Staff directory

Classroom Teachers

Paula Shroyer, Prairie (K)

507-333-6862 school • paula@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us • Posts by Paula

Hi, my name is Paula Shroyer and I have been a teacher at Nerstrand Elementary for 22 year. I got my teaching degree from Mankato State and my graduate degree from St. Mary’s University.  My husband and I live in Nerstrand. We have three grown children and three amazing grandkids;  Isaac, Avery and Elena.  I enjoy walking, sports and spending time with my family. I love my job and our “little school in the Big Woods!”

 

Kelly McGregor, Prairie (1st)

(507) 333-6856 school, kelly@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us 

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.

 

Sarah Johnson, Savannah (2nd & 3rd)

507-333-6863 school • sarah@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us • Posts by Sarah

My name is Sarah Johnson, and I have taught 2/3 here at Nerstrand Elementary since 2012. I currently live in and was born in Northfield, but I grew up in Wausau, Wisconsin. I have also spent some time living in Colorado, Alaska, and Scotland. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the spring of 2002 with a degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. I love to spend time outdoors, and that was what initially drew me to Nerstrand. The commitment here to the environment and community service is something very special that I'm glad to be a part of. When I’m not at school, I love to take nature photographs, hike, snowboard, try interesting foods, listen to music, and travel. I'm looking forward to a great year with the Savannah students.

 

Tara Vondrasek, Savannah (2nd & 3rd)

507-333-6864 school • tara@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us • Posts by Tara

Hello, my name is Tara Vondrasek and this will be my eighteenth year teaching the Savannah grades 2/3 at Nerstrand Elementary School. I previously taught 1st grade at Deerwood Elementary School in Eagan, MN. I was born and raised in Northfield, MN and graduated from Northfield Senior High. I earned my associates degree from Waldorf College, bachelor's degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, and Masters of Elementary Education from Saint Mary's University. I currently live in Northfield with my husband Tom and our two amazing sons: Anthony (10) and Aiden (7). When I am not at school I enjoy walking my dog, Hemi, attending my son's baseball and football games, playing volleyball, gardening, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, and most importantly, spending time with my family and friends. I'm looking forward to another great year at Nerstrand!

 

Andrea Peterson, Woodlands (4th-5th)

(507) 333-6856 school, apeterson@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us 

 

Support Services

Nicky Schaefer • Special Education Teacher

nicky@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us

Hello my name is Nicky Schaefer and I am one of the Special Education Teachers here at Nerstrand. I grew up in North Dakota and moved to Minnesota when I was in the Middle School. I received my bachelor's at St. Cloud State for Social Work. I then became a Behavioral Therapist with the Minnesota Autism Center. After 6 years with them I wanted to change up things and became a paraprofessional. I started at Faribault Middle School and then came to Nerstrand and I have been working here since 2014. I started out as a Special Education Paraprofessional, which I did for three years. I absolutely loved working with the kiddos so I decided to go back to school to get my Masters in Special Education. After 4 LONG years I now have 3 licensures and love my job!  My daughter currently attends Nertrand and wouldn’t want it any other way. I live in the country outside of Kenyon with my daughter and boyfriend. We have three cats, one dog, and one axolotl. When I am not teaching I love spending time with my daughter doing different things. I am looking forward to another great year at Nerstand!

Philip McBride • Special Education Teacher

philip@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us

Hello, my name is Philip McBride. I started at Nerstrand as a Special Ed. Paraprofessional in 2018 and began teaching in the 20-21 school year. I was born in Bogota, Colombia and grew up in the Dominican Republic. With a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Arts Communication, I have explored a variety of employment opportunities that have led me to the Little School by the Big Woods. I will complete my Master’s program in Teaching Special Education (ABS) at Bethel University in the summer of 2023. I live a mile outside of town with My - Nerstrand Alum - wife Aubrie and our 3 kids: Simeon, Eliza, and Asher. I stay busy with our 4 dogs and various farm animals on our little hobby farm. I love the rich history and traditions that Nerstrand Elementary has to offer and am proud to play a part in the growth that is to come.

Specialists

Carmen Bonde, Physical Education

507-333-6868 school • carmen@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us • Posts by Carmen

I have been at Nerstrand Elementary since 2004.  Along with being a half time teacher, I fill the rest of my day as a special education paraprofessional. I attended the University of Minnesota - Duluth earning a teaching degree in both Health Education and Physical Education. I have enjoyed physical movement and sports since I was a young girl growing up on a dairy farm with my seven siblings where there was always a game of some type to be found or started. I still enjoy being active and love to pass along that passion to our young people in my Physical Education classes. I live with my family on a farm very close to Nerstrand. My three children were fortunate to attend this wonderful school. I enjoy jogging, biking, walking, yoga, and volunteering as an Emergency Medical Responder in my community.

Paraprofessionals

 Regal Eagles Club (Extended Day Program: 651-253-3184)

​​​Food Service (Sodexo Employee)

  • Becky Grems, Head Cook
    • 507-333-6852 school

Custodian

Contracted Providers

Deana Siekmann • Special Education Director

dsiekmann@indigoed.org

Katie Freidig • Occupational Therapist; Contract 

katie@otmtherapy.com

Bri Holtorf  • School Psychologist

bri@uptickeducation.net

Natasha Localio  • Reading Corp Member

nlocalio@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us

Laura Allen • Speech Therapist 

lallen@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us 

Administration

Nicole Musolf • Executive Director

nmusolf@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us

Dana Jans  • Administrative Assistant

dana@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us

Traci LaFerriere  • Business Manager

traci@nerstrand.charter.k12.mn.us

 

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