Welcome to MPA, Damon George!

DamonWelcome to MPA, Damon George! Damon started as a Middle and Upper School health and physical education teacher on August 14, and we are so excited to introduce him to our community!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I previously worked at Hiawatha Collegiate High School.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I graduated from Fridley High School in 2011. I then attended Bethel University for two years, where I played baseball. I followed that by attended Concordia University, St. Paul, for three years to receive my Bachelor of Arts in kinesiology and health sciences. I also played football for Concordia.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
The families being invested into their students education is something I’m looking forward to. Most of my experience has been in public schools, which has most of the time, lead to the educators being more invested than the parents. I’m very excited to see the dynamic and the commitment to success.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
Creating positive change. Forever a glass half-full kind of human, that will always see the optimism and beauty of life. I pour my heart and soul into my students and their lives and my goal for lasting impact is to motivate them to be great. Read More


Welcome to MPA, Mandi Wilson!

WilsonWelcome to MPA, Mandi Wilson! Mandi started as a Pre-K teacher on August 14, and we are so excited to introduce her to our community!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from Children’s House Montessori School. (Eau Claire, WI)

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I have a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in chemistry. I have a Professional Science Master’s Degree in conservation biology. I subbed for Eau Claire Public Schools before becoming a lead PreK teacher at the Children’s House.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I truly value the emphasis of individual growth, inclusiveness, and the development of a global responsibility. I appreciate the welcoming atmosphere that promotes and celebrates diversity on multiple levels.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
I want our students to feel safe, loved, and appreciated for who they are. I feel lucky to be able to bond with students and families to become a part of their educational journey! Read More


Welcome to MPA, Kelly Zender!

ZenderWelcome to MPA, Kelly Zender! Kelly began as an instructional coach on August 14, and we can’t wait to see her impact on the community!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I previously worked at DaVinci Academy of Arts and Science.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I hold a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University-Mankato and a master’s degree from Hamline University. With over 20 years in education, I have taught grades 2-5 and occasionally middle school. My diverse roles include instructional coach, director of teaching and learning, and most recently, elementary school principal at a K-5 charter school. My extensive experience reflects a deep commitment to fostering student growth and leading educational excellence.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I was drawn to Mounds Park Academy because of its unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, innovative, and student-centered learning environment. The school’s emphasis on academic excellence and holistic development aligns with my passion for creating engaging and supportive educational experiences. Mounds Park Academy’s strong sense of community, combined with its forward-thinking approach to education, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and nurturing environment. I am excited by the prospect of working in a setting that values creativity, collaboration, and individualized growth, and I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to a place where every student’s potential is recognized and cultivated. Read More


Welcome to MPA, Michelle Moudry!

Michelle MoudryWelcome to MPA, Michelle Moudry! Michelle opened her time at MPA as a student success learning specialist on August 14. We are so excited to introduce her to our community!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I come from Great River School, a Montessori Charter School in St. Paul.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
As a learner and educator, I aim to focus on reform, equity, and access for neurodiverse learners and individuals with disabilities. My special education experience includes positions at Great River School, Montessori in Redlands, Avalon Charter School, and Richfield Middle School. Previously, as an administrator, I co-founded Cornerstone Montessori School in East St. Paul, contributed to higher education as Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning Excellence at Capella University, and was a project manager for the Minnesota Department of Education with an emphasis on youth engagement. I hold a Master of Education from the University of Minnesota and a Bachelor of Science from Drake University and have a current Minnesota Teaching license in Learning Disabilities (K-12) and Elementary Education (1-6). It is a goal of mine to practice daily gratitude for my family, friends, colleagues, leaders, and most importantly, the many students I have known, who have patiently taught me my most cherished lessons as an educator. Read More


Welcome to MPA, Eddie Grant!

EddieWelcome to MPA, Eddie Grant! Eddie started as an assistant director of equity and belonging on July 15, and we are so excited to introduce him to our community!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from the Excell Academy For Higher Learning.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I have over 20 years of experience in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and education. My career began at the University of Northwestern, where I led equity initiatives. At Excell Academy, I developed a comprehensive DEIB plan, created the foundational “Discovering Your Equity Lens” workshop, taught middle school social studies, and served as an in-house substitute teacher. I designed a curriculum tailored to a diverse student body and worked extensively with marginalized communities, including BIPOC, first-generation, LGBTQIA+, low-income, and disabled communities. I am excited to bring my experience to MPA and collaborate with the team to maintain a culture of belonging for all.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I was blown away by MPA’s bold presentation, intentional language, and strong commitment to creating a community of belonging. The school’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and respected resonates deeply with my own values and professional goals. Additionally, I was particularly impressed by the intentionality and support provided for neurodivergent learners. MPA’s approach to recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths of every student aligns perfectly with my philosophy of education and DEIB work. The opportunity to contribute to such a forward-thinking and inclusive community is incredibly appealing, and I am excited about the possibility of being part of MPA’s mission to inspire and empower all students.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
In every professional space I’ve entered, my goal has always been to leave it better than I found it. I strive to help organizations overcome challenges and reach the next level, and I have been successful in doing so at every place I’ve been. I plan to bring this same dedication to MPA. I am rooted in respecting all people and perspectives and providing open and safe spaces for having difficult and uncomfortable conversations. I love working collaboratively and have a team mindset, believing that the best solutions come from collective effort. I thrive on working together to tackle daunting tasks and celebrating success with the team that shared the journey. My aim at MPA is to foster an environment where students and staff feel empowered, supported, and inspired to achieve their best. I am committed to making a lasting impact by enhancing the sense of community and belonging, and by helping every student recognize and reach their full potential.

What’s your big dream?
While I know I may not change the entire world, my dream is to make a significant impact in my world and every space I become part of. I believe in empowering individuals to view life through an equity lens, fostering understanding and empathy. By helping one person at a time, I aim to create a ripple effect where each empowered individual turns around to support and uplift others. Over time, this approach will build environments and spaces of true belonging. My ultimate hope is that these collective efforts will contribute to meaningful societal change.

What are you and your family passionate about?
My family and I are passionate about helping everyone feel valued, respected, appreciated, and affirmed in their true selves. We believe in being the change we want to see, so we actively work to create that change. This includes volunteering in our community, supporting initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, and fostering open and empathetic conversations. Our goal is to contribute to a world where everyone feels a sense of belonging and can freely express who they are.

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
A fun fact about me is that I was born in the same hospital (Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center) where Michael Jackson died.


Welcome to MPA, Mindy Ruane!

RuaneWelcome to MPA, Mindy Ruane! Later this fall, Mindy will join us as a Middle School English teacher. We can’t wait to introduce her to our community!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I’m returning to the classroom after a break raising my own kids! Most recently, I have been taking short and long-term substitute teaching positions at MPA, as well as teaching online graduate students.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
Students, their families, and teachers have been at the center of all of my working experiences. I started my career teaching in a third-grade classroom in Arizona and have held additional teaching and social work roles in Chicago and Minneapolis. Additionally, I have worked to support other teachers at Teach For America and as an online instructor at Johns Hopkins University Graduate School of Education. After several years of substitute teaching across divisions here at Mounds Park Academy, I am thrilled to be joining the team in a full-time capacity.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
Two of the things I find most appealing about MPA are the joyful learning environment and the outstanding sense of community. From Makerspace collaborations to engaging classroom activities, lessons and labs to social outings, field trips, I-term, and more; MPA is intentionally working to keep the joy in students’ school experience. All students are well known by the MPA community. Parents go out of their way to support the school in every way, teachers are accessible, and the students are curious, thoughtful, and capable.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
The teachers I remember most fondly were the ones who opened my mind to new perspectives and challenged me to push myself to my full capacity. I hope to have the same impact on students here at MPA—to create a safe and joyful classroom that pushes every student to explore new ideas and be challenged in engaging ways. I hope that every student who leaves my classroom does so with a more confident voice and the ability to communicate more clearly across a variety of mediums.

What’s your big dream?
Travel! Our family loves to discover new places, both near and far.

What are you and your family passionate about?
You can always find me with a book, reading a book, or talking about a book! I’m an avid reader and am often working my way through two or three at a time. I love getting book suggestions, so if you have one for me (or want me to suggest one for you) pop by for a chat!

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I spent nine months in Australia while in college and loved every minute of it! If you ever have a chance to go, I’d say – do it!


Welcome to MPA, Nelle Tokheim!

TokheimWelcome to MPA, Nelle Tokheim! Nelle will be joining us as the library assistant later this fall. We can’t wait to introduce her to our community!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I worked for St. Paul Public Schools.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I have a Bachelor of Arts in physical education and health from Luther College. I wound up working in the fitness industry for ten years before staying home for a while with my two kids. When I decided to return to work, I realized that I still enjoyed working in schools with students and that I truly enjoyed connecting with them through books! I have worked at St. Paul Public Schools for the past three years. I have been running the library at one of their elementary schools, and it was a blast!

What did you find appealing about MPA?
MPA has been part of me for 42 years. I was an MPA Lifer back in the day, and when my family moved back to Minnesota from Colorado, we chose this school because we wanted our kids to feel safe, supported, and part of a community. I love the connection that students have with staff. I also love how the school has grown into its own identity over the years!

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
I want to help kids love books! I don’t want reading to feel like a chore every time. My belief is that reading is reading, whether your child reads chapter books, biographies or graphic novels. Hopefully, I can help students discover what a joy reading a book can be!

What’s your big dream?
To earn my Master of Library Science.

What are you and your family passionate about?
I am passionate about soccer (ask Mr. Scinto)! I played through college and well into my adult years until an injury stopped me in recent years. I attend as many MNUFC games as I can and try to support the MN Aurora as well.

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
I met my husband rappelling from the ceiling of a building.


Welcome To MPA, Kou Xiong!

KuoWelcome to MPA, Kou Xiong! Kou started on June 24 as an AP/student billing coordinator, and we are so excited to introduce him to our community!

From what school/organization are you coming?
I previously worked for Graco Inc.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I have an accounting certificate from a 16-month course and eight years of accounts payable experience with assistance to payroll and accounts receivable, processing invoices in the ERP system, and making weekly payment runs. I’ve also handled statements and made collection calls for credits with other vendors. Plus, I’ve done vendor maintenance with setting up new vendors and 1099 forms, matched POs with invoices for two-way matching, made journal entries, coded correctly, and reclassed codes to the correct accounts.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I saw lots of things the job description that I have done in the past. That gave me confidence in my skill set to handle and manage those projects. I also very much enjoy the office atmosphere.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA?
I plan to bring a hardworking and fun atmosphere, always getting the job done.

What’s your big dream?
I want to climb the ladder and be appreciated for my hard work.

What are you and your family passionate about?
We are passionate about outdoor activities. Sports, camping, fishing, and hunting are big for us. We enjoy family activities, bonding games for group activities, and team-building exercises.

What’s a fun fact about you that our community would love to know?
A fun fact about myself is that I am not really into any sweet desserts, such as cake. I haven’t even eaten my own birthday cake since I was a child.


Welcome to MPA, Giselle Wynia!

Giselle WyniaWelcome to MPA, Giselle Wynia! Giselle joins us as a Middle School science and design teacher. We are so excited to introduce her to our community!

What school/organization are you coming from?
I previously worked for St. Odilia School.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
Prior to teaching middle school science, I taught courses at the University of Minnesota including human anatomy and worked in the anatomy bequest program. I have a Masters of instruction in human anatomy and physiology. I left the University of Minnesota to teach middle school science, and it is the most fun I have had during my teaching career. I have experience in public and private schools, and I am currently finishing up the year at St. Odilia. I have a passion for lifelong learning and I am excited to share that with the students at MPA.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
The sense of community and belonging was evident from the time I walked in the door. I really enjoyed my time teaching in Mr. Milam’s room as the students were eager to participate and a joy to interact with. Read More


Meet Assistant Director Of Admission Hannah Smith

Hannah SmithHannah Smith is the assistant director of admission (Lower School) at MPA, and a parent of two MPA Lower School students and one MPA Middle School student. Continue reading to get to know Hannah and contact her to learn more about Lower School at MPA!

When and how did you first come to MPA?
I came to MPA through my children about two years ago! We found ourselves seeking a different school for our kids, and ended up falling in love with MPA. After we enrolled our kids, I was ready to rejoin the workforce and so hoped to be apart of the MPA community as an employee in addition to a parent.

What memories do you have of your first days at MPA?
Kindness. Every single person in the building came up to me and not only introduced themselves but asked how I was doing and what they could do to help my transition.

How does MPA inspire students who dream big and do right?
By celebrating failure! Students with big dreams are taught that their goals are more than attainable, but nobody gets it right on the first try. MPA also has exceptional faculty to help students achieve whatever their dreams entail. Read More