Meet Our Team

Ms. Dayton focuses on pension policy for the State of Minnesota and lives and works in the Twin Cities. She attended Avalon School, a chartered school in Saint Paul, and continued the path of personalized learning by completing an individualized Bachelor's degree in Environmental Communication and Public Policy through Metropolitan State University.

Rhonda Dean has been an educational leader for over 30 years. As a retired superintendent, Rhonda has extensive experiences as an educational leader in urban, rural and suburban school districts. She continues to serve on various community and civic organizations dedicated to supporting the needs of K-12 students.

Haben Ghebregergish is the Lead Math Facilitator at the High School for Recording Arts. Haben is an alum of the University of Chicago and a current student at the Hamline University Graduate School of Education. Haben has the pleasure of facilitating social justice mathematics courses at HSRA. She also coaches for Bridgemakers, a nonprofit, youth-led organization that works on issues such as education reform and economic justice for marginalized Minnesotans ages 14-25. One of Bridgemakers’ most recent victories was passing a law that made high school students in Minnesota eligible for unemployment benefits.

Steve Kelley is a Senior Fellow at he Humphrey School of Public Affairs. He teaches classes related to science and technology policy, public budgeting and education law and policy. Before joining the Humphrey School, he served in the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives where among other roles he served as chair of the Senate Education Committee. Steve also practiced commercial litigation in Minneapolis for many years and has served on the boards of several civic organizations

Robin Manthie is Managing Director of Kitchen Coalition and Enterprise Impact at Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank. She spent most of her career in corporate marketing and strategy. She serves as Site Council Secretary and a PTA member at her children’s Minneapolis Public School.

Kristin Nielson currently serves as Senior Director, Enterprise Growth Initiatives at Target Corporation.

Dr. Pekel is the Executive Director of Educational Leadership at the University of Minnesota. She leads the Minnesota Principals Academy, co-coordinates the Executive Ph.D. cohort for educational leaders within the department of Organizational Leadership, and co-directs the U of M’s Urban Leadership Academy.

John currently serves as the BrightWorks Education Service Cooperative Executive Director. John Schultz has served as Superintendent in both Hopkins and Edina Public Schools. He spent the first 13 years of his career teaching junior high science and had opportunities to teach students with special needs and adjudicated youth. In 1999, John entered school leadership, and has served as a Science Curriculum Coordinator, associate principal, and Director of Teaching and Learning. John is passionate about providing children a dynamic and engaging school experience. As Superintendent, he is committed to engaging communities in education and developing a culture of innovation for all students and staff. John works closely with leadership teams to build efficiencies so resources can be maximized for student learning. John holds a bachelor’s degree in Religion and Biology from Augsburg College (Minneapolis, Minnesota), a Masters in Soil, Water, and Climate Science from the University of Minnesota (St. Paul), and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis).

Tash Van Lieshout is an attorney with the law firm of Fredrikson & Byron who helps companies with strategic planning that often involves acquisitions, mergers, and financial transactions. She also supports companies with their general corporate needs and governance related matters.

Bennice Young is the former principal of Elizabeth Hall International Elementary School in the Minneapolis Public School District. She is a skilled instructional coach supporting the Catalyst Approach, which supports teachers with classroom management techniques centered around equitable practices that create spaces where students can be surrounded by adults who understand, nurture, inspire, and support them.

Harry Adler has over 30 years of experience in education, financial and program management. His efforts as the Executive Director of a Minnesota Charter School led to significant growth in fund balance, enrollment, retention and the successful delivery of the school’s mission. He served in leadership roles at several Minnesota Private Schools and an education related non-profit. He taught math, science, and experiential electives for eleven years. Prior to earning his education licensure at University of St. Thomas, Harry held financial management and systems engineering roles at FMC. He holds undergraduate and advanced degrees from the University of Virginia.

Terri Anderson is a licensed superintendent, principal and teacher. She has been working with charter schools for over 20 years. While serving as a charter school director for 15 years, her school was named a Celebration School by the Minnesota Department of Education and received awards for School Financial Management and Oversight, School Board Governance and Academic Improvement. While working as an Outreach Coordinator for 10 years at the Center for School Change, she co-wrote Schools and Communities Working Together: Celebrating School Change Projects in Rural Minnesota, with Strategies for School Reformers. She has been a school board member, a board chair, charter school start-up coordinator and Minnesota School Board Association board trainer.

Luli has more than 16 years of experience in education and leadership. He has worked with a number of High Quality Charter schools as the IT Manager, Consultant, and School Director. He spent his last five years as the Executive Director of Star of the North Academy charter school where he started the school successfully. Under his leadership at Star of the North Academy, the school received the “Reward School” from MDE after completing the very first year and also received the “High Quality Charter School” award from MDE in the 3rd and 4th year. He has a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University in St. Paul and a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology from St. Mary’s University of MN in Minneapolis. He is the Owner / President of Leading Educational Services, LLC. He contracts with charter school authorizers and charter schools providing educational services. He has extensive knowledge and expertise with Integrating Technology in Education, School Start-Up, Operations, CSP Grant, Facility, Budget, Finance, Audit, Governance, School Assessments and Data Analysis, and Compliance.

Charmagne E. Campbell-Patton is an independent evaluator with over fifteen years of experience evaluation and assessment across a range of fields, including K-12 education and youth-focused programming. Formerly, she served as the National Program Manager at World Savvy, a global education non-profit. She holds an MA from American University and a BA from Grinnell College.

Meg is a licensed superintendent, principal, and teacher. She has two decades of school leadership experience. This includes serving as the founding Executive Director of River’s Edge Academy. During her tenure, she merged the high school with St. Paul City School, built a new 75,000 square foot facility, and received over $3M in grants. The school increased enrollment by over 150 students in the last two years. The charter public district received the US Department of Education Green Ribbon School Award in 2018. She also has experience as an Interpretive Naturalist at the Minnesota Zoo, Science and Special Education teacher, as well as youth pastor. Dr. Meg received BA, MA, and EdD degrees from Bethel University. She has presented at numerous local, state, and national conferences and had curriculum published by the National Park Service.

Dr. Dikkers is a husband and homeschool Dad of two. He has been an educator for over thirty years as a teacher, administrator, professor, curriculum designer, researcher, and pastor. His doctorate is from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in Curriculum and Instruction; and he is the presenter and author of a number of research articles that advocate for play, digital media, and individualization in learning. His books include: TeacherCraft, Mobile Media Learning I & II, Real-Time Research. He served as the Executive Director of the Minnesota Association of Christian Homeschool Educators, (MACHE), and more recently, serves as the Chief Product Officer for PortalsEDU - a new program that delivers over 12,000 project-linked lessons to K-12 teachers. He also pastors at Calvary Chapel White Bear and has a chapter-by-chapter study of the Bible on any podcast server as "All In Gospel".

Emily Edstrom Moore has worked with another authorizer, Pillsbury United Communities, for over five years. Her time there has included managing evaluation processes, acting as a school liaison, executing governance reviews, advancing policy and advocacy work, and monitoring compliance. Prior to entering the world of authorizing, Emily worked at a charter school, various non-profits, a law firm, the Minnesota House of Representatives, and many youth programs. She has a Master of Public Policy in Education Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and a BA in History from Beloit College.

Currently the Academic Director at DaVinci Academy, Amy Erendu has had experience in four charter schools and with four different authorizers. Over the past 20 years, she has held various positions in education including teacher of grades 3-6, Elementary Director, Principal of Teaching and Learning, Executive Director, and adjunct student teaching supervisor. She is licensed as a K-8 teacher and K-12 principal.

James has been working at Stenmark Financial Services in Bloomington for over 5 years. Stenmark is a finance and payroll company helping charter schools with all of their accounting needs. He also owns a Farmers Insurance agency in Chaska and Belle Plaine which provides insurance needs for personal and business clients.

Kelli has over 17 years of experience working in education. She holds a 6-12 Secondary Science license and a PK-12 administrative license. Kelli developed a love of education by learning and working a variety of education systems. She believes that innovative schools are built and sustained by the collaborative work of building leaders, classroom teachers, support staff, parents/guardians and community members. While she has spent most of teaching years at the high school level, she has worked with every level of learners and educators. Kelli has a passion for phenomenon based learning and a commitment to the art and science of teaching. She currently works in the metro area as a STEM instructional coach.

Tim Golden received his Bachelor of Applied Science degree in 1986 from the University of MN, Duluth. He is presently pursuing entrepreneurship opportunities as a capstone to a long and successful corporate career. His previous employment includes 5 years as the Director of Business Services for the Duluth Edison Charter Schools (DECS). Prior to that he worked at AMSOIL, INC as their Program Manager for 4 years and he spent nine years as a Regional Sales Manager. Previous to that he spent nine years with ADC, a telecommunications company in Minneapolis, in escalating roles of responsibility in customer service, marketing and sales. He is currently a member of the Northwood Children's Home Foundation Board. He served on the DECS Board from January 2006 - December 2011, five of those years as President. From January 2012 - 2015, he served twice as the Chair of the DECS High School Task Force. Mr Golden raised three children as a divorced single parent all of whom are now successful adults with fulfilling careers. He enjoys the outdoor activities northern Minnesota offers with his favorites being hunting, fishing and hiking.

Traci Hess has over 20 years of experience working in education. She holds a 7-12 English license, a K-12 reading licence, and a K-12 administrative licence. Traci is grateful to have started her career as a preschool teacher and the practical understanding of how a child's formal education journey begins. While she has spent most of teaching years at the middle school level, she has worked with every level of learners. Traci has a passion for literacy and a commitment to both the art and science of teaching. She currently works in the metro area as an instructional coach.

Julie Hill has over 20 years of teaching experience in elementary education, from district schools to charter schools and from traditional settings to progressive and democratic school models. She has also supervised teacher candidates with the University of Minnesota since 2011. Julie’s focus and expertise is in critical pedagogy and critical literacy, narrative and authentic assessment, developmental movement, and building liberatory educational spaces grounded in the lived experiences of students, teachers, and the broader school community. Julie has an MA in Social Justice Education from Goddard College and an MS in Literacy from Fordham University.

Bonnie Jorgenson was one of the founding staff members of Duluth Edison Charter School (DECS) in 1997. In August 2000 she became the Head of Schools for DECS -- a role she served in until her retirement in August 2021. During her tenure the school doubled in size, was one of the first 12 Q Comp schools in MN, and formed a building company that built a new building for the schools. Bonnie provided leadership for ADSIS, PBIS and restorative justice initiatives at the school. She has served several terms on the MN Association of Charter Schools (MACS) Board. Prior to her work at the school Bonnie worked in public relations and religious education.

Bruce is currently the Director of Business Services for Marshall Public Schools. Bruce oversees the budget, finance, HR/payroll and general operations of the school district. He is the current chair of the Southwest/West Central Service Cooperative School Group Insurance Pool Advisory Committee. He has been an active member of MASBO (Minnesota Association of School Business Officials), serving on the board from 2009-2015 and as the MASBO president during the 2013-2014 school year.

Joe Lopez is currently the Assistant Principal at New Ulm High School. Prior to becoming an Assistant Principal, he was a special education teacher across all settings and levels from elementary to high school. Joe finds meaning in his work as an educator through inspiring and nurturing the growth of our youth. Joe played Division II basketball at Viterbo University (LaCrosse, WI). He previously coached the Varsity Boys Basketball team at Minnesota Transitions Charter School (2015-2019), and most recently was a the Varsity Assistant Boys Basketball Coach for Chanhassen High School. When he's not spending time with his wife or coaching hoops, he enjoys running marathons. Joe and his wife recently became first time parents to their beautiful daughter Clementine.

Michael has over 42 years of experience in Education. He has been a Teacher, Athletic Director, Dean of Students, and Principal. He has served on numerous accreditation teams, and has done independent school consulting. He is currently the Director of Education Clinical Practice, and Associate Professor of Education at Bethel University in St. Paul.

Sawsan Natsheh is a highly motivated and dedicated educator experienced in preparing and implementing school start up and improvement plans. Over 10 years of experience in the academic landscape, with expertise in school operations, and providing leadership in staff recruitment, finance, advancement and community partnership. Previously, she was a co-founder and head of international school for 6 years. She values the mission of charter schools in general, which is focusing on the individual needs of the students and preparing them for future success. Presently, Sawsan is the Executive Director for MACSA (Minnesota Association of Charter Schools Authorizers ) and serves as a board member at Global Academy.

Jolene Pearson has 40 years of experience in the field of early childhood education. Jolene began her career as an ECFE teacher during the pilot phase of the program in Minnesota in 1976. She was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Jamaica serving as an early childhood teacher trainer, a lead teacher in Mount Holyoke College’s child development center, spent twenty -seven years in early childhood education in Minneapolis Public schools including serving as an Interagency Facilitator in early childhood special education. For the past ten years she has served as an associate professor of early childhood education at Bethel University. She excitedly joins the IQS team to support the early childhood programs and their staff.

Rochel graduated from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management with a degree in Business Administration, earned her CPA and became licensed through a local accounting firm. She has 29 years’ experience in school finance in traditional and charter school settings with 15 years as a Business Manager and is currently a financial consultant. Rochel has been an active member of MASBO for 29 years and has served on the MN Trust Board of Trustees. Rochel's passion has always been with small companies and school districts where variety is the fare of the day.

Tracy Quarnstrom has served as the director of Wolf Creek Online High school since 2003. Wolf Creek is Minnesota’s only hybrid online high school which offers students an online experience while still offering the advantages of face to face interactions several days per week. Quarnstrom has been very involved in the creation of online learning legislation in the state of Minnesota as well as in organizations that promote quality online choices for students and families. She currently serves as secretary for the MNOLA K12 Online Learning Alliance and works as an adjunct professor for administrative leadership courses at Hamline University.

Larry Ronglien is a retired high school principal, teacher and coach. Larry has been getting up to go to school for 59 straight years! Larry's undergrad and Masters is from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. He completed his Ed Specialist from Minnesota State Mankato in 2009. Larry's experience includes 13 years as a special education teacher for Northeast Metro Intermediate School District, 7 years as the coordinator of the St. Louis Park Area Learning Center, 2 years as the Academic Services Coordinator at Hazel Park Middle School in St. Paul. His administrative experience includes one year as an administrative dean at Hazel Park, then 3 years as principal in the Onamia School District and 3.5 years with Minnesota Transitions Charter School. Since "retiring" in December, 2016, he's worked as a school consultant for Success Academy Charter School in Bloomington and St. Cloud from 2017 - 2022. Larry joined IQS in 2018 and serves as one of the new school mentors.

Walt brings both education and business experience to the IQS cadre team. He has over twenty years of experience as a teacher, administrator and consultant and twenty-five years of experience in the private sector in training, instructional design, marketing, and management. His education experience includes both traditional public and charter public schools including serving as executive director at two charter schools in Minnesota. He has an MBA from St. Thomas University, St. Paul and Superintendent License from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.

Ansell is a secondary school science teacher and former school board member at City Academy High School, where he has over a decade of experience teaching and developing curriculum. Ansell is passionate about student-lead inquiry and meeting students at their various readiness levels. In addition to teaching and school governance, Ansell participates in yearly action research through the Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development at the University of Minnesota. Conducting this research directly impacts school policy and teaching practices. Ansell is licensed in 9-12 Life Science. He holds a Master of Education in Science Education, Master of Education in Learning Technologies, and a Bachelor of Arts in Art.

Shirley Volk brings a wealth of experience to the IQS team, with over 20 years of experience in Special Education and School Leadership. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Special Education from St. Cloud State University and holds the following administrative licenses from Hamline University: Director of Special Education, Principal, and Superintendent. She completed the Education Policy Fellowship Program and her Educational Specialist degree. Shirley has worked in a range of educational settings—traditional, intermediate, and charter schools—focusing on unique charter schools for the past decade. She also represents the MN Association of Charter Schools (MACS) on the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) Special Education Licensure Reciprocity work group. Her deep commitment to special education, school finance, and operations enriches her role with the IQS team.

Co-Founder of the Avalon School; Current Advisor/Program Coordinator at Avalon; Project Based Learning; EdVisions Cooperative; Developed Curriculum and Training Modules to support start-up schools; Expertise: (1) Project Based Learning (2) Teacher Led Schools, (3) School Design

Krissy is the director at Jennings Community School and serves on the boards of Education Evolving, Edvisions Cooperative, and Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs. She is also a MN Network Co-Leader for Teacher Powered Schools.