We are so excited for all the new teachers on campus this year and are expectant of the positive impact they will have on the students in their classrooms. Each of these new hires are so filled with passion, excitement, and joy for the Lord. 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.
Frank Arend–5th Grade Teacher
What are you looking forward to this year? I am beyond exciting to teach students through a foundation in Christ and to be with my four beautiful daughters in the NLA building.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love reading, going for walks, and cooking!
Amber Berbereia–5th Grade Teacher
What are you looking forward to this year? I am looking forward to meeting all the students and watching them grow into the men and women God made them to be.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I like to cook and bake. I also like to hang out with my husband, and we are looking forward to getting a puppy and going on hikes. We also love being outside and being active.
Mackenzie Bottolfson–5th Grade Teacher
What are you looking forward to this year? I’m looking forward to getting to know more staff members and loving Jesus with an incredible group of 5th graders! I can’t wait for this year!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love being on the water! Skiing, surfing, relaxing – I love it all. You can also find me in the kitchen baking goodies 🙂
Anna Butler–MS/US Spanish Teacher
What are you looking forward to this year? I’m looking forward to being a part of the NLA community again and getting students excited about the big world God has made of diverse cultures and languages.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I like to read, walk the dog during disc golf (or occasionally play) with my husband (Craig) and son (Josh), meet new friends from different cultures, do crafts with my daughters (Isabel and Danielle), or be with neighbors at our house church.
Debbie Chinn–Lower School Enrichment Specialist & Teacher Coach
What are you looking forward to this year? I love to engage with lower school students and see how creative they can be. I’m excited to work in enrichment this year and challenge kids to explore their world.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love running, hiking, and biking in nature. It’s a great way to connect with God and spend time with friends.
Shawna Croswell–Preschool Prep Teacher
What are you looking forward to this year? I am looking forward to sharing my faith with the kids and teaching them about the Bible! I’m also looking forward to dancing, singing, and staying active with the little ones.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I like to read, write, and do just about anything outside like walking, cross-country skiing, and learning how to rollerblade.
Micah Eigenfeld–Middle and Upper School Technology
What are you looking forward to this year? I am looking forward to getting to know my students and helping them find a newfound appreciation for technology.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Most of my free time is spent playing games and watching movies/tv shows with my wife. We also love to get outside when we can to do things like rollerblading and paddle boarding.
Kristen Grey–Pre-K Teacher
What are you looking forward to this year? I am most excited about watching my students grow over this year.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love to bike, read, and sew.
Charlie Hoaglund–MS/US Math Teacher
What are you looking forward to this year? I’m looking forward to getting to know all the students and all the staff. I’m also looking forward to being able to teach in the same building I coach in – and going to state, hopefully!!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I enjoy playing sports – I’m really into pickleball right now. I also just got married so I love getting to spend time with my new wife.
Jessica Kjelshus–6th Grade Bible & 12th Grade Capstone/Bible Teacher
What are you looking forward to this year? I’m looking forward to building relationships with students while journeying through God’s word.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love to plan events. Give me a good theme and I’ll take off. I also love traditional letter writing, reading fiction, and travel.
Justine Mueller–3rd Grade Teacher
What are you looking forward to this year? I’m looking forward to learning, growing, and connecting with my students this year! New Life Academy is such a special place and I can’t wait to see God work this year!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love spending time with my friends and family! God has blessed me with amazing community, so I love to spend as much time with them as possible.
Erica Lemke–Kindergarten Teacher
What are you looking forward to this year? I am looking forward to joining the NLA family this year to help foster our Kindergarten eagles’ growth and development.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? In my free time, I like to run and workout at the gym. I am actually a run coach/lead, group fitness instructor, and small group personal trainer at LifeTime Fitness.
Troy Mattson–MS/HS Art Teacher
What are you looking forward to this year? I’m looking forward to helping students grow in creativity.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I like creating, hanging out, and playing with my kids.
Erin Tolkinen–Pre-K Teacher
What are you looking forward to this year? I’m looking forward to seeing students grow to know Jesus, building relationships with students and families, and being part of the fabulous NLA community!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I like to watch Minnesota sports games, spend time with friends and family, be outdoors, and read.
Theresa Wold–1st Grade Teacher
What are you looking forward to this year? I feel blessed to be a part of the New Life Academy team! I am excited about this school year and what we will learn and how we will grow while having fun together.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? When not at school, my family and I are most often at a baseball field. We also like to spend time in nature especially hunting for agates, biking, and hiking in our State National Parks.