Drew has led River Grove since its founding in 2017, guiding it to becoming one of the most successful new charter schools in Minnesota. Drew has significant experience in the charter school world, with over fourteen years in school leadership. He has been instrumental in the success of charter school start-ups, including Mission Heights Preparatory High School. Mission Heights earned several awards, including the highly sought “A rating” from the Arizona Department of Education. Drew is excited for the future of River Grove as it seeks to become a top institute of environmental learning. His past experience also includes work as a guidance counselor, teacher, coach and athletic director. Drew grew up in the Twin Cities and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in strategic communication and history. In his spare time he enjoys playing and watching sports as well as spending time with his wife and two girls. Drew is also a proud River Grove parent!

Jessica serves the school in a variety of capacities including instructional leadership, staff development and daily programming. Jessica has been integral to our school’s start up, continuation and success as a former teacher and Board Chair. She has over 25 years of experience in a variety of public and private educational settings, including her role as an area preschool Director. She is skilled at designing innovative curriculum, nurturing student strengths and creating a cheerful school culture. She has a psychology degree from Bethel University, holds a K-12 ELL License and Master of Education Degree from the U of M. Jessica and her family have lived in the St. Croix Valley countryside since 2007. She grew up on a 3rd generation farm and enjoys gardening, caring for animals and exploring beautiful places. As a former school parent, she can attest to the exceptional gift of a River Grove education!

Derek Petersen is delighted to continue working with the students and staff of River Grove. Having graduated with a Bachelors in Studio Art and a Masters in Architecture, he came to the school through a unique route. His concern for the life of children has always been strong, having written his thesis on designing our neighborhoods to nurture child-directed play, “Back on the Streets: Architecture for Adolescent Leisure in the City.” After practicing as an architect for a decade and teaching drawing in the university, he came to River Grove initially as a parent and paraprofessional, continued as a Special Education teacher and is now serving in the school office. Outside of school, Derek enjoys wearing overalls, reading (mostly nonfiction, but he can be persuaded otherwise), drawing houses, going on bike rides or walks with his family, storytelling, and laughing as loudly as the setting permits.

Kayla grew up in Minnesota and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a certificate in Early Childhood Special Education. She has taught a variety of primary grades as well as K-6 Title 1 Reading. She is excited to begin her 14th year of teaching! She brings her love of literacy and nature-based learning to create a safe learning environment that fosters curiosity and is welcoming for all individuals. Growing up, Kayla has the best memories of boating, fishing, sledding, and exploring at her grandparents’ home in Canada, going to the North Shore with her parents and sisters, and going to several camps, including her favorite in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. Kayla recently moved back from Arizona and resides in the small town of Centerville. She is a wife, a mother of two young daughters, as well as a dog mama of her almost 12-year-old shih’tzu, Pongo. Outside of the classroom, Kayla is reading to her kids and herself, making her new-ish house a home, going to the family cabin, playing mahjong with her sisters and re-exploring Minnesota with her husband and family.

Kerry grew up in rural Wisconsin and earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Wisconsin–Stout. She then moved to Arizona, where she spent 17 years teaching in a variety of grade levels. During that time, she earned a master's degree in Reading and Language Arts from Walden University, deepening her passion for helping students develop strong reading and writing skills. In 2018, Kerry relocated to Minnesota, where she discovered a love for environmental and agricultural education. During the summers, she works as a summer naturalist at Wargo Nature Center and is actively involved with Minnesota Agriculture in the Classroom through teacher field trips, conferences, and her role as an educator advisor. She is passionate about creating hands-on learning experiences that connect students with nature, agriculture, and their local community. Outside the classroom, Kerry enjoys reading, crafting, and gardening. She also loves camping, hiking, and exploring nature and historic sites with family and friends, always looking for new places to learn and discover.

Meghan Ondracek is a Stillwater native, a University of Minnesota graduate, and a River Grove parent. She earned her B.S. in Foundations of Education and holds licenses in Elementary Education and Communication Arts and Literature (5-8).  Meghan has a wide variety of teaching experience at the elementary level, including academic support in reading and math, inquiry based instruction, and Montessori experience. Along with bringing her passion for children’s literature and child-led discovery to the classroom, Meghan loves motivating students through hands-on, high interest educational experiences.

Sophie earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from Northern Michigan University and her Master's Degree in Elementary Education through Grand Canyon University. Before coming to River Grove, she taught second grade and kindergarten. She is committed to creating a positive, hands-on learning environment where students are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and develop a love of learning through meaningful experiences. One of her greatest passions is incorporating nature and outdoor learning into the classroom. Growing up, she was always encouraged to spend time outside and use her creativity in the outdoors. She looks forward to sharing that same sense of curiosity, imagination, and adventure with her students. Outside of school, she enjoys staying active through exercise and running—she currently training for her first half marathon! She also loves camping, hiking, traveling, making sourdough and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is looking forward to a wonderful school year filled with learning, growth, creativity and memorable experiences!

Leah graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education as well as Elementary Education and earned a Master of Education from the University of Minnesota. Prior to coming to River Grove, she taught in a traditional elementary classroom as well as a nature-based preschool. In addition, she led Camp Invention, where she enjoyed creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences for children. Leah is excited to continue teaching in a nature-based setting, where she can foster curiosity, exploration, and a love of learning through outdoor experiences. She believes children learn best through hands-on experiences and meaningful connections with the natural world, and she is passionate about creating a classroom where every child feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged to grow. Outside of the classroom, Leah enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, biking, and traveling. She also enjoys crocheting, painting, board games and playing the French Horn.

Annie Wildenauer is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. She is exited to continue teaching 5th grade at River Grove. Prior to coming to River Grove, Annie taught 1st grade for three years. She then took some time to raise her two young children while simultaneously working as a substitute teacher in the Stillwater school district. Annie is committed to creating a positive classroom community where students are engaged in hands-on experiences and have a love for learning.  Growing up, the outdoors were a significant part of her childhood and she believes that all children should experience the wonder, creativity and imagination nature can offer. Annie loves bringing her passion for the outdoors to the classroom and witnessing the benefits of nature-based education come to life for her students. Outside of school, Annie enjoys camping, hiking, biking, skiing, reading, gardening, doing anything in or near water and spending time with her family and friends. 

Shelly Vrambout holds a degree in Academic Behavioral Strategy from Augsburg University. Prior to joining the River Grove team in 2019, she spent six years working in the special education department at Stillwater Area High School. She believes that experiential hands-on learning not only promotes academic growth but essential life skills. She takes pride in developing genuine relationships with parents and students in order to provide intentional interest-based lessons, keeping students engaged and excited about learning. Shelly enjoys spending time with her three children and dog Charles Bartowski. Shelly is proud to be a part of River Grove and is looking forward to the days ahead filled with exploration and discovery. She adds, “I am blessed to be a part of such an amazing caring, supportive, and talented community!”

Shelly graduated from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls with a Bachelor of Science in Broad Area Art Education (K-12) and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting. She taught early childhood at a Reggio inspired Montessori in St. Paul for four years before coming to River Grove. She started her journey at River Grove in 2018 as a paraprofessional in Special Education and began teaching Special Education in 2021. Shelly is dedicated to building collaborative relationships with staff, families, and students to ensure the best possible educational experience for all students. Shelly, her husband, and their son enjoy spending time together on their hobby farm in Shafer, MN. In her free time Shelly enjoys running her small art business, Orr Acres Farm LLC.

Kaitlyn Carlson lives in Franconia, MN with her husband and four kids on the bluffs of the St. Croix River. Her children have all attended River Grove. She holds a BA in Teaching English as a Second Language from Northwestern College as well as a masters degree in Reading. She began her teaching career as a Title 1 reading teacher. She combines her 18 years of teaching experience with this unique learning setting and committed team of educators to provide students with an educational experience they will carry with them the rest of their lives. When she is not at school, you can find her listening to a good audiobook with knitting and coffee or playing games with her family.  

Sarah Jeatran grew up in Woodbury and currently resides in Lake Elmo. She pursued her degree at University of Wisconsin-River Falls, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Development. Coming into her 11th year of teaching, Sarah brings with her a wide variety of experiences and expertise to the classroom. She has a passion for learning through play, as well as nature-based learning. Outside of the classroom you can find Sarah chasing her toddler and two dogs, traveling to a new place, attempting to grow cut flowers, or curling up with a good book; typically a thriller.

Lauren is thrilled to continue serving as the Performing Arts Teacher at River Grove through Children’s Performing Arts in White Bear Lake. She is an actress and teacher from the Twin Cities, holding degrees in both Theatre and Early Childhood Education from the University of Northwestern- St. Paul. Previously, she has taught with Children’s Performing Arts and other organizations such as Anoka-Hennepin Public Schools, Park Square Theatre, and St. Paul Public Schools Community Education. Lauren is passionate about creating opportunities for students to engage in drama and dance. She loves sharing her passion for the arts! When not teaching or performing, you can find her singing or spending time outside.

Kathryn holds BA’s in Elementary Education and Spanish from Bethel University, as well as an MA from Bethel Seminary. After teaching several years in 1st grade at a local Spanish Immersion school and two years in 3rd grade at River Grove, Kathryn is thrilled to return to River Grove as the 4th and 5th grade band director. Kathryn brings both a passion for music education and extensive experience as a performer and instructor. She has participated in concert band, orchestra, jazz band, pep band, pit orchestra, and chamber ensembles throughout middle school, high school, and college, with flute/piccolo as her primary instrument. Kathryn also spent four summers working with the Mounds View Summer Band Program, assisting beginning students with woodwind, brass, and percussion instruction. She works to model grit, growth-mindset, and curiosity, and is committed to student-centered learning. Kathryn finds great joy in partnering with students and their families in a time of significant cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development. 

Brent has twenty years experience coaching health, fitness and sports. He holds a M.Ed. in Applied Kinesiology with advanced coursework in human development, behavioral science, anatomy and physiology. Brent has worked with people of all ages, and he loves working with youth. “River Grove Elementary is such a special place. Everyday is an opportunity to shape kids' attitudes toward the outdoors, play, and physical activity. My hope for every student is that positive experiences at River Grove will set them up for success as confident, capable kids.”