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.

Branch Allen – Facilities Manager (ballen@twincitiesacademy.org)

Ayoub Ammar – Special Education Teaching Assistants (aammar@twincitiesacademy.org)

Brittany Anderson – Special Education Teacher (banderson@twincitiesacademy.org)

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

My name is Bryan Bew, I used to be Bryan Elyea-Wheeler, but since getting married in 2022 I am Bryan Bew. I teach 8th grade Geography, Middle School Psychology, Advanced Placement European History, and Intro to Business. I also coach Track and Field at Twin Cities Academy and Hamline University. Some of my other roles are helping with Marketing, AVID Site Team, and Equity Team. I have also helped launch and support our garden club, mock trial club, and work many of our volleyball and basketball games at TCA. In my free time I enjoy watching sports, camping, working out, and fishing. Meet Mr. Bew!

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

Caitlin Brazil (She/Her/Hers) – School Counselor (cbrazil@twincitiesacademy.org)

James Brown –  Special Education Paraprofessional (jwbrown@twincitiesacademy.org)

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, High School STEM, and AP Chemistry. This will be my third year teaching at TCA. But it will be my tenth 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.

Ani Cerghizan –  Special Education Teacher (acerghizan@twincitiesacademy.org)

Emily Cook – Special Education Teaching Assistant (ecook@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Emily Cook and  I started as a paraprofessional and am now a Special Education Teaching Assistant. 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 2024-2025 school year will be my 7th year at TCA. In my free time, I am a signed Fashion and 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 tenth 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 am a TCA school social worker. I grew up in Iowa but moved to Minnesota in 2013 for graduate school. 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 8 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!

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, and Sociology. 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 Andrew, daughter Florence 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

Stephanie Edgeton –  Special Education Teacher (sedgeton@twincitiesacademy.org)

 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 sixth year at TCA. Please call me Mr. Wayne. I will be teaching Life Science, Life skills, Marine Biology, and STEM Dark side. I have a masters degree in teaching from Bethel University. 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, my son, 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. I run the Dungeons and Dragons club after school on Tuesdays. 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)

Meet Mr. Ford!

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

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

Meet Ms. Gorman!

Alexis Harseen – Special Education Teaching Assistant (aharseen@twincitiesacademy.org)

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 15th year as a high school teacher at TCA. I teach American Literature,World Literature, British Literature, and the University of Minnesota’s WRIT 1201 as part of College in the Schools. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy reading, writing, and visiting Graceland! 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)

Julie Kalinowski –  Paraprofessional & Behavior Interventionist (jkalinowski@twincitiesacademy.org)

Grayci Kangas-Olson –  English Teacher (gkangasolson@twincitiesacademy.org)

My name is Grayci Kangas-Olson, I am excited to start here at TCA and to start my 4th year of teaching. I graduated from Hamline University with a Bachelor’s in History and a Masters in Teaching. I also went to the University of Barcelona for a TEFL certification and Master of Bilingual education certification. In my free time, I am either coaching swimming or creating hand woven baskets.

My name is Anne Kealy, and this will be my 7th year at TCA. While fulfilling a variety of roles over the years, this will be my second year teaching AVID 9 and various creative arts electives. In 2011, I received my B.A. in English Literature and Classical Studies from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and I am currently working on earning my master’s degree. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, writing, and spending time with my family at our cabin in northern Wisconsin. I will never say no to an iced coffee or seeing pictures of people’s pets.

 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!

Hina Khan – Special Education Teaching Assistant (hkhan@twincitiesacademy.org)

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

Hi! My name is Erick Knudson and I will be the music director at TCA for the 24-25 school year. This will be my second year at TCA, and I will be teaching our three bands, orchestra, and Music of Today. I like to spend my free time taking care of my anxious dog, playing video games or getting outside to play some ultimate frisbee. I am really looking forward to year two at TCA, as we look to improve on our stellar work from last year.

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

Hola! This is my 17th year at TCA! I love sunshine, 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 tacos.

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

My name is Ellie McCarty and this is my 3rd 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 20 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.

Danielle Meyers –  Social Worker (dmeyers@twincitiesacademy.org)

Qashr Middleton – Licensed Special Education Support Teacher (qmiddleton@twincitiesacademy.org)

 Eunice Rivera –  Front Desk/Attendance (erivera@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.”

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

Hi, my name is Rachel Steffen and this is my second year teaching at Twin Cities Academy! I graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University last year and am currently working on my master’s degree at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and I love expressing my creativity through crocheting, painting, and sketching. I am super excited for this academic year and eager to continue supporting my students’ growth and success!

Nate Steller –  Special Education Teacher (nsteller@twincitiesacademy.org)

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.

Linda Thao – Special Support for Special Education (lthao@twincitiesacademy.org)

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)

Hi my name is Yolanda Valle, originally from El Salvador. I’m a dedicated mother of four and a loving wife, currently residing in the beautiful city of Taylors Falls. I’m passionate about nurturing both her family and her community, I’m in my 3rd year as the Food Service and Transportation Manager. My role not only highlights my organizational skills and leadership abilities but also underscores her commitment to ensuring that every meal served and every ride provided meets the highest standards of quality and care. My journey reflects my resilience and dedication, as I balance the demands of her professional life with the joys and challenges of motherhood. In my spare time, she enjoys exploring the natural beauty of Taylors Falls, cherishing moments with her family, and contributing to the well-being of her community. Through her work and family life, I’ve exemplified strength, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.

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 second 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 17 years.
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. I have an ESL certificate and an A.S. in 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. I also graduated with a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from St Mary’s University of Minnesota. I am working on my final dissertation for my Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, with a concentration in Human Resources Development from Regent University Virginia Beach, Virginia.
During my spare time, I love to spend time with my family, friends and compete in 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 this will be my 4th year teaching French & Francophone Language and Culture at TCA. I graduated from Central Michigan University with my Bachelor’s degree in French Language and earned my Master’s degree in French Studies from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I’m very happy to be back at TCA this year teaching the French I-IV sequence and UMN College in the Schools French 1003. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my husband and dogs, and knitting sweaters.

My name is Alexa Wevers, and this will be my 7th year teaching at Twin Cities Academy. 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)