Franklin Academy Staff
Casey Conaway, Teacher
Casey is the Cascade Falls teacher in our Lower School at Franklin Center. She graduated from The College of Saint Scholastica with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. With nearly 10 years in education, she has previously worked with neurodivergent young adults at Minnesota Independence College and Community, taught 5th grade in Minneapolis, and was a special education paraprofessional. She enjoys crafting, reading, collecting items, curating playlists, and her cat, Tofu.
Kelly Crampton, Teacher
Kelly is the Social Studies teacher in our High School at Franklin Center. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth in Teaching Social Studies with a minor in coaching. Prior to working at Franklin Center, Kelly worked at a Charter School teaching High School Social Studies.
Austin Croteau, Teacher
Austin is the Physical Education and Health teacher at Franklin Center. He graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a B.S. in Psychology. Austin’s previous work experience has been within the ABA field, working with kids ages 3 – 18 in a 1:1 clinic setting.
Andy Dreher, Teacher
Andy is the Temperance River teacher in our Middle School at Franklin Center. He was previously the Building Substitute and Enrichment Program Assistant Manager at Franklin Center. He received his BA in Psychology with a focus on neuropsychology from UW-Milwaukee. Prior to coming to Franklin Center, he worked with younger clients providing early intervention therapy.
Arnie Hamel, Building Substitute
Arnie is a Building Subsitute at Franklin Center. He is in his 20th year in education, having previously worked as a middle school art teacher at Columbia Academy in the Columbia Heights public school district. He has a passion for working with young people and has extensive experience with students in grades 7-12. Arnie received his BA in Journalism from the University of St. Thomas and his Masters degree in Art Education from the University of Minnesota. He enjoys art, reading, guitar and bike riding.
Michael Horak, Teacher
Michael is the Life Skills teacher in our High School at Franklin Center. He is a graduate of the University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL with a major in Marine Affairs, Anthropology and a minor in Business Administration. After several years working in fisheries, aquatic biology, and natural resources, Michael moved to Minnesota and completed a naturalist internship in Environmental Education. Teaching children outdoors led Michael to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul and a Masters of Arts in Teaching. Michael has eighteen plus years teaching Middle School Science. He has also been a summer camp leader, an archery coach, and has spent time on the board of a local food cooperative. Michael enjoys Minnesota’s great water and natural resources, his life membership with a local archery club, and spending time with family.
Maggie Jensen, Teacher
Maggie is the Wolf Creek Falls teacher in our Lower School at Franklin Center. Starting in 2017 with the Academy, she brings a strong background in both education and behavioral intervention. Before joining Franklin, Maggie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and began her career in the Intensive Behavioral Intervention (IBI) field, working with children ages 2 to 10. She later pursued her Master’s degree in Special Education, with a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorders, and obtained licensure in the field.
As an educator, Maggie is dedicated to building meaningful relationships with each of her students while tailoring instruction to support their individual learning needs. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her family, taking walks with her dog, and getting lost in a good book.
Brenna Lee, Teacher
Brenna is the Gooseberry Falls teacher in our Lower School at Franklin Center. She graduated from the University of North Georgia and holds five teaching certifications in: Elementary Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Special Education General Curriculum, Gifted and Talented, and is a Reading Specialist. She has nine years of teaching experience, ranging from 1st to 4th grade. She has three little girls (12, 9, & 5) and enjoys her family and her cat, Professor Kitty Pants!
Sarah Makarem, Academy Program Manager
Sarah is the Academy Program Manager at Frankin Center. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota in Foundations of Education and Child & Human Development, she later acquired her Master of Arts degree in Special Education through Saint Mary’s University. She has 15+ years of experience in managing programs, sustaining culture change, and creating curriculums. She began her career working with preschool aged children in an inclusive classroom and has extensive experience working with high school & transition aged students as a Classroom Educator, Content Mentor and Instructional Leader. She previously served as a Middle School Academic and Behavior Interventionist, Dean of Students and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Instructor. Sarah brings a caring and compassionate lens to the academic environment and fosters a sense of belonging for all. In her free time, she enjoys being with her husband & daughter, anything outdoors and on the water, getting lost in a good book or tv show, and exploring all the hidden gems in the Twin Cities.
Anna Myrand, Teacher
Anna is the English Language Arts teacher in our High School at Franklin Center. She earned her teaching degrees at the University of Minnesota Duluth and Minnesota State University Mankato, and she holds licenses in English Language Arts, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Disabilities, Developmental Disabilities, and Emotional Behavioral Disorders. Over the course of her career, she has taught in both public and private schools and taught English in Belize. She considers it a privilege to be part of students’ growing journeys and loves building unique, meaningful connections with each learner. When not teaching, Anna enjoys writing, reading, and spending time with family.
Scott Linner, Teacher
Scott is the Chippewa River teacher in our Middle School at Franklin Center. He has 15 years of experience in Elementary Education. Scott graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with an B.A. Degree in Elementary Education, and a Pre Primary emphasis with additional SPED Certification. Scott enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors as much as possible.
Thyme Masters, Teacher
Thyme is the STEM teacher in our High School at Franklin Center. Thyme earned their B.S. in Biology and Secondary Education from Northland College, with a minor in Graphic Design. Thyme has previously taught in an array of diverse settings, including the MESD Outdoor School Program in their hometown of Portland, Oregon, and at the International English School in Jönköping, Sweden. Thyme has a passion for crafting experiences wherein students may identify and develop their “spark” for the natural world.
Jenn Peterson, Teacher
Jenn is the Pigeon River teacher in our Middle School at Franklin Center. She has had numerous work experiences in the teaching field, both in the classroom and in the great outdoors. Jenn loves traveling, sports, outside, animals, and meeting new people. Jenn enjoys spending time with her friends and family (including her husband, son, and 2 dogs).
Holly Riley, Student Support Specialist
Holly is the Student Support Specialist at Franklin Center. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a degree in Social Work. She has worked with individuals with varying abilities and mental health concerns for over 20 years.
Tina San Miguel, Teacher
Tina is the Culinary and Seminar teacher in our High School at Franklin Center. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Bilingual/Bi-Cultural Education from Universidad del Sagrado Corazon in Puerto Rico, and a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico. Tina is an experienced ESL teacher from Puerto Rico and fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
Nancy Shelledy, Teacher
Nancy is the Art teacher at Franklin Center. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Morris with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Arts, with a focus in Painting and Textiles. Prior to working at Franklin Center, Nancy was a Program Coordinator for adults with disabilities and mental health diagnoses. In that role, she supported individuals in learning independent living skills in the home and community.
Kim Strandemo, Principal
Kim is the Principal at Franklin Center. She graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and then acquired a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Moorhead State University in 2013.
Over the past 20 years, Kim has been a world traveler, living and working in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou (China), and Doha, Qatar. She has taught at the International School of Beijing, Hong Kong International School, and the American School of Doha. During her second stint in Doha from 2013-2015, she served as the Elementary Principal at the Middle East International School where she helped the school become accredited in less than two years. She also has teaching and administrative experience in Minnesota and Virginia.
Hannah Zurn, Teacher
Hannah is the Math teacher in our High School at Franklin Center. She has a BA degree from the University of Wisconsin River Falls in Secondary Education Broad Field Social Studies with an emphasis in History. As well as a MA from Minnesota State University-Moorhead in Special Education with an emphasis in Emotional Behavioral Disorders. Prior to working at Franklin Center, Hannah worked as a Special Education Math Teacher for 6 years in a public school setting. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching reality tv, and hanging out with her 2 year old daughter.
Behavior Staff
Clara Anderson, Senior Classroom Behavior Therapist
Clara is a Senior Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul with a BA in Psychology. Prior to working at Franklin Center, Clara worked at Fraser Coon Rapids, aiding young children with autism grow in their social and emotional skills. Clara loves making kids laugh and smile as they learn new skills. She enjoys animals, being outside, and spending quality time with family and friends in her freetime.
Davey Burns, Senior Classroom Behavior Therapist
Davey is a Senior Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. He attended Union College in Schenectady, NY where he studied Psychology. He has experience coaching kids ages 10-18 in lacrosse and hockey. Davey has served as a mentor to student-athletes and has a passion for working with kids.
Victoria Castellano, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Tori is a Classroom Behavior Therapist in our High School at Franklin Center. She received her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina Asheville and minored in Sociology. Tori tailored her degree to prejudice and discrimination of minority groups in the Mental Health field. She has over 10 years of childcare experience, as well as one year as a Therapeutic Mentor for an Inpatient Treatment Center in NC called Whippoorwill. Tori is excited to join the growing community and help the students reach their highest goals!
Abbey Catoor, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Abbey is a Classroom Behavior Therapist in our Lower School at Franklin Center. She graduated from Creighton University with a degree in Social Work and a focus in Psychology. Before working at Franklin Center, she was an intern at Heartland Family Services Therapeutic School, a school for kids experiencing trauma and mental illness. Abbey is passionate about helping children build a brighter future for themselves and the world around them.
Grace Fitch, Academy Behavior Lead
Grace is the Academy Behavior Lead at Franklin Center. She supports Behavior Therapists (BTs) in the classroom by developing and monitoring progress with social and emotional learning objectives, completing assessments, developing behavior intervention plans, and coordinating with teachers. Grace also assists BTs with monitoring the effectiveness of behavior plans, data collection, and teaching strategies. Grace graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BA in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences and has worked in the behavior field with children with Autism and other neurodiversities for over 5 years. She has been a Behavior Therapist, Lead Therapist, and ABA Treatment Supervisor. Grace has experience providing 1:1 individual skills training, facilitating family skills training, and supporting group skills.
Sarah Frisk, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Sarah is a Classroom Behavior Therapist in our High School at Franklin Center. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics and Music from the University of Northwestern-St. Paul. Sarah is passionate about helping neurodivergent people feel understood, supported, and empowered. When she’s not at Franklin Center, Sarah enjoys reading, playing piano, baking, and spending time with her friends, family, and pets.
Anna Grace, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Anna is a Classroom Behavior Therapist in our Middle School at Franklin Center. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies with a focus in Organizational Psychology, and a minor in Leadership. Anna has previously worked with neurodivergent young adults at Minnesota Independence College and Community. She enjoys crafting, reading, being outside, and hanging out with her cat.
Tobias Griffin, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Tobias is a Classroom Behavior Therapist in our Middle School at Franklin Center. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management and a Minor in Marketing. Prior to working at Franklin Center, Tobias worked with kids at the Marie Sandvik Center, and the Boys and Girls Club – Minneapolis.
Anna Kocourek, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Anna is a Classroom Behavior Therapist in our Lower School at Franklin Center. She graduated from Creighton University with a degree in Exercise Science and a focus in Psychology. Prior to working Franklin Center, she worked at the Children’s Respite Care Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Anna actively coaches gymnastics and loves doing anything outdoors.
Emilee Molsather, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Emilee is a Classroom Behavior Therapist in our Lower School at Franklin Center. She graduated from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities with a degree in Family Social Science and began working in the autism field in 2017. Emilee has experience as an in-home behavior therapist, lead behavior therapist, and treatment supervisor, as well as serving as a therapeutic recreation coordinator in a long-term-care facility. In her free time, Emilee enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
Sydney Nelson, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Sydney is a Classroom Behavior Therapist in our Middle School at Franklin Center. She graduated with her BA in Psychology and English Literature, and a minor in Neuroscience from Minnesota State University Moorhead. Previously, Sydney has worked in direct support roles for people of all ages and abilities to overcome obstacles and build independence. She looks forward to following her passion for helping neurodivergent young people grow and build confidence to accomplish things they didn’t think were possible! In her spare time, she loves reading, cooking new things, and playing with her cats, Shrimp Scampi and Pablo Picasso!
Isaiah Reis, Senior Classroom Behavior Therapist
Isaiah is a Senior Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. Isaiah attended the University of Minnesota, where he studied Psychology and Public Health. Isaiah works to build meaningful connections with students by providing emotional support and guidance throughout their academic journey. With a focus on both social-emotional growth and academic success, Isaiah develops individualized plans to help students thrive in the classroom while fostering lasting, trusting relationships that empower them beyond school.
Outside of Franklin, Isaiah enjoys going for lake walks with his dog, playing pickleball, and gardening.
Jaiden Seabrooks, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Jaiden is a Classroom Behavior Therapist in our High School at Franklin Center. She earned a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from William Penn University. She has extensive experience working in the home health care setting providing a multitude of services for a wide rage of clients. These experiences include but are not limited to, Catholic Elder Care located in Minneapolis and Imagine the Possibilities in Iowa. In her leisure, Jaiden enjoys journaling, traveling, physical activity, and crafts.