TCGIS Board of Directors
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. Board Committee Structure & Membership 2019-2020 School-Wide Goals 2019-2020 |
Meet the Board Members
JULIE ALKATOUT - Board 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 attending this 2019-2020 school year, in Kindergarten, 3rd grade and 8th grade. We plan to be with the school until our youngest graduates 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 over 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.
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 attending this 2019-2020 school year, in Kindergarten, 3rd grade and 8th grade. We plan to be with the school until our youngest graduates 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 over 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.
STEPHANIE FORSLAND - Board Vice Chair, Governance and Leadership Development Committee Chair
Seated June 2017
Term Ends June 2020
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 summer is my fourteenth 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 June 2020
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 summer is my fourteenth 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.
EMILY ALBERS - Teacher Board Member
Seated September 2019
Term Ends June 2020
Email: ealbers@tcgis.org
I am in my second year here as an elementary and middle school English teacher at TCGIS. I taught third-grade and fifth-grade last year. This year, I was fortunate to loop with my third graders into fourth and receive a great new group of fifth graders. I am fortunate to have cousins who attend TCGIS and am committed to helping TCGIS be a great place to learn and grow. I’ve also been involved in the Staff Council, leading the Student Council, and helping coach the Track & Field team as the Throws coach.
Before coming to TCGIS, I was at Concordia College in Moorhead studying to become an elementary classroom teacher with minors in psychology and Spanish. I also competed for our team’s Track & Field team as a thrower. Concordia's unofficial motto that I have come to adopt as my own is ‘Becoming Responsibly Engaged in the World’ or B.R.E.W.-ing. I see this as something to live by personally and professionally and I am excited to add my voice to the board while I continue to start my career in a school that’s better than I could have imagined.
Seated September 2019
Term Ends June 2020
Email: ealbers@tcgis.org
I am in my second year here as an elementary and middle school English teacher at TCGIS. I taught third-grade and fifth-grade last year. This year, I was fortunate to loop with my third graders into fourth and receive a great new group of fifth graders. I am fortunate to have cousins who attend TCGIS and am committed to helping TCGIS be a great place to learn and grow. I’ve also been involved in the Staff Council, leading the Student Council, and helping coach the Track & Field team as the Throws coach.
Before coming to TCGIS, I was at Concordia College in Moorhead studying to become an elementary classroom teacher with minors in psychology and Spanish. I also competed for our team’s Track & Field team as a thrower. Concordia's unofficial motto that I have come to adopt as my own is ‘Becoming Responsibly Engaged in the World’ or B.R.E.W.-ing. I see this as something to live by personally and professionally and I am excited to add my voice to the board while I continue to start my career in a school that’s better than I could have imagined.
DIANNE BELL - Fundraising & Development Committee Chair
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 (6th and 8th 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 (6th and 8th 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.
RICHARD HEID - Treasurer, Finance and Facilities Committee Co-Chair
Seated July 2019
Term Ends June 2022
Email: rheid@tcgis.org
My only daughter is a first grader here at TCGIS. She is very proud of her school and looks forward to school every day. Both my wife and I have been engaged parents since day one. Having limited German abilities, our family looks forward to developing our skills together.
My employment background focuses on content management, implementing legal and compliance directives in the financial services industry. I am currently employed as a Global Forms Analyst at MoneyGram International where I get to work in the 80+ languages MoneyGram utilizes. Educational background in Global Economic Development and Computer Science.
I feel a strong education is the most important thing we can provide for our children to ensure them a happy and fulfilling life. An education involving language immersion from an early age has many benefits, including expanded development, empathy, and worldview.
Seated July 2019
Term Ends June 2022
Email: rheid@tcgis.org
My only daughter is a first grader here at TCGIS. She is very proud of her school and looks forward to school every day. Both my wife and I have been engaged parents since day one. Having limited German abilities, our family looks forward to developing our skills together.
My employment background focuses on content management, implementing legal and compliance directives in the financial services industry. I am currently employed as a Global Forms Analyst at MoneyGram International where I get to work in the 80+ languages MoneyGram utilizes. Educational background in Global Economic Development and Computer Science.
I feel a strong education is the most important thing we can provide for our children to ensure them a happy and fulfilling life. An education involving language immersion from an early age has many benefits, including expanded development, empathy, and worldview.
SAM IMBO - Community Board Member, Staff Liaison
Seated July 2019
Term Ends June 2021
Email: simbo@tcgis.org
My wife and I have lived in the Como Park area since 1999. We are the parents of an only child who had an excellent education in the Saint Paul Public Schools system (attending Crossroads Montessori, Capitol Hill, Highland Park and Central High School). I hope to bring our experience from engagement with these diverse schools to TCGIS. My academic training is in political philosophy and I have been part of the Hamline University Philosophy Department since 1996, starting a three-year appointment as chair of the department in July 2018. I combine my training in philosophy with an interest in study abroad, and I have led study abroad trips to Kenya, Jamaica and England.
For more than 20 years, four principles have guided my work as an educator: 1) honest engagement with diversity in its many forms, 2) international learning, 3) responsible use of technology, and 4) maintaining high standards.
My goal as a board member is to contribute to making opportunities for our students to connect their education to a broader range of Minnesotan and American cultural life. Ultimately through these connections we can help them develop views of the world that foster interactions that increase understanding between peoples.
Seated July 2019
Term Ends June 2021
Email: simbo@tcgis.org
My wife and I have lived in the Como Park area since 1999. We are the parents of an only child who had an excellent education in the Saint Paul Public Schools system (attending Crossroads Montessori, Capitol Hill, Highland Park and Central High School). I hope to bring our experience from engagement with these diverse schools to TCGIS. My academic training is in political philosophy and I have been part of the Hamline University Philosophy Department since 1996, starting a three-year appointment as chair of the department in July 2018. I combine my training in philosophy with an interest in study abroad, and I have led study abroad trips to Kenya, Jamaica and England.
For more than 20 years, four principles have guided my work as an educator: 1) honest engagement with diversity in its many forms, 2) international learning, 3) responsible use of technology, and 4) maintaining high standards.
My goal as a board member is to contribute to making opportunities for our students to connect their education to a broader range of Minnesotan and American cultural life. Ultimately through these connections we can help them develop views of the world that foster interactions that increase understanding between peoples.
Rich Iwen - Communication and Outreach Committee Chair
Seated June 2019
Term Ends June 2022
E-mail: riwen@tcgis.org
I'm the father of a 3rd grader, and grew up speaking German at home. I majored in German and History at St. Olaf College, and now work in data analytics at Thomson Reuters. My family and I live in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. I believe that bilingual education can help children grow to be thoughtful, curious, empathetic global citizens. As a board member I’ll use my analytical and communication skills on behalf of TCGIS and its continued success in providing a unique education to its students.
Seated June 2019
Term Ends June 2022
E-mail: riwen@tcgis.org
I'm the father of a 3rd grader, and grew up speaking German at home. I majored in German and History at St. Olaf College, and now work in data analytics at Thomson Reuters. My family and I live in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. I believe that bilingual education can help children grow to be thoughtful, curious, empathetic global citizens. As a board member I’ll use my analytical and communication skills on behalf of TCGIS and its continued success in providing a unique education to its students.
LISA LINNELL - Workplace Culture and Innovative Education Committee Chair, Administrative Liaison
Seated June 2019
Term Ends June 2022
Email: llinnell@tcgis.org
My family and I have lived in the Como neighborhood since 2006. My daughter will start sixth grade at TCGIS in fall 2019 and has been at TCGIS since kindergarten. Her class was the first to start at the Como Avenue location in 2013. We chose TCGIS thoughtfully and deliberately for her education because we want her to face the world with a spirit of optimism, to recognize and seize the opportunities available to her world-wide. Her German studies at TCGIS have enriched her education and her life immensely; I want this unique opportunity to be available to Twin Cities’ students for many years to come.
Professionally I am on the Corporate Responsibility team at Target, focusing on products that are better for people, planet, and communities. Prior to moving to MN in 2005, I was a legislative aide for U.S. Senator Kent Conrad in Washington D.C. I am a graduate of Carleton College with B.A. in History and served as a legislative intern for U.S. Congressman Jim Oberstar while in college. I am also a classically trained pastry chef.
I bring to the board experience in strategy development, communication and stakeholder engagement, and a drive to identify partners that can bring TCGIS’s future plans to life. My daughter will be graduating from TCGIS in three short years and moving to St Paul Central High School. I want to contribute to the school’s continued long-term success and keep TCGIS’s status as an attractive and preferred option for parents around the Twin Cities. Solid academic achievement grounded in German language studies, a physical environment that meets students’ and teachers’ needs, and enriching partnerships and unique language and cultural opportunities outside the classroom are my highest priorities as a board member.
Seated June 2019
Term Ends June 2022
Email: llinnell@tcgis.org
My family and I have lived in the Como neighborhood since 2006. My daughter will start sixth grade at TCGIS in fall 2019 and has been at TCGIS since kindergarten. Her class was the first to start at the Como Avenue location in 2013. We chose TCGIS thoughtfully and deliberately for her education because we want her to face the world with a spirit of optimism, to recognize and seize the opportunities available to her world-wide. Her German studies at TCGIS have enriched her education and her life immensely; I want this unique opportunity to be available to Twin Cities’ students for many years to come.
Professionally I am on the Corporate Responsibility team at Target, focusing on products that are better for people, planet, and communities. Prior to moving to MN in 2005, I was a legislative aide for U.S. Senator Kent Conrad in Washington D.C. I am a graduate of Carleton College with B.A. in History and served as a legislative intern for U.S. Congressman Jim Oberstar while in college. I am also a classically trained pastry chef.
I bring to the board experience in strategy development, communication and stakeholder engagement, and a drive to identify partners that can bring TCGIS’s future plans to life. My daughter will be graduating from TCGIS in three short years and moving to St Paul Central High School. I want to contribute to the school’s continued long-term success and keep TCGIS’s status as an attractive and preferred option for parents around the Twin Cities. Solid academic achievement grounded in German language studies, a physical environment that meets students’ and teachers’ needs, and enriching partnerships and unique language and cultural opportunities outside the classroom are my highest priorities as a board member.
NIC LUDWIG - Finance & Facilities Committee Co-Chair
Seated August 2017
Term Ends June 2021
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 2021
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.
SILKE MOELLER - Community Board Member, Staff Liaison
Seated July 2019
Term Ends June 2020
Email: smoeller@tcgis.org
As a native German, I experienced the German school system myself, and grew up deeply rooted in the German culture. For the past 20 years, I have lived in Minneapolis and have experienced all stages of integrating into a new culture. Now, I feel lucky and proud to have both a German and an American passport and call the Twin Cities home. I work at the University of Minnesota as an Academic Technologist. As a long-time contributing TCGIS community member, I have a deep institutional knowledge of the early days of TCGIS, which are relevant to the school's challenges and opportunities of today.
I have strongly supported TCGIS since its opening in 2005 and I am dedicated to its continued success. My son was a member of TCGIS’s second graduating class. Initially, I assumed the various roles of a “pioneer parent”, working together with school staff and other volunteers to establish the school. Later, I devoted time and energy to helping TCGIS to grow and thrive. I am one of the initiators of the 8th grade Capstone Exchange, which was part of the school founders’ vision for TCGIS. Supporting TCGIS has been a priority not just for me, but for my husband too, who served on the TCGIS board during the school’s early years.
We valued the quality education our son received at TCGIS. He is one of the first TCGIS graduates who successfully finished public high school and who now studies at a university in Europe. This experience has helped me understand the advantages and challenges of transitioning from TCGIS to high school and beyond.
Seated July 2019
Term Ends June 2020
Email: smoeller@tcgis.org
As a native German, I experienced the German school system myself, and grew up deeply rooted in the German culture. For the past 20 years, I have lived in Minneapolis and have experienced all stages of integrating into a new culture. Now, I feel lucky and proud to have both a German and an American passport and call the Twin Cities home. I work at the University of Minnesota as an Academic Technologist. As a long-time contributing TCGIS community member, I have a deep institutional knowledge of the early days of TCGIS, which are relevant to the school's challenges and opportunities of today.
I have strongly supported TCGIS since its opening in 2005 and I am dedicated to its continued success. My son was a member of TCGIS’s second graduating class. Initially, I assumed the various roles of a “pioneer parent”, working together with school staff and other volunteers to establish the school. Later, I devoted time and energy to helping TCGIS to grow and thrive. I am one of the initiators of the 8th grade Capstone Exchange, which was part of the school founders’ vision for TCGIS. Supporting TCGIS has been a priority not just for me, but for my husband too, who served on the TCGIS board during the school’s early years.
We valued the quality education our son received at TCGIS. He is one of the first TCGIS graduates who successfully finished public high school and who now studies at a university in Europe. This experience has helped me understand the advantages and challenges of transitioning from TCGIS to high school and beyond.
CHRISTOPHER TABISZ - Teacher Board Member, Parent Liaison
Seated July 2018
Term Ends June 2020
Email: ctabisz@tcgis.org
I am in my third year teaching middle school Social Studies at 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 June 2020
Email: ctabisz@tcgis.org
I am in my third year teaching middle school Social Studies at 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 |