Nicholas Doyle graduated from Bemidji State University with a B.A. in elementary education (math emphasis) and later obtained a master’s in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University. In Arizona, he advanced from elementary teacher to assistant principal to principal. In 2013, he relocated back to Minnesota and became RASA’s principal. Mr. Doyle is known as a visionary, collaborative, and charismatic leader who is passionate about creating the best learning environment for his students. Driven to create a positive culture, Mr. Doyle has made considerable contributions to the growth of RASA over the past nine years. With over 20 years in education, Mr. Doyle’s leadership philosophy is grounded in the idea that relationships form the foundation for success. This outlook is demonstrated by consistent efforts to engage parents in the learning process, as well as by fostering leadership in teachers, staff members, and other stakeholders. Outside of school, he enjoys spending time with his active family, playing games, watching sports, and traveling.

Adam has a passion for education and has been working in schools for nearly twenty years. Prior to coming to RASA, he spent the previous academic year serving as Interim Head of School at German School Brooklyn, where he oversaw completion of a purpose-built home for the school and coordinated the development of systems and structures that will help ensure the young school's long-term growth and success. Prior to moving to Brooklyn, he spent ten years at Taipei American School in Taiwan, during a series of significant construction projects on campus, and where he facilitated a comprehensive strategic planning process and oversaw academics from pre-K through 12th grade. Before becoming a school leader, he spent many years as a teacher and debate coach, both in the United States and abroad. He is also an attorney licensed to practice law in Minnesota. Adam lives in Rochester with his wife, Emily, his infant daughter, and their two dogs, Navi and Pepper. Emily and her family have deep ties to Rochester, and Adam very much looks forward to both being a part of that history and joining the RASA community!

Paula Wallace graduated from the Internship Honors Accounting program at Minneapolis Business College with an Accounting Diploma in 1989. In 1990 she changed paths to pursue a career as an Air Traffic Controller, and was hired by the Federal Aviation Administration in 1991. Paula retired from the FAA in late 2020 to spend more time with her family. After her certification as an Air Traffic Controller, Paula took on a variety of roles over her 29 year career. These roles included training, quality assurance, procedures, automation, supervisor, manager, teamwork coaching, providing training on collaboration, and providing management training. Paula has been part of the RASA family since 2013 as a parent, and is excited to be a part of RASA’s continued growth in her role as Administrative Assistant. Paula lives in Rochester with her husband and two kids. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, theater (live and movies), and travel.

Brianna Zabel graduated from Winona State University where she studied elementary education (math emphasis) and went on to earn an M.S. in elementary education. A student-teaching experience at Frimley Elementary School in Hastings, New Zealand, taught her to love all things Kiwi! After several years of teaching in the public schools of both Lanesboro, Minnesota, and Rochester, she found a home at RASA in 2014. She loves RASA's inquiry-based curriculum and is passionate about helping students explore their world. She lives in Rochester with her husband, children, and cat, Bosco. Outside of school, she enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.

Heather obtained her Bachelors of Science in nursing from Coe College and her Masters of Science in nursing from Winona State University.

Heather is an experienced Nurse Practitioner who has worked with children and families for several years. Prior to coming to RASA, Heather worked with the Mayo Clinic Department of Family Medicine as a celebrated and innovative Nurse Practitioner. Prior to obtaining her CNP, Heather worked as a Registered Nurse in various departments at Mayo Clinic. Most recently, Heather has supported her children, Molly and Xander, as a stay at home mom. She also assists as an adjunct professor in the undergraduate nursing program at Winona State University. In her spare time Heather enjoys leading Molly's Girl Scout Troop, playing superheros with Xander, serving as the President of the RASA PTO, traveling, volunteering with her certified therapy dog Cooper and uncertified dog Callie, and spending time with her family.

I have 14 years working as a Certified Child Life Specialist working in the healthcare setting helping children of all ages learn about various difficult situations/topics and help empower them utilizing coping skills and therapeutic expression.  I am excited to join the RASA team transitioning my skill set into the community and school setting! I live in Pine Island on 20 acres with my husband Rob and three kids Jaxon (9), Orren (6), and Ailey (2).  We also have a charcoal lab, three goats, a dozen chickens, two cats and newest additions of a trio of bunnies that make up our little funny farm.  I love hockey, being out in nature, creating great food and some crafting when time allows! Looking forward to the school year. 

Heather Worlton graduated from Winona State University where she received an elementary education degree with a middle school emphasis. She completed teaching experiences in the Rochester area and Wisconsin. Heather has a hands-on approach to teaching and is passionate about encouraging learners to have fun while exploring their world. She has been on the RASA teaching staff since 2010 and enthusiastically inspires lifelong learning according to the IB philosophy. In her spare time she loves being with her husband and their three children. Heather also finds joy in trying new things, baking, and being creative.

Keara Wingert graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and went on to complete a masters degree in Early Childhood Special Education. She moved to Rochester in 2021 with her husband. This is her third year working at RASA and second year in preschool. In her free time, Keara enjoys going on hikes, camping, reading, and baking. 

Kelly Simon graduated from University of Wisconsin–River Falls with a B.S. in elementary education and a minor in early childhood education. She later obtained her M.S. in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in literacy from the same institution. She started her career teaching preschool in Spring Valley, Minnesota. Kelly joined the RASA staff as a preschool teacher in 2018. In her free time, Kelly enjoys reading, disc golfing, and spending time with her family and friends.

Bonjour! Originally from Buffalo, Minnesota, Maija Klees moved to Rochester in 2010. She graduated from Concordia College, and has attended and worked for the Concordia Language Villages. When not teaching French, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three cats. You may also find her selling coffee and cookies at the Rochester Downtown Farmers Market.

Tasha Lemmon graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead with a B.S. in elementary education (pre-primary emphasis). She began teaching at RASA in its inaugural year and continues to love teaching through inquiry in a small class environment. She also enjoys encouraging students to express their creativity through visual arts.  In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their seven children and attending their children's events and activities.

Bio coming soon

Bio coming soon!

Rachel is an accomplished instructor with a comprehensive background in arts and education. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Dallas and a Bachelor's in Art and Theater from Southwestern University. Notably, Rachel served as a teacher and department chair at the Ursuline Academy of Dallas, where she shared her expertise and passion for the arts. During a six-year residence in Switzerland, she completed advanced studies in applied design at the Zurich University of the Arts and actively engaged with the local community center, coordinating art programs for children. Since returning to the United States, Rachel has dedicated five years to teaching four-year-olds, fostering early artistic and academic development in a classroom setting. With substantial experience in the practical application of the arts, particularly working as a scenic artist for professional theater, she brings a unique perspective to our community. Participating in various artist residencies both domestically and internationally, Rachel brings a global perspective to her role, enriching our educational environment and inspiring students to explore and express their creativity.

Rachel graduated from Winona State University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. During her college career, she worked at a childcare center in a 3 year-old-room, as well as with the after-school care. Following this, Rachel’s passions for helping people and nature led her to work at a Wilderness Therapy Program in Utah.

Post-college, she gained 3.5 years of experience nannying for a family with young children. She then coached gymnastics at Rochester Gymnastics Academy for close to 2 years.

She feels grateful to have started a new adventure here at RASA. She enjoys continually learning how to help empower and encourage each student in their interests and passions, as well as helping them learn how to channel their gifts and talents in positive ways.

Some of her favorite things to do in her free time are spending time with family and friends, camping, enjoying nature in general, playing ukulele, singing, spending time with animals, and building relationships with people.

Kristen graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Early Childhood and Family Education. She began her career as a reading tutor with Minnesota Reading Corps, where she developed a strong foundation in helping young learners. Over the years, Kristen has gained a wealth of experience teaching in various settings, including Preschool, Title 1 programs, first grade, preschool/kindergarten (multi-age setting), and STREAM (Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). This year marks her first year at RASA, although she has already dedicated 11 years to teaching. Kristen is known for incorporating real-life and hands-on experiences into her lessons, making learning engaging and relevant for her students. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys expressing her creativity through painting, diamond art, and creating educational resources using Canvas. In her free time, Kristen loves to spend quality moments with her husband and two daughters.

Beth Bent graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she studied elementary education (with a math specialty). After beginning her teaching career in a Title 1 (intervention) classroom, Beth earned her M.S. in educational leadership through Southwest State University. Beth’s teaching experience includes five years as an intervention teacher, four years teaching first grade, and one year teaching kindergarten before joining RASA as a kindergarten teacher in 2019. She already loves the welcoming staff and families at RASA and enjoys the inquiry-based curriculum. Beth lives in Kasson with her husband, two sons, and two daughters. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family and supporting her children in their education as well as their athletic endeavors. 

Sammy Bishop graduated from Winona State University with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. Last year, she co-taught with a special education teacher in three year old inclusive classes. She also taught several early childhood community education classes. In Sammy's free time, she likes being on the pontoon in the summer, taking walks, and watching football and movies. But her favorite is cuddling up with a good book and her cat, Charlie May!

Liz Walters graduated from Winona State University with a B.S. in elementary education and a minor in early childhood education.  Before working at RASA, Liz worked at a learning center for 3 years.  She also spent a couple of years subbing in public schools around the area.   This will be her 6th year teaching at RASA.  She taught 3 years in Junior-Kindergarten, and this will be her 3rd year in 1st grade. Liz lives here in town with her husband, Alex, her 1 year old son, Ronin, and her pet cat named Chloe.  In her free time, Liz enjoys spending time with her friends and family, fishing, being outdoors, and doing crafts.

Becca Langner graduated from Saint Mary’s University of MN with a B.S. in Educational Studies. Since graduating in 2014, Becca has been teaching in preschools with 3-5 year olds. This will be her first year teaching in 2nd grade and she is looking forward to expanding and growing more in her teaching abilities. Fun fact, Becca has wanted to be a teacher since she was in the first grade. Her favorite part about teaching is connecting with the students and helping/watching them grow in their own unique way. In her free time, she likes to enjoy the outdoors, paint, read books, and spend time with her husband (Jacob) and her 3 year old son (Samuel).

Julia earned her B.A. in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) at Elmira College in upstate New York. She is currently working on her M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction through McDaniel College in Maryland. Julia began her teaching career in a 6th-grade classroom in Baltimore City. She continued to work in Maryland and taught 3rd through 5th grade. Julia is currently a 2nd-grade teacher at RASA! Julia loves using project-based learning within the classroom and strives to find unique ways to incorporate technology into her lessons. In her free time, Julia enjoys going on walks with her two daughters, baking, and spending time with her family.

Bio coming soon!

Benjamin Olson graduated from Winona State University with a B.S. in K-6 Elementary Education. He completed his student teaching in Rochester at Jefferson Elementary School. This is his 5th year of teaching but first year at RASA! He has taught second and third grades at a public elementary school in Medford, Minnesota. Ben is an advocate for inquiry based learning and brings a fun, inviting, and positive environment into his classrooms. He is passionate about helping students explore their world and guiding students to become lifelong learners. He and his wife reside in Rochester and have 2 children. Outside of teaching, Ben enjoys hiking, reading, sports, socializing with friends and family, traveling around the globe, and spending time at parks with his kids.

Dawson Evenson graduated from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a B.S. in Elementary Education and a minor in Social Studies. This is his second year of teaching, and is excited to be at RASA! He is excited to start his second year of teaching fourth grade. Dawson’s passion is to create an environment that is positive for students to learn in, as well as foster the critical thinkers into exploring their questions more in depth. In his free time, Dawson enjoys playing sports, relaxing with friends and family, and watching movies with his fiancée and cats.

Born and raised in the mountains of Virginia. Did a lot of living and eventually landed in Rochester. This will be my twelfth year teaching. I love spending time with my wife and two sons when I’m not teaching.

Evan Walter graduated from Purdue University, where he received his degree in education. Mr. Walter completed his student teaching in Northwest Indiana teaching 5th grade. Over the years, Mr. Walter has worked in education and has taught in Indianapolis,IN; Peoria, IL; and Stewartville, MN. Throughout his tour of the Midwest, in each school he is at, Mr. Walter loves to have students work together and engage with one another. He feels that while it is important to learn as an individual, it is equally important to learn in a variety of ways including through peers. Mr. Walter lives in Rochester with his wife and their son, as well as their Golden Retriever named Wrigley. Being from the Chicagoland area, Evan is a huge Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan, as well as supporting the Purdue Boilermakers! In his free time, Mr. Walter enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports, and playing sports (very fond of hockey since moving to Minnesota). Mr. Walter is very excited to be part of the RASA family!

Sheldon Knutson graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Gustavus Adolphus College and earned his Master’s in Instruction and Technology from Saint Mary’s University. He has taught fifth grade in St. Charles, MN, for six years and also taught fifth grade in Park City, UT, for one year. Additionally, he has been very active in his school communities through coaching and participating in after-school activities and clubs. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, reading, hiking, skiing, rock climbing, camping, going to national and state parks, golfing and disc golfing, biking, and watching the Minnesota Vikings (most of the time). Mr. Knutson is a passionate advocate for student-centered and inquiry-based learning. He’s dedicated to creating a dynamic, risk-tolerant, and engaging classroom environment where curiosity and exploration thrive. He is also committed to guiding students through their own discoveries and fostering a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom and encourages lifelong growth. He’s excited to begin his RASA experience and work with a great group of students!

Ashley Staples graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire with a B.S. in elementary education (science emphasis). She has worked with students from preschool through sixth grade. She began teaching at RASA in 2014. Her passion is helping her students to love learning, seeing them grow, and making meaningful connections. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her dogs, working out, and, her newest interest, painting. Ashley got married in the summer of 2018 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and can't wait to continue traveling with her husband!

Anne graduated from the University of MN, Duluth with bachelor degrees in Cell and Molecular Biology and Mathematics Education. She also holds a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Toledo. Anne has experience teaching math at both the middle and high school levels, and is very excited to now be teaching middle school math here at RASA! Outside of the classroom she stays busy with her four kids (triplet boys and little girl) and Australian Shepherd dog, Bernie. She also enjoys running and spending time with friends and family.

Dorothy Jorgenson is starting her 4th year teaching. She graduated from Winona State University with an Elementary and Early Childhood Education Degree and a minor in Middle School Social Studies. She earned her Master’s in Education from Winona-Rochester in 2022. She is very excited to be teaching middle school again this year. In her free time she enjoys fishing, going for walks, and spending time with family. 

This is Tess Werven’s second year at RASA as an Interventionist.

She graduated from Winona State University with an Early Childhood and Elementary Education teaching degree. She started her teaching career at Primrose School before starting her role here. She loves getting to know the students, whether in small groups, one-on-one, or spending time as a substitute for the wonderful classrooms. Outside of school, she enjoys baking, reading, spending quality time with her dog Ginny, and with friends and family.

Katherine Gales graduated from Luther College where she studied Music, Philosophy, and Classical Languages. She completed teacher education at the University of Iowa and Coe College. Katherine has taught early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school music and languages. In her spare time she loves composing music, reading, video gaming, trail walking, and being with her husband, Jacob, and children, Robin and Reed.

Aila Billings is originally from Chanhassen, MN. She majored in French and education at Concordia College, Moorhead and graduated in 2023. This will be her first year teaching, and she is excited to be a part of the RASA community. She completed her student teaching internship in Fargo, ND working with middle school students. Aila studied abroad in Tours, France for a year, and worked with Concordia Language Villages; both of which fostered a love of the French-speaking world. Aila is excited to teach about diverse cultures through the French-speaking world, and share her love of languages and culture with students. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her two cats, Marcel and Milou (bien sûr des noms français). Aila also loves spending time outdoors and sharing her experiences of hiking and camping.

Analive graduated with honors from the University of Castro Carazo in San Jose, Costa Rica. She has a degree in Educational Sciences, Elementary and Middle School.

She worked in 4 public schools in Costa Rica for 13 years. She arrived in the state of Minnesota at the end of 2020. She started working in the Pine Island Public School District from 2021 to 2023. Now she works as a Spanish teacher at RASA.

Analive lives in Rochester, she has four sons and a daughter. Analive loves spending time with family. One of her sons is a Marine in California, another is an Industrial production engineer, her daughter is a manager in an International Bank, one of her sons is the best waiter, and the youngest son is preparing for a career as a systems engineer. She has three grandsons and two granddaughters. She lives in Rochester with only one of her children. In her free time, she loves organizing her home, and eating salty foods. She is excited for her career at RASA and to make connections with students and create lifelong, global learners.

MaKynna Heimer graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a B.S in Elementary Education. This is her first year of teaching, and is super excited to be starting at RASA. MaKynna's passion is to create a safe and loving classroom environment where each student feels valued and supported. In her free time, MaKynna enjoys spending time outdoors, reading books, sports, crafting, traveling, getting to spend time with her family and friends, and most importantly spending time with her two cats, Henri and Remi.

Juli Kieper(Heusinkveld) graduated from Winona State University with a B.S. in K–6 elementary education and a minor in reading instruction. This is her seventh year of teaching and her fifth year at RASA! She has taught first, fourth, and fifth grades. Juli's passion is to create a positive learning environment, as well as cultivate critical thinkers and lifelong learners. Juli and her husband Scott are expecting their first child in September 2024! In her spare time, Juli enjoys hiking with her dog Winnie, reading, crafting, and traveling.

Emily Carr graduated from Sacred Heart University with a B.S. in psychology, a minor in English, and a M.A.T. in elementary education. In her hometown on Long Island in NY, she worked as a substitute teacher and teaching assistant until she moved to Rochester in 2015 with her husband. She joined RASA at that time, and taught third grade for two years and then fourth grade for two years. After the birth of her first daughter, Emily enjoyed time off at home for a few years, during which she welcomed her second daughter into the family. Emily came back this year to RASA part time as a 6th grade teacher, and is enjoying being back in the classroom in the mornings. Her passion in teaching is making learning fun for the students so they develop a lifelong love for learning. When not at work, Emily enjoys running with her two Siberian huskies, baking, and traveling with her family.

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!

Paul Warner | President

My family is incredibly enthusiastic about the community, spirit, and education upon which RASA is founded. As a parent of two daughters at this school, I am wholly invested in helping RASA develop and mature. My wife, Lindsay, and I are both anesthesiologists at Mayo. We have deep ties to the Rochester community, having met here in medical school and having gone through anesthesia residency together. We are always looking at how to create the best educational community out there for our kids, and I hope to be able to bring that same enthusiasm and thoughtfulness to the RASA board. About me: My favorite sport is road cycling. My favorite MN team is The Twins. My favorite drink is coffee. My favorite food is cereal. My happy place is anywhere Disney. My favorite color is pink. My favorite movie is anything in the Princess category on Disney Plus :)

Elaine and her family are passionate about all things childhood, development, education, stewardship, and service. She is a mother to 4 children. Her children Selah, Shepherd, and Micah are at RASA learning, growing, and thriving! Their brother Abram will be joining them at RASA soon! She is a psychiatrist and also a local business owner and brings that expertise to the Board through her role as vice president. Most importantly, she is a big believer and practitioner in the power of mindset, visioning, growth, and limitless potential - skills that are valuable for all of our children at RASA and for the success of the school as a whole!

I am honored and proud to be a part of the board of directors for RASA! As a Rochester native, I want to see the future of this community thrive; that starts with our youth. Giving back to the community is a passion of mine, and I hope to contribute my business expertise and nonprofit experience to help further the school’s mission. Although I am not a parent of a RASA student currently, that may change in a few years! My beautiful wife and I are parents to Nadia, who is 3, and Lydia, who is 1.

Steve and Erica are excited to join the RASA board of directors. Erica is a trauma surgeon at Saint Marys Hospital, and Steve is a detective with the Olmsted County Sheriff’s office. We are the proud parents of 4 children. Mackenzie and Aiden are currently at RASA and Brennan will join them this fall. Our youngest, Kieran, turns 2 in November and will join the RASA family in the future. We feel so fortunate to have found the RASA community and are enthusiastic and passionate about the vision for the school. We are excited for the ongoing expansion of our education community, the addition of older grades, and invested in the successful educational mission of RASA. We’ve already had the chance to volunteer and look forward to contributing more in the future. While we may each approach situations differently, we have compatible views and work well together. We are fully committed to a joint appointment to the board and appreciate the opportunity to contribute our knowledge and skills to further develop and mature the school.

It has been a real privilege to join the RASA board of directors and serve this incredible school community. My husband Ahmad and I have two RASA students—Ava (4rd grade) and Mona (3nd grade). Our girls are starting their second year with RASA and we have been so grateful for the warm welcome into the RASA family!

I am a licensed attorney and have worked as a career law clerk in the Minnesota Judicial Branch since moving from Chicago to Rochester for my husband’s radiology residency at Mayo. We are so proud to call Minnesota our home and have loved settling into the Rochester community.

Prior to the move I attended law school at the University of Chicago and worked as a litigation fellow for the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois.  My legal background is in constitutional law and I am passionate about all things civil rights, public service, and civic engagement!

In my free time, you might find me coaching my girls in rec soccer, hiking the National Park system, lifting at the gym, learning more about native gardening, or snuggling on the couch with our dog, Marvin.

I am so excited to serve the RASA community as a member of its board of directors! My husband Barry and I are parents to two RASA kids - Cate (3rd) and Liam (1st). I left my position in research protocol development when Cate was born to become a stay-at-home parent. Having spent the bulk of my childhood in Rochester, I’m happy to be back in town raising my own family. My free time usually involves various fiber arts, as well as the odd house project and tending to my houseplant collection. I am delighted to be part of the RASA board because I not only want to be involved in my kids’ education, but also help shape it. I am looking forward to working behind the scenes to help further develop and sustain the best possible school for all its students.

I am honored to serve as a board member of RASA's board of directors. My husband and I are proud parents of two children, Maria and Jacob. We value education and serving the community. Hence, my passion for further nurturing our students, families, and employees of RASA is what made me seek membership. My professional career includes over a decade working as Internal Medicine physician at Olmsted Medical Center. I volunteer at different organizations besides RASA.

Bio coming soon!

I'm Mom to 2 children who have attended RASA. Being a part of RASA's school, community and board is a great opportunity to contribute to my kids’ education. I am a research program coordinator at Mayo Clinic running cancer research studies. We enjoy spending time outside with friends and family.