The Speakers

A founder and successful leader of Trio Wolf Creek, one of the longest-running online schools in Minnesota, Tracy Quarnstrom has been advocating for school choice, high quality charters, and relationship-based online learning for 25 years. After 22 years at Wolf Creek, she joined MNOHS as its new executive director on July 1, 2024. Ms. Quarnstrom holds a social studies education bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She earned her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Hamline University, where she also earned certificates for principal and superintendent licensure. She holds an education specialist degree (EdS) at Hamline where she is also teaching courses in Intro to Administration, Field Experience, and Leadership & Organizations to prospective school leaders pursuing principal and superintendent licensure.

Jeff Plaman

Host, Opening Session

9:00- Link

Online and Digital Learning Specialist, Minnesota Department of Education

Jeff has been educating with innovative digital instructional modalities since 1996. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Arts degree in teaching from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He taught in Minnesota, Berlin, Beijing, and Singapore before joining the Minnesota Department of Education in 2016. Jeff enjoys fishing, camping, foraging and other outdoor pursuits.

Melissa Greene

An Analysis of a Curriculum Revision cycle from LMS to Standards and Everything in Between

9:45- Link

Special Education Coordinator, MNOHS

Melissa Greene serves as the Special Education Coordinator at Minnesota Online High School, where she leads special education programming, supports educators, and works to ensure all students have access to high-quality, individualized instruction. With more than 20 years of experience in K–12 education, Melissa has dedicated her career to improving outcomes for students through innovative instruction, strong systems of support, and collaborative leadership. Melissa holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Religion from Eastern New Mexico University and a Master of Special Education from Bemidji State University. She is licensed in K–12 Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (EBD) and Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) and has more than 12 years of experience in online education. Her professional background includes curriculum development, instructional design, MTSS implementation, teacher mentoring, and online course development. She also served as the school's Racial Equity Coordinator for five years, helping advance equitable practices and inclusive learning environments. A recognized leader in special education, Melissa has served on numerous Minnesota Department of Education standards development, assessment, and educator review panels for more than two decades, contributing to statewide educational initiatives that support student achievement and instructional excellence. She has presented at state and national conferences on topics including special education, online learning, instructional design, and building collaborative partnerships between schools and families to improve student success. Melissa is passionate about designing engaging, accessible learning experiences, empowering educators through practical, evidence-based strategies, and fostering strong partnerships that help every student reach their full potential.

Kelley Velleux

An Analysis of a Curriculum Revision cycle from LMS to Standards and Everything in Between

9:45- Link

Special Education Teacher, MNOHS

Kelley is a licensed special education teacher with expertise in academic and behavioral strategies, educational technology, and accessible instructional design. Since beginning her career in education in 2018, she has been dedicated to creating inclusive, equitable learning experiences for students with diverse needs.Kelley holds a bachelor's degree in Special Education from Western Governors University and a Master of Science in Special Education from Walden University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Educational Technology and Instructional Design. Drawing on her own experience as an online learner, Kelley is passionate about leveraging technology and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to support educators in designing engaging, accessible learning environments for all students.

Kelsey Black

Person-Centered Practices: Utilizing One-Page Descriptions Across Educational Environments

10:30- Link

Education Specialist, MDE

Kelsey...

Dana Page

Person-Centered Practices: Utilizing One-Page Descriptions Across Educational Environments

10:30- Link

Interagency Coordination Speciailst, MDE

As the Interagency Coordination Specialist for MDE, Dr. Page works to identify and assist in removing state and federal barriers across state agencies to ensure children, youth, and families with disabilities get what they need.

Sarah Robinson

Person-Centered Practices: Utilizing One-Page Descriptions Across Educational Environments

10:30- Link

Secondary Transition Specialist, MDE

Sarah Robinson is the Secondary Transition Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education. Prior to joining MDE in 2023, she spent 20 years teaching special education in St. Paul, where she focused on helping transition‑aged youth prepare for life after high school.

Alisa Kappel

AI Guidance for Staff and Students

10:30- Link

Tech Integration Specialist, Hopkins Public Schools

Alisa is a Technology Integration Specialist in Hopkins Public Schools who helps schools move from curiosity to clarity in educational tech use. Alisa coaches educators to use digital tools intentionally and effectively and partners with her technology integration team to advance AI literacy and expand Computer Science opportunities. With experience spanning classroom teaching, instructional coaching, AVID leadership, and engineering design, she brings a practical, systems-level approach to supporting both staff and students. Join her session to explore how thoughtful AI guidance can build confidence, coherence, and meaningful learning across your entire school community.

Tim Quealy

Common Language, Common Goals: Supporting Student-Centered Schools Through Shared Principles

9:45- Link

Assistant Director, Avalon and Director, MLCN

Tim Quealy is the director of the Minnesota Learner-Centered Network, an organization dedicated to supporting, connecting, and promoting learner-centered environments across Minnesota and beyond. In addition, Tim also serves as the Assistant Director at Avalon School in St. Paul, an innovative project-based, teacher-powered school where he has worked since 2008.

Kristina Robertson

Make Thinking Visible: Interactive Tools for English Learner Collaboration and Problem Solving

11:15- Link

English Language Development Specialist, MDE

Kristina Robertson is the Minnesota Department of Education English Language Development Specialist. She brings over 25 years of experience supporting multilingual learners through curriculum, instruction, and systemic change. A contributing author and advisor for Colorín Colorado, Kristina holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership for Diverse Learning Communities.

Sarah Benson

From Rapport to Relationships: Fun, Creative Ways to Engage Online Learners

10:30- Link

School Counselor, MNOHS

Sarah Benson has worked as a school counselor and case manager since 2012. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2010 and her master’s degree in school counseling from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2012. In 2006-2007, Sarah served in Iraq with the Minnesota Army National Guard and it was through that experience that she decided to pursue working in the human services profession. She was a co-founder and is a current board member of a non-profit in her local community that celebrates and supports the LGBTQ+ community. In her free time, she enjoys family bike rides, reading historical fiction, cheering on the Vikings and writing adventure stories for her children.

Ann Mitchell

27 Principles of Engagement (AJ Juliani)

11:15- Link

School Leadership Support Consultant, MDE

Ann Mitchell: A former high school teacher, principal, and district leader, Ann has worked with the Minnesota Department of Education supporting school and district leaders since 2017. Ann is especially committed to developing collaborative and culturally responsive leadership capacities and to elevating and amplifying previously invisible and silenced voices in decision-making processes. Collaboration with thoughtful, reflective, and inspiring educators fuels her commitment to human-centered leadership.

Liz Vaught

27 Principles of Engagement (AJ Juliani)

11:15- Link

School Leadership Support Consultant, MDE

Elizabeth Vaught is a lifelong learner from a long line of educators. After serving as a classroom teacher, Instructional Coach, and Assistant Principal, she was honored to serve as a principal for 9 years. Liz currently works with the Minnesota Department of Education to support school and district leaders as a coach and learning facilitator through human-centered leadership practices. She is committed to being a learning partner for school leaders and a change agent for schools through collaboration and conversation.

Kenneth Griswold

The Virtual Educator's Sandbox: Working Smarter with Google's NotebookLM

9:45- Link

Coordinator of Data & Assessment, Owatonna Public Schools

Kenneth has served as the Data and Assessment Coordinator for the Owatonna Public School District for nine years. Over his 22-year career in K-12 education, he has also spent five years as a classroom teacher and six years as a technology integration specialist. Through his business, Griswold K12 Solutions, he partners with schools to develop custom solutions for various practices. Kenneth lives in Owatonna with his wife, Amanda, and their three daughters.

Kari Beautz

Teaching Theatre Performance Techniques Online

10:30- Link

Theater Educator, Eden Prairie Online

Kari (pronounced like "Carrie") is an online theater instructor for Eden Prairie Online and a high school English teacher with over 20 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Policy and a K-12 Theater Arts license from the University of Minnesota. Passionate about storytelling, Kari serves as a Hennepin Theatre Trust Spotlight Adjudicator, a MSHSL One Act judge, and a member of the national Connected Arts Network. Her diverse background includes acting, directing, choreography, and group fitness. Kari lives in Eden Prairie with her husband, four children, and their golden retriever.

Sean Beaverson

Opening Session

9:00- Link

Director of Technology, Orono Public Schools

Sean is the Technology Director at Orono Public Schools, where he leads strategic planning, infrastructure management, and the integration of emerging technologies, including AI. With a background as an educator and school leader, he brings a balanced, human-centered approach to technology in education. Sean is especially focused on privacy, sustainability, and empowering both students and staff through thoughtful innovation.

Brad Robb

Collaborative Teaming in the Virtual Space

11:15- Link

Principal, ISD 191/South Washington County Schools

Brad is entering his 28th year in education. He has served as a middle school classroom teacher, the coordinator of professional development, and an elementary principal for the past 14 years. He has has served the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District for the past 26 years and will start a new position as an elementary principal in the South Washington County Schools. Brad believes strongly in the positive impact of effective collaborative teams and has seen students positively impacted by this work.

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