MEET OUR ADMIN CREW

At Heartland Lakes Community School we are innovative, adaptable, and dedicated to creating a dynamic, and new learning experience for children.

School Director

Laura Seter

218.203.5971

lauraseter@heartlandlakescs.org

Assistant Director & Art Teacher

Kristin Hoff

218.203.9327

kristinhoff@heartlandlakescs.org

Operations Manager

Sheila Caswell

218.203.8213

sheilacaswell@heartlandlakescs.org

MEET OUR TEACHING CREW

Lead Teacher & 4th/5th Grade

Elise Erickson

eliseerickson@heartlandlakescs.org

Curious and passionate, Elise will bring heart, dedication and her variety of experiences in education. She is eager to begin her 16th year teaching and learning alongside the 4/5 students and staff in bringing to life HLCS's mission of, "Being Brave, Wise, and Curious." Outside of school you'll find her with family, enjoying nature, going on adventures big and small, reading and dabbling in being creative. She can't wait for our Crew to grow and learn together!

6th/7th Grade Teacher

Rebecca Frosig

Updated bio coming soon!

2nd/3rd Grade Teacher

Laura Schmeling

lauraschmeling@heartlandlakescs.org

Laura joins the 2/3 Crew with many years of educational adventures. Originally from New Haven, Indiana she grew up fostering a love of nature and anything artistic. She earned her BFA in Drawing from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Laura spent many years as a working Artist and was highly involved with exhibits and outdoor festivals throughout the Midwest. Laura also has vast experience with the Parks Dept in the summertime as an Arts & Crafts Lead teacher, substitute teaching for pre-K through High School in 2 school districts in both EACS & Warsaw Community district as well as adult painting classes. Prior to relocating to Bemidji, MN in 2009 she attended Purdue Global (Art Ed in progress) looking into a MA program in the near future. Laura has been enamored with the natural beauty of this land and strong & amazing community Up North MN. Laura has been working in Bemidji since ’09 in customer service, cake decorating, exhibiting artist and ultimately the building sub at Horace May Elementary for the last 2 years. Her best creation to date is her one son, Colter (9) with whom is so thrilled to learn and grow with his 4/5 th grade crew! She brings a unique approach to teaching with a patient, creative and inclusive understanding that we all have different learning styles.

K/1st Grade Teacher

Emily Kirchenwitz

emilykirchenwitz@heartlandlakescs.org

Emily comes to us with a variety of experiences working with both kids and adults at summer camps, after school programming, and other care settings, as well as with us as our 1st grade teacher last year. Emily is a caring and enthusiastic team player, with contagious energy. Emily’s hope is to foster an environment that values authenticity, where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring their role in their learning community.

Special Education Teacher

Kara Lawhorn

karalawhorn@heartlandlakescs.org

Kara is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a dedicated, compassionate professional. She spent several years making a meaningful impact in the field of mental health, holding various roles that have strengthened her talents and deepened her dedication to helping others. She believes that person-centered care is essential to truly supporting individuals and that personalized teaching approaches best serve students' unique needs. With a passion for service, enjoying meaningful time with family, and her imaginative nature, Kara is enthusiastic to inspire others by example and expression.

General Education Paraprofessional

Patrick Kaufenberg

patrick@heartlandlakescs.org

Patrick is a proud graduate of Park Rapids and University of Wisconsin, Superior. Originally a Fine Arts major, he explored creative writing, reflecting a lifelong passion for art. Beyond the visual arts, Patrick is a seasoned musician with experience in several bands, mastering drums, guitar, and bass as self-taught skills. Patrick finds joy in nature and values family, especially his role as a proud dad. With a deep commitment to fostering growth, he is dedicated to creating a positive learning environment where scholars feel encouraged to share their thoughts constructively.

Specials Teacher - Outdoor Activities, Library/Media/Maker Space

Sarah Bendson

sarahbendson@heartlandlakescs.org

With bachelor's and master's degrees in Early Childhood Education, Sarah Bendson comes to HLCS backed with a 30 year career in education, more than half spent teaching kindergarten. Her beautiful family includes husband, Ross, and three step-children, Briana, Brooke, and Logan. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys running, rock climbing, working out, traveling, reading, singing, and crafting. Her faith is very important to her. At her church, she teaches Sunday school and accompanies the worship team by signing in American Sign Language. Sarah loves teaching. She loves her students. She is passionate in indescribable ways about their social, emotional, psychological, and academic growth. Thank you for sharing your precious children with her. She promises to love and care for them and to teach them to love school, life, and learning.

School Social Worker & SEL Teacher

Joanna Wallenberg, MSW, LICSW

joanna@heartlandlakescs.org

Joanna is excited to serve the HLCS Community as the dedicated School Social Worker and SEL Teacher! She has over 15 years of experience working with kids and families in schools and mental health settings. Joanna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, mom, business owner, former School Board Member, and life-long learner. She would always rather be outside - no matter what the weather is!

Yoga Teacher

Josh Wallenberg, DPT

info@heartlandlakescs.org

Josh is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a certified Yoga Instructor. He has been practicing in the Park Rapids area providing care to patients from 0-99 years old for the past 15 years. He is excited to join the HLCS Crew!

When he isn't working you can find him hanging out with his family, riding his mountain bike, or playing his guitar.

MEET OUR PARA CREW

Paraprofessional

Talya Smith
talyasmith@heartlandlakescs.org

Passionate and brave, Talya is dedicated to the learning and growth of any crew she helps. She is also the handy one of the crew! She is eager to begin her 2nd year alongside the HLCS's crew!

Paraprofessional

Taylor Peterson
taylor@heartlandlakescs.org

Taylor Peterson is working on finishing her Psychology degree at Bemidji State. She lives here in Park Rapids and spends most of her time golfing, on the lake with friends, and spending time with family. She's so excited to be working at HLCS, creating relationships with all our scholars!

Paraprofessional

Tina Burkman
tina@heartlandlakescs.org

Tina is a passionate and dedicated member of our Staff crew. She has years of experience working in and around schools and promoting the Park Rapids Area.

Special Education Paraprofessional

Ellie Kirchner

Updated bio coming soon!

Special Education Paraprofessional

Allison Klingenberg

Updated bio coming soon!

Special Education Paraprofessional

Coming Soon!

Bio under construction......

MEET OUR SUPPORTING CREW

We are wise with our resources and depend on our experts for additional focused support.

Director of Special Education

Kori Ryan

INDIGO Education

kryan@indigoed.org

Occupational Therapist

Jace Allard

Choice Therapy

jallard@choicetherapy1.com

School Nurse

Kristen Gerber

Navigate Care

kristen@navigatecare.com

School Psychologist

Tracy Brown

Nova Education

tracy.brown@nova-education.org

Custodial Support

Marlin Good

HLCS

info@heartlandlakescs.org

Speech Language Pathologist

Kristi Benedict

Choice Therapy

kbenedict@choicetherapy1.com

NEW STAFF OPPORTUNITIES

Do you Like Being Outside?

Are you Adaptable?

Are you Curious?

Do you believe in the innate ability of every student to succeed?

CURRENT JOB OPENINGS

MEET OUR ADMIN CREW

MEET OUR TEACHING CREW

MEET OUR PARA CREW

Talya Smith talyasmith@heartlandlakescs.org

Taylor Peterson taylor@heartlandlakescs.org

Tina Burkman tina@heartlandlakescs.org

Ellie Kirchner

Allison Klingenberg

Coming Soon!

MEET OUR SUPPORTING CREW

NEW STAFF OPPORTUNITIES

Talya Smith
talyasmith@heartlandlakescs.org

Taylor Peterson
taylor@heartlandlakescs.org

Tina Burkman
tina@heartlandlakescs.org