Contact Us
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You may contact the School Board at board@tcgis.org.
Currently, the Board email goes to all Board members and the Executive Director. |
Meet the Board Members
SAM WALLING - Board Chair
Seated October 2017
Term Ends June 2020
Email: swalling@tcgis.org
I am the parent of two children who have attended TCGIS since Kindergarten, and who will be entering 3rd and 5th grade for the 2018/2019 school year. Given the impact that TCGIS has on my children and hundreds of others, in the form of day-to-day experiences and a lifelong education, I am strongly committed to ensuring that the school thrives in the present and prepares for the future.
I bring with me the experience of having studied German through college, and lived and travelled abroad throughout Europe and Asia. This allows me to appreciate the value of diverse experiences, and the power of providing children with fluency in a second language that will stay with them forever. I also bring with me the experience of having represented corporations and individuals in courts across the country for the past ten years. These experiences allow me to appreciate the importance of listening, collecting different viewpoints, and collaboratively arriving at a strategy for successfully resolving complex disputes that involve numerous stakeholders.
I believe in supporting and investing in the institutions that matter most in our lives. TCGIS is such a place. As a result, it is my mission to ensure that TCGIS provides each student with a superior learning experience, with German immersion at its core, that prepares students for success in high school, college, and life. It is my honor to be entrusted with such a task.
Seated October 2017
Term Ends June 2020
Email: swalling@tcgis.org
I am the parent of two children who have attended TCGIS since Kindergarten, and who will be entering 3rd and 5th grade for the 2018/2019 school year. Given the impact that TCGIS has on my children and hundreds of others, in the form of day-to-day experiences and a lifelong education, I am strongly committed to ensuring that the school thrives in the present and prepares for the future.
I bring with me the experience of having studied German through college, and lived and travelled abroad throughout Europe and Asia. This allows me to appreciate the value of diverse experiences, and the power of providing children with fluency in a second language that will stay with them forever. I also bring with me the experience of having represented corporations and individuals in courts across the country for the past ten years. These experiences allow me to appreciate the importance of listening, collecting different viewpoints, and collaboratively arriving at a strategy for successfully resolving complex disputes that involve numerous stakeholders.
I believe in supporting and investing in the institutions that matter most in our lives. TCGIS is such a place. As a result, it is my mission to ensure that TCGIS provides each student with a superior learning experience, with German immersion at its core, that prepares students for success in high school, college, and life. It is my honor to be entrusted with such a task.
JULIE ALKATOUT - Board Vice Chair, Administrative Liaison Committee Chair
Seated June 2018
Term Ends June 2021
Email: jalkatout@tcgis.org
I’ve been an engaged parent at TCGIS since 2011, and have three children who will all complete the K-8 TCGIS program. This (18-19) school year, we have a 7th grader, 2nd grader, and a preschooler who will eventually join and graduate TCGIS in 2028. Our family is thrilled to be part of the amazing TCGIS community and the opportunities our unique immersion school provides.
Having studied German in high school, I continued German language studies at St. Olaf College and loved spending a semester abroad at the University of Konstanz, Germany. This European travel experience broadened my worldview, and helps tremendously as I work as a principal scientist at Medtronic, a global medical device company with 80,000 employees from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
I believe the education our children receive at TCGIS provides exceptional value as a public school that generates bilingual Americans who are culturally attune and globally-minded. With my education and training in chemistry (St. Olaf), biomedical engineering (U of MN), and 20 years’ experience in scientific research and development, I will apply professional skills in critical-thinking, strategic-planning, data-based decision making, project management, teamwork, and collaboration to the TCGIS Board of Directors.
I look forward to helping the school plan for the future and transition from a period of continuous growth to a period of stability and strength when we can focus on the educational program for the children and professional development and career satisfaction for our teachers and staff.
Seated June 2018
Term Ends June 2021
Email: jalkatout@tcgis.org
I’ve been an engaged parent at TCGIS since 2011, and have three children who will all complete the K-8 TCGIS program. This (18-19) school year, we have a 7th grader, 2nd grader, and a preschooler who will eventually join and graduate TCGIS in 2028. Our family is thrilled to be part of the amazing TCGIS community and the opportunities our unique immersion school provides.
Having studied German in high school, I continued German language studies at St. Olaf College and loved spending a semester abroad at the University of Konstanz, Germany. This European travel experience broadened my worldview, and helps tremendously as I work as a principal scientist at Medtronic, a global medical device company with 80,000 employees from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
I believe the education our children receive at TCGIS provides exceptional value as a public school that generates bilingual Americans who are culturally attune and globally-minded. With my education and training in chemistry (St. Olaf), biomedical engineering (U of MN), and 20 years’ experience in scientific research and development, I will apply professional skills in critical-thinking, strategic-planning, data-based decision making, project management, teamwork, and collaboration to the TCGIS Board of Directors.
I look forward to helping the school plan for the future and transition from a period of continuous growth to a period of stability and strength when we can focus on the educational program for the children and professional development and career satisfaction for our teachers and staff.
DIANNE BELL - Fundraising & Development Committee Chair, Parent Community Member
Seated October 2017
Term Ends June 2020
Email: dbell@tcgis.org
I have always been passionate about German and education, because German matters! I live in SW Minneapolis and both of my sons (5th and 7th grades) are at TCGIS. I'm a native speaker with a BA in German Literature and the equivalent of a minor in Spanish from Carleton College. After graduation I spent a year at the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg on a Fulbright Scholarship studying German dialect literature. I also have an MBA in Marketing from the University of St. Thomas. Professionally, I have over 20 years of corporate sales and marketing experience working for global engineering companies, including 3 years working at Honeywell's German headquarters outside of Frankfurt.
As a board member I look forward to applying my experience in marketing and communications in ways that will help and support the TCGIS community continue to grow and thrive.
Seated October 2017
Term Ends June 2020
Email: dbell@tcgis.org
I have always been passionate about German and education, because German matters! I live in SW Minneapolis and both of my sons (5th and 7th grades) are at TCGIS. I'm a native speaker with a BA in German Literature and the equivalent of a minor in Spanish from Carleton College. After graduation I spent a year at the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg on a Fulbright Scholarship studying German dialect literature. I also have an MBA in Marketing from the University of St. Thomas. Professionally, I have over 20 years of corporate sales and marketing experience working for global engineering companies, including 3 years working at Honeywell's German headquarters outside of Frankfurt.
As a board member I look forward to applying my experience in marketing and communications in ways that will help and support the TCGIS community continue to grow and thrive.
STEPHANIE FORSLAND - Governance Chair
Seated June 2017
Term Ends 2019
Email: sforsland@tcgis.org
My twin daughters both attend TCGIS and have spoken German and English since they were toddlers. I lived in Stuttgart and attended the Waldorf Schule for a number of my elementary school years. I studied German in high school (Chicago-area) and at Macalester College, returning to Baden Württemberg for a semester of study at the University of Tübingen. This past summer (2017) was my twelfth year on staff at Concordia Language Village’s German-immersion summer camp, Waldsee. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Geography, a Master of Urban Planning, and a secondary school teaching license. I have professional experience in urban planning and design, historic preservation, journalism, and graphic design. Since 2000, I have been an Advanced Placement teacher at St. Anthony Village High School. In my free time, I volunteer with Circus Juventas, Pas de Deux ballet studio, and Girl Scouts. I am an avid distance runner and practice yoga, and put my carpentry, painting, and design skills to work while restoring historic furniture and our home, a 1904 eclectic neo-colonial Foursquare.
Seated June 2017
Term Ends 2019
Email: sforsland@tcgis.org
My twin daughters both attend TCGIS and have spoken German and English since they were toddlers. I lived in Stuttgart and attended the Waldorf Schule for a number of my elementary school years. I studied German in high school (Chicago-area) and at Macalester College, returning to Baden Württemberg for a semester of study at the University of Tübingen. This past summer (2017) was my twelfth year on staff at Concordia Language Village’s German-immersion summer camp, Waldsee. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Geography, a Master of Urban Planning, and a secondary school teaching license. I have professional experience in urban planning and design, historic preservation, journalism, and graphic design. Since 2000, I have been an Advanced Placement teacher at St. Anthony Village High School. In my free time, I volunteer with Circus Juventas, Pas de Deux ballet studio, and Girl Scouts. I am an avid distance runner and practice yoga, and put my carpentry, painting, and design skills to work while restoring historic furniture and our home, a 1904 eclectic neo-colonial Foursquare.
KELLY LAUDON - Secretary
Seated June 2016
Term ends June 2019
E-mail: klaudon@tcgis.org
As a parent of four young children with plans to send each of them to TCGIS, I have a tremendous interest in seeing the school thrive. I am a partner at the law firm of Lindquist & Vennum LLP in Minneapolis, and represent companies in court actions, arbitration, and mediation in a wide variety of business disputes. My experience as a business litigator gives me insight and experience in how conflicts arise and how to navigate through and resolve conflict in a healthy and productive way.
Having lived in Berlin, Germany for two years, among other places, I appreciate how different cultures approach issues differently and believe that diversity of opinion and experience leads to stronger organizations.
I have strong communication and negotiation skills that enable me to identify issues and problem-solve with people in a positive and constructive way. I am also committed to listening, and believe that listening to and considering the perspective of all stakeholders in an organization is important to its stability and growth.
The teachers, administrators, students, parents, and community members are all valued members of the TCGIS community, and it is critical to consider all of their viewpoints in making decisions that affect the school and its community. TCGIS is a special place with a strong community of people, and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve and help shape the place where my children learn and grow.
Seated June 2016
Term ends June 2019
E-mail: klaudon@tcgis.org
As a parent of four young children with plans to send each of them to TCGIS, I have a tremendous interest in seeing the school thrive. I am a partner at the law firm of Lindquist & Vennum LLP in Minneapolis, and represent companies in court actions, arbitration, and mediation in a wide variety of business disputes. My experience as a business litigator gives me insight and experience in how conflicts arise and how to navigate through and resolve conflict in a healthy and productive way.
Having lived in Berlin, Germany for two years, among other places, I appreciate how different cultures approach issues differently and believe that diversity of opinion and experience leads to stronger organizations.
I have strong communication and negotiation skills that enable me to identify issues and problem-solve with people in a positive and constructive way. I am also committed to listening, and believe that listening to and considering the perspective of all stakeholders in an organization is important to its stability and growth.
The teachers, administrators, students, parents, and community members are all valued members of the TCGIS community, and it is critical to consider all of their viewpoints in making decisions that affect the school and its community. TCGIS is a special place with a strong community of people, and I am honored to have the opportunity to serve and help shape the place where my children learn and grow.
NIC LUDWIG - Facilities Committee Chair
Seated August 2017
Term Ends June 2019
Email: nludwig@tcgis.org
I am excited to be supporting TCGIS by serving on the Board. I have one son in 2nd grade here, and his younger brother started 1st this fall. Our family has been very pleased with our strong school community and the excellent opportunity to have the boys learn a second language through an immersion program. My heritage is 50% German and I want my kids to learn more about their heritage.
We live in the Como area, and appreciate that TCGIS plays a part in creating a vibrant neighborhood here. I have a professional background in finance, entrepreneurship, non-profit board experience and childcare.
I hope to bring a fresh, common-sense approach to Board conversations and decisions.
Seated August 2017
Term Ends June 2019
Email: nludwig@tcgis.org
I am excited to be supporting TCGIS by serving on the Board. I have one son in 2nd grade here, and his younger brother started 1st this fall. Our family has been very pleased with our strong school community and the excellent opportunity to have the boys learn a second language through an immersion program. My heritage is 50% German and I want my kids to learn more about their heritage.
We live in the Como area, and appreciate that TCGIS plays a part in creating a vibrant neighborhood here. I have a professional background in finance, entrepreneurship, non-profit board experience and childcare.
I hope to bring a fresh, common-sense approach to Board conversations and decisions.
JENNEKE OOSTERHOFF - Parent Teacher Liaison
Seated June 2015
Term ends June 2020
Email: joosterhoff@tcgis.org
I am a native of the Netherlands and came to the US in 1991. I received my PhD in German literature from Washington University in Saint Louis in 1998. I have since been teaching at the University of Minnesota as a lecturer in Dutch and German.
I have a lot of experience in teaching, mentoring and training beginning teachers and curriculum development. I care a lot about teaching excellence and innovative teaching methods. As a teacher liaison on the board of the Twin Cities German Immersion School, I hope to connect with teachers, get to know teaching practices and learn about curricular decisions. I hope to be a valuable connection between TCGIS and the Department of German, Scandinavian and Dutch at the University of Minnesota.
The vitality of German programs in K-12 education is important for the survival of German at the college level. Bridging the gap between eighth grade and PSEO (post-secondary enrollment option) at the University of Minnesota is one of the issues I would like to address. To that end, I would love to connect with parents of graduates who want to continue their German studies.
Seated June 2015
Term ends June 2020
Email: joosterhoff@tcgis.org
I am a native of the Netherlands and came to the US in 1991. I received my PhD in German literature from Washington University in Saint Louis in 1998. I have since been teaching at the University of Minnesota as a lecturer in Dutch and German.
I have a lot of experience in teaching, mentoring and training beginning teachers and curriculum development. I care a lot about teaching excellence and innovative teaching methods. As a teacher liaison on the board of the Twin Cities German Immersion School, I hope to connect with teachers, get to know teaching practices and learn about curricular decisions. I hope to be a valuable connection between TCGIS and the Department of German, Scandinavian and Dutch at the University of Minnesota.
The vitality of German programs in K-12 education is important for the survival of German at the college level. Bridging the gap between eighth grade and PSEO (post-secondary enrollment option) at the University of Minnesota is one of the issues I would like to address. To that end, I would love to connect with parents of graduates who want to continue their German studies.
CHRISTOPHER TABISZ - Teacher Board Member
Seated July 2018
Term Ends July 2021
Email: ctabisz@tcgis.org
I am in my second year teaching middle school Social Studies at TCGIS. Although I’m new to TCGIS, I’ve been teaching German among other languages for the past ten years in many different educational settings, from progressive education schools to the traditional Gymnasium in former East Germany and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison to Waldsee.
During my graduate career in Madison, I served on two boards of directors, the first being the Madison-Freiburg Sister City Committee under the authority and supervision of the Mayor of Madison. I acted as a liaison between the Sister City Committee and the UW-Madison and the greater Madison German-speaking community. The second board was that of the German School of Madison. For three years, I served as one of the founding board members and the teacher liaison. In my last year, I also acted as the school’s administrator.
Seated July 2018
Term Ends July 2021
Email: ctabisz@tcgis.org
I am in my second year teaching middle school Social Studies at TCGIS. Although I’m new to TCGIS, I’ve been teaching German among other languages for the past ten years in many different educational settings, from progressive education schools to the traditional Gymnasium in former East Germany and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison to Waldsee.
During my graduate career in Madison, I served on two boards of directors, the first being the Madison-Freiburg Sister City Committee under the authority and supervision of the Mayor of Madison. I acted as a liaison between the Sister City Committee and the UW-Madison and the greater Madison German-speaking community. The second board was that of the German School of Madison. For three years, I served as one of the founding board members and the teacher liaison. In my last year, I also acted as the school’s administrator.
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HoursM-F:
7.30am - 4pm |
Tel & Fax651-492-7106
651-330-2270 |
Address |
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Authorizer:
University of St. Thomas 2115 Summit Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105 dana.peterson@stthomas.edu Phone: 651-962-4372 |