STAFF | Heartland Lakes CS

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

218.203.5971

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

Todd Marsden

toddmarsden@heartlandlakescs.org

Todd brings a breadth of life-experiences to our HLCS Crew. Todd enjoys being active and learning new things. He is a licensed Math teacher (Mathematics Education from Eureka College) and also speaks a language that is quite rare in this part of the world. He loves helping young Scholars appreciate and enjoy learning in general, and especially learning and using Math. Todd and his family live in Park Rapids, MN. This is Todd's 2nd year with Heartland Lakes, previously co-teaching with 4/5/6.

2nd/3rd Grade Teacher

Laura Schmeling

lauraschmeling@heartlandlakescs.org

Bio Coming Soon!

We're excited to welcome Laura Schmeling to our 2/3 Crew! She has vast experience teaching various subjects & ages, subbing, and all around a creative.

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 dedicated and compassionate Veteran. With a Bachelor’s degree in social work Kara spent the past five years making a meaningful impact in the field of mental health, holding various roles that have honed her skills and deepened her commitment to helping others. With a passion for service, a love for family, and a creative spirit, Kara strives to inspire others through her actions and words.

Special Education Teacher

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

Bio Coming Soon...

School Social Worker & SEL Teacher

Joanna Wallenberg

joanna@heartlandlakescs.org

Bio Coming Soon...

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

Tina Burkman

tina@heartlandlakescs.org

Tina is a dedicated paraprofessional during the school year and works at Headwaters Golf Course in the summer. A proud mother of two teenagers, Vivian and Brock, as well as three spunky dogs, Tina’s life is full of energy and love. Tina fondly recalls weekends spent coming north to the cabin with her parents, a tradition that instilled in her a love for the lakes and outdoors. When the seasons change, Tina embraces winter activities and delights in the crisp beauty of fall.

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Paraprofessional

Jamie Melott

jamiemelott@heartlandlakescs.org

Bio Coming Soon!

We're excited to welcome Jamie back for her 2nd year!

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!

MEET OUR SUPPORTING CREW

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

Director of Special Education

...

INDIGO Education

...@indigoed.org

Occupational Therapist

Natalie Garfield

A Chance to Grow

natalie.garfield@actg.org

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

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