Meet The Team
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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.
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Tanya SajdakProject ManagerTanya Sajdak, Project Manager and Purchase Order Queen for CAPE. 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. :)
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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 |
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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.
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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.
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Kate MarinBoard MemberKate Marin is an educator with over 20 years of experience teaching in higher-education. She is
a math and computer science instructor dedicated to teaching her students the skills necessary to navigate their adult and professional lives. Kate was first introduced to the homeschooling community when she taught a Patterns class at the Discovery Center, and later, plunged in when Covid-19 struck and she kept her five children at home. Kate has a Master’s degree in computer science from The Ohio State University and a Master’s degree in pure mathematics from Bowling Green State University. “I am honored to be a part of CAPE; an organization which serves the entire community. Although the public school system has worked well for my children, CAPE offers them additional learning opportunities and experiences that are not included in a traditional school- room education.” |
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Anna SanchezInstructor & Make it UP! Makerspace CoordinatorMy 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.
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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! |
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Danielle HoskinsCoordinatorDanielle Hoskins will be assisting with developing virtual content for CAPE. She has recently moved to the UP after traveling with her family in a motorhome for 3.5 years. She has a Bachelor in Education from the University of Maine Orono with a concentration in Science. Being a homeschooling parent herself, she loves to find new and interesting ways to add fun to learning and promote educational growth.
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Mickey HawkinsInstructor & CoordinatorHi 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!
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