Summer Conference Program

Welcome to the 2025 Summer Conference at Breezy Point Resort

We are pleased to present you with a program of outstanding professional topics and an opportunity for you to spend some quality time with friends and network with colleagues. Click here to download the 2025 Summer Conference Program.

Tuesday Concurrent Session Descriptions

Tuesday, June 24

10:30 - 11:20 am & 11:30 am - 12:20 pm

Balancing PSEO's Opportunities with What is Best for Students and Schools
Eric Nelson, Ed. D - Principal, Chatfield High School

In this session, participants will examine the changing landscape of Post-Secondary Enrollment. Schools throughout Minnesota are trying to adjust to the massive increase in virtual enrollments in PSEO courses. How can schools provide opportunities for qualified students while maintaining both financial stability and making sure that unprepared students are not being set up for failure? Please come prepared to share your PSEO realities and hear how other schools are tackling new PSEO challenges.

Bridging the Gap: Empowering Students & Schools through a School Social Work Intern Program
Mary Pat Cumming - Principal, The FAIR School for Arts
Travis Hayes - School Social Worker, The FAIR School for Arts

Do you have students in need of adult support and not enough school social workers or counselors? What if you could have extra mental health supports without spending critical building funds?
As our educational landscape evolves, the need for comprehensive wrap-around student support services within schools has become increasingly necessary. The social and emotional well-being of students is paramount to their academic success and overall development. FAIR’s unique Collegiate School Social Work Intern Program partners with local Colleges and Universities to place graduate level Social Work students at FAIR to increase and foster a supportive environment for students that prioritizes the mental health and social needs of all. Through a collaborative, systemic approach, interns help students foster personal growth, resilience, and the development of essential life skills. Students learn coping mechanisms tailored to their unique experiences, laying the groundwork for healthier interactions with stress and emotions. This easily replicable program puts needed staff resources in schools, ensuring more students are served and connected to an adult support.

Doing Right by Kids in the Current Political Climate
Dr. Emily Lilja Palmer - Principal, Washburn High School
Michelle Terpening - Assistant Principal, Washburn High School

We are being told to eliminate all efforts toward supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. But we know that being “colorblind” denies students’ lived experiences and advantages those who already have privilege. How can we navigate these challenges while doing right by our kids? What can we do to support students without drawing a federal probe? We will share some ideas & facilitate discussion.

Improving Access to Extracurricular Activities for Students with EBD
Jason Stanoch - Principal and Career Academies Director, Bemidji High School
Sean Wachsmuth - Associate Professor of Education, Bemidji State University

Extracurricular activity (ECA) involvement can add value to existing interventions for students with EBD. Unfortunately, barriers such as no pass/no play rules, attendance issues, strained relationships with coaches/advisors, and the challenging behaviors exhibited by students limit opportunities for equitable participation. This presentation reviews current research in the benefits of ECA participation and offers potential strategies to increase access for students with EBD.

Lessons From the Field: Strategic Use of AI to Shape Future-Ready School Communities
Donna Roper - Executive Director of REA/IS, St. Cloud Area Schools
Justin Skaalerud - Principal, Apollo High School
Kathryn Herrboldt - Director of Tech and Innovation, St. Cloud Area Schools

Explore how generative AI is redefining the landscape of education, spanning theoretical foundations, practical implementation, and real-world implications. This session brings together perspectives from the Superintendent and Cabinet members, a principal, and a teacher to examine lessons learned from implementing generative AI. Participants will delve into how AI challenges traditional expectations of knowledge, necessitating a reconsideration of instructional and assessment practices, standards and curriculum, to align with evolving demands. Join us to bridge the gap between theory and action, preparing students and educators for a rapidly changing world.

Paw-sitive Impact: Transforming School Culture Through Recognition
Jason Paske - Principal, Blaine High School
Jonathan Kell - Mathematics Teacher and Instructional Coach, Blaine High School

You won't want to miss this engaging session where you will discover how Blaine High School's Paw-sitive Impact Recognition program fosters a stronger, more connected school culture. Each week, staff are celebrated for exemplifying what it means to "Be A Bengal," boosting morale and inspiring a culture of gratitude. Learn how this simple, sustainable initiative not only uplifts staff but also contributes to higher student satisfaction and engagement. Leave with actionable ideas to create meaningful recognition programs in your own school community. We guarantee you will leave wanting to "Be A Bengal" too!

Perham High School's Journey with Implementing the Dual Capacity-Building Framework for Family-School Partnerships
Ryan Hendrickson - Dean of Students, Perham-Dent Public Schools
Hannah Frink - Student Success Coordinator, Perham-Dent Public Schools

BARR and Talking Points initiatives paired with daily Champion Time has been the recipe for success and improvement when it comes to student failure rates, chronic absenteeism, and family engagement at Perham-High School (PHS). This session, hosted by PHS staff, will review building efforts and their connection to the Dual Capacity-Building Framework for Family-School Partnerships.

READ Act Implementation: Supporting Secondary Educators
Julie Novak - State Literacy Director, Minnesota Department of Education

How does the READ Act impact secondary educators and students? This session will provide an overview of READ Act expectations, timeline for implementation, and time for questions and answers.

Stand Out: Why Some Schools are Impossible to Ignore
John Jenson - Identity Expert, Jostens
Lucas Pickle - Sales Representative, Jostens
Helena Hunt - Sales Representative, Jostens

Once in a while, you walk into a school that just feels different. The energy, the messaging and the culture all seem to be in sync. That should be your school - and it can be! Although this presentation is not designed to make you an identity expert, it will introduce you to a process that will help your school stand out amongst the masses and make you impossible to ignore.

Tuesday, June 24

1:30 - 2:20 pm & 2:30 - 3:20 pm

Alternative Advocacy: Time to Connect (1st session only)
Angie Charboneau-Folch - Principal, Integrated Arts Academy

This session brings together leaders of alternative schools to discuss attendance, learning models, and programming. Rather than offering preset answers, the facilitator will guide a collaborative conversation, creating space to share experiences and learn from one another. Bring your questions, strategies, and creative ideas as we explore the unique challenges and strengths of alternative education.

Charting the Course: MASSP’s Vision for the Next 100 Years (2nd session only)
Bob Driver - Executive Director, MASSP

Join Bob Driver, Executive Director of MASSP, for an engaging and interactive session focused on the future of the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals. As MASSP celebrates a century of service, we invite you to help shape what comes next. This session will explore the organization’s evolving vision and reaffirm the vital role members play in guiding our direction. Through a strong foundation of principal support, recognition, professional development, and advocacy, MASSP remains committed to elevating the voice and impact of secondary school leaders across Minnesota. Be part of the conversation as we chart the course for the next 100 years.

CTE 101: Systems and Support
Dr. Zane Sheehan - Associate Director of Initial Licensure, Lakes Country Service Cooperative
Shelli Sowles - CTE Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Education
Dr. Lavyne Rada - Associate Director of Recruitment and Retention, Lakes Country Service Cooperative
Dustin Steenblock - Program Director of Additional Licensure, Lakes Country Service Cooperative

Explore Minnesota's CTE)landscape, encompassing its structure, teacher support systems, and funding avenues. This session will delve into the state's CTE ecosystem, detailing licensure processes, the CTE Teacher Induction Program (CTE TIP), and financial resources like Perkins, CTE Revenue, & CTE Consortium Grants. Gain insights into how Minnesota supports CTE educators and programs to prepare students for high-demand careers.

Discover. Inquire. Grow (DIG) Meeting the Needs of Middle Schoolers
Kevin Beehler - Assistant Principal, Becker Middle School
Chantel Boyer - Principal, Becker Middle School
Julie Fox - School Counselor, Becker Middle School

Becker Middle School's DIG (Discover, Inquire, Grow) schedule empowers students through interest-based learning. DIG classes offer choice, allowing students to explore topics they're passionate about while supporting academic and personal growth. This flexible structure is designed to meet the unique needs of middle schoolers.

Dividing and Conquering: How our Admin Team Realigned for Greater Impact
Dr. Quyen Phan - Assistant Principal, Coon Rapids High School
Jill Alton - Assistant Principal, Coon Rapids High School
David Schreiner - Assistant Principal, Coon Rapids High School
Cullum Buetow-Staples - Assistant Principal, Coon Rapids High School

Coon Rapids High School has transformed its administrative model to clearly define and strengthen roles focused on student and instructional support. This targeted approach enriches the academic experience and empowers students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. By leveraging data-driven decision-making, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and committing to continuous evaluation and improvement, the school is developing a comprehensive, integrated system that advances both student success and instructional excellence.

Igniting the Journey: A Session for Aspiring Leaders (1st session only)
Bob Driver - Executive Director, MASSP

Designed specifically for participants of the Aspiring Leadership Workshop, this session offers a powerful introduction to the vision and mission of the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP). Aspiring leaders will gain valuable insights into the world of school leadership, hear real experiences from the field, and explore how MASSP supports and elevates school administrators across Minnesota. This session will help spark your passion and guide your next steps.

Leadership in Action: Empowering High School Students to Build School Culture (1st session only)
Trisha Bemboom - Coordinator of Student Activities, MASSP

What if the key to transforming your school climate is already walking your hallways? In this dynamic and hands-on workshop, school leaders will explore how to activate the powerful potential of student leadership to create a school culture grounded in connection, respect, and shared purpose.
This session will equip principals and school leaders with practical strategies to engage students as authentic partners in shaping a positive, inclusive learning environment. This session will demonstrate how involving students in meaningful leadership roles not only fosters ownership and pride, but also leads to measurable outcomes—such as improved attendance, reduced discipline issues, and stronger relationships between students, staff, and administrators.

Leadership in Action: Empowering Middle School Students to Build School Culture (2nd session only)
Trisha Bemboom - Coordinator of Student Activities, MASSP

What if the key to transforming your school climate is already walking your hallways? In this dynamic and hands-on workshop, school leaders will explore how to activate the powerful potential of student leadership to create a school culture grounded in connection, respect, and shared purpose.
This session will equip principals and school leaders with practical strategies to engage students as authentic partners in shaping a positive, inclusive learning environment. This session will demonstrate how involving students in meaningful leadership roles not only fosters ownership and pride, but also leads to measurable outcomes—such as improved attendance, reduced discipline issues, and stronger relationships between students, staff, and administrators./span>

The Dreamline Program
Robert E. Murry - Senior Director, The Sanneh Foundation
Vincent Kilgore - The Sanneh Foundation
Grace Williams - The Sanneh Foundation
Darrell Moffitt - The Sanneh Foundation

Dreamline, a program of the Sanneh Foundation, has provided academic, social-emotional, and after-school programming support to Minnesota students since 2008. By partnering with schools, Dreamline embeds trained mentors who support student success, engagement, and achievement. Schools benefit from improved attendance, academic growth, and a stronger sense of belonging for students. Partnering with Dreamline means access to a diverse, dedicated team committed to equity and student empowerment. Join us in building brighter futures—one student at a time.

Unlocking Focus: How Yondr Transforms Classrooms by Eliminating Phone Distractions
Andrew Zierman - Education Account Executive, Yondr
Alex Simmons - Education Partnerships, Yondr
Jordan Spaeth - Superintendent, Waubun Public Schools
Kelly Stultz - Principal, Blackduck Schools

Over 70% of teachers in a recent Pew Research survey cite cell phone distractions as a “major problem” in their classrooms. Many schools struggle to enforce new phone policies and are continuing to see behavioral issues and interruptions caused by phones. Hear from a local school administrator how they are empowering their teachers with the Yondr Program and how it is transforming classrooms, eliminating phone-related power struggles and allowing teachers to focus on what matters most: teaching.

 

Wednesday Concurrent Session Descriptions

Wednesday, June 25

10:30 - 11:20 am & 11:30 am - 12:20 pm

Advanced AI Strategies for Principals to Stay Ahead and Save Time
William Grube - Founder, Gruvy Education

Most AI sessions cover the basics. This one goes further. Learn advanced strategies principals are using to cut hours off their workload, lead with better data, and stay ahead of new demands. Walk away with clear, practical steps you can put to work right away.

AP's in Action: Real Strategies for Real School Leaders
William Britt - Assistant Principal, Andover High School
Stephanie Peters - Admin Intern, Andover High School

APs in Action: Real Strategies for Real School Leaders" is an interactive session where assistant principals share practical solutions and proven leadership strategies. Walk away with actionable tools and fresh ideas to tackle real challenges and strengthen your impact as a school leader.

Developing a UNIFIED STAFF to Advance your School’s Mission/Vision!
Ehren Zimmerman - Principal, Perham High School
Kasey Wacker - English Teacher, Perham High School
TJ Super - Social Studies Teacher, Perham High School

The development of a Unified Staff is created by investing in human capital. This session will describe and provide tools for schools to develop a UNIFIED STAFF to meet the demands of education today. At Perham High School it is clear that our students feel the connection among our staff members and it pays dividends daily. Our staff's focus on creating personal and professional relationships is at the heart of meeting the education reform at PHS. People Matter, investment in them generates positive results.

Empowering Department Leaders: Leadership Summit
Steve Drewlo - Assistant Principal, Blaine High School
Shannon Kubicek - Assistant Principal, Blaine High School

Join our presentation to explore our Summer Leadership Summit, held each August, where school department leaders unite to analyze and set building-wide goals. Departments craft action goals and product backlogs, driving progress through a year-long sprint cycle. This fosters unity and interdependence, like a herd of water buffalo, ensuring collaborative success. Learn how this approach strengthens school-wide alignment and accountability.

Flipping Behavior: Pathways to Putting Students Back in the Classroom
Curt Slater - TILL360

Educators are the heart of the school community—and their well-being directly impacts student success, classroom culture, and overall school climate. In this breakout session, participants will explore the intersection of educator wellness and professional effectiveness. Through reflection, dialogue, and evidence-based practices, attendees will learn how to build sustainable habits, recognize signs of stress and burnout, and implement wellness strategies that can be integrated into the school day. The session also focuses on creating a mentally healthy work environment where staff feel seen, supported, and valued.

Retention of Staff of Color - Strategies & Support
Ayan Omar - Director of Equity Services, ISD 742
Jesús Sandoval - Principal, ISD 191

How can leaders cultivate inclusive excellence to strategically retain staff of color? This session equips educational leaders with the knowledge and tools to develop and implement a strategic plan for the intentional retention of staff of color. Participants will explore systemic barriers, learn culturally responsive support strategies, and develop actionable steps to foster an inclusive and equitable environment. A key area of focus will include building a culture of belonging.

Turning Vision into Action: Creating Clarity for Learning to Empower Every Student
Rob Reetz - Principal, Mounds View High School

As school leaders, we all share some variation of a common vision: to create an environment where every student believes "I belong here," "I can do this," and "This is meaningful." This session provides a blueprint for creating unprecedented clarity in learning. We will delve into practical strategies for unpacking state standards and benchmarks into proficiency scales and leveled assessments, ensuring students understand what foundational knowledge is, what proficiency looks like, and how to achieve mastery.

Women's Leadership Network (1st session only)
Mary Pat Cumming - Principal, The FAIR School for Arts
Jennie Kelly - Principal, St. Michael-Albertville Middle School East

Join us for an engaging and interactive session focused on the critical role of women in leadership, specifically as secondary school principals in Minnesota. This session will highlight the unique challenges and opportunities women face in these leadership positions, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping the future of education. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, discuss strategies for overcoming barriers, and collaborate on actionable insights that support the growth and success of women leaders in our schools. Additionally, we will gather input on relevant topics and ideas to shape the agenda for future meetings, fostering a community of support and ongoing professional development for women in educational leadership.

 

Concurrent Session Materials

 

Breezy Point Resort Conference Rooms

Breezy Point Floor Diagram

MASSP Conference Presenters

Dr. Tim Anderson has served as building principal for seven years and was executive director for eight years prior. A former social studies teacher, he works to find practical ways to translate the research into action for leaders and programs. He received his doctorate in educational administration from the University of MN, has two kids and a wife who teaches at St. Catherine's University. He likes sports, exercise and green tea.

Dr. Marcus Belin serves as the Principal of Huntley High School, National Association of Secondary School Principals Board Member, and Immediate Past President of the Illinois Principals Association. Recently Dr. Belin was awarded the 2021 National Association of Secondary School Principals Digital Principal of the Year and was named an ASCD International Emerging Leader.

Nancy Bonnifield has been walking the halls of Kimball Area High School for 24 years, but only five as Principal. Before serving as Principal, she was a business teacher. This is her first time at the Summer Conference.

Tony Boos, Blaine High School's Behavior Intervention Co-Lead, strives to instill in students the key qualities of resilience, responsibility, and integrity for success while nurturing Bengal pride. He is incredibly focused on building a Behavior Intervention program that can be implemented throughout the district.

Brian Boothe has been an Assistant Principal at East Ridge High School since 2019. Prior to his time at ERHS, he was a social studies teacher in rural Minnesota and Las Vegas, Nevada, and he served as the Director of Professional Development and Accountability for the South Washington County School District.

Leah Bourg is Principal of South St. Paul Middle School, where she started in July 2020. She has been a secondary teacher in the metro since 2002. She is passionate about helping students and staff reach their goals. Leah and her family live in West St. Paul.

Michael Bruckmueller is a teaching artist with 25+ years of experience in theatrical improvisation. He is the Director of Education at CSz Twin Cities and does freelance coaching and instruction. Bruckmueller is a co-founder of MNprov and provides applied improvisation workshops focused on strengthening students' social, emotional, and communication skills.

Daniel Dixon is Director of Member Communication and Outreach at Teachers Retirement Association. With seven years of state service experience, he loves to serve educators’ needs and assist them in understanding their pension benefits.

Steve Drewlo has dedicated 30 years of service to Blaine High School, driven by a mission to enhance the school climate for both staff and students. With an eye to the future, he works tirelessly to leave a positive legacy that will benefit countless generations to come.

Tim Feine is currently the Principal of Andover High School. He earned his Bachelor's Degree at the University of St. Thomas in Health Education and his Master's Degree and K-12 Administrative Licensure at St. Mary's University. This is his 26th year as an educator in the Anoka-Hennepin School District.

Jon Flaa is an Assistant Principal at Duluth East and has been in this AP role for 11 years. Prior to this he was a special education teacher and social studies teacher in the district.

Andrew Frosch taught social studies at Anoka High School and is now an assistant principal at Coon Rapids High School.

Scott Gengler has been a high school principal for the past 22-years serving schools ranging from 500 to 3700 students. For the past 9-years, he has been the principal at Wayzata High School. Scott has been in education for 29-years working in private, rural and suburban high schools. He believes that cultivating a positive school culture and improving the experience for students, staff and families is a principal's ultimate responsibility.

Jim Gillach taught American History for 13 years before becoming a Dean of Students for 6 years at the same school – Chisago Lakes Middle School. He was the Teacher of the Year in 1999 and was the Minnesota History Day Teacher of the Year in 2000. Jim spent 4 years as an AP at Oak-Land Junior High in Stillwater, 1 year in Forest Lake as a Jr. High AP and came back to Chisago Lakes in 2016 as an AP once again at CLMS. He has been here in Chisago Lakes as an AP at the Middle School ever since.

Jason Gonnion has been an Assistant Principal and School Emergency Response Team lead at East Ridge HS since 2017. Prior to this assignment, he was an Activities Director at Woodbury HS for 6 years and a Dean of Students at Forest Lake HS for 3 years.

Janet Hennies is a mother, personally impacted by suicide, and an advocate for teens struggling with mental health. She has turned the tragic experience of suicide into a mission of educating teens that help is available.

Deb Henton serves as the Executive Director of MASA. Coming from the social studies classroom and serving in roles that include assistant principal, principal, chief of staff and superintendent, she is dedicated to ensuring Minnesota's students and districts have the best in leadership that is representative of our communities and committed to meeting each student where they are and making sure they have the skills needed for whatever they choose to do next.

Dr. Albert Johnson is currently the principal at Two Rivers High School in Mendota Heights, MN. Dr. Johnson started his career in sales, but realized he had a passion for education. Johnson served seven years in the St. Cloud school district in various roles, including principal at McKinley and Apollo High School and director of equity services. He also spent two years as the site administrator at Humboldt High School in West St. Paul. Johnson also served five years as an equity integration specialist in Hopkins, MN Dr Johnson has a bachelor's and master's degree from Northwestern University of St. Paul and holds a doctorate in education from Bethel University.

Kelly Kautz is a national board-certified special education teacher with 25+ years of experience. She is a MNprov co-founder and provides professional development for educators and service providers to allow them to use applied improvisation strategies to support their students' social, emotional and communication growth.

Erich Martens is in his third year as the Executive Director of the Minnesota State High School League. He has served as high school principal in Sauk Centre and in Sauk Rapids-Rice. In 2013, he was selected as the Minnesota High School Principal of the Year. He has served on numerous committees including the NASSP Committee on School Contests, Programs and Activities, Region 8AA Committee and was the MASSP Central Division President. He served on the Board of Directors for the MSHSL from 2012 to 2016 and was the Board President in 2015-2016. He also served on MASSP’s Board of Directors and has been a presenter at numerous previous MASSP conferences.

Terry Morrow is the Policy and Legal Services Director for the Minnesota School Boards Association and a Nicollet County Commissioner. He is a former member and chair of the St. Peter School Board and the Minnesota Valley Education District. Morrow served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for three terms, serving on the K-12 Education, Higher Education, Agriculture, Transportation, and other committees. At Gustavus Adolphus College, Terry taught communication studies for 18 years. For three years, Morrow was the Legislative Director and Legal Counsel for the Uniform Law Commission.

Aaron Nelson is the High School Principal at Pequot Lakes High School.

Josh Omang is the Principal at Detroit Lakes High School. He has had several roles in education over the past 20 years in both large suburban schools and now back home in Detroit Lakes. DLHS has completed their 2nd year of implementation with the BARR program.

Anthony Padrnos is an innovative educator pushing the boundaries for how technology can redefine education. He has been in public education for over 15 years as a teacher, digital learning coach, and administrator. Anthony is currently serving as the Executive Director of Technology for Osseo Area Schools.

Kyle Rock is an Assistant Principals at Duluth East. Kyle is in his 5th year as an AP at East. Prior to this he was the Dean at East and has worked as a special education teacher in the district.

John Pena is the Principal at Coon Rapids HS; Deb Geiger is a former English teacher, AVID Coordinator and now Media Specialist and PD Coordinator at Coon Rapids HS; Jon Young is a former special education teacher and now Achievement Coach at Coon Rapids HS

Tim Rohweder has been the Principal at Proctor high school for 11 years and has served the MASSP as a Northeast Division representative on the MSHSL Principal Advisory Committee for 4 years and currently serves as the secretary for the Northeast Division. Tim has worked as an advocate for CTE programming and funding and has developed numerous community partners to bring a Pathways culture to his school.

Kari Ross works with school, district, and regional leaders to increase leadership capacity and change predictable academic outcomes for marginalized learners. She is an educational leader and Principal Leadership Support team member working with schools and districts to create learning environments where students thrive.

Suzan Samaha – Minnesota Department of Education, EDI Center Assistant Director – Safe and Supportive Schools Supervisor.

Joe Schmit is an award-winning broadcaster, community leader, author and popular keynote speaker. As a sports broadcaster he has covered every major sporting event in the past 4 decades and has interviewed many of the biggest names in sports. He joined KSTP-TV in 1985 and has won 18 Emmys from the National Television Academy. In 2020, Joe was awarded The Silver Circle designation by the Upper Midwest Chapter of the Emmys for extraordinary contributions to the broadcasting industry. He was honored with a National Headliner Award in 2001. Joe is also an author of two books: “Silent Impact” and “The Impact Blueprint.”

Danette Seboe is the Principal at Duluth East High School. With 12 years in principal roles, 7 of them at East, and a background in School Counseling, she has experience in both small and large school settings.

Tyler Shepard has been an Associate Principal at Wayzata High School since 2016. Prior to that, he was a Dean of Students and a Computer/IT teacher. Tyler grew up in Onalaska, WI. He attended Winona State University (BS), Minnesota School of Business (MS), and U of MN (Principal Licensure).

Alex Simmons is a former Dean of Culture at a high school in Boston, MA. He returned back home to MN in 2017, at which time he joined Yondr to help make schools phone free. He lives in St. Paul with his wife and 16 month old daughter.

Greg Sowden is an Associate Principal at Wayzata High School. He is in his fourteenth year in education and sixth as an administrator. Greg began his career teaching English and coaching multiple sports. He believes in the value of positive relationships in helping students and staff reach their goals.

Tina Tamura is currently an Assistant Principal at Andover High School. She earned her Bachelor's Degree at the College of Saint Benedict and her Master's Degree in Literacy at Bethel University. She also earned her K-12 Administrative Licensure at Minnesota State University - Mankato. This is her 17th year as an educator in the Anoka-Hennepin School District.

Officer Brian Theisen has served with the Stearns County Sheriff's Department for 22 years. His roles have included patrol deputy, drug task force, SWAT team member, honor guard member, and now School Resource Officer.

Dick Ungar has more than 30 years of experience in public education, having most recently served as a high school principal, Dick is dedicated to helping teachers build meaningful relationships with their students.

Todd Van Erp has been a middle and high school Science teacher for 12 years, as well as a school administrator for 11 years before coming to the Western Lakes RCE. Todd is energized when he gets to support and coach principals and school leadership teams in all aspects of their work. His motto in his work is that "All we can do, is all we can do."

Lori Zimmerman serves as the Director of Professional Learning for MASA. Coming from the elementary classroom and serving in roles that include leadership in alternative and Setting IV programs, she is dedicated to providing quality professional learning opportunities for Minnesota's school leaders.

Special thank you to Western Division for hosting the 2025 Summer Conference.

Welcome to the 2024 Summer Conference and Breezy Point Resort

We are pleased to present you with a program of outstanding professional topics and an opportunity for you to spend some quality time with friends and network with colleagues.