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BOARD BIOS

JESS CHAMBERLAND

Jess Chamberland has spent the past three years working with the NLA community, gaining valuable experience in supporting student growth and development. As a teacher, she is committed to fostering an environment where students can reach their full potential and understand their intrinsic worth, a core value at NLA.

JILL ANDERSON

Jill Anderson grew up in a small rural community in southern Minnesota. The connections and relationships that she had with staff and coaches helped her tremendously through school. She still have a strong connection to her home community and still is in contact with many of those staff and coaches. Being a part of the NLA community for the last 10 years feels like home. She enjoy being a part of students’ lives and building those connections. She has always appreciated providing guidance, watching them grow, and helping them learn more about themselves. She have a double B.S. in PreK-12 Physical Education, School and Community Health and Prek-12 DAPE (Developmental Adapted Physical Education). She has been teaching for 20+ years with experience at both big districts and charter schools. She also has 30 years of coaching experience from Middle school to College levels. Finally, being an advocate for students when they struggle in school and deal with mental health issues is very important to her.

MORGAN BORCK

Morgan Borck, Mathematics Teacher at North Lakes Academy, has an inside perspective on the day-to-day functions of the school. With a deep commitment to fostering an environment that supports both teachers and students, Morgan is dedicated to ensuring that policies and resources are in place to help everyone achieve educational excellence.

ABIGAIL CONZETT

Abigail Conzett attended Luther College in Decorah, IA for her BA in music education, and received her MA in educational leadership from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. She has lived in small towns my entire life, and she understands how important NLA is for providing that small school feel to students and families. The content of her masters programs will provide her with guidance in regard to management and curriculum development. Her position as the K-6 music teacher grants her perspective of numerous grade levels which will be helpful when considering the impact of building-wide initiatives.

HOPE CHRISTENSEN

After graduating from Bemidji State University, Hope Christensen began her teaching career in Northern Minnesota, where she taught for 6 years before transitioning to North Lakes Academy. She has been with North Lakes for the past 8 years. In that time she has taught middle school mathematics, K-8 math intervention, and summer school. She is currently teaching 5th and 6th grade math and MN history. She has also had the privilege of being the head coach for both cross country and track and field, which is something she enjoys immensely. In the past she has also served on the Youth and Family Ministry Board at her church. This involvement has given her valuable experiences regarding the youth in her church. They had direct involvement regarding the function of these youth programs within the church, as well as the funding. Because of this experience she believes she is well equipped to serve on the NLA School Board.

SEAN PAYER

Sean Payer's formal education took place at the University of Minnesota, Morris where he studied business Management. He has worked in the banking sector for over 25 years which includes 14 years managing a local Forest Lake Bank. He is currently a Business Banker at Security Bank and Trust. He attended the Forest Lake school system and he has experience in working with the Forest Lake community. Having grown up in the Forest Lake area, he feels he has a good understanding of the areas values. His experience in the financial sector can assist NLA school board when it comes to financial oversight. He feels his skills can be an asset to NLA and it's students.

SARAH SMITH

Sarah Smith is a proud NLA parent and experienced professional with over 24 years at Target Corporation, where she has led cross-functional teams to achieve goals efficiently and within budget. With a strong background in leadership from college through her career, she brings valuable organizational and collaborative skills. Outside of work, she volunteers at her local church, overseeing a 30+ person children’s ministry and leading a weekly women’s group. As an engaged parent and community member, she is eager to serve on the NLA School Board to help ensure students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in today’s world.

CHRIS DALE

Christopher Dale is the Lead Application Support Specialist at RBC Wealth Management, with extensive experience in project management within the finance industry. As a parent of three NLA graduates, his unique perspective combines professional expertise with a deep understanding of NLA's history and future potential. Christopher is committed to ensuring NLA continues to thrive for the next 25 years.

WILL TIEDEMAN

Will Tiedeman is a 2016 NLA alum, local real estate professional, and volunteer athletics coach. His experience at NLA shaped his values around education, leadership, and community—values he continues to uphold today. In real estate, he’s developed strong skills in negotiation, marketing, and community engagement, all of which contribute to thoughtful decision-making and financial oversight. His volunteer coaching role has strengthened his leadership and mentoring abilities, aligning with NLA’s focus on student growth. With a deep investment in NLA’s success, he brings a unique blend of alumni perspective, professional expertise, and community involvement to support the board’s mission.

CECELIA DODGE

Cecelia Dodge has been the Executive Director of NLA since October 2023. Ms. Dodge is adept at school district administration, special education administration, and stakeholder engagement within diverse school cultures. A successful change-manager, she collaborates to build a deep understanding of the what, why, and how of evidence-based practices. She has served in other school leadership roles including  Interim Executive Director of Math and Science Academy, Assistant Superintendent for San Francisco Unified Schools, and Director of Special Education for Saint Paul Public Schools. Previous private sector roles include Project Director at WestEd and independent consultant. In these roles she assisted school districts and state educational agencies with meeting their goals through program evaluation, technical assistance, strategic planning, executive coaching, instructional coaching, and professional development.

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