Theater Skills (Wednesday community class)
Amy Madson
Amy Madson has been acting, singing, and dancing on stage since she was seven. She is a homeschool mom who is actively involved in the Twin Cities music and theater scenes, including American Immersion Theater, Cross Community Players, 4CT, Glory Players, Minnesota Chorale, and Opera Reading Project. She has taught children’s performing arts classes through Orono and Plymouth Community Education and at Messiah Church. She loves sparking kids’ creativity, imagination, and joy through teaching. Additionally, she is a licensed therapist and music teacher, with additional training in music therapy.
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Beginning Spanish (Wednesday community class)
David Wienberger
David graduated from the University of Saint Thomas with degrees in Spanish and Business. During college, he lived in Spain for a semester and later co-hosted a Spanish-based podcast. Originally an education major, he remains a lifelong learner who enjoys imparting what he has learned to others. He also enjoys reading and reviewing books on topics related to Christianity, culture, philosophy and economics, as well as spending time with his wife and kids, traveling and weight lifting. In college, he lived in Spain during the fall semester of 2007, and he later co-hosted a Spanish-based podcast.
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Homeschool Choir (Wednesday community class)
Krista Joy Olson
Krista Joy Olson is a licensed music educator of 25 years, 22 in the public schools. As a junior in High School, she knew she wanted to be a music teacher. Now she homeschools her daughters and teaches privately. She loves music everywhere in her life, in the car, while doing dishes, with her family and with others. Being trained in the Orff-Schulwerk method of music, Krista Joy incorporates the method in Singing, Saying, Dancing and Playing. When you walk into her music class, you will see kids being creative, in small groups, moving and singing.
Fiber Arts (Wednesday community class)
Jenni Thomson
Jenni is a business owner and multi-talented homeschooling mom who loves to create. She has been passionate about art since she could hold a pencil and has explored a variety of mediums throughout her life. She formally studied art and architecture while traveling in Italy, giving her unique perspective and unparalleled experience. From creating wall murals, still life paintings and beautifully sewn children's clothing, to creating native landscape gardens and delicious food from scratch, Jenni is a master of creation. Her kind warm smile and gentle presence puts others at ease and helps them feel welcomed. She inspires children by sharing ideas and techniques but allows for their style and interpretation to lead. She hopes to inspire and support her students' love of art by exposing the to artists throughout history and an array of mediums. Some of her work can be viewed at her Etsy shop, RiverBird.
Jiu Jitsu, MIX and Phy Ed. (Wednesday & Thursday)
Joe Eckes (Featured Right)
To learn more about this multi-talented, wide-range of experienced retired peace officer, check out his full bios on his website HERE!
Joe's classes combine robust physical exercise, experiential process, and games to help kids develop a lifelong love of physical activity. He believes that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind, and that kids who are active perform better in all areas of their lives. His favorite saying is "Movement is Medicine" and that motto has guided him as the Founder of Forged & Tempered LLC.
Jiu Jitsu, US Constitution and Phy Ed. (Wednesday & Thursday)
Reed Soeffker (Featured Left)
Reed spent 18 years in Law Enforcement doing many different jobs and duties and retired as a Detective. Since leaving law enforcement he runs his own business doing consulting and coaching for attorneys, writers, and kids. Reed has coached over 50 seasons of youth sports including basketball, soccer, and girls on the run. In his free time, he spends time with his wife and kids, plays soccer and basketball in adult leagues, trains martial arts, and consumes books. Reed has a passion for philosophy, history, and physical fitness which he blends together to make up his compelling teaching style.
Drawing and Study Hall (Wednesday Community Class)
Genevieve Hesselberg
Genna is an artistic fun-loving mom of 3 who plans to brings her kiddos to class and stay for the day. She offered to fill the role of Study Hall Parent for the kids that need a comfy informal space to hang out during the hour that a class of interest isn't offered. She will also be teaching the 6-9 year old overflow art class! Her website features some of the work she has done in the past.
Chess Club Wednesday community class)
Rachel Schechter
Rachel, a passionate US certified chess instructor and enthusiast, has taught chess for decades in both public and private settings. She currently serves as the Scholastic Coordinator at the Chess Castle of MN in Edina as well as acts as the assistant editor of US Chess Journalists of America. She believes "Chess builds confidence, character and camaraderie". Rachel grew up in New Jersey and migrated to MN 10 years ago. When not playing chess, she enjoys golf, swimming, and her 2 grandchildren.
Improv (Wednesday community class)
Laurel Armstrong
Laurel Armstrong has been performing professionally for over 20 years. She has worked as a director, producer, and writer on various projects from sketch comedy to community-oriented work, and enjoys the cross-over of the various roles in the arts.
Currently she is a company member with Wonderlust Productions, which creates theater based around the stories and experiences of local communities. She has been seen on many stages around the Twin Cities like the Guthrie, Park Square, and Artistry, while continuing to work on several original art projects.
She is excited to teach improv as it is one of her favorite kinds of performance, and kids often have a natural instinct for jumping into it.
Living STEM (Thursday co-op class)
Billie Christine
Billie Christine (Living STEM) is a mom of three, a teacher, and the creator of The STEM Lab LLC. She believes all kids are natural scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians. Their curiosity, questions, and desire to tinker are the backbone of her classes. As an award winning science educator with more than 10 years of experience, a degree in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, and a Master of Arts in Education, she knows the power of STEM!
Living History (Thursday co-op class)
Miles Jewell
Miles Jewell (Living History) is an educator, historical interpreter, and park guide within the Minnesota community. He has been operating in these respective fields for the past 15 years. He operates his own historical teaching company that provides educational services that specializes in a wide variety of historical education programs for children and adults. He often comes in costume and with artifacts, bringing history to life for his students. Students enjoy his story telling and enthusiasm. In his free time, Miles enjoys spending time outdoors, camping, and traveling.
Shipwrecked! Problem Solving (Thursday co-op class)
Jacob Sherman
Jacob studied English and Portuguese at Brigham Young University and earned his law degree from University of Virginia. He practices law here in MN, but what he really loves to do is teach and learn. He has found outlets for that passion in many years of teaching Sunday School, coaching soccer, foster parenting and countless hours spent reading, exploring and talking with his own kids. His gentle demeanor puts others at ease and his love of ideas, confronting mental challenges, and having fun along the way is contagious.
Outdoor Adventure (Scheduled weekends)
Ben Savitt
Ben is a homeschool dad extraordinaire who previously guided the Outdoor Education class at VOA, an alternative high school in Minneapolis. His outdoor classes were interdisciplinary project-based or social studies focused. He is an adventurer himself and practices what he preaches. In his words, “My purpose. . . is to provide an opportunity for students to begin to develop hands-on skills, sound decision-making capabilities, and the necessary self-awareness to build a lifetime of outdoor adventures. I don’t believe the wilderness is a place to prove yourself, but instead a place to find yourself. . ."
Director of Operations
Anna Sherman
Anna fills multiple roles here at West Village. Her favorites are connecting families with each other and connecting kids with passionate mentors. Her personal interests include gardening, dancing, singing, community service, reading and intentional living. Anna and her 3 children enjoy learning through stories, games, music, great literature, and lots of free play/time for kids to figure out what they love and how to combat boredom in meaningful ways. You will likely see some of the educational approaches she values through the classes/mentors that West Village is offering.
Board Treasurer
Katie Kanaskie
Katie is a homeschool mom to her two daughters. She is a free spirit who loves to inspire learning by providing kids the freedom to learn through play and exploration. She loves to be outside and enjoys all seasons in MN. One of her top skills is bringing people together. She is a volunteer at West Village Co-op who helps with treasury duties, daily flow of co-op and loves to bring people together.
Board Secretary
Jess Rhodes
Jess is an exceptional homeschool mom with a wealth of experience. Her dedication to her children's education is truly inspiring. We are fortunate to have her as our secretary on the board, where she brings her natural leadership skills to the table. Jess is also a lover of nature, and her passion for the outdoors is contagious. We are grateful for all that she does for our community.