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 &

Special Education Teacher

Rebecca Frosig

rebecca@heartlandlakescs.org

Rebecca joins the HLCS Teaching Crew with over a decade of teaching experience in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. She is passionate about supporting all learners at all levels. When she isn't at school she is doing something outside and probably chasing her twin boys around their farm.

2nd/3rd Grade Teacher

Laura Schmeling

lauraschmeling@heartlandlakescs.org

Laura brings a rich background in art and education to the 2/3 Crew. Originally from New Haven, Indiana, she earned her BFA in Drawing from Ball State University and spent many years working as an exhibiting artist at festivals and shows throughout the Midwest. Her experience includes teaching arts and crafts through park programs, substitute teaching from pre-K through high school, and leading adult painting classes. Since moving to Bemidji in 2009, Laura has remained active in the community and served as the building substitute at Horace May Elementary. She brings a patient, creative, and inclusive approach to the classroom and enjoys sharing her love of nature and the arts with her students. Outside of school, her favorite role is being mom to her son.

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.

Interim 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.

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!

Music Teacher

Angela Hulett

ahulett@heartlandlakescs.org

Bio coming soon.

Special Education Director

Tracy Brown

tracy.brown@nova-education.org

Bio coming soon.

Special Education Director

Kori Ryan

kryan@indigoed.org

Bio coming soon.

Occuptional Therapist

Jace Allard

jaceot@heartlandlakescs.org

Jace is a licensed occupational therapist who earned his Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (OTD) from the University of North Dakota. He has several years of experience working with children across a variety of settings and roles, supporting individuals with diverse needs. Currently in his second year as a school-based occupational therapist, Jace is passionate about helping students develop functional skills that promote success both in the classroom and in everyday life. He emphasizes engaging, fun, and interactive activities to foster growth, independence, and confidence in each student he serves.

Virtual Special Education Teacher

Emily Blake

emilyb@heartlandlakescs.org

Emily has years of experience teaching and support students with Individual Education Plans. Emily provides targeted services for scholars in K-7th grade in the areas of social skills, reading, math, and .....

Virtual Math Teacher

Stephanie Hoffman

shoffman@heartlandlakescs.org

Stephanie joins our team with over a decade of teaching experience. She has taught students from Kindergarten through 8th grade, with a strong foundation in 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms. After earning her Master’s degree in Mathematics Education, she went on to teach middle school math, where she inspired students to build confidence and curiosity in the subject.

Beyond the classroom, Stephanie enjoys baking sourdough, caring for her chickens, and gardening. At the heart of her work is a deep passion for making learning meaningful and engaging. She is continually exploring innovative ways to bring concepts to life for her students.

Stephanie is excited to join Heartland Lakes Community School and looks forward to collaborating with colleagues and students to discover and celebrate the beauty of mathematics together.

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
elliekirchner@heartlandlakescs.org

Ellie is a bright light in any room she walks into. She is a lifelong learner, dedicated mom, and all-around fabulous person. She has years of experience supporting kids and families and she brings her skills to the HLCS Staff Crew.

Special Education Paraprofessional: Virtual Support

Allison Klingenberg
allison@heartlandlakescs.org

Allison is a retired monographer who has experience as both a substitute teacher and a paraprofessional. She and her husband have been married for over 35 years and have two grown daughters. They are lucky enough to also have two granddaughters and two grand pups.

In her spare time, Allison can be found doing crafty things with her granddaughters and fishing with her husband (summer, only!) She loves a good book and hanging with her husband. Her faith keeps her grounded.