Meet The Team
|
Susan NielsenExecutive DirectorSusan Nielsen’s career demonstrates a commitment to supporting individuals, teams, and organizations in creating empowering, innovative environments. She believes that an inspiring environment fosters new ideas, collaborations, and energy necessary for progress. For fifteen years she owned and operated a successful consulting firm specializing in leadership development, positive people systems, and career management programs. Susan has a B.S. in Organizational Psychology from the University of Michigan and completed her Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Johns Hopkins University. Her love of learning and education led her to transition from consulting to higher education when she accepted a leadership position at the Jackson Community College in Jackson, Michigan. In that role she was asked by the college President to start up and grow a new department for Corporate and Continuing Education. Upon moving to the Upper Peninsula, she has spent a decade working to transform the education experience in rural northern Michigan through her non-profit organization. She regularly inspires hundreds of students and families to think and act creatively in pursuit of their passions and dreams.
|
|
Tanya SajdakProject ManagerTanya Sajdak, Project Manager and Purchase Order Queen for CAPE. Lol! She feels blessed to serve the families in the Keweenaw and be a part of such an amazing community. Tanya went to school at Concordia University for Paralegal and Communications. She is also a trained facilitator for the Trek program. Tanya currently teaches Life Skills class for CLK. In the past, she has taught Impact Project and co-taught International Neighbors class at the Discovery Center. In addition, Tanya has homeschooled her two children, Skylar and Samuel with her husband, Paul. Tanya loves traveling, reading, skiing, hiking, nature and spending time with her family and dog, Gunner. :)
|
|
Karen ColbertBoard PresidentKaren Colbert serves as the General Education Department Chair and Lead Math Faculty at Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC). She is also a 3rd year PhD student at Michigan Tech in Computational Science & Engineering. Her research and funding from NSF ADVANCE, American Indian College Fund, GEM Consortium and the KCP Future Faculty Fellowship center on bridging the equity gap in education for BIPOC and the efficacy of current policies and programs. Karen has been a long time supporter and advocate to the homeschool community. In addition to homeschooling their 9 children, Karen and her husband Dr. Baron Colbert also serve on community boards to bring more educational opportunities and increase equity awareness to community families and academic professionals.
"I feel so blessed for the opportunities I have experienced in both my educational and professional life. Homeschooling has opened the door to unlimited possibilities for my family. It's an honor to serve this community" -Karen Colbert |
|
Lorelle meadowsBoard MemberLorelle is a cutting-edge educator with over 15 years of experience in academic administration, student engagement, and curriculum transformation. In her professional roles at both the University of Michigan as the Assistant Dean of Academic Programs in the College of Engineering, and at Michigan Technological University as the founding Dean of the Pavlis Honors College, she has spent her career committed to inclusion and equity by eliminating barriers to high impact educational practices while simultaneously preparing students for the careers of the 21st century. She received her B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in Oceanic Science from the University of Michigan, College of Engineering.
|
|
Nic WilsonBoard Member and InstructorNichole “Nic” Marie Wilson has always had a love for children and their growth and development. From a young age, starting with their own siblings and cousins, if you wanted to find Nic you just had to look for the smallest child and they would be right there helping them. Starting in high school over 12 years ago Nic babysat and nannied until they became known in the Keweenaw area as being one of the best childcare providers for playful, gentle, and attachment caregiving. Nic is now pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education to hopefully stay on a career path that involves nurturing young souls.
|
|
Briana SimmonsBoard MemberMy name is Briana Simmons. I was taught to believe that we have limitless potential, and I work hard to instill that belief in my children. Growing up and moving around, as an Air Force dependent, I attended many different schools and experienced a myriad of educational models and teaching techniques. I recognize that the same approach does not work for every child, so I am grateful to be able to teach my daughters, and make sure that they have every tool at their disposal to succeed. I would love to see an educational system in place that can truly meet the needs of all children, and gives them the best chance to thrive. I am delighted to be in a position to witness and take part in the growth of innovation and progressive education in the Copper Country and beyond.
|
|
Stefanie SidortsovaBoard memberStefanie is a strategic communications professional with nearly 20 years of experience in public, government, and client relations across a broad range of industries and settings, including public and private higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, law firms, and government agencies. Prior to moving to the Keweenaw in 2016, Stefanie became interested in learning theory and educational practices during her eight years at Vermont Law School, where she taught in-person and online courses and helped administer the academic success program. Mom to two boys, Stefanie’s search for local, innovative educational opportunities led her to CAPE. She earned a master of studies in creative writing from the University of Cambridge, a juris doctor from Arizona State University, and a bachelor of arts in English from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
|
|
Carly TyranAmericorps Vista volunteerCarly will be partnering with CAPE remotely as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer for 2021-2022. She spent her summer developing curriculum and virtual content for CAPE and previously instructed music classes and private music lessons at the Discovery Center in 2018-2019. You will see Carly communicating and providing assistance to students in their virtual classrooms as well as serving in a capacity building role for CAPE as part of her service.
She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Michigan State University with a primary focus on instrumental instruction. Carly runs a multi-instrumental private lessons studio that includes students of all ages and levels. She also offers early childhood music classes through the Gaylord Community Music School. Being a student centered teacher is the driving force behind Carly's educational practices - placing great emphasis on student voice, curiosity, and self-efficacy. In her free time, Carly likes to spend time in nature, read, paint, watch comedies, and play with her dog, Sunny! |
|
ernie beutlerD&D InstructorHello! My name is Ernie and I am a thirty-seven year old father of five kids. I have been an instructor at the Discovery Center for five years now. My main focus in teaching is through Dungeons and Dragons. Having been a professional and recreation Dungeon Master for several of those years, I aim to educate using the power of group dynamics, problem solving, cooperation, and storytelling. The ultimate goal for every educator is to enrich the experiences and perspectives of the students I interact with as they move forward in their lives, and I truly believe that what I do in the classroom will help to accomplish that. I look forward to seeing everyone in the upcoming school year!
|
|
Emily SvensonInstructorEmily Svenson is a Functional Medicine Health coach and the virtual Health class instructor and coach for CAPE. In the past, she has taught Healthy Living, Kids Cooking classes, and Zumba, and was the Wellness Coordinator for the Keweenaw Co-op. Emily is currently pursuing yoga teacher certification and board certification for Health Coaching. Emily is a mom of three amazing kids who enjoys dance, yoga, fitness, adventure, nature, and great books. Emily has dealt with her own health struggles such as asthma and allergies and disordered sleep. She has significantly improved her own conditions through lifestyle change, and has a passion for helping others do the same. Emily loves to be an ally for others on their journey towards better health and a more fulfilling life.
|
|
Anna SanchezInstructorMy name is Anna Sanchez. I am a classically trained artist that has experience and training in oil, acrylic, and watercolor techniques, as well as training in graphic and illustrative design. With that being said, I have taken all that knowledge and chosen to embrace the weird. I work in multimedia to create art that evokes thought and emotion, without being afraid of reaching beyond the typical mediums viewed as aesthetically pleasing. My belief is that art is for the masses; it should touch everyone’s life. I allow myself to become vulnerable and honest with my students, and let my struggles and strengths show. In doing this, I feel that I’m able to connect with students through true, honest experiences; it has helped me be a more effective educator. My approach to teaching is open and unafraid. In my classes, we don’t shy away from the tough subjects. And we embrace the strange, the weird, the unorthodox. I want the youth of our community to be involved with that movement as much as possible and will work with your family to make that happen.
|
|
mickey HawkinsInstructorHi everyone! My name is Michelle Hawkins, but everyone calls me Mickey. I am a native to the area and love it up here! I have been involved with the homeschooling programs at the Discovery Center and CAPE since the beginning. I have also raised a child through the homeschooling system that graduated successfully coming up on 2 years ago. I am actively participating in many angles of our programs from mentoring with CAPE, count day mentoring, and teaching music lessons. I truly enjoy getting to watch our kids and our amazing programs grow and develop!
|
|
Shawn BradyInstructorShawn Brady became interested in natural resources during the three years he spent living in national parks. His travels allowed him the opportunity to work in and explore Yosemite, Crater Lake, Bryce Canyon, Alaska and the Everglades. Shawn attended Oregon State University and graduated with a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Science with an emphasis on avian conservation. His professional career began as a Wildlife Survey Technician where he examined the old growth forests of Oregon in search of the threatened Marbled Murrelet and the endangered Spotted Owl. He has worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife as a Field Biologist focusing on fish monitoring and research projects. These projects required extensive kayaking, rafting, hiking and snorkeling to produce aquatic inventories, habitat assessments and statewide population estimates for Coho, Chinook, Steelhead and Lamprey. Currently, Shawn is focused on sharing his experience and love for nature through education and outreach. In his free time, he enjoys being outdoors with his three beautiful daughters, listening to bluegrass music and working with his wife at their farmers market booth.
|
|
Hannah KariniemiMTU LiaisonHi, I’m Hannah!
I am a local who grew up in Calumet, MI. I graduated from Michigan Technological University with my B.S. in Psychology in 2020. Currently, I am working on my master’s degree in Applied Cognitive Science and Human Factors at MTU. Throughout my life I have been involved in numerous outreach programs and projects, such as the Michigan Tech Summer Youth Programs. I have a passion for education, connecting with others, and serving my community. In my free time, I enjoy creating art, playing video games, and cruising on my longboard (when it isn’t snowing)! With my unique background, I hope to create a safe and welcoming environment that inspires learning, encourages creativity, and facilitates growth. I look forward to meeting you! |