA that will positively shape the future of our school.

Lisa Dennis, Secretary and TCA Social Worker – ldennis@twincitiesacademy.org

Lisa is a school social worker at Twin Cities Academy. She is committed to providing mental health services in the school system. She truly believes early identification and education of mental illness support for youth start at school. She has worked in a school setting for nearly a decade. Prior to her current role, she worked as a school therapist in various districts throughout the Greater Twin Cities. Lisa aspired to be a part of the TCA school board in order to properly advocate for TCA students and families, in order to help them achieve access to needed support and services.

Erin Enquist, TCA Teacher – eenquist@twincitiesacademy.org

This is Erin’s 9th year working at Twin Cities Academy. She teaches middle school English Language Arts. She graduated from Iowa State University and earned my Master’s in Teaching from Simpson College. She has had roles at TCA as the ELA professional learning community leader, the Equity team, and Data Coach. She joined the board because she cares deeply for her students and wants to help ensure that TCA continues to thrive and supports them.

Ofir Germanic, Current Board Member & Community Member – ogermanic@twincitiesacademy.org

Ofir has been involved in many youth organizations on the eastside of St. Paul, including leading Conway Rec Center and currently leading youth at World Youth Connect. Ofir is committed to supporting youth from all communities on the eastside and has been specifically involved in reaching out to youth in the Karen and other immigrant communities.

Christian Guerrero-Arely, Current Board Member & Parent – cguerreroarely@twincitiesacademy.org

Christian is the parent of a 9th grade student. She would like to contribute her past charter school board experience, including the knowledge and skill she has gained, to help provide resources and support for a successful school. She believes that her past experiences can help make a positive impactful learning environment for all students.

Necole Rouse – Current Board Member – nrouse@twincitiesacademy.org

Ms. Rouse has both a 9th grader and 11th grader attending TCA. Ms. Rouse has extensive fundraising experience focused on supporting vulnerable and underserved populations, especially with her involvement in the Safe Zone Drop-In Center here on the east side. Ms. Rouse currently works for Ramsey County, and also is a strong advocate for youth mental health program and also organized a fundraiser for PEACE of MIND, which supports mental health programming for people facing trauma, instability and life transitions. Ms. Rouse’s daily experiences working with youth needing mental health support, along with her commitment and passion to supporting people navigating trauma, systemic barriers and socio-emotional challenges, makes her committed to ensuring that TCA is a school environment where every student feels seen, heard and supported.