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. With 12 years experience working in public schools, she brings a wealth of knowledge to Peace Academy. She loves fostering development of children through intentional play. We are fortunate to have her as both a leader and teacher in our Preschool where her steady and strong presence helps both teachers and students thrive.

Emily Olson has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Special Education. With 18 years in early childhood and 10 of those years as a director, she brings a knowledgeable, organized and gentle leadership style to Peace. She enjoys working with teachers on what is best for each individual child and watching the children then meeting their milestones.

  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 holds a bachelor’s degree in Paralegal and a minor in Human Resources from MSUM. Previous experience in the United States Attorney’s office built a solid foundation in both human resources and law. Spreadsheets, digging into details and a steady demeanor help bring order to Peace Academy’s administrative team. As a new mom, she brings great perspective into the world of navigating childrearing and working successfully.  

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 8 years experience in coaching athletes K-12 and collegially. Her love of children and education continues to bring her back into roles where she can support young minds grow!

Rachel pulling has a bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy and a master’s degree in Special Education. For two years she worked as a music therapist in early childhood special education. Her passion for inclusion shows through as she leads and grows our Ambassador program. She is encouraging preschoolers to become adults who will naturally engage with people of all abilities. Rachel can also be seen leading and developing a love for music at our DMF location.  

Catherine McCullough has a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Virginia Tech who embraces the Hokie motto - Ut Proism: “That I may serve” or “ help others better the communities in which we live”. This is evident in her approach to teaching preschool at Peace. Everyday she is observed calmly encouraging children to play and learn with respect and fun. She finds joy in making cultural connections and broadening horizons. 

Kari Rasmus has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and English from Concordia-Moorhead and a master’s degree in Human Resource Development from the U of St Thomas. Throughout her career she has worked for corporations, colleges and been a partner in a local design company. Her true love is teaching, encouraging and nurturing people of all ages. At Peace Academy she can be seen greeting families, helping in classrooms and playing with children every chance she gets.

Brynn Stalberger has an associate’s degree in Psychology and a certificate in Human Services. She is currently a senior working towards her bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. Prior to working at Peace Academy, she was a para-professional. As one of the core teachers in the infant room, you can watch her efficiently and gently taking care of the youngest at our center.  

Victoria Smith has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University-Moorhead. With 8 years of childcare experience, she offers gentle yet firm guidance to her classroom. Victoria loves teaching children reading and science; she likes to incorporate engaging, hands-on learning experiences that help children build confidence and curiosity.

Hannah Renner holds a degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. She is working towards a master’s in Counseling. She is passionate about nurturing the social-emotional development of children and values the opportunity to make a difference through her daily work.

Morgan Uribe has a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She also brings 7 years experience in early childhood to Peace Academy. She works with several age groups at Peace. 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.

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

Maesyn Rowley has a degree in Business Administration. With 5 years experience in early childhood, she brings a steady calm to the older infant room. Whether in the lunchroom, pushing the buggy or sitting on the floor, the children enjoy her warm personality. She enjoys children of all ages and is passionate about helping them learn and grow.

Emmy Read attends Sheyenne High School. You’ll see her bringing energy to our rooms at the end of the day, helping the children grow and thrive. One of the things she likes most about Peace Academy is watching the kids light up as they learn new things everyday.

Nevada Aberle brings six years experience in early childhood education to Peace Academy. She exudes a quiet, steady warmth as she works with our youngest children at the center. Watch her provide the essential care needed while encouraging our infants to learn social emotional skills through play.

Selina Silva has six years experience in early childhood care and education. She strives to create a positive and caring environment for her students. She can be observed gently guiding activities and encouraging children to bring their best. Selina enjoys watching children’s unique personalities blossom and creativity flow.

Leslie Rice has 35 years of experience in early childhood. Most of this time has been spent with infants where she has been called “the baby whisperer” by many. She loves to be on the floor playing with the babies, singing songs and exploring new things. Leslie loves how Peace Academy creates experiences where children can learn through play.

Keiko Loether has a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Science with a CCNP (CACFP Child Nutrition Professional Certificate). She has 10 years experience in early childhood and loves introducing and encouraging children to try new foods.

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.  

With over 5 years of childcare experiance, Katrina brings not only her knowledge of early childhood education, but also her passion for helping children hit new milestones. She believes in creating a calm and nurturing environment for all children to feel safe and supported.

Grace is a senior at North Dakota State University majoring in Human Development and Family Sciences, with a minor in Psychology. She is passionate about using her education to become a preschool teacher and support young children’s growth and development! In her free time, she enjoys being at the lake, walking her dogs, reading, and spending time with family and friends! 

Mary has over 14 years of experience as a special education paraprofessional, along with several years of experience in childcare. She is trained in STAR Autism. Mary is proud to be part of Peace Academy and is committed to advancing its mission and vision.