Meet Our Online Middle School Teachers

Tammy Bartz | MS Music Teacher

Ms. Bartz earned her BS degrees in vocal music, instrumental music, and elementary education from the University of Mary, Bismarck, ND in 1994. In 2008, she completed an MA of education from Walden University and is currently working towards her second master’s degree in music education through Kent State University. She has more than 23 years of experience teaching students in kindergarten through university level. Ms. Bartz has been with the Houston Public School District since 1994 and with MNVA since 2003. She has a high admiration for students and parents who take on the challenge of online learning!

Leah Brehmer | Success Lab and Careers Teacher

Mrs. Brehmer joined MNVA in 2022 as a Middle School teacher. She earned her undergrad from Winona State University in Physical & Health Education with a minor in DAPE. She is currently working on her Masters degree in Leadership from Concordia St. Paul University. Mrs. Brehmer currently teaches 7th graders in the electives area. She loves connecting with students and providing an environment where each individual can succeed. 

Bailey Britton | MS Art Teacher

Miss Britton, also known as Miss B, joined MNVA in 2022 as a Middle School Art Teacher. She earned her undergraduate degree from Winona State University in Art Education (K-12), with a minor in French. In 2023, she became the communications coordinator for the Houston public school district. She currently teaches Art 8, Photography and Study Hall in the electives area. Her favorite thing about being an online art teacher is being able to foster a supportive and engaging online learning environment where students feel safe to explore and experiment to enhance their creative journeys.

Jenna Brown | MS Math Interventionist

Kevin Condit | MS Art Teacher

Mr. Condit has been teaching online for 20 years. He has more than 25 years of experience in art and education. Kevin earned a BS in Art Education from Moorhead State University, an MA in Graphic Design from Minnesota State, Mankato; an MFA in Interactive Design from the University of Minnesota, and a graduate certificate in instructional technology from St. Cloud State University. Mr. Condit believes that online education provides a great learning option for many students that need a different learning environment. It also allows parents to be more involved in their student’s schooling and success.

Michelle Dammen | MS Special Education Teacher

Anthony DeCamillis | MS History Teacher

Mr. DeCamillis holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Social Studies Education from Bethel University with a minor in history. He would continue to earn a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with Western Governors University before continuing further graduate studies in American History with Southern New Hampshire University. Anthony completed international baccalaureate training and taught both IB and Advanced Placement® courses in History and Psychology. He began his online teaching career in the fall of 2007 with MNVA, and has since taught social studies courses at the middle, high, and postsecondary levels.  He believes all students can excel with meaningful integration of technology, high level engagement, and a challenge to think deeply.

Jill Deitering | MS Math Teacher

Mrs. Deitering joined MNVA in 2017. She has taught for over 11 years, with experience teaching elementary-aged students up through adults. She earned a BS in Applied Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin–Stout and an MA in Education from St. Mary’s University. Her professional experience includes working as a business systems analyst for the National Marrow Donor Program. Online education has perfectly blended her information technology and education skill sets to help her provide an optimal learning experience for her students. Mrs. Deitering thinks online learning gives students flexibility in reaching their educational goals.

Darla Erickson | MS 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

Kelsy Flowers | MS Health and Physical Education Teacher

Mrs. Flowers graduated from the University of Wisconsin River Falls in the spring of 2009 with a double major in health and physical education. She joined MNVA-HS in 2009 as the health and physical education teacher. She received her Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in instructional strategies in 2016. Mrs. Flowers feels that online learning is a great opportunity for students because it allows students to be comfortable in their own learning environment and get the individual attention they deserve and require to be successful.

Melissa Friberg | MS Science Teacher

Mrs. Friberg joined the MNVA team in 2007 and has since taught every grade level from kindergarten through eighth grade. She currently specializes in teaching Middle School Science. Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on middle school science from Bemidji State University. She is currently advancing her expertise by pursuing a Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at the American College of Education. Mrs. Friberg is passionate about the benefits of online learning, which she believes offers a distraction-free environment that enhances the educational experience for students.

Melissa Glahn | MS Special Education Teacher

Chris Gordon | MS Special Education Teacher

Chris Gordon has been a special education teacher at MNVA for over 12 years and teaching overall for over 20 years. He has a MS in Learning Disabilities, a BA in Elementary Education, and four teaching licenses. He currently co-teaches 8th grade Math and English/Language Arts. Aside from teaching, he also enjoys spending time with his family and friends, speaking and writing on gratitude and resilience, running and training for marathons, and exemplifying the attributes of a serious professional.

Karla Gotham | MS German 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 | MS 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.

Erin Holey | MS Math Teacher

Ms. Holey has been with MNVA since 2010. She has degrees in math and biology and completed the MAI program at Saint Mary’s University. Erin loves the one-to-one time that she is able to give her students at MNVA and loves to get to know students and their many hobbies from all over the state!

Alicia Katka | MS Math Teacher

Mrs. Katka joined MNVA in 2009 and has taught computer science and multiple math courses during that time. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a minor in mathematics from Carthage College, and a master’s degree in education with a certificate in computer science from the College of Saint Scholastica.  Mrs. Katka believes in building positive relationships with students and creating an engaging and safe learning environment for all.

Peggy Knetter-Johnson | MS Science Teacher

Mrs. KJ was excited to join MNVA in 2010 after teaching science (grades 5-12) in brick and mortar for 10 years.  Since then she has taught science for grades 6-12 at MNVA.  Middle School is her favorite because it is the most fun!  Mrs. KJ attended Viterbo University to earn Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and 6-12 Education with a Chemistry minor and obtained her Masters Degree in K-8 Science Education. She holds teaching licenses in 6-8 Science, Earth Science, Life Science, Chemistry, and Physics.  Mrs. KJ teases the 5 members of her family who are teachers that the best part of working online is wearing pajama pants every day!  Really, she loves how online learning allows for less distractions and more opportunities for students.

Rachel Knowles | MS Psychologist

Elsbeth Krumholz-Stark | MS English Teacher

Mrs. Krumholz-Stark (or Mrs. Stark) has taught 6th and 8th grade language arts at Minnesota Virtual Academy since the 2013–2014 school year. She has a BA in English education with a minor in German from Concordia College in Moorhead and a Master of Education through The College of St. Scholastica. Additionally, Mrs. Stark has a certificate in professional editing from UC-Berkeley Online Extension and a Cambridge University CELTA certificate for teaching ESL. She feels being able to have a more personalized education and more individual contact with each teacher makes online learning a good option for students.

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.

Tom Moody | MS Special Education Teacher

Kirsten Morgan | MS English Teacher

Mrs. Morgan earned her Bachelor of Science from Ball State University, majoring in Deaf Education (K-12) and Secondary English Education. She then continued her education by earning a Master of Education from St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis. She has taught Language Arts for over 25 years, working with students in grades 6-12, including AP English and Literature, as well as teaching college courses in composition. Mrs. Morgan joined MNVA in 2021 and enjoys helping students tailor their learning to their learning styles and strengths, to become stronger and more successful learners.

Alexandra Peterson | MS Social Studies Teacher

Ms. Peterson joined MNVA in 2010. She earned her BA in Sociology: Law, Crime, and Deviance from the University of Minnesota and worked in the non-profit sector while earning her MS in Education from the College of Saint Scholastica. She holds certificates in online instruction and education technology. Ms. Peterson also leads the “Helping Hands Club” for MNVA. Ms. Peterson believes that online learning offers a flexible environment to effectively address student needs, making it an excellent option for both students and families.

Jennifer Saathoff | MS Science Teacher

Mrs. Saathoff joined the MNVA team in 2009. Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree in middle school science education and elementary education from the University of St. Thomas and a master’s degree in education from Augustana University. Mrs. Saathoff likes teaching online because it provides a safe environment for all students to learn regardless of past school experience. It provides students who have been bullied a positive school experience and atmosphere.

Angela Sage | MS Reading Specialist

Mara Schottenbauer | MS Special Education Teacher

Tina Schulz | MS Speech and Language Teacher

Joe Sobolik | MS Math Teacher

Dean Sonsalla | MS Physical Education Teacher

Mr. Sonsalla is a middle school physical education teacher with 20 years of experience in education and 15 years of teaching online. Dean earned his BS in Health and Physical from Winona State University and an MA from Viterbo University in Educational Leadership. He lives in Onalaska, Wisconsin with his wife and two sons. In his free time he enjoys curling and outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. Mr. Sonsalla believes that students who succeed in online schooling set themselves up for success as adults with 21st-century skills.

Courtney Turcotte | MS Special Education Teacher

Kathy Undeland | MS 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.

Emilee Van Blaricom | MS Social Studies Teacher

Ms. Van Blaricom joined Minnesota Virtual Academy in 2016 and has taught multiple Social Studies courses at both the middle school and high school level. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Broad Field Social Studies Education from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Ms. VB likes being able to work and communicate with students in a way that is best suited to their individual needs. She feels online learning is a great opportunity for students because it allows them to prioritize their education in a safe and flexible environment that helps them build technology skills for the future.

Miranda Wierson | MS English Teacher

Mrs. Wierson started teaching 6th-grade English at MNVA in 2024. She previously taught for ten years in high school and middle school settings. Before teaching, Mrs. Wierson received her English and Secondary Teaching degrees from the University of Iowa. Mrs. Wierson is working on getting her Masters in School Counseling from Walden University. She loves the online setting because it offers students an alternative option to traditional schooling. Getting to know her students and forming positive relationships is one of Mrs. Wierson’s favorite parts about teaching.