Our Faculty and Board of Directors are made up of passionate individuals who strive to create an amazing learning experience for all students
Faculty
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Nicholas Doyle | Principal ~ Head of School
Nicholas Doyle earned his B.A. in Elementary Education with a math emphasis from Bemidji State University and later completed his master’s degree in Educational Leadership at Northern Arizona University. During his time in Arizona, he worked his way from classroom teacher to assistant principal and then principal. In 2013, he returned to Minnesota and stepped into the role of principal at RASA. Mr. Doyle is recognized as a visionary, collaborative, and charismatic leader with a deep commitment to creating the best possible learning environment for students. His passion for cultivating a positive school culture and building strong relationships has played a significant role in RASA’s growth and success over his thirteen years of leadership. With 25 years of experience in education, he believes that strong relationships are the foundation of effective teaching and learning, an approach reflected in his engagement with families and his emphasis on empowering teachers, staff, and the broader school community. Outside of school, Mr. Doyle enjoys spending time with his active family, playing games, watching sports, and traveling.
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Paula Wallace | Business Manager
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. 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 retired from the FAA in late 2020 to spend more time with her family. 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 Business Manager. 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.
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Heather Patch, APRN, CNP | Nurse
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.
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Dagney Willey Adamson | Child Life Specialist
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.
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Heather Worlton | Preschool
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.
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Aubrey Osoba | Preschool
Bio coming soon!
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Kelly Saterbak | Preschool
Kelly Saterbak 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 Minnesota State University- Moorhead. 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, running, and spending time with her husband and son.
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Jason Duncan | Preschool
Hi, I’m Jason Duncan, a dedicated educator with 13 years of teaching experience and a background that has shaped my commitment to service, community, and helping others grow. Throughout my teaching career, I’ve worked with students across a variety of grade levels and learning needs, including nine years in fourth grade, as well as experience in first grade, intervention, and substitute teaching.
Before becoming an educator, I spent four years serving in the U.S. Army. That experience taught me the value of responsibility, teamwork, perseverance, and service—qualities I continue to bring into my work with children and families.
I grew up in rural Virginia, where I learned to value community and connection. As a father of two sons, I also understand the joy, curiosity, and unique personalities that make every child special.
I’m excited to bring my experience and passion for learning to preschool. I believe every child deserves a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where they feel valued, confident, and excited to explore the world around them. My goal is to build meaningful relationships with children and families while creating a classroom where curiosity, creativity, kindness, and growth are encouraged every day.
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Tasha Lemmon | Junior Kindergarten
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.
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Jen Wadsworth | Junior Kindergarten
Bio coming soon
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Rachel Obranobvich | Junior Kindergarten
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 Art department chair at the Ursuline Academy in Dallas, Texas. During a six-year residence in Switzerland, she completed advanced studies in applied design at the Zurich University of the Arts, participated in artist residencies in Brighton and Berlin, and actively engaged with the local community center, coordinating art classes for children. Since returning to the United States, Rachel has dedicated seven years to teaching four-year-olds, fostering early artistic and academic development in a classroom setting. She also continues to be passionate about the performing arts, helping to organize RASA's Theater Clubs.
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Tess Werven | Junior Kindergarten | IQ Club
Hello! This is my fourth year at RASA and first year teaching JK with Ms. O. I am so excited to watch your children grow and explore the world around them. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and my dog Ginny. I love good food, good music, and good books.
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Rachel Balow | Junior Kindergarten
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 be at RASA and is starting her 5th year. 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.
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Kristen Milton | Kindergarten
Kristen holds a degree in Early Childhood and Family Education from St. Cloud State University. She launched her career as a Minnesota Reading Corps tutor, building a strong foundation in early literacy before expanding her expertise across Preschool, Title 1, First Grade, Multi-Age (Preschool/Kindergarten), and STREAM programs. Now in her 13th year of teaching and her second at RASA, Kristen brings learning to life through immersive, real-world experiences. Beyond the classroom, she stays creative by painting, working on diamond art, and designing educational materials in Canva. Above all, she treasures downtime with her husband and two daughters.
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Beth Bent | Kindergarten
Beth Bent graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she studied elementary education with a math specialty. After beginning her teaching career in an intervention classroom, Beth earned her M.S. in educational leadership through Southwest State University. Her 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 absolutely loves the students, families, and staff at RASA. Inquiry-based curriculum as well as being able to individualize learning for each child because of small class sizes are important features at RASA for Beth. Beth lives in Kasson and has 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.
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Sammy Bishop | 1st Grade
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!
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Liz Walters | 1st Grade
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 7th year teaching at RASA. She taught 3 years in Junior-Kindergarten, and this will be her 4th year in 1st grade. Liz lives here in town with her husband, Alex, her 3 year old son, Ronin, and her 1 year old son, Miles. In her free time, Liz enjoys spending time with her friends and family, fishing, being outdoors, and doing crafts.
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Becca Langner | 2nd Grade
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. In 2023, she joined the RASA team as the 2nd Grade Teacher. She loves being apart of the RASA community 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 family, Jacob (husband), Samuel (6), and Emily (1 1/2).
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Julia Schulz | 2nd Grade
Julia earned her B.A. in Childhood Education (Grades 1–6) from Elmira College in upstate New York and is currently working toward her M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction at McDaniel College in Maryland. She began her teaching career in a 6th-grade classroom in Baltimore City and later taught 3rd through 5th grade in Maryland before joining RASA, where she now teaches 2nd grade. Julia loves bringing learning to life through project-based activities and is passionate about helping students grow into curious, confident learners. Outside of school, Julia enjoys taking walks with her two daughters, baking sweet treats, and spending time with her family.
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MaKynna Heimer | 3rd Grade Teacher
MaKynna Heimer graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. She is beginning her fourth year of teaching and her fourth year at RASA. MaKynna also had the opportunity to teach abroad in Thailand, an experience that strengthened her love of travel and appreciation for different cultures and perspectives.
MaKynna is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming, and caring classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. She enjoys creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that encourage students to be curious, creative, and confident learners.
Outside of the classroom, MaKynna coaches high school dance and enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, watching sports, crafting, traveling, and making memories with her family and friends. Most of all, she loves spending time with her two cats, Henri and Remi.
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Juliana Harris | 3rd Grade Teacher
Bio coming soon!
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Dawson Evenson | 4th Grade
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.
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Alyssa Rink | 4th Grade
Alyssa Rink graduated from Winona State University with degrees in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education. This is her third year of teaching and her third year at RASA. It will also be her second year teaching fourth grade. Alyssa is passionate about creating a positive and supportive classroom environment where every student feels valued and encouraged to be themselves. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, working out, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
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Evan Walter | 5th Grade
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 his two kids, Cameron and Riley, as well as their Golden Retriever named Bear. 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!
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Tommy Lee | 5th Grade
Bio coming soon!
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Anne Larson | Middle School Math
Anne graduated from the University of MN, Duluth with bachelor degrees in Mathematics and Science Education. She also holds a masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Toledo. She has experience teaching science and math at both the middle and high school levels. This will be her 12th year teaching overall, and third year at RASA. Outside of the classroom she stays busy with her four kids (Mikko, Orrin, and Leo (first grade), and Greta (preschool). She also enjoys running and spending time with friends and family.
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Benjamin Olson | Middle School
Bio updated : Benjamin Olson graduated from Winona State University with a B.S. in K-6 Elementary Education. Benjamin graduated with his Master's Degree in Curriculum Development from Saint Mary's University last winter. This is his 11th year of teaching and 6th at RASA! 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. Blake (15) and Ella (8). Ella goes to RASA, and Blake is beginning high school at John Marshall High School! Outside of teaching, Ben enjoys hiking, reading, sports, socializing with friends and family, traveling around the country, and spending time with his kids at parks, zoos, markets, and lakes.
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Dorothy Jorgenson | Middle School Teacher and PYP Coordinator
Dorothy Jorgenson is starting her 6th 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 getting married October 10, 2026!!! This year Ms. Jorgenson will be teaching English to 6-8 and will be RASA's new IB PYP coordinator.
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Katherine Gales | Music and Band
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.
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Megan Butts | Art Teacher & PS/JK
Hi! I’m Ms. Megan, and I’m so excited to be joining RASA as the Art Teacher and as part of the PK & JK team! I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design and several years of experience working with children through teaching enrichment programs, substitute teaching, and my art studio, Craft Lab. I’ve also have taught Craft Lab clubs at RASA for 4 years, so I’m especially excited to now be joining the team in a new role!
I’m passionate about encouraging creativity, curiosity, problem solving, and confidence. One of my favorite things about working with children is seeing their ideas come to life and watching them feel proud of what they create.
I live in Stewartville with my husband, Mitch, our 11 yr old son Bennett, and our dog Timber. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, drinking iced coffee, listening to podcasts and, of course, trying new crafts!
I can’t wait to get to know each student and family and help make the art room and RASA a welcoming, encouraging place where students feel comfortable creating, exploring, taking chances, and being themselves. I’m looking forward to a wonderful school year!
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Analive Hedberg | Spanish
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.
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Liz Nehring | Interventionist
Liz graduated from Winona State University in 2007 with her degree in Elementary Education grades K-8. She later earned her Master’s of Education in Elementary Reading & Literacy from Walden University. Liz taught kindergarten for 15 years and has also taught preschool, Junior Kindergarten, and first grade. She came to RASA in 2022 and came back again in 2026! She is excited about her role doing intervention and enrichment because she loves working with small groups of students and getting to interact with all the students at RASA. She is very passionate about reading and literacy. Liz lives in Pine Island with her husband, two daughters (Sienna,9 & Gabbie,7), her dog, and her cat. In her free time she enjoys being with family and friends, reading, watching Minnesota sports, and doing anything crafty.
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Ariana Bruhnkeschmidt | Interventionist
Ariana Bruhnkeschmidt graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire with a bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education K-12. In 2026, she graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a master’s degree in music education with an emphasis in Orff-Schulwerk. Ari has owned and operated 2 small businesses, loves to play piano as well as many other instruments, and enjoys singing. She is super excited to join the RASA team and work in intervention! When Ari isn’t working, she loves to spend time with friends and family including her husband, 2 dogs, and 2 cats.
Board of Directors
Rochester Arts & Sciences Academy is a nonprofit organization with 501(c)3 public charity status. The RASA Board of Directors is the governing body. The Executive Director / Principal and the Board Chairs collaborate to provide oversight of all school needs. The RASA Board is comprised of volunteer members who are current school parents or community members aligned with the school’s mission. Board meetings are held on a monthly basis. Meetings are open to the public quarterly.
Board of Directors
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Ingrid Bergstrom | Chair
It is a true privilege to serve on the RASA board of directors and I look forward to transitioning into my new role as Board Chair this fall. My husband Ahmad and I have two RASA students—Ava (5th grade) and Mona (4th grade). Our girls are starting their third year with RASA and we are so grateful to be part of the RASA family!
I am a licensed attorney and work as a career law clerk in the Minnesota Judicial Branch. 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 about native gardening, or snuggling on the couch with our dog Marvin.
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Paul Warner | Vice Chair
Paul Warner | President
I’ve had the privilege of serving on the school board now for over 5 years. It’s been an honor. My family is incredibly enthusiastic about the community, spirit, and education upon which Devine RASA. 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 have tried to always bring that same enthusiasm and thoughtfulness to the RASA board.
About me: My favorite sport to watch is road cycling. My favorite activity is Zwift. 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 :)
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Elaine Stageberg | Treasurer
Elaine and her family are passionate about all things childhood, development, education, stewardship, and service. She has five children; four of whom attend RASA and one who is waiting to join when he is old enough! She is both a psychiatrist and also a local business owner. She has served on the Board for many years, including roles as Vice President and Treasurer. 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!
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Erica + Steve Loomis | Secretary
Steve and Erica are excited to be a part of the RASA board of directors. Erica is a trauma and emergency general surgeon with Mayo clinic, Saint Marys Campus, and Steve is a detective with the Olmsted County Sheriff’s office. We are the proud parents of 4 children-Mackenzie, Aiden, Brennan and Kieran all of whom are part of the RASA family. 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 and invested in the successful educational mission of RASA.
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Sarah Boilson
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.
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Justin Kreuter
Bio coming soon!
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Amanda Effertz
Bio coming soon!