Who We Are

CHAIRPERSON

Rob has been active with Forest Lake Area Schools for over 25 years. He served on the Forest Lake Area School Board for 20 years, much of that time as Board Chair. Rob spent his career as a software engineer and currently works in medical devices. He lives in Scandia with his wife, Kim, and their three children all graduated from Forest Lake Area Schools.
“Our schools are the heart of our communities. Being able to give our kids the academic choices they need is critical to an education that excites and interests them. I am proud to be a part of an organization that helps fund these additional opportunities for kids.”

CHAIRPERSON

Kelly graduated from St. Cloud State University with a BA and MA in Special Education and an Educational Specialist Degree from Minnesota State University. She began her career teaching overseas, then spent nine years in South Washington County Schools before moving to Forest Lake. She is now completing her 20th year as a principal. She lives in Scandia with her husband, Steve, and their daughters Blair and Lydia.
“The generosity and dedication in the contributions to our schools and community from TEFFLA is truly remarkable. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to serve on the TEFFLA Board.”

SECRETARY

Julie spent her entire career with Forest Lake Area Schools before retiring, teaching at Forest View Elementary and later serving as Director of Community Education. She and her husband moved to Forest Lake in 1992, and their three children graduated from FLAHS. Julie also serves on the Forest Lake Area Children’s Fund Inc. and Forest Lake Lake Association boards and volunteers with multiple community organizations. She holds a BS in Elementary Education with music from UW–Eau Claire, and two master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota.
“I am grateful to have been part of the original group that worked to make TEFFLA a reality. I am thankful to be a member of the board to support educational experiences and innovative projects for our wonderful school district and community.”

TREASURER

Born and raised in Forest Lake, Jesse graduated from FLAHS in 1996. He earned degrees in Finance and Economics from the University of St. Thomas and returned to Forest Lake in 2002 to start a State Farm insurance and financial services practice. He and his wife, Shauna, have three children in Forest Lake Area Schools. Jesse is active in Rotary, serves on the YMCA board, and has served on the Forest Lake Chamber of Commerce.
“I am excited to begin a new opportunity of service with TEFFLA. It is a paramount goal for me that Forest Lake Area students are provided the opportunities they deserve.”

BOARD MEMBER

Ashley and her husband have owned Big Apple Bagels in Forest Lake since 2010, with Ashley as sole owner since 2019. She is active in the Career Launch Program, Forest Lake Area High School Business Advisory Board, and has been a volunteer coordinator for Stomp Out Suicide since 2017. She also helps lead the Substance Prevention, Education and Action Coalition (SPEAC).
“Our students are amazing humans, and I am so excited to be involved in TEFFLA where I get to help bring resources and enrichment to their school career.”

BOARD MEMBER

Laurie grew up in Rhode Island and moved to Minnesota for college. She is the principal at Wyoming Elementary, with over 20 years in the district teaching and leading in multiple roles. She lives in Forest Lake with her husband, Chad, and their two children. Laurie enjoys gardening, biking, traveling, and training her new puppy, Leo.
“I’m thrilled to be back on the TEFFLA Board again. It’s wonderful to be part of a group that cares so deeply about students.”

BOARD MEMBER

Jill has had the privilege of working in every school in the Forest Lake School District since beginning as a School Psychologist in 2003. Jill has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Iowa State University, completed graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse to become a School Psychologist, as well as further studies at Hamline University in Special Education Administration. Jill lives in the Forest Lake Area with her husband Jake. Their two children are both students in Forest Lake Area Schools. Jill volunteers with her children’s activities, including Girl Scouts and several area youth sports associations. In her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, learning new things through reading and traveling, and various crafts.

“As a previous grant recipient, I am excited to be joining the TEFFLA Board in order to give back to an organization that has invested in so many innovative educational ideas for students in the Forest Lake Area.”

BOARD MEMBER

Jill has lived in Forest Lake for 30 years. Her two children graduated from FLAHS, and she has two grandchildren currently in district schools. She earned a BS from the University of Minnesota and has worked for 25 years as a Site Director for a cryostorage company. She also served two terms on the Forest Lake Area School Board.
“I am thrilled to be serving on the TEFFLA Board. As a former school board member, I have seen the wonderful programs, projects, and children that TEFFLA supports.”

BOARD MEMBER

Kate grew up in Long Island and moved to Minnesota for work. She and her husband, Lars, have lived in Forest Lake since 2004, raising three children. Kate earned her MBA from St. Thomas and has served on the Forest Lake Area School Board and other state boards. She works with various organizations and guest teaches in schools.
“I proudly serve on the TEFFLA Board, where our hard work and hands-on approach demonstrate our 100% focus on the well-being of our kids.”

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Kate graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth and has lived in Forest Lake since 1988. She taught in Chisago Lakes and Forest Lake Area Schools for 33 years before retiring in 2021. She now volunteers in the community. She and her husband, Steve, raised three sons who all graduated from FLAHS.
“As a former teacher in the Forest Lake Area Schools, I have been able to witness the benefits of the TEFFLA organization firsthand.”

EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBER

Steve is the superintendent of Forest Lake Area Schools, with a career spanning assistant principal, principal, and district leadership. He and his wife, Kate, have three sons who graduated from the district. He also serves on several community boards. He holds degrees from Loras College, the University of Minnesota Duluth, and a doctorate from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
“Our greatest community asset is the education we provide for our students. TEFFLA enriches student learning opportunities through the generous contributions of others.”

BOARD MEMBER

Gretchen is the principal at Linwood Elementary. She has over 20 years of experience in Roseville and Minneapolis Public Schools and is passionate about mentoring staff and centering students in her work. She lives in the area with her two children and enjoys knitting, traveling, baking, and spending time with family.
“I am thrilled to be a member of the TEFFLA Board. Our school has been blessed by grants awarded from TEFFLA.”