Amanda Daniel – Mrs. Daniel has worked in the Human Resources field for over 20 years partnering with senior leaders in manufacturing technology companies to meet the organization’s business goals. She graduated with an MA in Organizational Development from the University of St. Thomas in 2013. Mrs. Daniel is currently the Chief Human Resources Officer for MTS leading the global HR team in the areas of benefits, compensation, HR systems, talent acquisition, HR business partnership, and organizational development. This is Amanda’s 5th year on the board and 2nd year as Board Chair. “I am passionate about supporting CA’s mission, vision, and school objectives. I joined the board so I can be more involved in supporting our Director, our teaching staff, and our support staff in making this the best place for our children to build skills for life.” Mrs.Daniel is also the Chair of the Personnel Committee and provides insights on performance management, employee relations and other personnel topics. Amanda and her husband Reed live in Waconia and have two daughters, Ava (7th grade) and Alix (4th grade), attending Cologne Academy.
Melissa Hansen – Mrs. Hansen is a Marketing and Communications Specialist in Community Education at Eastern Carver County Schools. She has been in the education communications field for over 11 years. Mrs. Hansen earned her MA in Strategic Communications Management from Concordia University-St Paul in 2013. Her family has been a part of the Cologne Academy community since 2012 and currently has two students attending. She was the PAVE Co-Chair from 2013-2016 helping to build community and raise funds for the school. Mrs. Hansen resides in Waconia with her husband and three children. The 2020/2021 school year is her first serving on the School Board and she is looking forward to learning more about the school’s operations, helping administration navigate the hybrid learning year, and promoting the outstanding work of the staff and scholars.
Nathan Kells – I am currently a Cologne Academy Community Member board representative. I feel that Cologne Academy is the heart of the community. I want to do what I can to support CA students, parents, teachers, and administration as the city grows. I have worked at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum since 2008. My position has transitioned from Marketing Associate to Membership Manager. I love working in such a beautiful place, and I have the opportunity to lead an amazing team. My past work experience includes the Miami Science Museum, Miami Children’s Museum, Landis Strategy and Innovation, Design Group, and Event Lab. My husband, Michael, and I moved to Cologne in 2018. Growing up in rural Minnesota, I have always wanted to return to a smaller community, and we are happy we chose Cologne! I am currently also serving on the Cologne City Council and am the Membership and Marketing Director for the Cologne Lions Club. I am also involved in the creation of collateral materials for two separate organizations supporting efforts in Kenya. I have an undergraduate Communications and Graphic Design degree from St. Cloud State University and a master’s degree in Strategic Communications from the University of Minnesota. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity to serve our community!
Jenna McInnis – Mrs. McInnis is a former employee of Cologne Academy. From 2009-2016, Mrs. McInnis worked in various positions including sixth-grade homeroom, middle school language arts, and eventually became the school’s programs coordinator. She earned her Bachelor’s in Education at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and is working on her Masters in School Administration through Capella University. Mrs. McInnis resides in Cologne and is currently on leave to be home with her four children, one graduate, one attending and two nearing Cologne Academy students.
Paul Modeen – Mr. Modeen is currently a small business owner in the field of commercial construction and facilities management. Serving as a community member, Mr. Modeen brings a diverse civilian, civic and military background to the board. He has served as the Vice-Chairman of the Board of Supervisors for Dahlgren Township since 2016 and previously served the community with the Carver County Parks Commission and Chaska Planning Commission. He has worked in various leadership roles within governance, strategic planning, and project management. In addition to his civilian career and local elected office, Mr. Modeen serves as commissioned officer in the Minnesota Army National Guard where he works with local, federal, and international stakeholders on public affairs, mission planning, and execution. Mr. Modeen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration-Accounting/Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of St. Thomas. Mr. Modeen has been a Cologne Academy School Board Member since 2020. Mr. Modeen resides in Dahlgren Township, Minnesota with his wife and two sons.
Laura Oman – Mrs. Oman is a 3rd-grade teacher at Cologne Academy and has been teaching since 2011. Prior to teaching at CA, she taught 4th grade at Beacon Academy for 6 years, and before that she taught Spanish for 2 years at a small charter school in Oregon. Laura’s leadership roles at Cologne Academy have included being a q-comp team member, PBIS committee member, and Battle of the Books organizer. She looks forward to continuing to serve the school as a member of the board. Laura has a BS from The University of WI-Eau Claire in Elementary and Middle Education, with a minor in teaching Spanish. She is working towards a graduate certificate in Charter School Leadership from SMSU. She resides in Chaska, MN with her husband (also a teacher) and her two children, both of whom attend CA.
Administration
Traci LaFerriere, Chief Financial Officer – Ms. LaFerriere worked at the Minnesota Department of Education from 1995 – 2001 in various positions including Charter School Coordinator in the Office of School Choice Programs. From 2001 – 2006 Ms. LaFerriere was the Operations Director at Academia Cesar Chavez involved in the initial opening of the school and responsible for the school’s finances, human resources, student admissions, transportation, food service, and facilities. From 2006 to present, Ms. LaFerriere has been the contracted business manager for Southside Family Charter School, Tarek Ibn Ziyad Academy (2006 to 2011), Natural Science Academy (2008 to present), and Cologne Academy (2012 to present). Ms. LaFerriere graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Psychology.
Lynn Peterson, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer – Dr. Peterson has been employed at Cologne Academy since it opened in the fall of 2008 and has served as its Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer since July 2009. Prior to entering the education field, Dr. Peterson was a senior marketing analyst for Target Corporation. Dr. Peterson resides in Cologne with her husband, Craig, and has four children.
Dr. Peterson has the following education and licenses:
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Western State College, Gunnison, Colorado
Teacher Licensures, Crown College, St Bonifacius: Pre-Primary Education License, K-6 Elementary Education License, 5-8 Middles School Social Studies License, K-12 Physical Education License
Masters of Arts in Special Education, University of St. Thomas, St Paul: K-12 Learning Disabilities License
Education Specialist in Leadership in Educational Administration, Capella, Minneapolis: K-12 Principal License
Concordia University, St. Paul: K-12 Superintendent License
Doctorate Degree -Educational Leadership, Concordia, St. Paul