Meet our Adult Education Staff
Joey Benning, Community Engagement Coach
Joey is a Community Engagement Coach in the Capstone program. Joey attended the University of Saint Thomas, where he majored in Environmental Studies and GIS. His educational career began in a wilderness setting before transitioning into a traditional school. With a devotion for authenticity and growth for all, he is enthused to be a part of the team.
Email: joey.benning@franklinmn.org
Laura Bremseth, College and Career Readiness Instructor
Laura is a College and Career Readiness Instructor in the Capstone Program. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from St. Cloud State University and served in the Peace Corps. With over ten years of teaching and leadership experience prior to joining Franklin Center, Laura is deeply committed to honoring the lived experience of all learners. She values diversity and actively promotes equity, striving to cultivate effective support systems that uplift both students and educators.
Email: laura.bremseth@franklinmn.org
Buck Buckner, Employment Support Specialist
Email: buck.buckner@franklinmn.org
Amy Epperson, Vocational Services Coordinator
Amy is entering her 6th year at the Franklin Center. She has worked for our Academy as a Behavior Therapist, Therapy Services as a Registered Behavior Therapist, and is now the Vocational Services Coordinator in the Capstone Program. Amy earned her Bachelors in Psychology and Human Services from the University of Minnesota, Morris. Prior to working at the Franklin Center, Amy was a Registered Behavior Therapist in Brookings, SD, and a Hall Director at South Dakota State University.
Email: amy.epperson@franklinmn.org
Michael Faeth, Capstone Director
Entering into his 9th year at the Franklin Center and 19th year in education, Michael Faeth previously served as our school’s Post-Secondary Career and Education Counselor, as well as our instructor of independent living skills, social skills, and vocational training. Michael brings private sector experience to his job, working in the financial industry for years, as well as research and organizational experience, having completed his MA and working through a PhD (ABD) at the University of Minnesota.
Email: mike.faeth@franklinmn.org
Johnny Garrido, Employment Support Specialist
Johnny is an Employment Support Specialist in the Capstone program. Prior to joining Franklin, Johnny oversaw a team of employment specialists for neurodiverse adults, and was recognized within Ramsey County for his attentiveness and creative problem solving. Outside of work, Johnny enjoys spending time outdoors with his dog, cooking, and playing guitar.
Email: johnny.garrido@franklinmn.org
Kristen McLean, Social and Community Engagement Instructor
Kristen McLean is our Social and Community Engagement Instructor. Her experience in education has been extensive through all grade levels. She has her undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas in Science/Math Elementary Education. Soon after she graduated from St. Mary’s University with a graduate degree in Education. Prior to working at Franklin she taught at private and public educational institutions as a classroom teacher and small group reading specialist. Recently she worked with adults in Transition programs in public schools and job-coached young adults.
Email: kristen.mclean@franklinmn.org
Jake Miller, Employment Support Specialist
Jake Miller is an Employment Support Specialist in the Capstone Program. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, earned in 2019, and has dedicated his career to supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Jake brings extensive experience in Applied Behavior Analysis and previously served as a Waivered County Case Manager before joining the Franklin team. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf, exploring new bike trails, and discovering diverse cuisines. Jake is passionate about animals and shares his home with two beloved cats, Ozzy and Paddington. An avid Minnesota sports enthusiast, he cheers passionately for the Timberwolves and Vikings.
Email: jake.miller@franklinmn.org
Jordan Morrison, Social Worker
Jordan is a Social Worker in the Capstone Program. Jordan earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and Master of Social Work from the University of Denver. Prior to working at the Franklin Center, Jordan was a Mental Health Practitioner in Minneapolis, MN.
Email: jordan.morrison@franklinmn.org
Nick Plimpton, Community Engagement Coach
Nick is a Community Engagement Coach in the Capstone Program. A native Minnesotan, he graduated from Kenyon College, where he majored in History and minored in Japanese. He then went on to earn a Masters in Medical Sciences from Boston University. Prior to Franklin, Nick worked as a Program Instructor for the Wayzata Public Schools after-school program.
Email: nick.plimpton@franklinmn.org
Chad Sprinkel, Employment Support Specialist
Chad is the Employment Support Specialist in the Capstone Program. Chad brings a wealth of experience with him, working with both minors and adults facing neurodiverse challenges. As a Minnesota native, Chad has devoted several years to the Human Services Field, demostrating a strong commitment to empowering individuals and cultivating inclusive communities. Before joining Franklin Center, Chad served as a Program Manager for Adults with disabilities.
Email: chad.sprinkel@franklinmn.org
Kelsey Toetschinger, Lead Life Skills Teacher
Entering her 12th year at Franklin Center and 14th year in education, Kelsey Toetschinger is our Lead Life Skills Teacher. Kelsey brings a wealth of experience working with young neurodiverse adults. Kelsey earned her Bachelors in Early Childhood Education from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and her Masters’s in Special Education from St. Mary’s University, Twin Cities. Kelsey has her LD, EBD, and ASD licenses and is licensed in both general and special education.