Classes

Pre-K | Elementary School | Middle School | Specials | Special Ed

Pre-K

Mrs. Beth Larson's Class

Beth Larson

Where were you born?: Decorah, IA
Where did you grow up?: Ridgeway, IA
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Saint Mary's University. Teaching Licensure for Birth - Grade 6.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 5 years.
How long have you been teaching?: 15 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: CCLA is a family. There is a trust and love in the classrooms, and throughout the entire school, that is different from other school. I believe it makes us who we are.

Soraira Suarez-Canelon

Where were you born?: Venezuela
Where did you grow up?: Venezuela
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Associates Degree in Agricultural Technology from University of Los Andes.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 6 years.
How long have you been PARA?: 6 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: I love to work with kids in this nice working environment and I like the team work approach.

Michael Kleven

Where were you born?: St. Louis Park, MN
Where did you grow up?: Bloomington, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Associate of Arts in Communication from Normandale Community College.
Bachelor of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood from Concordia University.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: I started working at CCLA this year.
How long have you been a PARA?: I started working as a PARA this year.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: The one thing I enjoy about CCLA is how we are one big family!

Mrs. Beth Staffrude's Class

Beth Staffrude

Where were you born?: Pittsburgh, PA
Where did you grow up?: Valencia, PA
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Science in SOcial Work from Juniata College.
Teaching Licensure for Kindergarten - Grade 6 from Hamline University.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 3 years.
How long have you been teaching?
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: The people... staff, students, and their families!! The atmosphere they all bring to CCLA is warm, inviting, and fun!

Carrie Vue

Where were you born?: Minneapolis, MN
Where did you grow up?: Minneapolis, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Cosmetology from Minneapolis Community and Technical College.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 3 years.
How long have you been teaching?: 3 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: The kids. We've got great kids here at CCLA.

Miss Lora Felix's Class

Lora Felix

Where were you born?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you grow up?: Hudson, WI
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor degree in Elementary Education with a Minor in Early Childhood from University of Wisconsin - River Falls.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: This is my first year at CCLA
How long have you been teaching?: This is my first year teaching.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: Everyone here is like family (staff and children). There is an abundance of love and passion for these children and their education that I have never felt when I have walked into any other school!!

Wenie Gunawan

Where were you born?: Indonesia
Where did you grow up?: Indonesia
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Arts in International Business from Ohio State University.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 4 years.
How long have you been a PARA?: 4 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: One thing that I enjoy about working at CCLA are the students and awesome staff.

Elementary School

Kindergarten

Miss Lisa Thao's Class

Lisa Thao

Where were you born?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you grow up?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Sciece in Education.
Currently Pursuing Master of Education.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 2 years.
How long have you been teaching?: 2 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: I really enjoy working with the CCLA staff, students, and parents/guardians.

Leslie Ashbach

Where were you born?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you grow up?: Arden Hills, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Teaching License from Concordia University.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 2 years.
How long have you been a PARA?: 2 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: The kids, the families, the staff.

Jennifer Kim-Ardakani

Where were you born?: Seoul, South Korea
Where did you grow up?: Delano, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Associates Degree in Neurobiology from Minneapolis Collefe of Art and Design and Macalaster College.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in {what?} from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Adult Special Degree Program in Pre-Med/Biology from DePaul University.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: I started this year.
How long have you been a PARA?: 2 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: Among so many resons why I enjoy working at CCLA, I would have to say the main component for me is feeling that we are a family, and seeing that the children benefit from knowing they are really truly loved here.

Mrs. Alexis Gerrish's Class

Alexis Gerrish

Where were you born?: Des Moines, IA
Where did you grow up?: Des Moines, IA
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Concordia University
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 4 years.
How long have you been teaching?
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: I really enjoy the great relationships we are able to build with families. I love being able to talk with parents and families just as I would my own family. We can be serious and we can be silly and have fun together. The staff at CCLA is another family. Staff and families work together to build a strong foundation for the kids - we all want to see each child succeed. It is a wonderful place to be!

Lisa Nelson

Where were you born?: Coon Rapids, MN
Where did you grow up?: Rural Minnesota
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Associates Degree in Office Administration from Minnesota School of Business.
Bachelor of {what?} in Business Management from Cardinal Stritch University.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 2 years.
How long have you been a PARA?: 2 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: The family feel atmosphere. The staff goes above and beyond for every student.

1st Grade

Mrs. Julie Radcliffe's Class

Julie Radcliffe - Ext. 214

Where were you born?: LeMars, IA
Where did you grow up?: Boyden, IA
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education & Coaching from Northwestern College with a Career Concentration in Elementary Education.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 6 years.
How long have you been teaching?
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: I LOVE teaching at CCLA because of so many things... a wonderful staff to teach with, the fun & hard working students, and all the supportive families that become our family at CCLA. It is so exciting to come to work each day with people who love to teach and kids who love to learn...

Cee Xiong

Where were you born?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you grow up?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 3 years.
How long have you been a PARA?: 3 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: What I enjoy most about working at CCLA are the awesome staff, the positive atmosphere and of course the students!

Katie Schlosser

Where were you born?: Minneapolis, MN
Where did you grow up?: Minneapolis, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Arts in Marketing Communications with a Minor in Broadcast Journalism from University of Wisconsin - River Falls. Currently pursuing Master of Education.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 1 year.
How long have you been a PARA?: 1 year.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: I love the staff. They are a wonderful and supportive family. I LOVE the children they brighten my day everyday!! The atmosphere is like no other here at CCLA. It is such a positive place to be.

Mrs. Kate Roth's Class

Kate Roth - Ext. 206

Where were you born?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you grow up?: North St. Paul, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Science in Corrections from Mankato State University.
Associate of Science in Social Work from Concordia University.
Teaching Licensure from Birth to Grade 3 from Saint Mary's University.
Master of Science in Teaching and Learning.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 10 years.
How long have you been teaching?
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: The one thing I enjoy most about working at CCLA is the sense of community. We are a family that will go above and beyond to make sure that each child has a successful and positive learning experience.

Nou Ly

Where were you born?: Thailand
Where did you grow up?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from University of Minnesota.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 3 years.
How long have you been teaching?: 3 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: Being blessed with the opportunity to work with our wonderful staff and students.

2nd Grade

Mrs. Camie Johnson's Class

Camie Johnson - Ext.

Where were you born?: Hampton, IA
Where did you grow up?: Dumont, IA
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of {what?} in Elementary and Middle Level Education from the University of Iowa.
How long have you worked at CCLA?
How long have you been teaching?
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: I moved from Iowa to work at CCLA because this school's family atmosphere can't be found or replicated anywhere else, it's the best!

Quinn Adams

Where were you born?: Fort Sill Army Base - Lawton, OK
Where did you grow up?: DeWitt, IA
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Arts in Health Promotion and Global Health from University of Northern Iowa.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 3 years.
How long have you been a PARA?: 3 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: I love that we area a family here at CCLA between our staff, parents and students! I'm so proud and lucky to be a part of it!

Mr. Kevin Busko's Class

Kevin Busko - Ext.

Where were you born?: San Angelo, TX
Where did you grow up?: Saudi Arabi
Rhinelander, WI
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a Minor in Philosophy from University of St. Thomas.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 2 years.
How long have you been teaching?
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: The students are great to work with; they all want to learn and are excited to be in such a great school.

Katie Gharrity

Where were you born?: Houston, TX
Where did you grow up?: New Richmond, WI
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Arts in Social Welfare from University of Wisconsin - Madison.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: This is my first year at CCLA.
How long have you been a PARA?
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: I love the energy of the school. Students and staff are excited to be at CCLA.

3rd Grade

Miss Rachel Paulson's Class

Rachel Paulson - Ext. 218

Where were you born?: Minneapolis, MN
Where did you grow up?: New Hope, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Communications, Arts, and Literature from St. Cloud State University.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: This is my first year at CCLA.
How long have you been teaching?: This is my first year at CCLA.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: My favorite thing about working at CCLA is the relationships you get to build with the students. It's such a positive, loving, family environment and I feel really lucky to be able to be a part of such a special place.

Mrs. Rochelle Molde's Class

Rochelle Molde - Ext. 226

Where were you born?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you grow up?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a Minor in English from Concordia University.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 6 years.
How long have you been teaching?: 14 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: What I enjoy most at CCLA is our commitment to student achievement! All the teachers and staff are extremely dedicated to ensuring the success of EVERY child. We work together well, sharing ideas and dreams for our students, and ourselves!

4th Grade

Mrs. LeAnn Moore's Class

LeAnn Moore

Where were you born?: Lino Lakes, MN
Where did you grow up?: Lino Lakes, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of {what} in Elementary Education from Augsburg College.
Master of {what} in Teaching and Learning from St. Mary's Univeristy.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 6 years.
How long have you been teaching?: 6 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: The CHILDREN! I cant describe how wonderful it is to be able to watch my students grow and learn so much throughout the school year. At CCLA everyday is a new adventure, I have enjoyed every minute being a part of the CCLA family.

Mrs. Leah Jones's Class

Leah Jones - Ext.

Where were you born?: Defiance, OH
Where did you grow up?: Defiance, OH
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 6 years.
How long have you been teaching?: 6 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: Working at CCLA provides me an opportunity to work with a diverse staff and with a diverse student population. The fact that we are a family first is important to working here and something that is rare to find.

Middle School

Math

Mr. William Chalfant's Class

William Chalfant -

Where were you born?: Hutchinson, KA
Where did you grow up?: St. Louis Park, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from University of Kansas
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 2 years.
How long have you been teaching?: 2 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: The thing I enjoy the most here is just the feeling you get in the school. From the moment you walk in the doors, you can tell that it is a warm and caring place. From the students to the staff, we're all on the same team working towards the same goal: getting our students a quality education to prepare them to excel in a great high school and a great college or university.

Bryan Watson

Where were you born?
Where did you grow up?
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?
How long have you worked at CCLA?
How long have you been teaching?
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?

Mr. Don Donaldson's Class

Don Donaldson - Ext. 221

Where were you born?: Waukegan, IL
Where did you grow up?: Barrington, IL
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from University of Wisconsin - River Falls.
Teaching License from University of Wisconsin - River Falls.
Master of Teaching and Learning from Saint Mary's University.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 3 years.
How long have you been teaching?
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: I love that every teacher can teach to their strengths and their students strengths.

Language Arts

Miss Shannon Quealy's Class

Shannon Quealy - Ext. 212

Where were you born?: Minneapolis, MN
Where did you grow up?: Plymouth, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Science in Education from Gustavus Adolphus College.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 3 years.
How long have you been teaching?: 3 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?

Andrea Reynolds

Where were you born?: Chicago, IL
Where did you grow up?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Associate of Arts in Liberal Art from Spelman College.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 3 years.
How long have you been a PARA?: 3 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: The staff is beautiful, warm and loving. They give every bit of their heart and soul to the students here. We are such a big family. Its one of the best places I have ever worked.

Science

Mr. Jesse Maloney's Class

Jesse Maloney - Ext. 223

Where were you born?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you grow up?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Resource Management from University of Minnesota.
Master of Science in Life Science Education from Metro State.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 6 years
How long have you been teaching?: 6 years
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: They are my family.

Tamarah Jackelen

Where were you born?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you grow up?: New Richmond, WI
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Women's Studies from Univeristy of Wisconsin - River Falls.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 3 years.
How long have you been a PARA?: 3 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: The safe, nurturing, loving environment at CCLA is truly unique. As a life-long-learner, I value what I give to them as much as I celebrate what they teach me.

Social Studies

Mr. Kareem Aal's Class

Kareem Aal - Ext. 209

Where were you born?: Minneapolis, MN
Where did you grow up?: "I never wanna grow up."
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Arts in Education from University of Wisconsin - River Falls.
Master of Education from University of Minnesota.
How long have you worked at CCLA?
How long have you been teaching?
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?

Nicole Jones

Where were you born?: Scottsdale, AZ
Where did you grow up?: I lived in Arizona till I was 5 then I moved to Norther California for two years. I moved to Minnesota when I was 7 and have lived here most of my life.
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Education.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 3 years.
How long have you been a PARA?: 3 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: I love that CCLA is a big family. I have always dreamt of being a teacher but CCLA has brought out my true passion for education. The love and humor with the staff and students truly makes the school what it is and keeps us so strong.

Rusty Douglas

Where were you born?: Minneapolis, MN
Where did you grow up?: Minneapolis, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?
How long have you worked at CCLA?: I started working at CCLA this year.
How long have you been a PARA?: I started working as a PARA this year.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: Everyone's bright smile early in the morning!

Specials

Art

Mrs. Kate Downey's Class

Kate Downey - Ext.

Where were you born?: Norman, OK
Where did you grow up?: Oklahoma City, OK
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Arts in Art Education from Miami University in Oxford, OH.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 4 years.
How long have you been teaching?: 5 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: There are so many aspects of CCLA that I love. I know we have something really special running through our halls. The tremendously dedicated and talented staff is inspiring to work amongst. It's all about the kids at CCLA.

Music

Mr. Ben Babcock's Class

Ben Babcock - Ext.

Where were you born?: Minneapolis, MN
Where did you grow up?: Fridley, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 4 years.
How long have you been teaching?
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: Each day is a new day to make an impacting difference in the lives of the students I teach. No two days are the same and I love the sense of family that surrounds every aspect of CCLA. The learning that takes place here is incredible because each educator holds every student to the highest of expectations and is willing to do anything to get them there.

PE

Ms. Emily Evans' Class

Emily Evans - Ext. 204

Where were you born?: White Bear Lake
Where did you grow up?: White Bear Lake
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from University of Wisconsin - River Falls.
Licensure in Physical Education from Concordia University.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 3 Years - 2 years as a PARA, first year as a teacher.
How long have you been teaching?: This is my first year teaching at CCLA.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: The opportunity to let kids experience new activities and work together in ways that will help them with life skills. The school has a lot of faith in me to help these kids have a great experience when learning more about the potential they could reach. The kids earn everything they work for and that is worth my time.

Special Ed

Mrs. Annie Hovde's Class

Annie Hovde

Where were you born?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you grow up?: Cottage Grove, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bacherlor of Art in Elementary Education Kindergarten - Grade 8 with a specialization in Middle School Reading from Saint Mary's University.
Master of {what?} in Teaching and Learning Saint Mary's University.
Currently pursuing Master of {what?} in Special Education Saint Mary's University
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 7 years.
How long have you been teaching?
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: CCLA is like a family. Here at CCLA, I get to work with dedicated staff, motivated students, and supportive families. It is a joy to come to be here each and every day to witness so much learning, exploring, and creating.

Mr. Ken Olson's Class

Ken Olson

Where were you born?: Chicago, IL
Where did you grow up?: St. Paul, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Science in {what} from St. Cloud University.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 4 years.
How long have you been teaching?
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: CCLA is a "Family School". We are one big "Family" that cares for the well being of each other, staff and students alike. One of the motto's that guides us is "Children Come First." There is no other school like it.

Mrs. Anna Rickert's Class

Anna Rickert

Where were you born?
Where did you grow up?: Hastings, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Arts in English and Secondary Education from College of Saint Benedict.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 2 years.
How long have you been teaching?
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: I love working with the students. They are wonderful!

Mr. Mike Gharrity's Class

Mike Gharrity

Where were you born?: Hastings, MN
Where did you grow up?: Woodbury, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of {what?} in Special Education from Saint Cloud State University
How long have you worked at CCLA?: This is my first year.
How long have you been teaching?: 4 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: One thing that I really enjoy about working at CCLA is working with the other dedicated professionals who put the kids first and ensure a quality education experience for everyone.

Mrs. Jennifer Schweizer's Class

Jennifer Schweizer

Where were you born?: Hudson, WI
Where did you grow up?: Roberts, WI
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Arts in Education specializing in Elementary and Special Education from Franciscan University.
Currently pursuing Master of {what?} in Special Education.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 4 years.
How long have you been teaching?
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: One of the many things I love about CCLA is the family environment.

Emma Spath

Where were you born?: Eagan, MN
Where did you grow up?: Eagan, MN
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Special Education License from Hamline University.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 2 years.
How long have you been teaching?: 2 years.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: I really enjoy the way the staff is like a family. We are all truly working together to find the best ways for our kids to succeed, and we have a lot of fun working together along the way!

Josh Gornik

Where were you born?: Duluth, MN
Where did you grow up?: Duluth, MN and several areas in the Twin Cities
Where did you go to college? What degree(s) did you complete?: Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Special Education from Western Governors.
How long have you worked at CCLA?: 1 year.
How long have you been a PARA?: 1 year.
What is one thing you enjoy about working at CCLA?: I absolutely love working at CCLA. It's like we are one great big family. Everyone on the staff is here for the right reason, and would do anything for anyone of those children. The love and support that we give the kids is beyond any school i have ever seen.