Anchor Academy Staff and Tutors

MELISSA JOSEPH

Owner / US History
  

RENEE STEWART

Director / Karate
  

MATTHEW REPKE

Membership / Registrar / Billing
  

LAURA BROEKEMA

Asst. Director / Preschool and Elementary Programs
  

ROCHELLE RITCHIE

Volunteer Coordinator
  

KATHERINE ENGLUND

Literature / Language Arts / Writing
I’m Katherine Englund, a passionate educator with a deep love for understanding how the Lord designed our brains. My expertise lies in reading and writing, where I specialize in helping students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. With over 10 years of classroom experience and certification as an Orton-Gillingham teacher trainer, I bring a unique approach to homeschooling. Since 2019, I’ve enjoyed creating positive, engaging learning environments that recognize each student’s potential. I’m also a bit wacky, which keeps learning fun and lighthearted!

BROOKE TYSON

Literature / STEM
  

MELISSA SWENSON

LITERATURE / WRITING / PUBLIC SPEAKING / GEOGRAPHY
With experience as adjunct faculty at Crown College and Alexandria Technical College, I specialize in literature, writing, and communication. I'm starting my second year as a tutor at Anchor Homeschool Academy, inspired by a friend’s recommendation and a desire to invest my time using my skills and education.

I’m passionate about literature, Christian apologetics, history, film, and psychology, and I love making learning engaging by connecting it to students' lives. I strive to spark interest and motivation through relevant content and enthusiasm, even if it means making a fool of myself to keep things lively.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, going to movies, and planning women’s events at my local church.

AUNDREA GJORVAD

Handy Crafts / Kitchen Science / Sewing
  

JULIE NELSON

THEATER
I’ve always had a deep love for the arts, from acting and dancing to singing. I majored in Theater at Mankato State University and have taught Theater at South Heights Christian Classes since 2011, Anchor Homeschool Academy since 2022, and HRT Academy this year. I direct a full-length Christian play each year with homeschool students, offering them a chance to use their talents in Theater Ministry. Recent productions include Baggage Claim (2024) and Ben-Hur (2023).

I’m also working on a new Community Christian Theater Company, which is set to open in spring 2025. My teaching experience spans Twin Cities Homeschoolers for the Arts, Southern Cross Christian Co-op, and more. I’ve developed programs for all ages and special needs, and I offer private acting lessons. I’m passionate about helping students explore their creativity and use their talents to glorify God and spread the gospel. I live in Apple Valley with my husband and our four boys, whom I homeschooled for eleven years.

DARIA GORDHAMER

Dance / Fitness
  

MEGAN PHILLIPS

Drawing / Sketching / Painting
I’m passionate about reflecting God’s beauty and love through art and teaching. Growing up homeschooled and involved in a co-op inspired me to pass on joy and creativity by teaching art to homeschoolers.

With experience in children’s and youth ministry, I’m dedicated to helping future generations experience God’s love. Psalm 37:4, which speaks of delighting in the Lord and receiving the desires of our heart, is a verse that encourages me deeply.

I love creating art, crafting, sewing, and being active outdoors. I enjoy gardening, learning to live naturally, and cooking to bless others. I’m excited to share joy with my students in art, learning, and the wonders of God’s creation.


TOM JOSEPH

Physics / Geography
  

TERESA GRISSOM

Art
  

ABBY KENDRICK

SPORTS / BIBLE
  

VIVIE PAVLAK

Spanish
  

DANIELLE HUWE

Science / STEM
  

NATE ABELE

STEM / Robotics / Programming
My lifelong objective has been making creative tools that help people solve real problems, and I’ve been privileged to do that through a long and storied career in tech, where I’ve flown around the world talking to people about better ways to make software, and I’ve gotten to hang out with lots of amazing people, including the guy who created the iPod & the Nest, the founder of Atari and Chuck-E-Cheese, and the godfather of the video game industry, and one of the creators of the original Yoshi game. I’m excited to carry a few small sparks of their inspiration to my students.

Code I wrote is probably in at least one app on your phone.

TOPHER HUWE

Karate
  

HEIDI MAGNUSON

Preschool / Photography
  

KIM WENTZLAFF

Math
I’m a Christian, pastor’s wife, and mom to two boys and two girls. Living in Lakeville, I’ve homeschooled for over a decade, teaching subjects like grammar, writing, math, and Chemistry in local co-ops. With a Master’s degree in Genetics, I enjoy Bible study, reading, knitting, and traveling. I’m excited to bring my passion for education and community to our homeschool co-op, helping to create a welcoming and enriching environment for all families.

JANET DEPUY

World History / Language Arts
I’m a retired high school teacher with a passion for French, English, and making learning fun. I love immersing myself in historical fiction, and I bring that enthusiasm into the classroom by connecting literature to students' lives. As a musician and sports fan, I often weave stories from the arts or sports into lessons, making content relatable and engaging.

I’m a conservative Christian, guided by John 3:16, and believe in living by the Bible's teachings. With years of experience as a pastor’s wife, Bible study leader, and Sunday school teacher, I’m dedicated to helping students learn and grow. I especially enjoy working with teenagers, seeing their potential, and making education relevant and enjoyable for them.

CRYSTAL LANE

STEM
With 8 years of military service and a Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, I bring a unique perspective to education. Originally from Southern California and now in Minnesota, I’ve been homeschooling for 3 years and am thrilled to focus on Critical Thinking and STEM.

I specialize in fostering critical thinking skills, helping students question, evaluate, and make informed decisions. My approach includes brainstorming, connecting lessons to real-world experiences, and engaging students through their interests. Outside of teaching, I love exploring Minnesota with my family, hiking, discovering waterfalls, and enjoying local fall festivals.

SAM SWENSON

Field Trip Coordinator
  

ANN LUCKMANN

Bible
I love learning more about God’s Word, exploring the context for the original readers, and discovering archaeological finds that affirm Scripture. My favorite college class was Old Testament Archaeology, and I nearly changed my major to History. I’ve always been fascinated by history, especially since studying the Oregon Trail in third grade.

I’m passionate about discipling young people in their faith, from teaching the basics of the Gospel to defending Christianity with apologetics. My experience spans Sunday School, AWANA, VBS, and leading Bible studies for all ages.

This is my fourth year homeschooling and my first year tutoring at Anchor. My children loved Anchor so much last year that we decided to make it our full-time co-op. Now, I’m excited to share my gifts by tutoring.

When I’m not teaching, I’m busy with domestic hobbies like sewing, knitting, gardening, or foraging berries for jam. I love taking my kids on hikes or visiting historical sites to bring nature and history into their lives.

CRYSTAL LANE

STEM
I was a 6-12th grade youth pastor for over 6 years and helped to homeschool my 4 kids. My family began homeschooling our kids around 2012. I was inspired to be a part of the co-op because I really enjoy teaching the subjects I love and know. And carpentry is something I know kids can use in their lives.

I like to learn about bible history, applicable life skills, business administration, and personal development.

I love teaching carpentry, business, finances, and spiritual life.

I am interested in Mountain biking, snowboarding, camping, off-roading, being outdoors.

I love to make people laugh. There will be laughter in my classroom. Music to break the silence. Involvement of all students as much as possible.

  

  
  

Anchor Homeschool Academy

Messiah Lutheran Church
16725 Highview Ave
Lakeville, MN 55044