February 11, 2026
We are thrilled to share that Dr. Julie Winn will be joining us starting on Tuesday, February 17, as the MPA’s first Lower School assistant director! Please read more about Dr. Winn and her background below.
From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from Minnehaha Academy.
Tell us about your education and past experience.
Over the past 25 years, I have had the privilege of working as both an elementary classroom teacher and an administrative leader. I have worked in public, charter, and independent school settings, teaching across multiple grade levels and serving as an instructional coach, literacy consultant, curriculum director, and, most recently, director of teaching and learning at Minnehaha Academy. I have led curricular and program innovation, instructional coaching, and leadership and faculty development for PreK-12 settings, and have presented at both local and national professional conferences. I am also the co-founder of RefineEDU, a consultancy consortium that specializes in tailored faculty development, leadership development, and curricular and instructional design for private and independent schools. I earned a Bachelor of Arts from St. Olaf College, a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Gordon College, and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership from Bethel University.
What did you find appealing about MPA?
Dream Big. Do Right. Could it get better than that? From the very first conversation, it was clear the MPA was a special place, exuding a warmth, connection, and community I immediately wanted to be a part of. I have always considered myself a builder, which requires creativity, high standards, and a willingness to think outside the box and push past the status quo. I am all about big dreams that lead to the highest and best outcomes for students, families, and our faculty, and I feel such resonance with this community and the mission and vision it pursues.
What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA and its students?
I truly believe my life’s purpose is making the world better, brighter, and more accessible for every single child. I want to see thriving young people, with deep roots and wide wings. As educators, we have the opportunity to help illuminate the path and speak truth over these young souls, setting their own imagination aflame with dreams of who they might dare to become. It’s an amazing profession, truly. I believe that happens best in a safe, caring community surrounded by educators who feel valued, supported, and who love learning as much as they love teaching. I am here to serve teachers, students, and families with deep love and a commitment to high excellence.
What’s your big dream?
To go to Spain and eat tapas and paella in a small cafe next to the ocean. Glorious!
What are you passionate about?
Our family loves travel and food. There is nothing more exhilarating than arriving in an unexplored city for the first time, anticipating new experiences around every corner. The world is a vast and fascinating place, and dipping into other cultures and ways of living is endlessly fun. I love trying local fare and usually end up with a cookbook or two, ready to try my hand at it when I get home.
What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
We love our animals, and we currently have two dogs and two cats. Our dogs, Kevin, a very gentle, slightly anxious shepherd lab mix, and June, a very lazy, grumpy, old chihuahua, love to spend time being harassed by and harassing our cats, Charlie, a black and white tuxedo cat with no tail, and Brambleclaw, a sassy, brown tabby with thumbs. Never a dull moment over here!
