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Back to School 2020
Meet our Specialists at Seward!
Donna Schloer Art Teacher
Donna Schloer

My name is Donna Schloer. I attended the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, and Augsburg University, where I earned a Bachelor’s in Art Education degree. I grew up in the small town of Hillsborough, NC. My earliest and best memories are of making art with my mother. When I am making art, I am always happy. I decided to become an art teacher to share my love and passion for art with our youth. This will be my 8th year of teaching art at Seward Montessori. I am excited to see what this year brings. I draw my artistic inspiration from nature, my amazing students, and my beautiful family. I also enjoy gardening, and drawing what grows in my garden.

Jennifer Engelken PE Teacher
Jennifer Engelken

Hi, my name is Jennifer Huff Engelken or “Ms. Huff” - Physical Education Teacher. I attended Knox College where I received a Bachelor's of Art in Psychology.  After completing a work abroad program in London I went to St. Cloud State University and received my Bachelor of Science in Physical Education Teacher Education with a minor in Developmental Adapted Physical Education. More recently I completed my Masters of Education from St. Mary’s University in Culturally Responsive Teaching. I started teaching at Seward in Fall 2019, I previously taught PE at Lyndale Elementary School in Minneapolis for 6 years. I’m from Wisconsin and

Karin Bernal Media Teacher
Karin Bernal
love the Green Bay Packers, Badgers, and Cheese. I live with my husband, Eric, our son Wyatt, and our two cats (Meelo and Mango). Some of my favorite things to do are hiking, running, camping, hanging out with friends and being in the water.  I also love traveling, I’ve been to 28 states and 30 countries.  I even taught for two years in Vietnam.

 

Karin Bernal, Library Media Specialist: I have been a licensed school librarian since 2012 and enjoy the world of books and technology! I attended St. Thomas University, the University of Minnesota and St. Cloud State University. I have a BA in English, a Masters in Secondary Education,

Kirsten Vezina Music Teacher
Kirsten Vezina
and a School Library Media Specialist License. I enjoy camping, hiking and biking in the outdoors. I love practicing yoga and mindfulness! I have had the great luck to have traveled all over the world from South America to Southeast Asia. As a result, I also love bringing world literature and perspectives to the library to share with young people. 

 

Hello! My Name is Kirsten Vezina and I teach general music for grades K-5 and vocal music for grades 4-8. I attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where I earned a Bachelor's in Music Education degree. Making music brings me joy and peace every day. I love

Jody Volk Heath Teacher
Jody Volk
playing the piano, string bass, and guitar. Outside of making music, I love spending time on lakes and rivers, playing cribbage, and spending time with family. This will be my fourth year of teaching at Seward Montessori. I am excited to have another fantastic year with our amazing Seward-shark community!

 

My name is Jody Volk. I attended the University of Minnesota and received my Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and Masters in Education in Applied Kinesiology with my licenses to teach Health, Physical Education and Developmental Adapted Physical Education. I taught two years of high school Health and PE and have been teaching

Karen Utter 1st-5th grade Science Teacher
Karen Utter
Health and movement and Seward since 2015. When i'm not working you can find me one of two places: the gym or cuddling with my cat. At the gym I love the people, the layout, the machines, the massage chairs and the feeling of empowerment before, during and after a workout! My cats name is Bailey-Q ( BQ for short) and even though i'm allergic I can't help but to love and snuggle all cats.

 

Hi, my name is Karen Utter. I teach science as a specialist to grades 1 – 5 and also math classes to grades 3 – 5. I have been at Seward since 1995! I started as an E2 classroom teacher and when I had my daughter, I

Angela Olson Children's House Science Teacher
Angela Olson
went part time and taught a lot of different things—reading, art, gifted and talented, even gym! I have landed on science as a specialist and have been teaching this for 11 years. I love getting to know all the kids and watching them grow over the years. I love to swim in lakes in the summer, go on walks with my dog, play games with my family, do yoga and get together with friends—now in a socially distant kind of way.

 

Hello, Seward Families! My name is Angela Olson and I will be teaching science to the students in Children’s House. I graduated from the University of St Thomas with majors in Psychology and Elementary Education.

Iana Phillips Montessori Coordinator
Iana Phillips
I earned a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction as well. I’m so excited to get to know you. My husband and I have three sons. I love reading, board games, and puzzles. I hope to travel to all 50 states- so far I have been to 43.

 

Iana Phillips, Montessori Coordinator. I have degrees from Mary Baldwin College, Staunton, VA (History), New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM (History), and Trinity Washington University, Washington, DC (Elementary Education). I am a Montessori parent, trainer, guide, and activist. I love spicy food. After I read a book I like to give it away.