Alumni Association Welcomes New Board Members

August 19, 2025

As the new school year approaches, the Alumni Association welcomes its new Alumni Board members. Please join us in thanking them for their service to the community!

Phillipe Thao ’14

Phillipe joined the MPA community in eighth grade and graduated in 2014. He currently lives in Los Angeles, where he works as a digital publicist at Lionsgate, developing campaigns for major film franchises like John Wick and The Hunger Games. Prior to that, he was part of Netflix’s editorial team, helping launch its official fansite, Tudum, and creating content around hit series such as Squid Game and The Crown. Phillipe is also a published freelance writer, with work appearing in the LA Times, Teen Vogue, The Washington Post, and InStyle Magazine.

A passionate supporter of MPA’s mission, he brings a creative lens and deep appreciation for storytelling to the Alumni Association Board. He looks forward to helping expand alumni engagement and fostering a strong, connected community. Read More

Welcome To MPA, Ms. Eleanor Schuebel!

August 18, 2025

Welcome to MPA, Eleanor Schuebel! Ms. Eleanor Schuebel recently joined us as a Panther Club program assistant, and we are thrilled to introduce her to our community.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am currently attending Bethel University.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I started working with kids at a daycare for my first job when I was 16, and I am in my last year of college to get my English education degree.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
The sense of community and core values of the school.
Read More

Welcome To MPA, Mr. Matthew Quade!

July 22, 2025

Welcome to MPA, Matthew Quade! Mr. Quade will be joining us this fall as a Middle School physical education and health teacher, and we are thrilled to introduce him to our community.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from Stamford American International School, located in Singapore.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2011. Since then, I have taught physical education for 14 years at four different international schools in Taiwan, China, South Korea, and Singapore.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I’m incredibly excited to join the Mounds Park Academy community next year! What appealed to me most was the strong sense of belonging. Also, I’m eager to contribute to the experiential learning environment where students truly engage with their education. The balance of academics, arts, and athletics resonates deeply with my values, and I look forward to supporting students in all areas. Most importantly, I’m thrilled to be part of a school prioritizing sustained wellness, ensuring everyone thrives. I can’t wait to become a part of this dynamic and supportive community. Read More

Welcome To MPA, Ms. Tricia Quade!

July 22, 2025

Welcome to MPA, Ms. Tricia Quade! Ms. Quade is joining the Upper School as a math teacher and we are so eager to introduce her to the MPA community.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I worked for the Stamford American International School in Singapore.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I am an experienced educator with 14 years of international teaching experience in Taiwan, China, South Korea, and Singapore. I hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Endicott College. In my career, I have focused on building strong classroom communities, supporting student growth, and contributing to school culture through collaboration. I try to bring a global perspective to teaching, and I value relationships with students, colleagues, and families in the community.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
Coming from an international setting, what drew me to MPA was its strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The school’s values are not just words; they’re visible in the curriculum, community, and life of the school. After my employment was confirmed, from the moment I arrived, every person I met was warm, welcoming, and genuinely kind. It felt less like meeting new colleagues and more like catching up with old friends. That immediate sense of connection and community affirmed that MPA is not only a place of academic excellence but also a place where people truly care about one another.
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Welcome to MPA, Ms. Cait Osell!

July 22, 2025

Welcome to MPA, Ms. Cait Osell! Ms. Osell comes to MPA as a Middle School English teacher, and we are happy to introduce her to our community.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I worked for Hired, a non-profit organization.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I graduated from the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University in 2014 with a degree in English and secondary education. During my time there, I was also able to spend six months in Ireland attending the University College Cork. My teaching career started in Shakopee Public Schools from 2015-2023, from which I moved to something a little different, doing adult education with a Minneapolis nonprofit, Hired. I love English Language Arts and getting others to love it, too!

What did you find appealing about MPA?
MPA immediately stood out to me because of the agency and autonomy it gives to students. It’s important to me that students have a say in their education and environment, and that, paired with a supportive, fun, and welcoming staff, made me realize MPA was exactly where I wanted to be. I believe in doing good and dreaming big as well, and that’s exactly what I plan to do!
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Welcome To MPA, Ms. Katie LaFleur!

July 22, 2025

Welcome to MPA, Ms. Katie LaFleur! Ms. LaFleur will be joining the Lower School as a third-grade teacher. We are thrilled to introduce her to the MPA community!

From what school/organization are you coming?
Liberty Ridge Elementary in District 833 is where I previously worked.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Master of Arts in education from Saint Mary’s University. I have also taken several graduate-level classes beyond my master’s.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
I loved the amount of educational opportunities students are given. Each student can learn at their own pace and style.
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Welcome to MPA, Mr. Ryan Dougherty!

July 22, 2025

Welcome to MPA, Mr. Ryan Dougherty! Mr. Dougherty takes over as the facilities manager, and we are pleased to introduce him to our community.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from Saint Therese Senior Services.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I have worked in various settings, most recently as a maintenance director on a senior living campus.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
My first maintenance position was at St. Paul Academy, and I miss the culture of a school.

What lasting impact do you plan to have on MPA and its students?
I look forward to being a valued member of the team.

What’s your big dream?
To “retire” as a fishing guide. Read More

Welcome to MPA, Ms. Sidney Fellows!

July 22, 2025

Welcome to MPA, Ms. Sidney Fellows! Ms. Fellows will be joining as the school nurse, and we are so happy to introduce her to our community.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from Skyview Middle School in ISD 622.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in nursing. I maintain several licenses and certifications relevant to school nursing, including a school nurse license, a public health nursing license, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). I have previous healthcare experience working for District 622, Twin Cities Orthopedics, and Davita Kidney Care.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
MPA stands out as a supportive community where students succeed and thrive. Each student is valued for their own unique talents, and it’s evident how supportive students are of their peers. MPA is a place where people truly care about one another.
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Welcome to MPA, Ms. Nan Wang!

July 22, 2025

Welcome to MPA, Ms. Nan Wang! Ms. Wang is set to join as the Upper School Chinese teacher, and we are so excited to introduce her to our community.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I am coming from Cretin-Derham Hall.

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I got my bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College, majoring in math and economics, and received a Master’s Degree of Science in actuarial science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I have been teaching beginning to advanced-level Chinese for more than ten years. I love teaching about my native language and culture.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
What I love the most about MPA is the inclusive culture. All students are happy here, and my daughter loves going to school. Also, all the faculty I met are very open and friendly. Read More

Welcome To MPA, Ms. Meg Wilkening ’18!

July 22, 2025

Welcome to MPA, Ms. Meg Wilkening ‘18! With a well-established connection to Mounds Park Academy, also having been on the speech and debate coaching staff, Ms. Wilkening now joins the Lower School as a fourth-grade teacher.

From what school/organization are you coming?
I have been coaching debate at MPA for the last five years. This will be my first year as a full-time teacher!

Tell us about your education and past experience.
I have a degree in political science from the University of Minnesota. I attended law school for a year at St. Louis University, but realized I missed working with students at MPA. After completing my first year of law school, I switched to a master’s in education program at the University of St. Thomas. I am scheduled to graduate with a master’s in elementary education in 2026.

What did you find appealing about MPA?
How much time do you have to listen to what I love about MPA? Seriously—I graduated from MPA in 2018, have coached at MPA for the last five years, and am beyond excited to start teaching here. I have lifelong friends from my graduating class and use skills I learned as an MPA student every day. I have been blown away by the passion, talent, hard work, and intelligence of MPA’s students in my years as a coach (and have enjoyed winning several state debate championships!) MPA feels like home to me.
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My MPA Experience

Phillipe Thao ’14