Student Life
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.
Aneesa Adams | 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.
Michelle Andres | HS PE Teacher
Ms. Andres earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in 5th–8th grade Language Arts from Bemidji State University. She went on to complete a master’s degree in Physical Education and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nutrition Education from American University. Prior to joining MNVA, she taught in the Brainerd School District. Ms. Andres is passionate about teaching at MNVA, where she values the opportunity to collaborate closely with families. She believes the online learning environment provides students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace while receiving the personalized support they need to succeed.
Megan Aranguren | HS Special Education Teacher
Andrew Bengston | HS Construction Teacher
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.
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.
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.
Brittney Bray | HS Operating Engineers Teacher
Dena Buccieri | HS Special Education Teacher and Interventionist
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.
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.
Anne Cameron | HS Business Teacher
Mrs. Cameron holds a B.A. in Business & Vocational Education from UND. She completed a M.A. in Education at St. Mary’s and a M.S. in Instructional Design & Training at SCSU. Throughout her years in education she has served as a H.S. Business Instructor, Learning Coach – Technology Integration, LMS Administrator and Online Program Coordinator. Mrs. Cameron has a passion for online learning and accessible instructional design that meets student’s unique learning needs.
Chelsey Carlson | HS English and CIS Teacher
Ms. Carlson has a bachelor’s degree in English Secondary Education with a minor in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and a master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in English from Southwest Minnesota State University. Her Minnesota teaching license is for Communication Arts-Literature in grades 5-12. She started teaching in 2015 and has taught in 5 districts in Minnesota. As a former high school PSEO student, she is passionate about creating opportunities for students to have access to higher education opportunities and is looking forward to teaching concurrent enrollment classes at MNVA.
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.
Julie Collins | HS Math Teacher
Mrs. Collins graduated from University of Minnesota – Duluth in 2017 with a degree in Teaching Mathematics and a minor in Mathematics and Deaf Studies. She taught 7th – 12th grade math in public schools before joining MNVA in August of 2022. Mrs. Collins lives on a farm with her husband, and enjoys being outside in the garden and other outdoor activities. She truly enjoys being a part of the MNVA family, and thinks our online school is an excellent option for families! She believes it offers opportunities for students that might not be available in their hometown. Mrs. Collins’ appreciates that MNVA provides a learning environment and tools that allow students of all skill levels to be successful.
Janine Curran | 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.
Brian Davidson | HS Construction Teacher
Catherine DesChamps | HS Operating Engineer Teacher
Darla Erickson | HS Music Teacher
Ms. Erickson joined the MNVA team in 2010. She has a bachelor’s degree in K–12 band and 5–12 classroom music from Gustavus Adolphus College. She has licenses in K–12 band, 5–12 classroom music, K–12 SLD, and K-12 EBD. Ms. Erickson likes the personal relationships she is able to build with her students. She feels she knows them better in an online setting then she did in previous teaching experiences
Tori Flores | HS Special Education Teacher
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.
Karla Gotham | HS German and Science Teacher
Frau Gotham joined MNVA in 2019 and is currently teaching German, Chemistry and Anatomy & Physiology. Karla earned her Bachelor of German at Concordia Moorhead, Master of Special education at the University of St Thomas, and three Master of Science Teaching degrees from Western Governors University. Ms. Gotham is licensed in German, SLD, EBD, ASD, Chemistry, Biology and MS Science. Ms. Gotham believes that every student can benefit from an online education because it allows them to learn electives that they may not otherwise have access to in their home school. Frau Gotham is currently the Secretary of the Minnesota American Association of Teachers of German (MnAATG) and has had several of her German students receive national awards for participation in the National German Exam.
Melissa Hall | HS Science Teacher
Ms. Hall joined MNVA in January of 2021 where she teaches Science. Prior to teaching at MNVA she also worked in education for 12 years. Her roles included being a Science Instructional Coach for the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, teaching online, and teaching in-person in Minnesota at a rural alternative school, a small town middle school, and two metro-area high schools.
She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology from Carleton College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Teaching Science from The University of MN Duluth, and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from St. Cloud State University. The best things about teaching at MNVA are: 1. how available and helpful all of the staff and teachers are – reach out to us, we like to help, and 2: being able to see students who would struggle in a traditional classroom excel when they are given the opportunity to do school online.
Kelsey Harvey | HS FACS Teacher
Mrs. Harvey has been teaching Family & Consumer Sciences Education for nine years but this is her first year at MNVA! Please click the link to read Mrs. Harvey’s Class Message Board and learn about the fun, elective classes Mrs. Harvey teaches! https://secure.smore.com/n/xdepz
Jesse Hennen | HS Psychologist Teacher
Anita Jarvis | HS Special Education Teacher
Rebecca Jennings | HS Special Education Teacher
Casi Jensen | HS Agriculture Teacher
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.
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.
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.
Ann Lopez | MS/HS Spanish Teacher
Señora Lopez joined MNVA in 2008 and has been teaching since 2003. She earned a BA in Education from Bethel University and is currently working on her master’s in EL. Señora Lopez enjoys meeting with students individually and in groups to help them understand and use their Spanish confidently. The online environment allows students to work closely with teachers and create a schedule that suits their needs.
Shay Mahoney | HS Special Education Work Based Learning Teacher
Liz Mangan | HS English Teacher
Emma McClure | HS Special Education Teacher
Adam McCullough | HS Science Teacher
Brittney McGuire | HS Social Studies Teacher
Kelsey Monroe | HS Special Education Teacher
Jeromy Morgan | HS Science Teacher
Kelsey Morken | HS Intro to Education, Career and Life Skills Teacher
Michelle Nelson | HS Special Education Teacher
Sarah Nevin | HS Special Education Teacher
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.
Susanna Ojakangas | HS Science Teacher
Stephanie Peterson | HS Special Education Teacher
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.
Stacy Robar | HS Social Math Teacher
Melissa Roggemann| HS FACS Teacher
Mrs. Roggemann joined MNVA in 2019. She graduated from Minnesota State University Mankato with a bachelor’s degree in Family Consumer Science education and a master’s degree in Education Technology. Mrs. Roggemann is passionate about reading, working with families and teaching life skills. She emphasizes the importance of being a lifelong learner and practicing a growth mindset. MNVA gives students the opportunity to learn in an environment they feel most comfortable in and are able to be themselves and follow their passions.
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.
Tricia Runningen | HS English Teacher
Tricia Runningen joined MNVA in 2023. She earned her BS in Communication Arts and Literature from Winona State University in 2003. She spent 15 years working for private businesses before returning to teaching in 2018. She taught English to multiple grades at a small, Montessori charter school for five years before joining the team at MNVA. Mrs. Runningen lives with her husband and three children near Houston, Minnesota.
Tracy Sigl | HS Special Education Teacher
Todd Sukalski | HS Special Education Teacher
Becky Todd | HS Special Education Teacher
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.
Jenni Von Arx | HS Work Based Learning Teacher
Jenni has been working with Work Based Learners since 2020, but has been in education since 2005. She was originally a Business teacher but is loving the focus on just helping high school students learn through their work placements.
Heidi Wick | HS Math Teacher
Heidi Wick teaches high school mathematics at MNVA. She enjoys meeting students over mathematical concepts and conversations. Ms. Wick has taught as a private tutor and interventionist for 23 years and as a classroom teacher for 7 years. Her teaching style combines skills she has practiced in mathematics and music performance. Heidi has three degrees in music: Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate. Math and music have always been her muse, receiving honors and recognition in each area in her lifetime. Most recently, Houston Public Schools recognized her as a “Houston Hero” for exemplary service to students, school, and community.
Megan Wieser | HS Speech and Language Teacher
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.