Meet Our High School Teachers

Meet Our High School Teachers

High school teachers at Minnesota Virtual Academy (MNVA) are assigned for each course and are experts in their respective subjects. They are students’ partners in education and are available every school day to help guide teens through their lessons in every subject. Here are a few of the fantastic teachers you’ll get to know at MNVA.

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Aneesa Adams | MS/HS Art Teacher

Ms. Adams has been teaching art since 2003 and working online developing and teaching multi-media courses since 2009. She holds a BS in Art Education from Winona State University and an MS in Media Design and Technology Education from Full Sail University. Ms. Adams enjoys working with students from all over the state of Minnesota because everyone brings different perspectives into the classroom. She feels online learning gives students a personalized and safe learning environment.


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Michelle Andres | HS PE Teacher

Ms. Andres received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a 5th–8th grade language arts specialty from Bemidji State University. She continued her education earning a master’s degree in physical education and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nutrition Education from American University. Before joining MNVA she taught in the Brainerd school district. Michelle loves teaching at MNVA and having the opportunity to work closely with families. Mrs. Andres feels the online learning environment is a great way for students to learn at their own pace and get the support they need.


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Susan Borgen | HS English Teacher

Ms. Borgen is in her seventh year as an English teacher at MNVA. She received her elementary teaching license from Harriet Stowe College, her secondary license from the University of Minnesota, and her master’s degree in English education from the University of Minnesota. She has taught in several school districts, including Elgin-Millville/Plainview, Rochester Public Schools, and Northwestern University’s Gifted and Talented Program. She has taught at the college level as well, and helped the University of Minnesota–Rochester design their Writing Center and its programs. MNVA online is a terrific fit in that she still loves working with high school students.


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Andrew Borne | HS Math Teacher

Mr. Borne is a high school math teacher who joined MNVA in 2016. He had previously worked in a traditional physical public school, and online at a competing public school. He earned his BS in Applied Mathematics at Metropolitan State University and a master’s in education at Concordia University, St. Paul. He lives in Eagan, MN. Mr. Borne feels that online learning gives students opportunities that don’t otherwise exist. He feels it is a way of providing equal opportunity.


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Mrs. Addie Bratrud | HS Language Arts Teacher

Mrs. Bratrud joined MNVA in 2018. She earned a BS in Communication Arts and Literature from Winona State University in 2003 and has worked as a teacher ever since. Mrs. Bratrud lives with her busy family—her husband and two daughters—in Rochester, MN, where you can usually find them outside enjoying nature. Mrs. Bratrud believes that online education is a great opportunity for all students because they can learn and engage in a safe, non-threatening environment; at an online school, there is no peer pressure to conform and no threat of being bullied or ostracized.


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Jenna Brown | HS Math Teacher

Mrs. Brown joined MNVA in 2010. She earned a bachelor’s degree for grades 5–12 mathematics education from Bemidji State University. She also received her coaching license. Mrs. Brown likes the ability to work closely with students to help them find success in math. The online world gives students the chance to interact without additional distractions and stressors that might affect them in a traditional environment.


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Krista Bumgardner | HS Social Studies Teacher

Ms. Bumgardner is a high school social studies teacher. She started at MNVA in 2017. She has nine years of experience in education, coaching, advising, and mentoring. Krista earned her BA in History, Social Studies Secondary Education from Boise State University in 2010, where she graduated magna cum laude. She is certified in Idaho and Minnesota. Ms. Bumgardner feels online learning gives students another option and choice in their education. Students can work in a comfortable environment which allows for a more personalized education.


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Gina Busch | HS Art Teacher

Ms. Busch holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Stout, Menomonie, Wisconsin, with a preK–12 certification. She has been with MNVA High School since the start of the 2008–2009 school year. She has taken multimedia and graphic design courses at Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI, and has more than six years of teaching experience, which includes teaching elementary grades and high school. She spent the last four years teaching elementary art at a small charter school in Dakota, MN, as well as the last three teaching online with Houston Public Schools. She enjoys working with MNVA families and teaching art to her students. She believes that MNVA offers a wonderful program to its students.


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Mary Ann Buzzell | HS English Teacher

Ms. Buzzell earned her bachelor’s degree in communication arts and literature from St. Cloud State University. She joined MNVA in 2014 after teaching public education at the high school level. Mary has taught a variety of courses that include British literature, world literature, American literature, women’s literature, contemporary literature, writing, and journalism. She considers good literature a treasure and is always in need of additional bookcases. As an advocate for alternative education, Mary strives to see students succeed and flourish in the online environment.


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Becky Carr | HS History Teacher

Mrs. Carr graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Lacrosse with a degree in secondary education and social studies. Before teaching at MNVA, she taught in private, public, and charter schools, and says online teaching is her favorite! Becky has been an online teacher with Houston Public Schools since 2003. Mrs. Carr feels online learning gives students a safe learning environment and the opportunity to be self-directed learners.


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Deirdre Diggins | MS/HS Latin Teacher

Ms. Diggins began teaching Latin for MNVA in 2008. She is a graduate of Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA where she earned a bachelor’s degree in classical languages. She earned a master’s degree in classical languages from Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania and has taught Latin at both the middle and high school levels for over 12 years. She has enjoyed her venture into online teaching and looks forward to imparting her love of the Latin language to students in the program. Ms. Diggins has seen the benefits of the flexibility and individualization that online learning offers to students.


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Sara Gibbs | MS/HS Earth Science Teacher

Mrs. Gibbs has been with MNVA since 2010. Mrs. Gibbs holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s in teaching, both from Bethel University in St. Paul. Mrs. Gibbs loves the collaboration of teachers, students, and Learning Coaches in the online environment to help students reach their full potential.


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Kelsey Glebke | HS Social Studies Teacher

Mrs. Glebke joined MNVA in 2007. She obtained her undergraduate degree at UW–La Crosse and her Masters in Reading Literacy at St. Mary’s University in Winona. Mrs. Glebke enjoys traveling with her family and outdoor activities. Mrs. Glebke appreciates that, in an online learning environment, students can focus solely on their academics and not have social or emotional distractions.


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Brandy Haglin | HS Social Studies Teacher

Mrs. Haglin has been with MNVA since the 2012 school year and has taught a wide variety of social studies courses, including Advanced Placement® courses. Mrs. Haglin earned her undergraduate degree in history and Spanish from the University of MN. She also attended and graduated from Saint Cloud State University with a degree in social studies education. She recently earned her master’s degree in history from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Mrs. Haglin believes online learning is an opportunity for students to utilize 21st century tools which will help them be successful in their future careers.


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Katie Hatteberg | HS History Teacher

Katie joined the MNVA staff in the fall of 2011. Before teaching at MNVA, she spent five years teaching middle school social studies, religion, and language arts at St. Odilia School in Shoreview, MN. Katie earned her bachelor’s degree in social studies secondary education from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and once again graduated from SMU in 2010, earning a master’s degree in educational leadership. Katie lives in St. Paul, MN with her husband and children. She loves being a part of the MNVA community where each student can find success on their own unique path.


Julie Ketterling | HS Agriculture Teacher

Julie Ketterling attended University of Wisconsin River Falls and received a BS in Agricultural and a MAT in Agricultural Education. She received her doctorate in education leadership from Bethel University. Ms. Ketterling likes the variety of students in her classes. Her students are passionate about the subject matter and are a lot of fun. She feels online learning allows students to be the best that they can be.


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Liz Kisner | HS Science Teacher

Mrs. Kisner has been a science teacher with Houston Public Schools and MNVA High School since 2003. She teaches physical science, earth science, integrated science, physics, and forensics. She has a BS in physical science and has since earned licenses to teach life and earth sciences. She began working for Houston Public Schools and MNVA in 2003 when the district’s first online high school began. She believes online learning can provide students with more flexibility and less social pressures.


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Peggy Knetter-Johnson | HS Science Teacher

Mrs. KJ joined the MNVA team in 2010. She earned her BS degrees in Biology, 6–12 Education, and a minor in Chemistry from Viterbo University, La Crosse, Wisconsin and a Masters in K–8 Science Education from Walden University. Mrs. KJ holds all five possible science licenses for grades 5–12 in Minnesota. Mrs. KJ has taught in a variety of school settings in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Hawai’i. These unique experiences allowed Mrs. KJ to become familiar with many cultures and situations. Mrs. KJ feels online learning is a perfect fit for many students that did not have that in a traditional school. 


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Sarah Kueny | HS Business Teacher

Mrs. Kueny has been teaching online since 2004 after 4 years in a traditional setting. She currently teaches career planning and business classes. She enjoys helping students explore possible career options and getting them ready for the future. Sarah earned her BS in Business and Computer Education from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. Mrs. Kueny believes that online school is a great choice for those students looking for a different learning environment, flexibility, or individualized learning.


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Rebecca Leither | HS PE/Health Teacher

Mrs. Leither joined MNVA in the fall of 2012. She earned her bachelor’s degree in K–12 physical education and her 8–12 degree in health education at Minnesota State University, Moorhead. She is passionate about wellness and lifetime activities and loves to share that healthy lifestyle with her students. She currently is getting her MA in Education with a concentration in technology. Mrs. Leither feels that online learning gives students an opportunity to learn from home and not have the pressure and distractions of a traditional brick-and-mortar school.


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Janine Lohman | HS Math Teacher

Ms. Lohman joined MNVA in August of 2007. She brings many years of experience teaching math to grades 7 through college algebra. She has a master’s degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Ms. Lohman likes the variety each day brings. Students that have struggled are able to succeed with this variety. Ms. Lohman feels that online learning gives students control over their learning.


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Ann Lopez | MS/HS Spanish Teacher

Señora Lopez has been at MNVA for 11 years and has been teaching for 16 years total. She earned a BA in Education from Bethel University and is currently working on her master’s in ELL. Señora Lopez likes to be able to meet with students individually and in groups to help them understand and be able to use their Spanish. The online world allows students to work closely with teachers and create a schedule that works for them.


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Sally Mensink | HS FACS Teacher

Sally Mensink joined the MNVA staff in 2012. She earned her bachelor’s degree in “Home Economics” or Family and Consumer Science (FACS) from the University of Wisconsin–Stout. Sally brings to MNVA over 20 years of teaching experience. The FACS subject covers a variety of areas. Some of the courses offered are: Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Life Skills, Fashion and Interior Design, Nutrition and Wellness, Hospitality and Tourism, and Family and Consumer Science (intro course to several of the areas of FACS). Mrs. Mensink feels that online learning gives many students a voice in their own learning. 


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Steven Munderloh | HS Music Teacher

Mr. Munderloh graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2003 with a major in music education. He has sung in many amazing groups including The Minnesota Chorale and The Chorale Arts Ensemble in Rochester. He has sung with the world-renowned St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra. He is completing his master’s degree in music education at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. His primary instrument besides his natural voice is piano. He also plays saxophone, guitar, and he likes to bang away on his drum set at home. Currently, he is the K–12 vocal music teacher at Houston Elementary and High School.


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Jacob Nylund | HS Science Teacher

Mr. Nylund has been with MNVA since 2011. He is interested in equipping students with practical skills they can use in life and in science careers. He holds a degree in science education and is a lifelong learner. Mr. Nylund enjoys creating academic plans for students who have had difficulty succeeding elsewhere. Mr. Nylund feels online learning allows a student to better prioritize his/her time, while minimizing classroom distractions.


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Heidi Paulsen | HS Math Teacher

Mrs. Paulsen has been with Minnesota Virtual Academy since 2012. She graduated from Bethany Lutheran College with an associate of arts degree and continued her education at Minnesota State University, Mankato where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics education. Before coming to MNVA, she had experience teaching middle school and high school math at Medford public schools. Mrs. Paulsen likes teaching online because she has more opportunities to work one-to-one with her students.


Jon Peterson | HS Business Teacher

Mr. Peterson graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in business education. He was in the banking industry before starting his career in teaching. He has taught at the post-secondary level for Rasmussen College in Fargo, ND, both online and in the traditional classroom. Jon has also taught online for Duluth Business College in Duluth, MN. His traditional classroom experience consists of teaching at the elementary school, middle school, and high school level for school districts in Wrenshall, Minnesota and Duluth, Minnesota. He also has experience as a football coach for a variety of schools in North Dakota and Minnesota, and is currently on the Duluth Denfeld coaching staff.


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Lisa Pintok | HS Social Studies Teacher

Ms. Pintok joined MNVA in 2017 and teaches Social Studies. She received a master’s degree in education from St. Catherine University in 2017, and completed her bachelor’s degree in political science in 2005 at the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University. Prior to teaching, Ms. Pintok worked in the legal field for 12 years as an electronic discovery project manager and paralegal. Ms. Pintok feels that online learning is an excellent option for many students, including those with health issues, anxiety problems, and those living in very rural areas.


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Beth Robelia | HS Science Teacher

Mrs. Robelia teaches physical science and biology at MNVA. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in zoology, and from Minnesota State University with a degree in experiential education. She has experience teaching both science and math in the metro area. Before entering the classroom, she was an instructor on canoe trips in the Boundary Waters, and a deckhand on educational tall ships.


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Kristin Rohloff | HS English Teacher

Mrs. Rohloff joined MNVA in 2015. She has been teaching since 2012, and loves incorporating dramatic arts into her instruction when she can. She earned her bachelor’s in communication arts and literature teaching from Winona State University, where she also earned a theatre minor. Mrs. Rohloff likes being able to connect with students from all over the state of Minnesota. She feels online learning is an excellent option for students to have available, especially those who want to achieve academic success.


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Deborah Rokenbrodt | HS Math Teacher

Mrs. Rokenbrodt joined the MNVA team in 2005. This is her 13th year as an online teacher and 25th year teaching. She has taught in such places as Madagascar. She holds a degree in mathematics and elementary education and a minor in computer science from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls. Mrs. Rokenbrodt enjoys the opportunity to get to know and work with students individually. She loves the diversity of backgrounds her students come from. She feels online learning allows student to adapt their learning and school day to their needs. 


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Katherine Schultz | HS English Teacher

Ms. Schultz began teaching at MNVA in the fall of 2012. Prior to this, she taught at Insight School of Minnesota and at high schools in Richfield and Minneapolis. Ms. Schultz earned her BA in English Literature and Masters in Education from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She enjoys helping her students increase their critical thinking skills while reading a wide variety of literature and informational texts. Ms. Schultz believes that online learning helps students learn valuable time management and independent work skills.


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Paige Uggerud | MS/HS Science Teacher

Mrs. Uggerud started at MNVA in 2016. She went to college through the University of Minnesota Duluth education program. While there she got her BS in 5–8 general science, life science, and physical science with an emphasis in chemistry. At MNVA she has taught 8th grade earth science, integrated science, core biology, and applied chemistry. Mrs. Uggerud likes that students are able to find an alternative schooling system that fits their needs and offers more one-to-one attention.


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Kathy Undeland | MS/HS French, HS Math Teacher

Mrs. Undeland graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth with a major in secondary education—teaching math (5–12) and French (7–12), and a minor in coaching (emphasis in volleyball and basketball). Mrs. Undeland joined MNVA in the fall of 2008. Mrs. Undeland received a ROE (Recognition of Excellence) Award, for scoring in the top 15% of all test takers who have taken the math content area exam. Mrs. Undeland loves being able to work with students throughout the school day in small group or one-to-one. Mrs. Undeland understands the need for alternative options for students, whether working on a professional career, athletic specialty, medical needs, or just taking a French course with MNVA because it is not offered in the student’s home district.


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Becky Wilfahrt | HS English Teacher

Mrs. Wilfahrt joined MNVA in 2009. She brings 20 years of experience in education, staff development, and community service. She earned her BST in English and minor in middle school education from Minnesota State University Mankato, her MA in Education from St. Mary’s University, and her M.Ed. in Child and Family Studies from the University of Minnesota. She holds licenses in Parent Education and Coaching. Mrs. Wilfahrt feels online learning gives students the ability to work around their needs and schedules while still receiving a quality education.