Robert Bambery

Robert Bambery earned his Masters Degree in Education at River Falls, Wisconsin.  He has been in the field of education for over 10 years. As a middle school Technology Coordinator, he was in charge of maintenance of all educational technology and desk help support for all building users and he has designed and implemented training in all technology related areas.  He was an Apple software instructor at Globe College of Business for students in all computer education programs.  Currently, Rob is the Technology Coordinator for Andover High School.  His focus is the purchase, implementation and support of computer hardware, software and other forms of educational technology.  He also designs and implements the technology and training of school personnel and assisted in the implementation of the Anoka-Hennepin ISD #11 on-line technology training website. In addition to his technology experience, he has also been a graphic artist for the University of Minnesota’s Communications Resources Department.

Jodi Elowitz

Jodi Elowitz ( B.A. – M.A. ) is the Director of Education for Tolerance Minnesota at the JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and The Dakotas).Tolerance Minnesota is an award-winning K-12 educational initiative formed to confront prejudice and respect diversity in the classroom and in the community. Her areas of expertise include Holocaust education and inter-faith relations, survivor testimony, art created in concentration camps and ghettos and Holocaust film and literature.  She is an amazing educator and her command of the subject matter is hard to match. She has the ability to bring very difficult subject matter to life in a way that is hard to forget. She encourages and challenges each course participant to explore their own feelings and attitudes about some very sensitive issues.

Dr. John Friel

Dr. John Friel (B.A. - MA. – Ph.D.) is an internationally recognized speaker and trainer and well-known for his two most recent books, The 7 Worst Things (Good) Parents Do and The 7 Best Things (Smart) Teens Do and his appearances on ABC News, 20/20 and the Oprah Winfrey Show.  He is a full-time psychologist and offers individual, couple and family therapy – helping his clients to replace old patterns of living with more effective ones.  He has taught educators in our program for over 15 years. He has a wealth of background in the areas of treatment and therapy methods with adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect and has shared his expertise with educators to develop skills to work more effectively with children, their parents and families.  He encourages course participants to open up so that they can grow both personally and professionally.

Wayne Gale

Wayne Gale has been in the field of education for over 35 years.  He earned his Master of Science Degree in Elementary Education. He has been an elementary school teacher, team leader and District Elementary Science Coordinator.  He currently is a consultant for Delta Education, Inc.  He has also conducted over seventy-five science in-service education sessions for elementary teachers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana and Ohio. He has taught inquiry science enrichment classes for elementary staff during which they have received graduate level college credits through Winona State University or district board credits. These sessions were curriculum specific for the SCIS, FOSS, and Delta Science Modules marketed by Delta Education, Inc.  Wayne has a high level of energy and enthusiasm for his field of expertise and his passion for science education is contagious!   

Jeremy (Jerry) Gottstein

Jeremy Gottstein ( B.A. – M.A. ) has had a wide range of experience in the educational setting. He has taught classes through the Graduate Continuing Education program of the University of St. Thomas for over 15 years and has presented parenting seminars for over 20 years. He taught social studies for 15 years and was a guidance counselor for 20 years in the Robbinsdale School District. He has counseled peer groups in communication skills, conflict resolution, goal setting, problem solving, career exploration, has led grief groups and co-facilitated chemical dependency groups. He has led in-service workshops in communication skills for teachers and support staff and has pursued his interest in diversity by expanding the foreign exchange program and services at his high school.  He is passionate about working with students, their families and educators…he loves what he does…and it shows. His sense of humor adds color to his engaging style in the classroom. 

Officer Jeffrey (Jeff) Gottstein

Officer Jeffrey Gottstein ( B.A. – M.B.A. ) is a canine officer in the Woodbury Police Department. He has conducted numerous seminars for police personnel, teachers, parents and students. He has worked directly with youth offenders in Woodbury. He has specialized training and experience in narcotics, fraud and forgery, white collar and Internet crime, undercover and prostitution investigations and crime scene processing. He will bring a unique perspective to the relationship between the legal system, law enforcement and the educational community. 

Dr. Richard (Dick)  Grimsrud

Dr. Grimsrud (B.S.  -  Ph.D.) taught English and History in Appleton, earned his Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and was a guidance counselor for 27 years in the Robbinsdale School District. He was highly respected during his entire career by his colleagues, students and their parents. He is a dedicated professional and his warmth and sincerity are hard to match.

Leslie Laub

Leslie Laub ( B.S. – M.A. – M.S. ) has been the Director of Special Services for the Brooklyn Center School District and the West Metro Education Program (WMEP). She is a licensed psychologist and has developed, coordinated and presented staff development programs. She has been a therapist/facilitator for groups of parents who have children with disabilities and behavioral concerns and has also been a therapist for children, adolescents, adults and families who were experiencing difficulties due to transitions and chronic emotional problems and severe behavioral challenges. She is kind and very eager to make her course helpful for participants in their classrooms and in their own personal lives.    

 Judge Allen Oleisky

Judge Allen Oleisky, is a long-time District Court Judge in Hennepin County and was head of the Juvenile Court for 12 years. He has been an Adjunct Professor at Hamline Law School for 25 years and is currently a trial court judge, hearing criminal, civil and juvenile cases. He has been teaching continuing education classes for the University of St. Thomas for over 15 years.  He is well-known for his ability to make legal issues come alive through story-telling and his warm sense of humor.  He explains the law that is relevant to educators and how they can protect themselves both personally and professionally. It is a testimony to Judge Oleisky that most students who take one of his courses will choose to take all three.

Larry Wade

Larry Wade (B.S. – MA ) is a marine scientist, biological researcher, naturalist and teacher in the Hopkins School District. He has been an educational consultant for the Bell Museum, has developed numerous interpretive nature trail guides in the Twin Cities, and written three books for classroom use.  He knows how to blend art and science curriculum to stimulate and motivate students in the classroom.  He is excited to share his expertise, he loves nature and knows how to develop that love in others…both in students and educators.