Malcolm Currie
6th Grade Social Studies and English/Language Arts, Middle School
Certification: B.A. History; M.A. Teaching; 5-8 Social Studies; 5-8 Communication Arts/Literature; 7-12 Social Studies
Education: Knox College; University of Minnesota Mankato
Bio: This will be my third year at STEP Academy, and my twenty-third year as a teacher (all in Minneapolis and St. Paul). My primary focus has been in working with students and families from East Africa and Somalia. I chose to come to STEP Academy because of this focus, and I stay because of this focus. I have developed a great appreciation for the community I have always served, and continue to seek to do my best possible work in support of them. With this aim in mind, I emphasize critical thinking and literacy in all of my teaching. It is my belief that this is the correct educational foundation on which to build a successful future, one student at a time.
Room: 206 / #1206
Email: mcurrie@stepacademymn.org
Katie Strand
Elementary ELL Teacher, Elementary
Certification: K-6 Elementary Education
Education: University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Bio:
Room: 89 / #1089
Email: kstrand@stepacademymn.org
Maria Robinson
Elementary Special Education Teacher,
Certification: 1-6 Elementary Education (with an endorsement in English as a Second Language)
Education: Illinois State University
Bio: I am from Illinois and moved to Minnesota in January 2020. This is my second year teaching Elementary Special Education at STEP Academy.
Room: 86 / #1086
Email: mrobinson@stepacademymn.org
Janaki Vivekananda
School Social Worker, Social Worker
Certification: M.A. Social Work; Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW); Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)
Education: University of Madras; Minnesota Board of Social work (BOSW); Minnesota Professional licensing and standards board (PELSB)
Bio: This is my 19th year in the field of education and my first year at STEP academy as a school social worker. I am excited to provide services to promote students' social and emotional well being and support their academic success!
Room: 1st Floor Office / #1123
Email: jvivekananda@stepacademymn.org
Michael Richie
Digital Art Teacher, Art Teacher
Certification: A.A. B.F.A. Visual Arts; K-12 Visual Arts Education
Education: College of Visual Arts; Minneapolis College of Art and Design; University of Minnesota/Mankato
Bio: One of my passions in art is to share what I have dedicated my energy on and help students develop their own way to sees the world around them. I wanted to help students hear and understand their own creative voice and express it in a visual manner. I had many roles in advertising from corporations to advertising agencies. My role was a visual creative director. Even then, I wanted to help others to learn to see things differently.
Room: 208 / #1208
Email: mrichie@stepacademymn.org
Julian Wu
Administrative Assistant - Communications, Administration
Certification: B.A. Digital Graphic Design/Electronic Publishing
Education: Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Bio: My name is Julian. I love to read ancient literature books, playing ancient instruments, making incense and writing fictions. I can be found in the 'Castle' if you need me.
Room: 2nd Floor Office / #1219
Email: jwu@stepacademymn.org
Brie Elle Tesch
K-2 ELL Teacher, ELL
Certification: K-12 Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL); K-12 Spanish Education
Education:
Bio:
Room: 89 / #1089
Email: btesch@stepacademymn.org
Bill Potts
6-12 Physical Education and Health & K-12 Developmental Adapted Physical Education, High School
Certification: B.S. Physical Education
Education: Saint Cloud State University
Bio: I’m a father of two teenage daughters with my wife of over 20 years. My oldest daughter is going to college at a Community College in the Twin cities and my youngest daughter is a Senior at Blaine High School. I have taught in the Twin Cities for over twenty years and believe Physical Education and Health are two of the most important classes for students. I enjoy the challenges everyday that our students bring to the classroom and look forward to teaching at STEP Academy.
Room: Gym / #1225
Email: bpotts@stepacademymn.org
Julia Rose
2/3 Grade Math Intervention, Elementary
Certification: M.Ed. B-3 Early Childhood Education; K-6 Elementary Education
Education: University of Minnesota
Bio: I taught third grade at another school for four years before this, and this is my first year at STEP! I am excited to join the math intervention team this year and will be working with second and third graders.
Room: 82 / #1082
Email: jrose@stepacademymn.org
Nicole Juve
Special Education Teacher, Elementary
Certification: K-6 Elementary Education; K-12 Academic Behavioral Strategist
Education: University of Minnesota Duluth
Bio: My name is Nikki Juve and this is my first year at Step Academy after graduating from UMD last year. I currently live in Albertville, MN. In my free time I love playing with my dog, being outdoors, and exploring new places!
Room: 86 / #1086
Email: njuve@stepacademymn.org
John Sooja
High School ELA Teacher, High School
Certification: B.A. M.A. and Ph.D in English Language Arts
Education: Hamline University; University of California-Riverside
Bio: John grew up in the Twin Cities, went to South High School, and graduated from Hamline University. He then finished graduate school in California before returning to MN to be closer to friends and family. He has over 10 years of teaching experience and loves being in the classroom! His interests primarily revolve around soccer, good music, good writing, books, tabletop gaming, and almost anything nerdy.
Room: 210 / #1210
Email: jsooja@stepacademymn.org
Drew Baillargeon
Dean of Students, Administration
Certification: B.S. History; M.A. Instruction; M.S. Educational Administration
Education: University of Wisconsin - La Crosse; Saint Mary's University of Minnesota; University of Wisconsin - Superior
Bio: This is my 12th year in education and Second year at STEP Academy. I am excited to be a part of STEP and help students succeed.
Room: 1st Floor Office / #1108
Email: dbaillargeon@stepacademymn.org
Kelly Hollis
K-5 Specialist Art and Science, Elementary
Certification:
Education:
Bio:
Room:
Email: khollis@stepacademymn.org
Wayne Nelsen
High School ELL Teacher, ELL
Certification: K-12 Language Arts and English Language Learner Education
Education: Saint Cloud State University
Bio: I began my ELL career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Hodeidah, Yemen. After that I taught at Ayutthaya Teachers College in Thailand. In the States I've worked as an instructor for a Family Literacy program, followed by many years of teaching ELL in Minneapolis and St. Paul. I've been with Step Academy for 10 years!
Room: 93 / #1093
Email: wayne@stepacademymn.com
Lora Wu
Special Education, Special Education
Certification: B.S. K-12 German Education
Education: Winona State University
Bio: My name is Lora Wu. I am the new Special Education teacher. I am originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina. I also lived in Croatia and Germany. I enjoy reading and any kind of art, but most of all I love to work with students.
Room: 86 / #1086
Email: lwu@stepacademymn.org
Kimberly Harper Rorig
School Nurse, Health/Covid Supervision
Certification: B.S. Nursing; Licensed Practical Nurse
Education: Winona State University; ECPI College of Health Services
Bio: I love being a nurse! I am so happy to be at Step academy! I have a wonderful son named Gabriel, who works in IT in for Anoka- Hennepin schools. I also have a lovable cat named Figga
Room: 1st Floor Office / #1122
Email: Krorig@stepacademymn.org
Trent Substad
4th Grade Teacher, Elementary
Certification: K-6 Elementary Education
Education: Bethel University
Bio:
Room: 102 / #1102
Email: tsubstad@stepacademymn.org
Hannah Treptow
3rd Grade Teacher, Elementary
Certification: B.S. Elementary Education; General Science
Education: University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Bio:
Room: 105 / #1105
Email: htreptow@stepacademymn.org
Cara Fisher
3rd Grade Teacher, Elementary
Certification: B.S. Elementary Education
Education: University of Wisconsin- River Falls
Bio: I'm Ms. Fisher, this will be my 3rd year at STEP Academy. This my 5th year teaching elementary school. When I am not teaching I love spending time with my family and friends!
Room: 104 / #1104
Email: cfisher@stepacademymn.org
Amelia Campbell
2nd Grade Teacher, Elementary
Certification: B.S. 1-6 Elementary Education & Child Welfare
Education: University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire
Bio: This is my second year at STEP. I grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota and went to college in Wisconsin. When not in school, I enjoy running, reading books and hanging out with my family. I also just got married this summer.
Room: 109 / #1109
Email: acampbell@stepacademymn.org
Sydney Jones
MS ELA, Middle School
Certification: B.A. English; M.A. Education; 5-12 Communication Arts/Literature
Education: College of Saint Benedict; Saint Catherine University
Bio: I grew up in Minneapolis and I spent the last 3 years flipping a house and starting the process on a second one!
Room: 203 / #1203
Email: sjones@stepacademymn.org
Omar Fiqi
6-12 Math Intervention, High School
Certification: M. Ed. Mathematics; PGDIPL - Actuarial Science; B.S. Statistics
Education: University of Minnesota; University of Waterloo; King Saud University (Riyadh, Saudi-Arabia)
Bio: Fifteen years experience of teaching and tutoring mathematics for different grades (6-12). Collaborated and communicated regularly with families in making educational decisions and use family and community resources to support learning and collaborated with peers to develop, plan and implement best practices based on the needs/abilities of the students.
Room: 100 / #1001
Email: ofiqi@stepacademymn.org
Jacob Norwick
ES Math Intervention, Elementary
Certification: B-3 Early Childhood Education; B-Age 6 Early Childhood Special Education; 5-8 Mathematics
Education: University of Minnesota-Duluth
Bio: My name is Jake Norwick and this 2021-22 school year will be my third year here at Step Academy! I currently live in Richfield with my wife and our two dachshunds! I enjoy all sports, the outdoors, and astronomy!
Room: 82 / #1082
Email: jnorwick@stepacademymn.org
Darlah Krug
K-1 Math Intervention, Elementary
Certification: B.S. Child and Family Studies; MEd Elementary Education; MEd Educational Leadership
Education: University of Wisconsin-Madison; National Louis University -Chicago; University of Wisconsin- River Falls
Bio: I am Mrs. Krug and I teach math intervention for our kindergarten and 1st grade friends! I was born and raised in the wonderful city of Chicago. I am a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin- Madison...Go Badgers! This will be my third year as part of the STEP Academy family!
Room: 82 / #1082
Email: dkrug@stepacademymn.org
Frank Straub
ES Reading Intervention, Elementary
Certification: B.A. History & Sociology; K-6 Elementary Education
Education: Creighton University; Hamline University
Bio: I entered teaching as a second career in my 40's, and really enjoy teaching at STEP Academy. Looking forward to working face to face with students again this year!
Room: 82 / #1082
Email: fstraub@stepacademymn.com
Freedom Hunt
CCR Teacher, High School
Certification: 5-12 Social Studies
Education: University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Bio: My name is Freedom Hunt and I’m in my second year at STEP Academy. I’m really happy to work with students at STEP and to support them in fulfilling their goal to attend post secondary education.
Room: 214 / #1214
Email: fhunt@stepacademymn.org
Mahdi Elmi
Secondary/ Math teacher and RTI, Middle School
Certification: 5-12 Mathematics
Education: Metropolitan State University
Bio: I am Mahdi Elmi, In April of 2018, I graduated with Bachelors of Science in Apply Mathematics from Metropolitan State University. I am currently enrolled at Augsburg University, pursuing my Master's Degree in Math Education for Secondary. My graduation date is set for May 2022.
Room: 99 / #1099
Email: melmi@stepacademymn.org
Rani Hayden
Dean of Instruction & ELL Coordinator&Burnsville Coordinator, Academic Leadership Team
Certification: B.S. Early Childhood & Elementary Education; M.S. Elementary Education; Ed.S. Ph.D. Leadership in Educational Administration; Pre-K-6 Elementary Education and Early Childhood; K-12 Principal
Education: Mankato State University; Capella University
Bio: This is my fourth year at STEP. I have been in education for 25 years as a teacher, intervention teacher, or administrator. I am married with two children, an 18 year old who just began college this year, and a 15 year old who is starting 10th grade. I look forward to working with the staff and students this year at STEP!
Room:
Email: rhayden@stepacademymn.org
Andy Tholen
Assistant Dean of Students Services, Administration
Certification: 5-12 Social Studies
Education: Mankato State University
Bio: I am the Assistant Dean of Student Services and I teach Philosophy and World History
Room: 207 / #1207
Email: atholen@stepacademymn.org
Fadumo Mohamud
9/10/12 ELA, High School
Certification: B.A. English - Secondary & Creative Writing
Education: I am, as Dr. Mustafa puts it, "the face of the school," a title I cherish. I appreciate the opportunity I have here at STEP Academy to be the face that greets anyone who walks in. I enjoy assisting others, and I have the opportunity to assist others on a full-time basis here at STEP Academy as an office staff member. I go by Fadumo, iido, or “aunti the office lady,” as the kids call me. Now I teach English Language Art of 9, 10 and 12th grade.
Bio: I am, as Dr. Mustafa puts it, "the face of the school," a title I cherish. I appreciate the opportunity I have here at STEP Academy to be the face that greets anyone who walks in. I enjoy assisting others, and I have the opportunity to assist others on a full-time basis here at STEP Academy as an office staff member. I go by Fadumo, iido, or “aunti the office lady,” as the kids call me.
Room: 214 / #1214
Email: fmohamud@stepacademymn.org
Rahima Ahmed
Middle School ELL Teacher, ELL
Certification: K-12 English Language Learner Education
Education:
Bio: I am Rahima Ahmed. I have been a teacher for over 15 years. Four of my children attend STEP Academy. I have been serving as a board member at STEP since 2019.
Room: 93 / #1093
Email: rsheikhahmed@stepacademymn.org
Nawal Sheikhomar
1st Grade Teacher, Elementary
Certification: B.S. K-6 Elementary Education
Education: Metropolitan State University
Bio: My name is Nawal. I have been working at STEP ACADEMY since 2017 and so honored to be working with my community. I love traveling and finding time to explore new hobbies such as archery and pottery.
Room: 111/ #1111
Email: nsheikhomar@stepacademymn.org
Chris Welter
Assistant Dean of Students, Administration
Certification: B.S. Kinesiology- Emphasis in Physical Education
Education: San Diego State University
Bio: The thing that I really enjoy about working at STEP Academy is the sense of community and teamwork that is present in the staff members, faculty, and students. What drew me to become an educator was the enjoyment that I had when I first started coaching sports. Being a source of positivity in someone's life is something that I look forward to everyday and something that I hope I can be for a long time. When I am not teaching I enjoy running, hiking, biking and really just being outside as well as staying in and watching my favorite sports teams (Vikings, Twins, and Oklahoma University).
Room: 201a / #1225
Email: cwelter@stepacademymn.org
Keeley Tholen
Assistant Academic Dean, Academic Leadership Team
Certification: MA.Ed. 5-12 Social Studies
Education: University of Minnesota
Bio: I have been with STEP Academy for a number of years and love what I do. I am the coordinator for the PSEO program, enrollment, student scheduling, and a number of other things. I am married to Mr.Tholen and we have a daughter.
Room: 2nd Floor Office / #1225
Email: ktholen@stepacademymn.org
John Ritchart
HS Science, High School
Certification: 9-12 Physics and Chemistry
Education: Murray State University
Bio: Science teacher, US Navy vet, fisherman
Room: 211&213 / #1213
Email: jritchart@stepacademymn.org
Luke Olson
HS Math Teacher, High School
Certification: 5-12 Mathematics & Coaching
Education: University of Wisconsin - River Falls
Bio: I enjoy the students' willingness to help each other learn at STEP. I integrate STEM into teaching every day! Math is 25% of STEM! I don't remember exactly what made me decide to be a teacher, but I am happy I am doing it. Outside of school I do woodworking and home remodeling.
Room: 212 / #1212
Email: lolson@stepacademymn.org
Ahmed Mursal
Assistant Director of Operations, Academic Leadership Team
Certification:
Education:
Bio:
Room:
Email: amursal@stepacademymn.org
Traci Moore
Assistant Director of Academics, Academic Leadership Team
Certification: B.S. Elementary Education; M.A. Education; K-12 Reading Specialist & Principal Administration; K-5 Elementary Education; K-12 Reading; K-12 Administrative - Principal
Education: Minnesota State University Moorhead; Saint Mary's University; Hamline University
Bio: I am a lifelong learner dedicated to providing 21st century compassionate leadership for our teachers, staff, and students. I am a mom to four daughters (23, 19, 17, and 7) and a new grandma to a handsome baby boy. My husband is a Data Conversion Senior Manager for Accenture. We live in Delano with our girls, labradoodle- Tobi, and cat- Nina. When I am not working, you will find me spending time with my family and my extended family at home or at the cabin, reading, or being a taxi mom for my seven-year-old.
Room: 2nd Floor Office / #1220
Email: tmoore@stepacademymn.org
Mohamed Mohamoud
Community & Parent Coordinator, Academic Leadership Team
Certification:
Education:
Bio:
Room:
Email: mmohamoud@stepacademymn.org
Mustafa Ibrahim
Director, Administration
Certification:
Education:
Bio: I am the school director at STEP Academy.
Room: 107 / #1107
Email: mustafa@stepacademymn.org
Noelle Heinzen
Kindergarten Teacher, Elementary
Certification: B.S. M.S. K-6 Elementary Education
Education: University of Minnesota
Bio: My name is Mrs. Heinzen, and I teach kindergarten at STEP Academy. I grew up in Wisconsin but I went to college in Minnesota. This will be my 5th year teaching kindergarten at STEP Academy. I love teaching kindergarten because I love to help students learn and enjoy school when they first start coming to STEP Academy. I can’t wait to work with your child this school year!
Room: 112 / #1112
Email: nheinzen@stepacademymn.org
Megan Crawford
5th Grade Teacher, Elementary
Certification: M.A. Teaching; K-6 Elementary Education
Education: Hamline University
Bio: This is my 5th year at Step Academy and I am so excited to be back! When I'm not at school I love to read, swim, bike, and see new places. I am looking forward to a great school year!
Room: 103 / #1103
Email: mcrawford@stepacademymn.org
Zinat Chowdhury
MS Science, Middle School
Certification: B.S. Biology; M.S. Cell Tissue Culture; M.A. Biology; 5-8 Science; 9-12 Life Science and Chemistry
Education: University of Dhaka; Saint Cloud State University; Hamline University
Bio: I am a science teacher from Bangladesh. I taught middle and high school science 2 years in Bangladesh. I have been teaching as a licensed middle and high school science teacher in the US since 2009.
Room: 204 / #1204
Email: zchowdhury@stepacademymn.org
Marwa Borghol
Secondary Arabic, High School
Certification: B.S. Education; K-12 Arabic Education
Education: Al Mansoura University (Egypt)
Bio: Arabic language teacher for non speakers grades K12 in U.S. for about 13 years.
Room: 208 / #1208
Email: marwa@stepacademymn.org