Meet the Board:
Carmen Bonde (Staff)
carmen@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us - 507-333-6850
Elected 7/1/2023, term expires 6/30/2026
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Hello, my name is Carmen Bonde. I am about to start my 20th year of employment here at this wonderful school. I attended the U of M - Duluth where I earned a bachelor's degree in Health Education as well as Physical Education. I love teaching children about physical literacy and helping them grow as young people. I live on a farm with my husband near Nerstrand. All 3 of our adult children have graduated from college now and they would all tell you that Nerstrand Elementary was their favorite school.
When I am not teaching I enjoy long walks, woodworking, being with my family and volunteering as a First Responder for the Nerstrand Fire and Rescue.
Tara Vondrasek (Clerk & Staff)
tara@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us - 507-202-9950
Elected 7/1/2021, term expires 6/30/2024
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Hello, my name is Tara Vondrasek. I received my associate's degree from Waldorf College, my bachelor's degree in elementary education from U of W - River Falls, and earned my master's degree in elementary education from St. Mary's University. I have also taught first grade in Eagan, MN and summer school in Rosemount. My family and I live in Northfield. My husband Tom and I stay busy with our two sons Aiden and Anthony. We enjoy camping, fishing, gardening, playing volleyball, and of course, snowmobiling. During my free time I also enjoy reading, beading and watching the MN Wild.
Ali Bossmann (Parent)
abossmann@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us - 507-210-6577
Elected 7/1/2023, term expires 6/30/2026
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Hi, my name is Ali Bossmann and I'm the parent of a first and third-grader this year at Nerstrand Elementary. I grew up close by in the rural Faribault/Cannon City area and was even a 4H Cannon City Cardinal back in the day! My husband and I have lived in Nerstrand for 8 years now and truly value this little, back-to-basics, neighbor-helping-neighbor, Mayberry-esque community we have here.
I've worked at Epic Enterprise in Dundas, MN for almost 13 years providing services to individuals with disabilities through employment opportunities, community involvement, the arts and care coordination. Most days I'm doing that by supporting some super cool people doing awesome work at an arts gallery and organic grocery store nearby.
When I'm not working, I'm spending time with my family, trapping and rescuing cats with a small, local group (If you see a strange person wearing a headlamp, carrying live traps and tuna on a bright red golf cart adorned with bull horns, that's me!) I can also be found going to calls with the Nerstrand Fire Department as a First Responder on the rescue squad.
I have a sincere passion caring for and helping others and I can't think of a better way to say thank you to the place and people educating our children, fostering the future and engaging this community than by serving for them on the board.
Carissa Erickson (Chair & Parent)
carissa@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us - 612-702-4077
Elected 7/1/2022, term expires 6/30/2025
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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!
Philip McBride (Treasurer & Staff)
philip@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us - 507-333-6850
Elected 7/1/2023, term expires 6/30/2026
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Hello, my name is Philip McBride. I am a Special Education teacher at Nerstrand Elementary. I began my journey at Nerstrand in 2018 as a Special Education Paraprofessional. I hold a bachelor’s degree in digital arts communication and a master’s degree in teaching special education as an academic and behavioral strategist. I love helping my students achieve their goals and am also looking forward to teaching 4th grade math. I facilitate the Student Ambassador committee at Nerstrand Elementary and am inspired by the pride that these students display in representing our wonderful school to the community and their peers. I live on the edge of town with my wife (a Nerstrand alum) and 3 young children. I love spending time with my family and taking care of the many animals on our small hobby farm. I also enjoy many seasonal hobbies such as hunting, making maple syrup, and growing as much of our own food as possible!
Terri Neumann (Community Member)
terri@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us - 507-334-5580
Elected 7/1/2022, term expires 6/30/2025
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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.
Kelly McGregor (Staff)
kelly@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us - 507-333-6866
Appointed 11/14/2022, term expires 6/30/2025
Hi there, my name is Kelly McGregor and I have been teaching since 2015. I taught for four years in Lakeville, MN before coming to Nerstrand in 2019. I am very excited to be at Nerstrand Elementary because this school is such a special place to learn and grow.
I earned a Bachelor's degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato in theater production and design. I furthered my education through the University of Wisconsin, River Falls earning a Masters of Elementary Education. Prior to becoming a teacher I spent some time working out at Glacier National Park in Montana and in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area near Grand Marais.
I currently live in Lakeville with my husband, two young children and our big black cat Mundo. I love being outside and seeking out new adventures which makes Nerstrand Elementary the perfect place for me. I am an outgoing and energetic person who loves to fish, run and draw.