Franklin Academy Staff
Casey Conaway, Lower School Teacher
Casey is the Cascade Falls teacher in our lower school. 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, High School Social Studies Teacher
Kelly is the Social Studies teacher in our high school. 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 Academy, Kelly worked at a Charter School teaching High School Social Studies.
Austin Croteau, Physical Education and Health Teacher
Austin is a 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, Middle School Teacher
Andy is the Temperance River classroom 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.
John Gabriel, Middle School Teacher
John is the Pigeon River classroom teacher in our middle school at Franklin Center. He graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris with an Education License focusing on Social Studies. Prior to working at Franklin Academy, he was employed by a private school that focused on students with learning differences.
Anita Haas, Lower School Teacher
Anita is the Minnehaha classroom teacher in our lower school at Franklin Center. She has been with the organization since 2013, in various teaching and leadership positions within the Academy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and Theatre, a Master’s degree in Special Education with teaching licenses in birth-adult Autism Spectrum Disorders and K-12 Developmental Cognitive Disorders. Before getting her Master’s degree, she served as a paraprofessional and special education teacher in a K-5 charter school for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Arnie Hamel, Building Substitute Teacher
Arnie 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, High School Life Skills Teacher
Michael is a Life Skills teacher with our High School Program. 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, Student Support Specialist
Maggie is the Student Support Specialist for our Lower and Middle School students at Franklin Center. She transitioned into this role after working as a Lower School Teacher for the past eight years. Prior to teaching at Franklin, Maggie received her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and began her career in the IBI field working 1:1 with students age 2-10. She later returned to school to earn her Master’s Degree in Special Education, completing her license in Autism Spectrum Disorders. As a Student Support Specialist she works to help create holistic learning environments for all students and ensures individuals are receiving the needed accommodations and modifications to make them successful. When not at Franklin, Maggie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, doing activities outside, and reading a good book.
Brenna Lee, Lower School Teacher
Brenna is the Wolf Creek classroom 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, Special Education Program Manager
Sarah is Franklin Academy’s Special Education Program Manager. 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, High School 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, Middle School Teacher
Scott is the Chippewa River classroom 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, High School Teacher
Thyme is our High School Science and Technology teacher in Lake Minnetonka. 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, Lower School Teacher
Jenn will be working with the creative minds in our Lower School Gooseberry Classroom! 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 a 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.
Nathan Ross, Temporary Building Substitute Teacher
Nathan is a Building Substitute at Franklin Center. He earned his Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of Minnesota, Master’s in Kinesiology and Physical Education at Northern Illinois University, and currently studies Counseling Psychology at the University of St. Thomas. Before joining Franklin Center, Nathan worked in Applied Behavioral Analysis and spent time as a teaching assistant at NIU. He spends most of his time working on house projects and taking care of his dog Poppy.
Tina San Miguel, Spanish and CTE Teacher
Tina serves as our Spanish and CTE teacher 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, Art Specialist
Nancy is Franklin Center’s Art Specialist. 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 Academy, 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 of Franklin Academy. 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 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.
Grace Yemma-Tschumper, Student Services Coordinator
Grace is the Student Services Coordinator at Franklin Center. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in English and a minor in creative writing. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the outdoors or jumping into a new book.
Hannah Zurn, High School Teacher
Hannah is a math teacher in our high school. 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, 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, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Clara is a Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She graduated from Bethel University in St. Paul with a BA in Psychology. Prior to working at Franklin Academy, 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.
Abbey Catoor, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Abbey is a Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She graduated from Creighton University with a degree in Social Work and a focus in Psychology. Before working at Franklin Academy 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, Behavior Therapy Program Manager
Grace is the Academy Behavior Team 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 at Franklin Center. She received her Bachelor’s 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.
Tobias Griffin, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Tobias Griffin is a Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. He received his Bachelor’s degree in sports management and a minor in marketing. He started with us in March of 2023. Tobias previously worked with kids at the Marie Sandvik Center and the Boys and Girls Club Minneapolis
Austin Gumbiner, Senior Classroom Behavior Therapist
Austin is a Senior Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. He graduated with an A.A. from Normandale Community College, with a focus in Music and Performing Arts. Before Franklin, Austin spent nearly five years as a lead preschool teacher, working with children ages 3-5.
Hailey Hoskins, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Hailey is a Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. Prior to working at Franklin Academy, Hailey worked at a Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility as a Counselor with high-risk teenagers. Outside of work, Hailey enjoys playing her pup Fig, thrifting, advocating for LGBTQ youth, and watching reality television.
Anna Kocourek, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Anna is a Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She graduated from Creighton University with a degree in Exercise Science with a focus in psychology. Prior to working Franklin Academy she worked at the children’s respite care center in Omaha, Nebraska. Anna actively coaches gymnastics and loves doing anything outdoors.
Sydney Nelson, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Sydney is a Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She graduated with her BA in psychology and English literature with 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. He is on track to graduate with a degree in Psychology in the spring of 2024. Prior to joining Franklin, Isaiah gained valuable experience as a personal nanny, caring for children of various ages and developmental stages while pursuing his degree.
Bren Wells, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Bren is a Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. Prior to coming to Franklin Center, Bren interned at Out Front Minnesota to complete her Bachelor of Social Work with a concentration in LGBTQ+ advocacy. She has a background in working with individuals ages 4-16, implementing ABA techniques as well as various DBT/CBT techniques with adolescents diagnosed with eating disorders. Bren is originally from Louisiana and moved to Minnesota in December of 2023! When she is not at work, she enjoys snuggling with her cats, volunteering at food shelves, and dancing!
Ayan Yusuf, Classroom Behavior Therapist
Ayan is a Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. Ayan has several years of experience working with children, and really enjoys teaching and learning from students. Ayan is currently working on going to school for Speech Pathology at The University of Minnesota. In her free time, Ayan enjoys going on walks and spending time with her nieces and nephews.