Who We Are

We are a consortium of teachers, administrators, concerned citizens and parents. We believe the urban and suburban schools and districts are ignoring their oath, “To ensure every child is provided the tools they need in order to live as independent and successful contributors to our society.” We want our children to mature under a K-6 program that ensures their ability to successfully compete in the global marketplace.

We are your new "neighborhood school."

Our school offers an innovative and high standards education program that expects to produce our community's and nation's next leaders. It is our goal to shape the Emily Grey school community with the values that mirror those of the families that live in our neighborhood and attend our school.

Meet Our Board

Kasey Nerone

Ms. Nerone holds a Bachelor's degree from Finlandia University, Michigan, in elementary education with concentrations in English and Social Studies. Her experience in education includes teaching all of the major subject areas in grades K-8 using varied approaches such as inquiry-based learning, cooperative learning, and service-based learning. In addition to her classroom teaching experience Ms. Nerone has also coached girl's basketball, judged elementary students' science fair projects, and served as a conversation partner for foreign exchange students. In addition to serving on the board, Ms. Nerone also teaches our Kindergarten students.

Jeanene Noll, M.Ed.
jnoll@emilygreyschool.org

Ms. Noll earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Ms. Noll earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and an Masters of Education in Adult Education focusing on multiculturalism. She earned her degrees while working full-time and part-time, and understands the obstacles for non-traditional learners. With over 30 years of administrative experience, she has served in four unties at the U. of MN-T.C. College of Education and Human Development, Medical School, Continuing Education and Extension, and College of Liberal Arts. Currently, Ms. Noll is on the administrative staff at the College of Liberal Arts. In continuing education she served 17 years as an assistant director for self-supporting medical conferences in involving local, regional, national, and international clientele.

Ms. Noll is a well established musician and has done volunteer music work with local community based associations and care facilities in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Her particular education interest is in developing and adapting programs to meet the needs and learning styles of participants in a supportive environment.

Ms. Noll brings valuable insights, a broad perspective, and range of experience in education to our board.

Robyn Weidman-Spirer

Robyn Weidman has had an interest in teaching elementary-aged students since she began working as a camp counselor in 1994. Weidman-Spirer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Touro College in New York, and a Master of Science degree with an emphasis on literacy from Southern Illinois University. She has teaching licenses for both Minnesota and Illinois. In addition to 3 years of teaching experience, Ms. Weidman-Spirer has also coordinated several after-school academic clubs. Ms. Weidman-Spirer also serves as our second grade teacher.

Robert Rydland

Mr. Rydland graduated with a bachelor's degree in geography and environmental studies from Gustavus Adolphus College and has also earned a master's degree in special education from Bethel University. He has provided special education services to students with various learning disabilities and/or emotional/behavioral disorders since 2003. He has also written and implemented curriculum in language arts and science. In addtion to serving on the governing board, Mr. Rydland is also the school's K-2 special education teacher.

Administration

Dimitri Russell, Ed.D (ABD)—Executive Director
drussell@emilygreyschool.org

Mr. Russell earned his B.A. in East Asian Studies, an M.Ed in Educational Psychology and is an Ed.D candidate in Educational Policy and Administration at the University of Minnesota-T.C. Mr. Russell earned both his Special Education License and K-12 Principal's License through the U. of M-T.C. He has worked as a special education teacher and administrator in both traditional and charter schools.

Mr. Russell’s academic and professional background makes him a positive candidate to support our school in reaching its vision and mission goals. Currently, Mr. Russell coordinates the special education programs for the Minnesota Internship Center in Minneapolis. Among his duties is to coordinate all special education service delivery methods to students identified as possessing a disability under state and federal guidelines. Mr. Russell ensures that the “Child Find” process is properly implemented.

Mr. Russell continues to demonstrate the highest of personal and professional values that make him a valued asset to his school organization and the lives of the students he works with.

Shawn Davenport—Dean of Students

Mr. Davenport manages all student discipline issues for the school. He works with the Executive Director to formulate student management policies. He works with staff to plan and develop social, recreational, and curricular programs. Mr. Davenport counsels or advises students and groups on personal, school and their family problems. Mr. Davenport reviews reports of student misconduct cases that require disciplinary action and institutes consequences as necessary and in consult with the Executive Director. Mr. Davenport is a parent who has began working with the school since its inception. Mr. Davenport is an invaluable member of our school community and continues to be contribute to the welfare and security of our students and families.

Tammy Ryther—Office Manager

Biography not yet available.

Steve Dess—Sponsor Liaison

Phone: 651-260-3782

Teachers and Specialists

Karna Sjoberg—Academic Officer

Ms. Sjoberg has a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education and music from North Park University and a Master of Arts in education from the College of Saint Catherine. She has more than 10 years of experience teaching, and has taught math, science, physical education, art, language arts, social studies, and computer use. Ms. Sjoberg has also served as a high school counselor, basketball coach, chess club advisor, and yearbook advisor.

Kyle Kherberg—Director of Special Education

Biography not yet available.

James Nee—Social Worker

Mr. Nee holds an undergraduate degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, and has provided counseling and supervision to at-risk youth with chemical dependancy and mental health issues. He has also served as an emergency services intern with the American Red Cross and has volunteered his services to numerous organizations and projects including Operation Military Kids, People to People, Big Brother/Big Sister, and the Veteran's Administration.

Kenneth Caldwell—Art Specialist

Kenneth Caldwell has been guiding students in their artistic discovery since 2002. His educational background includes 3 years of graphic design coursework at St. Cloud State University. He has worked as a commercial artist and illustrator and has also published a coloring book to help young children understand the concepts of “good touch” and “bad touch.”

Ahmed Abdullah—Arabic Instructor

Biography not currently available.

Onayemi Ogunkoye—West African Percussionist

Biography not currently available.

Kasey Nerone—Kindergarten Teacher

Ms. Nerone holds a Bachelor's degree from Finlandia University, Michigan, in elementary education with concentrations in English and Social Studies. Her experience in education includes teaching all of the major subject areas in grades K-8 using varied approaches such as inquiry-based learning, cooperative learning, and service-based learning. In addition to her classroom teaching experience Ms. Nerone has also coached girl's basketball, judged elementary students' science fair projects, and served as a conversation partner for foreign exchange students. In addition to teaching our kindergarten students, Ms. Nerone also serves on our governing board.

Melissa Moen—1st Grade Teacher

Since 2004, Melissa Moen has taught elementary-aged students with diverse backgrounds and educational needs. Her experience includes classroom instruction as well as after-school intervention and enrichment. In addition to her teaching, Ms. Moen served as a science facilitator and is currently a member of Emily Grey School’s governing board.

Andrea Skiba—1st Grade Teacher

Andrea Skiba holds a Masters in Education from University of Minnesota and licensure in Social Studies education. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Cloud State University. In addition to 3 years of teaching experience, Ms. Skiba also has a background in coaching and coordinating recreational activities for children. Among her professional awards are membership in the National Honor Society for Psychology and inclusion in the 2006 edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers.

Ana Grossman-Apter—2nd Grade Teacher

Ms. Grossman-Apter graduated suma cum laude from Brandeis University with an undergraduate degree in American Studies and elementary education. Her teaching experience includes instructing elementary school children in Hebrew and in the cultural and religious aspects of Judaism. She also has experience with differentiated instructional techniques for teaching mathematics and reading to young children.

Robyn Weidman-Spirer, 2nd Grade Teacher

Robyn Weidman-Spirer has had an interest in teaching elementary-aged students since she began working as a camp counselor in 1994. Weidman-Spirer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Touro College in New York, and a Master of Science degree with an emphasis on literacy from Southern Illinois University. She has teaching licenses for both Minnesota and Illinois. In addition to 3 years of teaching experience, Ms. Weidman-Spirer has also coordinated several after-school academic clubs. Ms. Weidman-Spirer also serves on the school's governing board.

Robert Rydland—K-2 Special Education Teacher

Mr. Rydland graduated with a bachelor's degree in geography and environmental studies from Gustavus Adolphus College and has also earned a master's degree in special education from Bethel University. He has provided special education services to students with various learning disabilities and/or emotional/behavioral disorders since 2003. He has also written and implemented curriculum in language arts and science. In addition to serving as a teacher at the school, Mr. Rydland is also on our governing board.

Theresa Ronnei—3rd Grade Teacher

Theresa Ronnei has 10 years of successful teaching experience with Kindergarten and third grade students. She has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the College of St. Catherine. Additionally, she has training and experience working with the Core Knowledge curriculum and with Saxon Math curriculum.

Bridgette Gable—4th Grade Teacher

Bridgette Gable holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, and is licensed in pre-primary and elementary education. Her teaching experience includes working with elementary age students in Edina and St. Paul Public Schools, with a particular emphasis on helping students learn math. Ms. Gable is fluent in German and is also a skilled athletic coach.

Jennifer Gottenborg—5th and 6th Grade Teacher

Ms. Gottenborg holds a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia College and is licensed in elementary and middle school education. She has five years of teaching experience, primarily with elementary school children and has used a wide variety of strategies to motivate and engage students, from many different backgrounds, in learning.

Jim Filter—3-6 Special Education Teacher

Jim Filter’s special education background includes nearly 50 graduate credits from the University of St. Thomas and licensure in learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders. He holds multiple degrees from the University of Wisconsin including a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master of Education in Educational Administration, and a Master of Science in Teaching in Elementary Education Curriculum and Instruction. Mr. Filter is currently working toward his PhD in Educational Administration from the University of Minnesota. His experience as a teacher, principal, and curriculum specialist spans 40 years.