MEET OUR TEAM

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 welcome. 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 them to artists throughout history and an array of mediums. Some of her work can be viewed at her Etsy shop, RiverBird.

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. To learn more about this multi-talented, wide-range of experienced retired peace officer, check out his full bios on his website HERE!

Allyson is a full-time working mother of two, navigating the beautiful chaos of life with her 16-year-old, a sweet, skilled, and passionate dancer—and her energetic, thoughtful, science-loving 8-year-old foodie, whom she homeschools with her husband. She is passionate about cooking and baking, especially crafting healthy, allergy-friendly recipes everyone can enjoy. Nature is her happy place—whether camping, hiking with her family, or soaking in the outdoors anywhere. When she's not working, teaching or volunteering in her community, you’ll find her experimenting in the kitchen, cheering on her kids, or snuggling with their two dogs. She's excited to share her love for learning, creativity, and wholesome living with the younger generation!

Gretchen has owned and operated Dance unlimited in Long Lake for over 10 years and coached gymnastics over 25 years! Dance and gym have been a stable of her life since she was a child. She finds freedom and expression through dance to be therapeutic, empowering, and inspiring! She looks forward to sharing her passion for dance and tumbling with your students! Families who wish to continue with dance and compete can learn more about Gretchen's Long Lake and St. Louis party studios through her Dance Unlimited website.

Genna is an artistic fun-loving mom of 3 who loves and lives art every day of her life! She creates physical masterpieces as well as digital content and products like journals and print clothing. Her website features some of the visual arts work she has done in the past.

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.

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.

Krista Joy Olson is a licensed music educator of 25 years, 22 in the public schools. Music was an important part of her entire life as soon as she was 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 teaches music while singing, saying, dancing and playing. When you walk into her music class, you will see kids being active, creative, in small groups, playing instruments, moving and singing.

Katie is a homeschool mom who taught math and science for 15 years before starting New Moon Breads with her children. She is a licensed math teacher in Minnesota. Katie has coached or taught swimming, dance, arts and crafts, sewing, debate, and problem-solving teams. One of her top skills is connecting the real world with concepts that are typically considered academic. Katie is passionate about learning and exploring our world. She loves the outdoors and is most at home in her garden or creating delicious food in the kitchen.

Miles Jewell 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.

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!

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.

TBD

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.

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. . ."

Anna fills multiple roles at West Village; her favorites are connecting families with each other and connecting kids with passionate mentors. Anna and her 3 children enjoy learning through stories, games, music, great literature, and lots of free play/time for the kids to figure out who they are, what they love and how to engage with life in meaningful ways. You will likely see some of the educational approaches she values through the classes/mentors that West Village is offering.

Katie, our dedicated treasurer is a homeschooling mom to two daughters. She loves being outside in all 4 seasons, her favorite activities are skiing, hiking and swimming. She delights in fostering a love for learning and nurturing curious minds. With a natural talent for bringing people together, Katie is passionate about creating a supportive community where everyone can grow and flourish.

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.