Meet our Administrators

Katie Macrafic, Elementary and Middle School Principal

Katie has been in education since 1998 as a classroom teacher and instructional coach and joined MNVA in 2022 as an assistant principal. She is now the Elementary and Middle School Principal! Katie graduated in 1998 with a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. In 1999 she graduated from Winona State University with a Masters Degree in Education. Most recently, in 2020, she received her Educational Specialist degree along with her K-12 Principal License from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Katie grew up in Rochester, Minnesota and always dreamed of becoming a teacher! She currently lives just outside of Rochester in Byron with her husband Brandon, and teenagers Henry and Ellie. Katie enjoys traveling, sports and being with friends and family. She looks forward to working with and supporting you throughout this coming school year. She is excited to make this the best year yet at MVNA!

Natasa Tunjic Stjepanovic, High School Principal

Natasa Tunjic Stjepanovic is the Principal of Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA) and brings two decades of experience in education to her role. Originally from Bosnia, she moved to the United States after living through the civil war in the 1990s. Her journey in education began in San Antonio, Texas, where she taught at one of the city’s largest high schools for 10 years. After relocating to Minnesota in 2015, Natasa worked at Rochester’s English Language Learners Newcomers Center, drawing on her own experience as a newcomer to support students learning English and adjusting to a new culture. Her career has been defined by roles that focused on helping students and educators alike, from teaching German to coordinating AVID programs and serving as a Student Success Coach.

At MNVA, Natasa has already served as an Assistant Principal for two years before transitioning to her current leadership role. She is committed to fostering a collaborative and flexible virtual learning environment that adapts to the unique needs of each student. With a focus on personalized learning, she is passionate about working alongside MNVA’s educators, students, and families to create an enriching, supportive atmosphere. Natasa values communication and community partnership, encouraging all members of the school to connect through monthly “Lunch and Chat with the Principal” sessions. Her dedication to the students’ success and well-being is the driving force behind her leadership at MNVA.

Shelley Gates, Principal of Alternative Learning

Shelley has been in education for over 20 years.  She graduated from UW-LaCrosse (WI) in 2003, with a degree in Secondary Education–Social Studies Broadfield. She worked as a High School Social Studies teacher for 12 years in LaCrescent, MN. After earning her Masters in Educational leadership from Winona State in 2010, she pursued her WI Principal license (2012–Viterbo University) and her MN Principal License (2014–Winona State University). In 2016, she accepted her first administration position with Rochester Public Schools (MN). In 2018, she joined MNVA as the Dean of Students for Special Education and moved to the HS Assistant Principal in 2021.  

Shelley is looking forward to being the Principal of Alternative Learning for Houston Public Schools.  She believes that every student has an equal opportunity for education and the MNVA Alternative Learning Program provides this for all students.  She currently lives in LaCrescent, MN with her husband, Terrelle, and their blended family of 7 children.

Please reach out to Shelley if you have any questions about the Minnesota Virtual Academy Alternative Learning Program.  

Tracy Lermon, Dean of Students

With over 16 years of experience in education, I have spent the past three years with Minnesota Virtual Academy, bringing a wealth of knowledge in both Special Education and Literacy. Previously I worked at the Byron Public School district. I hold a Master’s in Literacy Education through Hamline University and a Special Education degree through Augsburg College. I recently completed an Education Specialist program through Mankato State University, where I earned my principal license. Currently, I am pursuing a Special Education Director license to further support students and educators. I have been married for 39 years, I am a proud parent of two children and grandparent to two grandsons. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my family and watching my grandson’s sporting events, especially soccer.