Tuition-Free Public Charter School | Grades K-12
BOARD BIOS
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.
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.
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.
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.
MECHELLE LUND
Role: K-6 Special Education Teacher & Board Member
Mechelle brings over two decades of special education experience to the North Lakes Academy School Board, specializing in individualized instruction, data-driven decision-making, and student-centered support. She utilizes assessment tools such as FastBridge and Lexia to analyze academic data and guide strategic decisions that promote measurable student growth. Deeply invested in the NLA community, Mechelle is dedicated to responsible governance, fiscal stewardship, and upholding the school’s mission to ensure students and staff thrive.
MELISSA MONTGOMERY
Role: 7-12 Special Education Teacher & Board Member
Melissa holds a B.A. in K-12 Education, licensure in EBD/SLD, and an ASD certificate from the University of St. Thomas. Her background in education includes statewide training in PBIS, experience with MN State Standards, and expertise in special education funding and academic data analysis. In addition to her teaching background, Melissa brings two decades of business administration and bookkeeping experience, as well as formal governance training in Robert’s Rules of Order and public policy. She is committed to maintaining strong institutional integrity, fiscal responsibility, and academic growth across the school.
RENEE MORRIS
Role: K-6 Parent & Board Member
Renee is an active NLA parent with two children in the elementary school. Her background includes experience working in elementary education as a para and lunch aide, giving her direct insight into daily school operations and classroom support needs. With extensive personal experience advocating for special education resources, Renee focuses on supporting diverse learners, student well-being, and long-term academic success. On the board, she emphasizes thoughtful oversight, responsible resource management, and keeping students at the center of every decision to help NLA thrive.
JOHN GROENKE
Role: Executive Director & Ex-Officio Board Member
John Groenke brings over 30 years of proven leadership experience in education to his role as Executive Director at North Lakes Academy Charter School. Throughout his career, John has served as a teacher, elementary principal, middle school principal, high school principal, and district leader, consistently guiding schools toward academic growth, organizational alignment, and strong community partnerships.
Prior to joining North Lakes Academy, John served as the Executive Director of Student Services at Robbinsdale Area Schools, where he oversaw key departments including Curriculum & Instruction, Student Services, Early Learning, and Safety & Security. His leadership focused on implementing evidence-based instructional strategies, restorative practices, districtwide professional development, and comprehensive safety measures.
Additionally, as the Founder and CEO of The Center for Transforming Educational Leadership and Chief Educational Consultant for Infinity Systems, John spent years coaching, mentoring, and empowering school leaders to build trust and achieve long-term success.
John holds a B.S. in Elementary Education from St. Cloud State University and an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Minnesota. He earned his Superintendent Licensure from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and holds a K-12 Principal License. Committed to systems thinking and continuous improvement, John is dedicated to supporting educators and ensuring every student at North Lakes Academy thrives.