Franklin Academy Staff

Kelly CramptonKelly 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.

blankAustin 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.

blankHeather Culli, Teacher

Heather is a Lower School teacher at Franklin Center. She earned her BA in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University – Chicago, with a minor in Psychology and a specialization in Special Education. She also holds a Master of Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee. With extensive experience teaching grades 2–5 in the Milwaukee metro area, Heather has also supervised and mentored college practicum students and student teachers. Her background includes serving as a preschool administrator at Little Lambs Academy and contributing as a curriculum writer and designer at Concordia Publishing House. Outside of work, Heather enjoys reading, writing, and traveling with her three children.

Andy DreherAndy 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.

blankArnie 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.

blankMichael 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.

blankScott 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.

blankSarah 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.

blankAnna 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.

blankJenn 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).

 

blankHolly 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.

blankColin Roney, Head of School

Colin Roney is the Head of School at Franklin Center. Colin earned a Master of Science in Education in Instructional Technology, and two Bachelor of Science degrees in Special Education and Elementary Education from Duquesne University. He also holds a K-12 Principal License from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Prior to joining Franklin Center, he spent 18 years at Groves Academy, where he served in several leadership roles, including Assistant Head of School. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to supporting students, strengthening school communities, and fostering meaningful partnerships with families and educators. In his free time, Colin enjoys spending time with his wife, Clare, and their three sons, coaching and cheering them on in their various sports activities, and taking advantage of every opportunity to be outdoors.

Tina San MiguelTina 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 ShelledyNancy 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.

blankSarah Thomason, Teacher

Sarah is a Lower School teacher at Franklin Center. She is passionate about creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments where every child can thrive. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Human Development and Family Sciences (Child Development), with a minor in Spanish and a reading endorsement, through a dual-degree program at North Dakota State University and Valley City State University. After teaching for ten years in a general education setting, Sarah discovered a passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs and earned a Master of Science in Special Education with a specialty in autism spectrum disorders. She is committed to using evidence-based practices to help students build academic skills, communication, confidence, and independence. Sarah values strong partnerships with families and colleagues and strives to foster a safe, welcoming classroom where all students feel respected, supported, and empowered to succeed. Outside of the classroom, Sarah enjoys theater, singing, playing the trumpet and piano, and spending time with animals of all kinds.

blankHannah 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

blankClara 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.

blankDavey 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.

blankKai Cwynar, Classroom Behavior Therapist

Kai is a Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. Kai has worked as an RBT in both Florida and Minnesota. She began her career as an RBT in 2022 in Florida, and relocated to Minnesota in 2024 to continue her work in the field. Kai enjoys making a difference in these kids’ lives with compassion and care. Outside of work, Kai loves camping and doing creative hobbies such as jewelry making and crochet. Kai also loves traveling and has been to Japan.

blankLilia DeGayner, Classroom Behavior Therapist

Lilia is a Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Social Work and is passionate about synthesizing joy and personal development.

Grace FitchGrace Fitch, Behavior Therapy Program Manager

Grace is the Behavior Therapy Program Manager 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.

blankSarah Frisk, Classroom Behavior Therapist

Sarah is a Classroom Behavior Therapist 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.

blankTobias Griffin, Classroom Behavior Therapist

Tobias is a Classroom Behavior Therapist 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.

blankHailey Hoskins, Senior Classroom Behavior Therapist

Hailey is a Senior 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 Center, 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.

blankWill Kron, Classroom Behavior Therapist

William is a Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. He graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor’s of Science in Neuroscience. William has previously worked with neurodivergent adults by supporting the development of pre-employment skills and greater independence in their lives. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, reading, and cooking.

blankMcKayla LaCoursiere, Classroom Behavior Therapist

McKayla is a Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She is currently working toward becoming an Occupational Therapist. Before joining Franklin Center, she worked as a RBT with Caravel and Bloomwell, where she developed a passion for helping children learn, grow, and reach their full potential. In her free time, McKayla loves painting, anything to do with her dog Blue, and spending time with friends and family.

blankJordan Pieper, Classroom Behavior Therapist

Jordan is a Classroom Behavior Therapist at Franklin Center. She graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology. Jordan has previously worked as a paraprofessional and an RBT. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, reading, and hanging out with friends and family.