We are pleased to introduce some of the new faces you’ll see around campus and in classrooms this year. Each person brings their passion for Christian education to New Life Academy. Our community becomes more vibrant with each new addition and we are thrilled to have these members join our community to help educate students and help them flourish in a Christ-centered community where they are known, loved, and valued.
Julie Blossey—2nd Grade Teacher
Education: St. Cloud State University—B.S. degree, St. Mary’s University— Master’s Degree
What are you looking forward to this year? I look forward to meeting new families and building Christ-centered relationships with both students and parents, as well as the New Life staff. I feel so blessed that God has opened up this door for me [to teach at New Life Academy]. I look forward with great anticipation and excitement to see what the Lord has planned for this upcoming year.
What inspires you about your job? I love to see my students grow and learn, to watch them as they make connections to past learning and experiences. I hope to have a nurturing and positive impact on their lives. I hope that I can model being a life-long learner, hoping they too will desire that for themselves both academically and spiritually.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I like to spend time with family and friends, do puzzles, bake cookies, walk, and play hockey.
Abby Countryman—Upper School Social Studies Teacher
Education: Lipscomb University—B.A. History Education
What are you looking forward to this year? Why are you passionate about education? I look forward to bringing history to life and being a positive impact on people. I’m passionate about building relationships with students and creating lifelong memories for them. I look forward to being a part of the community that I graduated high school from.
What inspires you about your job? The day-to-day moments where I can get to know students better and see their passions. I’m inspired by the lessons I teach where students are not only learning but also having fun.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I play ukulele, I love to cook, play board games, or hang with my dog Ollie.
Alysha Donohoo—PreK Teacher
Alysha Donohoo—PreK TeacherEducation: University of Northwestern
Why are you passionate about education? I’m passionate about spreading the love of Christ to a younger generation and creating a classroom environment that is safe and full of wonder.
What inspires you about your job? My students inspire me to continue to grow as an educator. A Christian environment is also inspiring as a community is built over time.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love to spend time with family, explore the outdoors, play piano, read, and cook
Polly Gill—1st Grade Teacher
Polly Gill—1st Grade TeacherEducation: North Hennepin Community College and the College of St. Scholastica
Why are you passionate about education? What are you looking forward to this year? I’m passionate about students growing, not just academically, but also spiritually. I’m looking forward to building relationships and making students feel known, supported, and loved.
What inspires you about your job? Knowing that I can make a long-term impact and inspire/encourage a student to become who God created them to be.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Running, piano/guitar, baking, time with family, hiking, plants, and listening to music.
Sara Hale—Part-Time School Nurse
Sara joins Becky Nordgren in the health office as one of our part-time nurses.
Education: University of WI—Eau Claire: B.S. in Nursing
What are you looking forward to this year? Getting to know the students, the staff, and the school!
What inspires you about your job? Helping students be healthy, well, and cared for so they can get the most out of their lives here.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Spending time with my husband and kids, doing crafts of any kind, and jogging.
Jolene Jensen—Early Ed & Lower School Art Teacher & Early Ed Library
Jolene Jensen—Early Ed & Lower School Art Teacher & Early Ed LibraryJolene was a long-term sub last year and returns this school year as the Lower School Art Teacher!
Education: University of New Mexico
Why are you passionate about education? What are you looking forward to this year? Bringing out the creativity in someone else and helping students find their full potential.
What inspires you about your job? Even though I am the teacher, I am still learning something new almost every day. Also, bringing new techniques and projects to students is so much fun.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Reading, running, football, and spending time with my family.
Libby Peterson—Middle and Upper School Science Teacher
Libby Peterson—Middle and Upper School Science TeacherEducation: The University of Newcastle upon Tyne
Why are you passionate about education? I enjoy watching/facilitating students expand and develop their worldview.
What inspires you about your job? Helping students understand more about their Heavenly Father through knowledge of His creation.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Walking, reading, breeding Golden Retriever dogs, boating, and swimming.
Dori Quade—Lower School Spanish Teacher
Dori Quade—Lower School Spanish TeacherEducation: University of Northern Iowa
Why are you passionate about education? Since learning is by nature a process of stimulation that engages all senses, I think teaching is most effective when it mimics that excitement interaction. That’s why my teaching style is highly interactive and relational.
What inspires you about your job? Teaching truth is one of my greatest passions. I’m looking forward to being in a position that will allow me to teach the truth of God’s word.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Traveling with my family, hiking, reading, baking/cooking, and playing the flute.
Kalley Schwitters—2nd Grade Teacher
Kalley Schwitters—2nd Grade TeacherEducation: University of Northwestern, St. Paul: Elementary Education
Why are you passionate about education? What are you looking forward to this year? I love creating relationships with students and families. I look forward to investing in my students and making an eternal impact.
What inspires you about your job? That we can talk freely about the Lord! I want to create a safe, FUN, and positive classroom. Also, I’m inspired by the amazing students that come through the doors.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love spending time with family and friends! I also enjoy baking and spending time outside!
Andrew Thompson—Middle School Math
Andrew Thompson—Middle School MathEducation: North Central University
Why are you passionate about education? What are you looking forward to this year? I love having the ability to impact the future. I want to teach kids the amazing benefits of math while motivating them to represent Jesus as best as they can.
What inspires you about your job? I live for the lightbulb moments. It’s incredible to see a student persevere through something they do not understand.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love sports (watching and playing) and spending time with my family and my dog.
Bridget VanLith—3rd Grade Teacher
Bridget VanLith—3rd Grade TeacherEducation: University of Northwestern, St. Paul
Why are you passionate about education? What are you looking forward to this year? I love building relationships with students and am passionate about making them feel known, cared for, valued, and at home in my classroom.
What inspires you about your job? I love seeing my students get excited about learning something new and grow in their confidence in their gifts and who God created them to be.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love being active and outside—hiking, being on the lake, playing tennis, going to the beach, and going on runs.
Emily White—PreK Teacher
Emily White—PreK TeacherEducation: University of Northwestern, St. Paul
Why are you passionate about education? What are you looking forward to this year? I’m looking forward to meeting my students and watching them grow and develop in their understanding of themselves, others, and God.
What inspires you about your job? The excitement that students have over the little things.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I enjoy catching up with friends around a table filled with yummy food.