Peter Anderson / Science /
Mr. Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, a teaching certificate, and has recently acquired his Master’s degree in Education. He teaches health, physical science, physics, and chemistry. In the summer he works at the Science Museum of Minnesota teaching science to the young. Mr. Anderson is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma where he grew up for 18 years. He migrated to Minnesota to attend the University of Saint Thomas and upon completion went on to the University of Minnesota. During this time he held many jobs including: benchtop chemist, procedure validator, quality analysis technician, student researcher, kitchen worker at Davanni’s, gas station clerk, laboratory technician, summer camp counselor, stockroom assistant, kickball umpire, and professional tutor. He tutored throughout this time and then finally decided to be a science teacher. His life has been rich and the best is yet to come. He enjoys the freedom and challenge of working at MSSPA. Mr. Anderson likes to ride bike, swim fast, cook well, clean shiny, read long books, go on long walks by the lake, be in the sun, watch old movies, listen to good music, and help people. After all that he likes to sleep.
Karen Charles / Principal /
Karen Charles is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. She received her Bachelor’s degrees in Ballet and Computer Science from Texas Christian University. She worked in Corporate America as a computer analyst for Westinghouse Credit Corporation and Hallmark Cards. After a few years in corporate jobs, Charles decided to renew her interest in dancing and joined the Susan Warden Dance Company in Kansas City. She also studied as a fellowship student at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. Charles decided to pursue her Master’s degree after injuries shortened her dance career. She became certified to teach mathematics and computer science through the graduate certification program at the University of Kansas. Fate then allowed her to return to Atlanta where she taught dance, computer science, and mathematics. She was also chairperson of the Mathematics department at Benjamin Mays High School. She received a M.Ed. in Educational Administration in 1998 from Georgia State University. In 2000 Karen moved to the Twin Cities where she has lived for 6 years. She worked as assistant principal and co-principal at the Perpich Arts High School. Upon leaving Perpich she enrolled full-time at the University of Minnesota to begin a doctoral degree in Educational Administration and worked in the College of Education and Human Development as Director of Multicultural Programs and Outreach. In 2003, Charles was offered the rare opportunity to work as project manager for the development of a performing arts charter school – Main Street School of Performing Arts (MSSPA). Currently the principal of MSSPA, Charles believes that the arts are a vehicle to encouraging all students to optimize their potential, excel academically, and grow artistically.
Lara Ciganko / Dance /
Ms. Ciganko holds a MFA and BFA in Dance from Florida State University, an AISTD and ACUA (Associate Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and an Associate Cecchetti USA). Aside from extensive classical ballet training in the Cecchetti Method, she also has training in modern dance and has studied at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. In addition to teaching at MSSPA, Ms. Ciganko also teaches for and is a board member of the newly formed Midwest School of Ballet. She is director of the Carpathy Children’s Folk Ensemble and company member of the Lipa Slovak Dancers. Prior to teaching at MSSPA she taught at the former Ballet Arts Minnesota, MDt and the Dance Institute, Edina Community Center’s continuing education program (where Midwest School of Ballet is now housed), Florida School of the Arts, Deborah Vinton School of Ballet, Booker High School for Performing Arts, and Tallahassee Ballet’s Junior Company. Ms. Ciganko has performed with the Tallahassee Ballet, Vanaver Caravan, Sarasota Ballet, FSU’s Dance Repertory Company, New York Theatre Ballet, and Cleveland Ballet. When not teaching she escapes into stained glass, lampwork beading, water color, among other arts and crafts. Most importantly her time is spent devoted to playing, creating, and learning with her son. Ms. Ciganko is excited to be returning to Main Street teaching and sharing her passion for dance.
Michelle Erickson / Social Studies /
Michelle is honored to teach Social Studies and serve on the MSSPA school board. She studied Sociology and History at Wheaton College; B.A. 1993. She loves the MSSPA community – the welcoming place that students and staff create. Her experience in education, social work, and the arts includes tutoring, respite work (DuPage County, IL), and church curriculum development and teaching. She also served as stage manager for the Academy of Russian Ballet (Eden Prairie) productions in recent years. When not teaching and studying- she loves to spend time with her family, camp, drink tea, and participate in the rich cultural events of the Twin Cities. Having grown up in the Minneapolis area, Michelle and her husband Toby are pleased to be raising their elementary aged daughters here with the hope that they will attend MSSPA one day.
Allison Goulson / Nurse /
Allison Goulson has been a registered nurse for 24 years. She received her BSN from St. Scholastica in Duluth and her Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Certification from St. Catherine’s in St. Paul. Before coming to Main Street School of Performing Arts she practiced as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner for 14 years in a private pediatric group. As part of school nursing, Allison enjoys educating students on topics pertinent to the health care needs of teenagers. She also has become involved in community organizations that can assist the school community in providing a safe and healthy environment for all students. Allison enjoys reading, traveling, cooking and spending time with her family.
Jennifer Harding / Social Studies /
Jennifer Harding earned an MA in Teaching and a BA in History from the University of St. Thomas. She enjoys teaching at Main Street School of Performing Arts because teachers are allowed to utilize their creativity by coupling academic rigor with arts-infused lessons. In addition to teaching Social Studies, Jennifer is also the Student Government advisor. Some of her interests outside of school are playing piano, golfing, running, water-skiing, and going to the cabin.
Andrew Holmbo / Special Education /
Andy Holmbo joined the MSSPA team for the 2006-2007 school year. Holmbo is very excited to be a part of MSSPA and is looking forward to working with such a vibrant and dynamic staff and student body. He specializes in EBD (emotional and behavioral disorders) special education, and plans to acquire his Master’s of Special Education. In spring of 2006 Holmbo worked at Rum River North Day Treatment Center, a level IV EBD setting in Milaca MN. During his free time Holmbo enjoys reading, swimming, snowboarding, rough housing with his son,Carter-Lee, board games, telling campfire stories, and spending time with family and friends.
Tracy Johnson / Science /
Mrs. Johnson has lived her whole life as a scientist, exploring the natural world from rural MN, the Great Lakes, and Australia. She completed her Biology B.A. and education licensure at the University of MN, Morris. As an enthusiastic new member of staff, Mrs. Johnson teaches Anatomy & Physiology, Biology, Environmental Science, Forensic Science, and Healthful Living. Mrs. Johnson emphasizes inquiry-based teaching in all of her courses, along with a mix of humorous anecdotes, technology, and field/lab work. Her philosophy is that “Life is a Science,” and her goal is to bring scientific awareness and inquiry to all aspects of students’ lives.
Jayne Koprowski / Special Education /
Jayne Koprowski earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Special Education from Northern Arizona University. She lived and worked overseas for nearly ten years living in Morocco, Egypt, Ecuador and the Philippines. While living and working in Ecuador, she earned her master's degree in education from the University of Alabama. Koprowski also completed a certificate program in Autism Spectrum Disorders at the University of St. Thomas. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her adorable daughter Matilda.
William Leaf / Theatre /
William Leaf has been teaching at Main Street since 2004. He performed with the Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) in high school and eventually became a Performing Apprentice with the company, where he toured the Midwest and the West coast. He received his B.A. in theatre from the University of Minnesota, and after spending over four years with Cedar Fair, L.P., he pursued his Masters in Education at Hamline University.
Betsy Maloney / Dance /
Betsy Maloney earned her B.A. in Dance and English from Gustavus Adolphus College and her M.F.A. in Dance Performance and Choreography from the University of Colorado. She’s been dancing for a very long time (since she was 3!) and doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon. In addition to teaching at Main Street, Maloney performs locally with Three Dances Dance Company and is an active member of the Dance Educator’s Coalition. Last year, Maloney served on the Arts Standard Review Committee for Minnesota’s Department of Education. When not dancing (which is not very often), she can be found devouring a good book, walking her miniature beagle, or gardening. Ms. Maloney loves that she can have an intelligent conversation with her students about such diverse topic as Merce Cunningham and nonprofit organizations.
Diane Maus / World Languages /
Diane Maus came new to MSSPA in January of 2008 after moving around the state and teaching for many years. She graduated from Bemidji State University with degrees in Spanish and Vocal Music. This summer she went through advanced training in TPRS – Teaching Proficiency Through Storytelling. She have studied Spanish in Mexico and traveled in Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa and Spain. Diane spent 13 years teaching vocal music and have taught thousands of piano lessons to hundreds of students. She has been a soprano soloist for several orchestras and choral groups and too many weddings to count. She has had roles in various community music theaters, most recently playing Eva Peron in Evita. She has been teaching Spanish for 22 years. During that time she has taken 5 trips with students to Spain and other European countries. Ms. Maus feels that everyday at MSSPA is a new adventure! “Students here are so full of surprises with their many talents and interests. I appreciate the creativity and passion of the students and the staff.”
Matthew McFarlane / Music /
A musician of diverse abilities and interests, Matt McFarlane has taught at MSSPA since its inception in 2004. McFarlane studied Music Education at Graceland University in Lamoni, IA and dual majored in Piano and Trombone. After teaching instrumental music at the Lamoni School District, he pursued a Master of Music degree in Piano Accompanying and Coaching from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. New York performances have included choral performances in Carnegie Hall and Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center. McFarlane has performed with the Minnesota Chorale at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis and The Ordway in Saint Paul. His teachers have included Dalton Baldwin and JJ Penna. Conductors have included Osmo Vanska, Joseph Flummerfelt, Kurt Masur, and Colin Davis. Matt has accompanied in many voice studios, including those of Martha J. Hart and Sharon Sweet. Master Classes have included Diana Soviero, Virgina Zeani, George Shirley, William Preucil, and the Scholars of London. When not at MSSPA, he spends time as the co-director of music with his wife Molly at Discovery Methodist Church in Chanhassen and spends his summer as the Director of Operations at the Bay View Music Festival.
Allison Miller / Mathematics and Gifted and Talented Coordinator /
Ms. Miller has a BS in Mathematics Education from the University of Minnesota and a MA in Gifted, Creative and Talented Education from the University of St. Thomas. She has been teaching for 15 years at Hopkins West and for Intermediate District 287. This is her third year at MSSPA and she looks forward to every day due to the dedicated and the innovative staff, the students and staff learning together, the inclusive and unique student population, and a supportive and caring environment. Outside of school Ms. Miller enjoys cooking and dining out, weaving, and motorcycling.
Rachel Mollick / Music /
Rachel Mollick earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN. At Concordia, she sang in The Concordia Choir under the direction of Rene Clausen, also serving as Alto Section Leader. In addition to teaching, Rachel is currently a member of THE SINGERS MINNESOTA CHORAL ARTISTS under the direction of Matthew Culloton. As a teacher, she is reminded daily of the unique art that happens only at MSSPA and is so glad to be a part of it. Outside of school, Rachel accompanies the Adult Church Choir at St. James Lutheran in Crystal, where her husband Steve, (a fellow choral nerd!) is the director. She spends her free time playing with her two dogs and working on the endless projects of their 108 year old house.
Alison Phillips / Mathematics /
Alison Phillips is a Minnesota native who received her Bachelor of Science degree in Math from the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Technology, and her Masters degree in Math Education from the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development. Ms. Phillips taught math at The Blake Upper School for two years before coming to MSSPA. She likes MSSPA for its supportive atmosphere, and for the opportunity to work in an environment where arts are integrated throughout the school. In her spare time, Ms. Phillips enjoys the challenge of refinishing an older house, reading, attending plays, movies, and dance concerts, and spending time with friends, family, and her two lovable cats.
Cassy Schauwitzer / Language Arts /
Cassy Schauwitzer has had the pleasure of teaching half of the Language Arts courses at MSSPA since the 2005-2006 school year. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education/Communication Arts and also in English from Augsburg College in 2004. She looks forward to pursuing her Master’s in Education at Augsburg in the future. Before Main Street, Schauwitzer did her student teaching and a semester of teaching at Minneapolis South High School, as well as coaching the JV dance team. She loves Main Street’s small school environment and the arts, but especially loves the community and the great students and staff! She is currently on the board of directors for the school and advises the yearbook. Some of her interests outside of school are reading (of course), hiking and camping, going to cabins and lakes, visiting with her family in Duluth, MN, and walking her dog Edison.
Molly Thompson / Office Manager /
Molly Thompson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with emphasis on Law, Crime and Deviance from the University of Minnesota. She gained valuable education experience teaching English as a second language to elementary and middle school students in Granada, Spain. In her free time, Molly enjoys playing with her two dogs, completing home-improvement projects and travelling.
Robert Thompson / Theatre /
Rob Thompson holds a M.F.A. from the University of Florida in Performance. He also has Undergraduate Degrees in: Acting, Speech Communications and Psychology from St. Cloud State University. Thompson was an adjunct faculty member of the University of Florida, teaching Acting and Directing. While in Florida he an actor at the Hippodrome State Theatre in Gainesville and served as their Stage Manager. After his time at the Hippodrome, Thompson traveled to Miami to run an Independent TV station serving Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and the Florida Keys He has directed for the past six years at Robbinsdale Cooper High School. Thompson has worked professionally as an actor in Florida and Minneapolis and is a founding member of A-Stage, a local theatre production company in Minneapolis. Thompson loves watching these young artists grow and discover that they truly can meet the challenges the world puts in their way.
Dominique Walsh / Mathematics /
Dominique Walsh holds a BA in political science from Bowling Green State University. She is currently a doctoral candidate in the political science department at the University of Minnesota studying American politics and statistics and research methodology. In her spare time, she volunteers for a court monitoring organization and rides her bicycle with her husband.
Eryn Warne / Language Arts /
Eryn Warne is a charter member of the MSSPA faculty, returning for her fifth year as a Language Arts teacher at Main Street. In addition to teaching, Eryn oversees the publication of “Untitled,” Main Street’s publication for student-created poems, stories, plays and essays. She also directs the one-act play every winter, which MSSPA takes on the road as part of the Minnesota State High School League’s One-Act Play Festival and Competition. A graduate of St. Cloud State University, Ms. Warne received her Bachelor of Science degree in both English and Theatre in 1999. After three years of teaching, Eryn moved to New York City to pursue Graduate studies at NYU, where she earned an MA in Speech and Interpersonal Communications. While studying in New York, she also worked as a tutor and mentor for the “America Reads” program, and she spent some time working in Public Relations for Proctor and Gamble. Ms. Warne loves being at Main Street the and looks forward to many more years of working with MSSPA’s amazing students and staff.
Deborah Wolf / Counselor /
Deb Wolf is excited to be joining MSSPA as the school counselor. This will be her fifth year in education and she comes to MSSPA from a private school in St. Paul. She has been following Main Street since its inception and jumped at the opportunity to accept a position here. She loves working with high school students – especially creative ones! Before following her passion to work with young people, she was a systems trainer for a large health care corporation. Wolf finds that her systems background, combined with her Master’s in Counseling from the University of Minnesota, helps her to use technology to assist her students. She will be charged with helping students with college and career searches, personal and academic counseling, course scheduling, standardized testing, and removing barriers to high school and post-secondary education. Please feel free to send her an email or give her a call if you have any questions about how she can help.
UPCOMING MSSPA
PERFORMANCES
All shows start at
7:30 p.m. (unless noted)
Tickets: $10 General Admission, $6 Seniors/Students,
(unless noted)
The Sound and The Sense – Interdisciplinary Show
3/26 - 3/27
The Southern Theater
1420 Washington Ave S
Minneapolis, MN / Map
612.340.1725
STAFF VARIETY SHOW
4/23
Eisenhower Community Center
1001 Highway 7
Hopkins, MN / Map
ABOUT MSSPA
