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.

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.

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!

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.

A former Electrical Engineer for 15 years, David understands the practical applications of science and technology. As a dedicated stay-at-home parent, he channels his enthusiasm for STEM into educational projects with his 2 children. His experience teaching kids—from coaching mountain biking, girls on the run, and cross-country skiing to leading the Cub Scout STEM program and running the elementary school STEM night—ensures a supportive and engaging learning environment. When he's not teaching robotics, you can find David exploring the outdoors hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, snowboarding and skating or indoors playing board games.

Cristian “Gio” Moss brings both high-level chess skill and real-world coaching experience to West Village. Gio is an accomplished chess player with a 2100 rating, reflecting deep strategy knowledge and a strong competitive foundation. In class, he helps students build confidence through clear, step-by-step instruction—whether they’re learning the basics, strengthening tactical vision, or starting to think more like tournament players. Outside of chess, Gio is a Minnesota Realtor® with Bridge Realty and is known for a client-first approach, strong communication, and thoughtful strategy-- skills that translate naturally into teaching: patient guidance, practical problem-solving, and helping learners make smart decisions under pressure. He has also taught music to children, giving him hands-on experience working with kids in a structured, encouraging learning environment. Gio is also a dad of two, and he understands how children learn best when they feel supported, capable, and excited to improve. Families can expect a class that’s upbeat, skill-building, and focused on helping each child grow—at their level—while still being challenged in the right ways.

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.

Meggie is a former special education and kindergarten teacher with six years of classroom experience and a heart for helping children feel safe and confident in their bodies. After staying home to raise her four children, her work evolved into helping women and moms feel safe and empowered in their bodies, and mentoring others in root-cause healing and nervous system work. She is a Level 1 and 2 trained Somatic Practitioner through the School of Somatic Arts, a certified yoga instructor, and a somatic exercise teacher. Meggie believes resilience is built through movement, nature, and connection, and she is passionate about bringing emotional wellness into everyday life for families. When she’s not teaching, you’ll find her walking two miles outside each day—rain or shine—grounded in the same rhythms she brings into her work. She is excited to create spaces where children can grow confident, connected, and resilient.

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.

Nikki has always had a passion for working with kids, leading her to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. Favoring the freedom to explore and play that younger children offered, she taught preschool for several years before leaving the profession to join her family's business. Things changed when she had her daughter and eventually she left the corporate world to begin their homeschool journey in 2019. Now, she juggles her daughter's schooling and crazy dance schedule along with owning a small business. She's excited to get back into the classroom and be part of the West Village Community.

Gary is passionate about helping students feel comfortable, capable, and genuinely curious in math. He creates a supportive, low-pressure environment where kids can take risks, ask questions, and build real confidence through hands-on problem solving. His enthusiasm for numbers is contagious—and his goal is that learners leave class not only understanding more, but thinking, “I can do this.” With a background in English (Linguistics) from Arizona State University, Gary brings a unique, innovative lens to math instruction. He’s especially skilled at breaking big ideas into clear, approachable steps—helping students make sense of patterns, logic, and “why” something works (not just how to get the answer). Outside of class, Gary loves being at home with his family, experimenting with new recipes, and exploring everything from languages to ecology—plus tackling math challenges just for fun. He also serves as the Director of the Chanhassen Mathnasium Math Center, where he supports learners across a wide range of ages and ability levels. Families can expect a class that is engaging, confidence-building, and designed to help students become strong, flexible thinkers.

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.

Natalie serves as an assistant at West Village, where she plays a key role in the organization's success. With a passion for writing grants, supporting operations, and managing a variety of tasks, she is an invaluable team member. Natalie finds joy in homeschooling her four children, gardening, and staying active with a variety of physical activities.

Val serves as the Registrar for West Village, supporting Anna in managing the website as well as the co-op’s registration process and new software system. She first joined the community with her two oldest daughters, which sparked a deeper desire to get involved. Most recently, she helped redesign the WV website. Val is a print and pattern designer professionally and a mom of three - she loves being part of the warm, creative rhythm of West Village!