Meet the Board:
Nicky Schaefer (Staff)
nicky@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us - 507-333-6850
Elected 7/1/2026, term expires 6/30/2029
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My name is Nicky Schaefer (soon to be Schwake). I grew up in North Dakota and moved to Minnesota during high school. After graduating, I attended St. Cloud State University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Social Work. While I valued that experience, I realized it wasn’t the path I wanted to pursue long-term.
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I moved to the Burnsville area and began working as an ABA therapist, providing in-home therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I worked in this role for about six years and gained meaningful experience supporting both students and their families.
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After becoming pregnant with my daughter, Karyssa, I decided I wanted to be closer to home. I began working in Faribault as a paraprofessional and transferred to Nerstrand Elementary in 2015, where I have been ever since. During my time here, I earned my master’s degree in Special Education, along with licensure in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (EBD).
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I became a special education teacher in 2018, and I have loved it ever since. I am passionate about supporting my students and helping them grow both academically and personally.
Andrea Peterson (Clerk & Staff)
apeterson@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us - 507-333-6850
Elected 7/1/2025, term expires 6/30/2028
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My name is Andrea Peterson. This is my second year at NES as the Woodland teacher and my 21st year of teaching! I graduated from St. Cloud State in 2004 with my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. I also have my Master of Arts in Literacy Education from Hamline University. I have taught almost every grade from preschool all the way up to 8th grade, but have found that 4th and 5th grade are my favorite grades to teach.
My husband, Kristian, and I live in Northfield with our two children, June (11) and Walter (14). We are currently in the phase of life where much of our time is spent watching June do gymnastics, and Walter play baseball, basketball, and run cross country. It is a busy time, but I love it! I also enjoy reading, taking my dog for walks, traveling, and sitting on my front porch with a cup of coffee in the summer.
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my knowledge and experience to the Nerstrand Elementary School Board of Directors. I would be dedicated to working alongside fellow board members to achieve our shared goals and contribute to the continued success and growth of the school.
Lexi Berge (Parent)
lberge@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us - 507-333-6850
Elected 7/1/2026, term expires 6/30/2029
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Hello everyone! My name is Lexi Berge. I am a mom to four kids ages 15, 13, 6, and 2. I have my degree in educational studies and have been a daycare provider in Faribault for 5 years. Our youngest son is a first grader at Nerstrand and we have been so pleased with NES.
When opening my daycare, my goal was to give kids an environment that embraces their childhood, creativity, and need for outdoors while helping them grow into learners, friends, and community members. I feel like Nerstrand has all the same values and it has been a seamless transition for our son going from daycare to Nerstrand.
When not working, I am often at some sort of sporting event cheering loudly. Our children are involved with Faribault Youth Baseball, golf team, football, and Cub Scouts. I also love camping at our family cabin on Lake Mille Lacs, run a small in home bakery and can be found embroidering while listening to audio books!
My goal in running for school board is to continue to support Nerstrand’s continued growth and success. I served as a parent liaison at my older sons’ preschool when they were younger and loved the opportunity to provide insight as a parent and collaborate with the board to best meet the needs of all students and the school as a whole.
I am looking forward to many wonderful years at NES.
Carissa Erickson (Chair & Parent)
carissa@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us - 507-333-6850
Elected 7/1/2025, term expires 6/30/2028
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Howdy! My name is Carissa (Feyereisn) Erickson and I am the parent of a current Nerstrand Elementary School third grader, a soon-to-be kindergartner, and a three year old. I grew up in nearby Cannon City, and married Nerstrand School alum, Doug Erickson, at the Valley Grove Church. Mike Erickson, my father-in-law and another Nerstrand alum, has served as Custodian at Nerstrand Elementary School for the past 18 years. The Nerstrand roots run deep, as Mike’s dad, Eugene Erickson, also attended the school. Following graduation from Faribault High School, I attended the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis, and have worked at salons in Chanhassen, Victoria, and Eden Prairie. Presently, you’ll find me at Coiffure Salon on Division Street in Northfield. When I’m not getting into someone’s hair (literally and figuratively), you’ll find me working with my family on a variety of projects in and around the modified “shouse” we built in Cannon City, or John Deere Gator-ing in the woods that I grew up four-wheeling, exploring, hunting, and camping in, and doing my best to navigate life!
Innana Temple (Staff)
itemple@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us - 507-333-6850
Elected 7/1/26, term expires 6/30/2029
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Hi my name is Innana Temple, this is my 8th year teaching and my 2nd year at Nerstrand. I graduated in 2018 from WSU with a BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, then got my Masters in Educational Design and Technology from SMUMN. I’ve taught PK, and 1st-3rd grade. When I’m not teaching, I’m out enjoying the garden or on a hike with my husband Sam and my daughter Juniper. My husband went to school at Nerstrand and my mother in law taught here for several years so I’m excited to continue the Temple legacy while on the Board.
Terri Neumann (Community Member)
terri@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us - 507-333-6850
Elected 7/1/2025, term expires 6/30/2028
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My name is Terri Neumann and I have lived in Nerstrand all my life. I attended Nerstrand School prior to it becoming a charter school. My husband and I have a son that is grown now, and attended Nerstrand Charter School. I participated in the PTO while our son attended. By far, Nerstrand School excels in teaching students using many learning opportunities. Some examples are, Prairie Appreciation Day, Discovery Day, Peace Garden, Learn and Serve and Community Celebration, to name a few. My grandfather was one of the elders for the first Community Celebration, some of you may recognize his song "Still Doin Good in The Big Woods". The teachers and staff at Nerstrand School truly love their students.
I have been a Licensed and Certified Dental Assistant for over thirty years and have worked in a Dental Office in Northfield for twenty-nine years. I love to cook, play piano, traveling, camping and spending time with family and friends. I am excited and honored to serve on the Board at Nerstrand School.