OUR STAFF

Jana Bruhschwein is the founder and Executive Director of Peace Academy. Motivated by a strong commitment to high-quality early childhood care, Jana recognized the need for enriched learning environments in the Fargo-Moorhead community and set out to create meaningful change. She leads with passion and purpose, fostering a culture of care and connection among staff, families, and ambassadors. Known for her innovative, outside-the-box thinking, Jana continually seeks new ways to support the growth and well-being of children. She is an Advanced Trainer in the Nurtured Heart Approach® and firmly believes that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and loved.

Kellie Knodel holds a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. With over 15 years of experience as a preschool teacher, Kellie brings a deep understanding of early childhood development to her work. At Peace Academy, she teaches part-time and serves as the Director of Parent Education. Kellie loves incorporating music into the classroom and is passionate about nutrition. She is an Advanced Trainer in the Nurtured Heart Approach®, which she integrates into her work with both parents and children.

Elizabeth Strinden has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Special Education. Elizabeth has 12 years experience teaching in public schools. She loves fostering development of children through play. At Peace Academy, Elizabeth is the director at Living Waters.  

Emily Olson has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, and minor in Special Education. Emily has 18 years experience working in early childhood. She loves building relationships with children and families, and creating a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow and thrive.

  Kim Steinke has a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science Psychology and her AMI (Association Montessori International) certification. With 30+ years experience, Kim brings both heart and experience into her love of education. Kim believes children thrive when they feel respected, supported, and inspired. Whether she’s guiding a classroom or leading a school community, her goal is to create a place where children feel safe to explore, make choices, and grow at their own pace.

She loves getting to know families and building strong, lasting connections that make the school community feel like a family. Kim believes that when children are trusted to do things for themselves, they grow into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals. Kim is excited for her journey here at Peace Academy. 

Amber Wagner has a bachelor's degree from MSUM in Paralegal and a minor in Human Resources. Amber lives in Fargo with her husband, black lab, and soon a baby. 

Autumn Schaeffer is an MSUM Dragon Alumni with a bachelor's degree in Communications with an emphasis in training and development and event planning, and a master's degree in Educational Leadership. Autumn has 4 years experience in early childhood education and 5 years experience in coaching athletes K-12. She enjoys spending time with her family, her two pit bulls, and playing volleyball.  

Rachel Pulling has a bachelor's degree in Music Therapy and a master’s degree in Special Education. Rachel worked as a music therapist in early childhood special education for two years. As the Ambassador Liaison, Rachel is very passionate about inclusion. She loves seeing preschoolers include people of all ages and abilities. Rachel believes laying a foundation at a young age to include everyone is so important. Rachel loves to sing and play guitar and enjoys leading music at Peace Academy. 

Catherine McCullough has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish; she is a preschool teacher and the ambassador liaison at Peace Academy. Catherine finds joy in making cultural connections and broadening horizons. She is a Virginia Tech alumnus who embraces the Hokie motto - Ut Proism: “That I may serve” - which means helping fellow humans and bettering the communities in which we live.

Kari Rasmus has a bachelor's degree in Political Science and English and a master's degree in Human Resource Development. Kari loves being part of the mission of Peace Academy.

Sheyenne Gunderson has her bachelor's degree in child development. Sheyenne started working in her hometown daycare at the age of 16 and knew she found what she was meant to do. Sheyenne worked at Head Start prior to Peace Academy. Seeing the growth and transformation in children from the beginning of the year to the end of the year is the reason she fell in love with early childhood education.  

Alli Jenkins has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a Child Development Associate credential. She was a former au pair in Italy and enjoys the outdoors, running and spending time with family. Alli loves the creativity, curiosity and light all children bring to the world.

Hannah Oelke has a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education with 6 years experience in early childhood. Hannah loves watching, helping, and celebrating children reach their life milestones.

Hannah Slevin has an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and 3 years experience working in the field. Hannah loves building a personal connection with each child and their family. She appreciates the mission of Peace Academy and that she gets to be part of it. Hannah says she is a certified multitasker! 

Amanda Ottesen has an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and 19 years experience. Amanda loves being able to find ways to adapt to all children's needs within her classroom, to watch every child thrive. 

Kim Kurth has a master's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Cabrini College, Pennsylvania. Kim is passionate about helping children explore art and their creativity.

Brynn Stalberger has an associate's degree in Psychology and a certificate in Human Services. She is currently a senior at NDSU working towards a bachelor's degree in Human Development And Family Sciences. Brynn worked as a para and is excited to be part of the Peace Academy family.  

Brianna Nagel has a bachelor's degree from the University of Jamestown in Elementary Education and a masters degree in Educational Leadership from NDSU. Brianna has 12 years experience in early childhood. She loves being able to collaborate, learn from, and work with the amazing staff, families, and students at Peace Academy. Brianna enjoys working with infants and toddlers at Peace Academy.

Mary Saladin has an Illinois Certificate of Completion of Early Childhood  Education Program and 20 years experience as a preschool teacher. Her passion is to create a loving and nurtured environment where each child feels safe, valued, and is inspired to learn. 

Keiko Leother has a bachelor's degree in Child Development and Family Science and a CCNP (CACFP Child Nutrition Professional certificate). Keiko has 10 years experience in early childhood and loves introducing and encouraging children to try new foods!

Sandy Otteson has a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and is trained in Reading Corps and Seeds. Sandy has 33 years experience in early childhood. She loves helping children learn and become thoughtful, kind, and confident in themselves as they grow. 

Maesyn Rowley has a degree in Business Administration and 5 years experience in early childhood. She is passionate about helping kids learn and grow.

Emmy Read attends Sheyenne High School and is passionate about helping kids grow and thrive. She loves watching them learn new things everyday. 

Morgan Uribe has a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education with 7 years experience in early childhood. Morgan loves being a light in children's lives and creating a safe place for them. She values building relationships and watching children learn and grow. 

Nevada Aberle has 6 years experience in early childhood and loves helping children learn social emotional skills through play. 

Selina Silva has 6 years experience in early childhood and strives to create a positive and caring environment for her students. Selina enjoys watching children's unique personalities blossom and creativity flow.

Michele Wangen has an associate's degree in early childhood development. Michele has 12 years experience working as a preschool para and teacher. Michele is an advanced trainer in the Nurtured Heart Approach® and is passionate about supporting children in developing strong social and emotional skills. Michele loves being part of children's curiosity and joy in learning something new. 

Katie Maple has a master's degree in education with a focus on literacy. She has 18 years teaching experience in first grade, kindergarten, and preschool. Katie is the author of Jump Start to Literacy and has a passion for helping kids develop as readers and writers from an early age! 

Lisa Dehler has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Mayville State University. Lisa has 13 years experience from childcare and working in the school districts. Lisa enjoys seeing the growth in children developmentally and emotionally. The giggles and smiles are always a bonus! 

Brooke Anderson has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and has 6 years experience teaching in public schools in Canada. Brooke loves watching children grow and learn through play. She is excited to join the dedicated staff at Peace Academy. 

Siri Danielson recently graduated from UND with a degree in early childhood education and special education. She enjoys math and doing hands-on learning activities with students. Siri loves seeing children learn and grow through play. 

Chelsey Arneson has a bachelor’s degree in Child Development. She has worked in early childhood for over 20 years.  

Maren Jystad-Spar has bachelor's degrees in Theatre Arts and Communication and a minor in Women’s Studies. Maren is an adoptive, biological, and foster mom and forever mom to five kids. Maren is an ensemble member at Theatre B and is an advanced trainer in the Nurtured Heart Approach®.