Faculty and Staff

TWLS is proud to have a profoundly committed team of educated, experienced staff. These individuals are understanding, thoroughly schooled in their areas of focus, and distinctively qualified to serve our students.

Administrative Staff

Ann Rooney, M Ed.

Head of School
A.Rooney@twls.org

Prior to being named Head of School in 2006, Ann served The Whole Learning School as lead teacher, director of curriculum and director of instruction. Ann joined The Whole Learning School because she saw the remarkable opportunity to build a program that reaches children at their instructional learning levels.

“This type of programming allows students to significantly reduce their frustration levels, reduce off-task behavior and dramatically increase academic, social, and emotional development,” Ann says. She finds it tremendously satisfying to watch the growth of the students and the overwhelming effect it has on families as they see their child’s remarkable transformation.

Ann’s 16-year career in education has been committed to working with the families of and with children who have special education needs. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in K-12 special education from St. Cloud State University and a Master of Education degree from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. She holds licensures in Specific Learning Disabilities, Developmental Cognitive Disabilities and Emotional Behavior Disabilities.

In addition to her teaching experience, Ann has been an assessment specialist and coordinator and a district development presenter for Wayzata Schools training special education teachers, regular education teachers, and paraprofessionals.

Most recently, Ann has been speaking at professional conferences, including the Minnesota Autism Society and the Independent School Forum.  “I love teaching parents and teachers how to manage kids without coercion.  Developing independent, self-directed kids creates success at home and school.”

Julie Hoff

Director of Marketing and Fund Development
J.Hoff@twls.org

After six years in the world of real estate, Julie returned to her “nonprofit roots” in August 2007 when she joined the staff of The Whole Learning School. Along with her real estate skills, she brings almost 15 years experience in nonprofit management, event planning and communications.

“The best thing about being back in the nonprofit world is the feeling that I am making a difference in someone’s life everyday,” Julie said. “Parents of students here tell me how their lives have changed because of this school I get to be a part of giving more people that opportunity.”

Julie attended the University of Minnesota and majored in political science. In addition to her work at TWLS, she enjoys freelance writing, cooking and traveling with her husband, Ron, as much as possible.

Teaching Staff

Kim Gallant

Classroom Teacher
k.gallant@twls.org

Kim Gallant has taught special education in the Minneapolis and Burnsville, Eagan, Savage school districts.  Recently, she earned her masters degree in special education from the University of Minnesota, with research focusing on autism & sensory integration therapy.  She is  thrilled to be  a part of the unique and supportive learning community at TWLS as a proud parent & teacher.

Sue McCrary

Classroom Teacher
S.Mccrary@twls.org

Sue is extremely excited to be a part of such a fantastic school!  She believes The Whole Learning School is a model that truly teaches kids. Sue taught in the public schools for ten years before coming to TWLS and can see the difference the level of direct instruction and small class size makes for the students. Before teaching, Sue ran a licensed day care center in her home so she could be home with her three kids. She earned her undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1987 and her master’s degree from St. Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota in 2005. Sue enjoys spending time with her family, coaching cross country in Edina, reading and kayaking. Sue met her husband Kelly at Western and married 22 years ago. He is an orientation and mobility specialist for the blind.

Katherine Taylor

Classroom Teacher
K.Taylor@twls.org

New to TWLS in 2007, Katherine brings with her more than 19 years of teaching experience. Previously a sixth grade teacher in California, she started as a substitute in the Minneapolis schools when she returned to Minnesota. Shortly thereafter, she was retained by the Minneapolis schools as a special education teacher in grades K-8.

Katherine spent three years teaching English as a second language to students in Laos, an experience that truly enhanced her teaching skills and expanded her teaching philosophy, especially in working with unique populations of children. She strives to be an instrument of inspiration and courage in the lives of all her students and she knows first-hand that all students can learn.

Katherine has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s in Special Education from Bethel University in St. Paul.

Sarah Trout

Classroom Teacher
s.trout@twls.org

Sarah moved to Minnesota in February with her husband, Joe and dog, Gizmo. Sarah was newly wed on November 22, 2008. Prior to that, she graduated college from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in Elementary Education. After graduating, she went right into teaching Special Education for the next three years (one year in Missouri and two in Florida). Sarah is honored to be part of the Whole Learning School and believes this is where she is meant to be.

Specialists

Debbie Lawrence

American Sign Language Teacher
Debbie@Signsofbaby.com

Debbie Lawrence, founder of Signs of Baby, has provided American Sign Language (ASL) training for families, educators, professionals, associations, and organizations for over 6 years.  Her enthusiasm and expertise are widely praised by participants in her Learn to Sign classes, conferences, and professional development programs. Debbie created and designed St Paul College’s inaugural course in Early Childhood Development/ASL. She holds a BA in Deaf Culture Studies from North Central University, plus numerous certifications as a professional ASL trainer.  She is pleased to implement a pilot American Sign Language program, Signing Circle of Friends, for The Whole Learning School in Plymouth, MN.

Lori Opsal, B.A.

Drama Specialist
info@twls.org

Lori Opsal has a B.A. in Theatre Arts and an extensive background in many areas of the theatre. She has acted with a number of different theatre companies with an education emphasis. For more than 10 years, Lori has been a costume and make-up designer for professional and community theaters, as well as for school and youth group productions. In addition to acting and working behind the scenes, Lori is a youth theatre educator, teaching single-session classes, week-long workshops and on-going residencies. Lori is now associated with the Stages Theatre Company.

Melissa Wenszell

Music Therapy Teacher
wenszell.melissa@macphail.org

New to TWLS this year, Melissa Wenszell joined MacPhail Center for Music in 2001 and is really enjoying the students at TWLS. Melissa is a board-certified music therapist and comes to TWLS with extensive experience in music therapy assessment and goal development and documentation. She earned a bachelor of music therapy degree from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire and completed training in Neurological Music Therapy through the Center for Biomedical Research in Music.