Faculty
Our professors are distinguished scholars, active researchers, published writers, and faithful Christians who demonstrate what it means to be both Christ-followers and leaders in their academic fields. As mentors and role models, they play a huge role in the integration of faith and learning at Bethel.
Program Directors & Lead Faculty
Katie Bonawitz
| katie-bonawitz@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2007
Dr. Bonawitz is a 2020 Fulbright Teaching Grant recipient to Tomsk, Russia. She researched disabilities amidst world religions for her doctoral work. Other research areas of interest include serving individuals with disabilities across the world, principles of Finnish Education, collaboration with general and special education, and transformational teacher preparation. Her special education teaching specialties include history, legal issues, mild-moderate disabilities, and cultural and ling. . . read more.
Eydie Dyke-Shypulski
| eydie-shypulski@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
Dr. Eydie Dyke-Shypulski (LICSW) has served as the chair of the Department of Social Work at Bethel University, MSW program director, and professor of social work.
Amy Evans
Program Director | Core Faculty | Associate Professor | ale42385@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2018
Dr. Evans completed her undergraduate degree at Northwestern College, in St. Paul, Minnesota. She then completed a master's degree in counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has worked in a variety different counseling settings, including private practice, college counseling center, and inpatient substance use disorder treatment. She has teaching experience with counselors-in-training both online . . . read more.
Cynthia Goetz
PA Program Interim Director and Director of PA Academic Support | c-goetz@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2014
I have worked in the areas of Family Medicine, Urgent Care, Bariatric Medicine and Retail Medicine. My passion is serving the PA Profession in various leadership positions and teaching students about state and national practice issues of the PA profession.
Christy Hanson
Adjunct Professor | c-hanson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2012
Family Medicine; Orthopedics, specializing in spine care; Urgent Care
Leslie Helgerson
Program Director and Professor and Professor | sam-helgerson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2002
Jennifer Koenig Nelson
Core Faculty | Clinical Director | jen94387@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
Clinical Supervision and Training; Trauma and Loss; Self-Care and Burnout; Therapeutic Relationship; Identity Development; Relationship Development; and Issues of Faith and Spirituality in the therapeutic process
Jeanine Parolini
MBA Program Director, Associate Professor, Career Coach and Dissertation Advisor | j-parolini@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2007
Dr. Parolini has developed thousands of leaders in hundreds of organizations throughout the world. Her passion is to invest in principled people, leaders and learning organizations. Jeanine coaches leaders, teams and organizations to be continuous learners, self-aware, trustworthy, responsible, collaborative, empowering and innovative. She speaks and writes on a variety of topics involving effective leadership, teams and organizational life.
Tracy Reimer
Program Director, Professor | t-reimer@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2011
Tracy's research interests focus on effective school leadership practices specifically for marginalized and underrepresented populations. Topics include equity literacy, structural ideology, education gaps, and culturally responsive leadership. Tracy focuses on the daily actions of school principals that build a culture of a professional learning community and hold high expectations and value added instruction for all students.
Wendy Thompson, DNP, MPH, PHN, RN
| wendy-thompson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1998
Dr. Thompson is the Program Director for the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program that launched in spring, 2019. She is thrilled to be a part of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program and has taught at Bethel University since 1998. Wendy has over 30 years of experience in public health nursing and healthcare administration. Her interests include nursing leadership, population-focused health care, community engagement, health equity, and healthcare finance. She also has experience in curriculu. . . read more.
Deanna Towns
Core Faculty | Assistant Professor | d-towns@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2019
Core Faculty Assistant Professor Clinical Supervision; Trauma and Abuse; Development of Counseling Internationally; Virtues in Learning Acquisition; Cultural Diversity; Mentoring Deanna Towns earned her bachelor's degree in social work from University of Georgia, her master's in marriage and family therapy from Liberty University in Virginia, and her doctorate in counselor education and supervision at Regent University in Virginia. Prior to joining the Bethel community, Deanna worked as . . . read more.
Molly Wickam
Program Director, Faculty | m-wickam@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2005
Dr. Wickam is a Professor of Education and Business/Leadership and the Program Director for Bethel's MA Teaching and B.S. Business Management. She has a corporate background in software product marketing, insurance risk management, property & casualty claims and marketing, and was a small-business owner. She is also a former high school business and social studies teacher. She teaches a business capstone that contains a client-focused service-learning project, a marketing course, and variou. . . read more.
Katrina Wu
Program Director | katrina-wu@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2014
Katrina Wu is a certified nurse-midwife with expertise in home and birth center settings and developing sexual and reproductive healthcare services. Her clinical and research interests include innovative models for prenatal care delivery, increasing access to midwifery care in underserved communities, and increasing racial and cultural diversity among midwives. Her dissertation work titled, "The Integration of Telemedicine in Routine Prenatal Care." . . . read more.
Adjunct Faculty
Rachel Jorgensen
Adjunct Instructor | rra35368@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
Educator with a specialized focus in the areas of work-based learning, internship development and special education.
Lisa Silmser
Adjunct Assistant Professor | l-silmser@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2002
Lisa is grateful to have been called to the ministry of teaching. She keeps current on K-12 practices by remaining in the classroom and readily shares practical expertise and stories from her experiences in a variety of settings, including teaching special education students in an online school. She teaches in the MA in Teaching, MA in Special Education and M.A. in K-12 Education programs. She is program director for MA in K-12 Education. Areas of interest include Instructional Strategies, . . . read more.
Pamela Zimmerman
Adjunct Instructor | pamela-zimmerman@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2007
Social gerontology and aging policy.
Faculty
Emily Blackmer
Assistant Professor of Social Work | emily-blackmer@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2021
Assistant Professor in CAPS BA Social Work; Associate Program Director of CAPS BA Social Work Emily Blackmer's background includes working for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services as a Children's Social Worker, being assigned to Treatment and Dependency Investigation units. She has also worked in medical social work in a wide range of medical specialities including intensive outpatient psychiatric care, the emergency department, critical care units, mother/baby. . . read more.
Greg Bourland
Instructor | g-bourland@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2006
Business Management, Talent Management, Senior Level Human Resources Leadership, Executive Coaching and Development, Quality (Lean/Six Sigma/Baldrige), Mergers and Acquisitions.
Mauvalyn Bowen
Professor | mm-bowen@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
Dr. Bowen has done extensive work in Jamaica and the Caribbean, as an administrator, consultant, and faculty. Her research interests lie in the areas of entrepreneurial marketing, social entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial training for micro and small entrepreneurs in developing countries. She served as a member on the local board of HOPE International which helped to develop her passion for entrepreneurship with a purpose. Mauvalyn co-authored the textbook " Entrepreneurship for Caribbe. . . read more.
Debra Castner
Associate Professor | dcastner@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023
Deb is passionate about special education as she is driven to enhance the quality of life for those with a disability. Her interest in special education was not innate, as life occurrences shaped her view and interaction with others. Her life journey created the individual she is today, thus inspiring her to construct environments where all ability levels are embraced. Deb is a special education teacher at Grandview Middle School in the Westonka School District.. . . read more.
Nicole Centanni
Adjunct Instructor | n-centanni@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2005
Nicole is an experienced career coach with a focus on positive psychology, design thinking and wellbeing.
Renee Clark
Assistant Professor | r-clark@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
Renee Clark is a nurse-midwife with experience in hospital and birth center settings. Her interests include primary care, increasing diversity in the midwifery workforce, care for displaced people, and integrative medicine. Her DNP work focused on the use of shared decision-making and the use of obstetric ultrasound in a freestanding birth center.
Jessica Daniels
Doctor of Education | j-daniels@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
Before becoming a faculty member, Jessica served as the Assistant Provost at a private west coast university. In this role she supported the deans, faculty, and students in the six colleges and schools at the University. She also has student development experience, managing community life, housing, student conduct, orientation, student programs, etc. as the Assistant Dean of Students. Jessica's research interests are under the broad umbrella of higher education as a platform for positive so. . . read more.
Taneesha Douglas
Associate Professor | taneesha-douglas@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023
Taneesha Reynolds Douglas, MSN, MBA, CNM is joining the nurse-midwifery program as an associate professor. Hailing from Dayton, OH, and living in Nashville, Tennessee, Taneesha's journey to nursing and midwifery was sparked by a transformative encounter during her college years, compelling her to empower others mentally, spiritually, and physically. With degrees from Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, and the University of Phoenix, her expertise as a Certified Nurse Midwif. . . read more.
Carrissia Feaster
Faculty | caf78793@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022
I am a Certified Nurse-Midwife and Family Nurse Practitioner currently practicing in Reno, NV in both roles. I love mentoring students, catching babies, and Michigan football.
Paige Hardy
Associate Professor of Nursing | p-hardy@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2020
Paige practices full scope midwifery in a rural critical access hospital in western Minnesota. She has been a Nurse-Midwife for 19 years, all at the same clinic.
Tammie Haveman
Director of Clinical Partnerships, Assistant Professor | t-haveman@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2020
Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program
Polly Hendel
Assistant Professor | p-hendel@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023
Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program. Background in retail medicine and behavioral health.
Nicole Higgins
Adjuncy Faculty | nih45543@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2019
Education Professional Committed to: Special Education Inclusion Developmental Disabilities Transition Programs Person Centered Planning Education Technology
Ryan Hovis
Teaching Partner of Counseling | ryan-hovis@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2016
Teaching Partner of Counseling
Stephen Hunt
Instructor | sth76525@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2019
Hello. I am 1985 graduate of Bethel College. Excited to be back at my alma mater. I have been an educator for over 30 years teaching at secondary, tertiary, and adult levels. I live in Eden Prairie, am married and proud parent of two children and a wonderful yellow lab named Thunder.
Jeff Jacob
Professor | j-jacob@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2007
Teaching and research interests in applied econometrics, economic development and business analytics.
Peter Jankowski
Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy | pjankows@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2004
Jankowski's research focuses on differentiation of self and spirituality; positive psychology; psychotherapy effectiveness; faith integration in psychotherapy; narrative and experiential therapy; and clinical supervision.
Kevin L. Johnson
Teaching Partner | klj84696@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
Dr. K.L. Johnson is a Teaching Partner (Adjunct Associate Professor) at Bethel University. As one of our Bethel MBA faculty, Dr. Johnson also teaches courses for CAS (Undergraduate Business Department), as well as the Adult Undergraduate, and Graduate Programs of Bethel (CAPS/GS).
Peggy Kendall
Faculty | p-kendall@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1999
Kendall is a recent Fulbright Scholar who spent time in Poland researching issues related to eldercare. Her current field of study examines caregivers, specifically how culture impacts an individual's willingness to care for an aging relative and how COVID-19 has impacted the relationship between caregiver and elder. Her secondary research and writing focuses on how technology impacts faith, relationships, and identity.
Alicia Klein
Director of Academic Education, Assistant Professor | alicia-klein@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2016
Family medicine serving underserved patient populations. Acute and chronic disease management, women's health, and pediatrics.
Minyoung Lim
Assistant Professor of Social Work | minyoung-lim@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2021
Minyoung Lim is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Bethel University. She holds an MSW from University of Pittsburgh and PhD in Social Work from Indiana University. Minyoung has diverse practice experience from micro to macro including social work research in government and direct practice in Aging.
Mary Lindell
Associate Professor | mlindell@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
Dr. Lindell is interested in practices and interventions that support student success in inclusive environments. She enjoys facilitating general and special education teacher development and partnering with schools to better prepare teachers and serve (P-12) students well. Her research agenda centers on the impacts of inclusive post-secondary programs and Bethel's BUILD program.
Karin Lyon
Instructor | k-lyon@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022
Karin is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Registered Play Therapist. She owns a private practice in White Bear Lake and focuses on trauma and anxiety in adults and children.
Peg McCormick
Associate Professor of Education | p-mccormick@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2009
Peg McCormick's interests and areas of specialization include Behavioral Theory, interventions for the EBD classroom, resilient health and occupational longevity for teachers, and best practices for the support of international student teachers.
Molly McKinnon
Student Teacher Supervisor | moe44467@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022
Molly graduated in 2002 with a bachelors in Elementary Education and Deaf and Hard of Hearing license. She started her teaching career in 2002 as a K-12 Special Education Itinerant Deaf and Hard of Hearing teacher. Molly then moved into the classroom working with students who have moderate to severe cognitive disabilities. She received her masters in special education in 2004 with added licenses in Developmental Cognitive Delay (DCD), and Physical and Healthy Disabilities (PHD). Molly has f. . . read more.
Krista Nauman
Assistant Professor | krista-nauman@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2020
Assistant professor in the PA program and physician assistant in orthopedic spine surgery
Blair Nelson
Assistant Professor | blair-nelson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: January 2022
Dr. Nelson is the program director of Bethel University's Master of Science in Medical Sciences. The program director serves as a mentor to students and helps facilitate the integration of faith and learning in the program. Additionally, Dr. Nelson is an assistant professor in the Master of Science Physician Assistant program at Bethel University.
Greg Nelson
Program Director | gregory-nelson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2007
International Baccalaureate education.
Beth Peterson
Acting Associate Dean of Nursing | e-peterson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1982
Dr. Peterson's areas of interest include mental health nursing, nursing care of the elderly, gerontology, end of life care, nursing curriculum development and assessment, and the theology of suffering. Her publications and presentations primarily focus on faith and health integration, suffering, and professional boundaries.
Linda Probert
Associate Professor of Education | linda-probert@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1997
Beginning as a general education elementary teacher, Associate Professor Probert has taught at Bethel since 1996 in both the CAS, CAPS, and the Graduate levels. Her main responsibilities are teaching Reading Foundations and working with students as they complete their edTPA during student teaching. She also is one of the professors that teaches Foundations of Education.
Matthew Putz
Instructor | m-putz@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2008
Dr. Putz teaches courses on conflict management, ethics, organizational systems, organizational leadership, organizational change, and philosophy of technology.
Steve Raimo
Faculty of CAPS and GS (College of Adult & Professional Studies and Graduate School) | steve-raimo@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
With an undergraduate degree in accounting, a masters in business administration, and a doctorate in strategic leadership (from the School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship at Regent University), Dr. Raimo's thirty-plus years of organizational leadership and management experience in the United States and over-seas with multi-national corporations, small business, government, and non-profit organizations give him a distinctive perspective and expertise as an organizational coach and . . . read more.
Sara Shady
Professor | s-shady@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2002
Shady's teaching focuses on fostering healthy communities amidst significant difference, including racial/ethnic, religious, and political differences. She is also interested in how we teach empathy. And she is a specialist in 19th and 20th c. Continental Philosophy, particularly Existentialism
Timothy Shaw
Professor | t-shaw@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1985
Shaw's research interests include development of chick nervous system, the brain and feeding behavior, relationships between the structure of the brain and behavior, progress in new clinical treatment options, and the biology of morality.
Michelle Steffenhagen
Teaching Partner | allmica@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
Steffenhagen's research interests include purpose and wellbeing in emerging adults.
Sandra Traudt
Associate Professor of Social Work | s-traudt@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1999
Sande Traudt has specialized experience in integrative practice; children, youth, and families; gerontology; group work; ethics; supervision; violence prevention and intervention; trauma informed practice; resiliency; justice and spirituality; compassion fatigue; and self-care. Her years in social work education have focused on faculty liaison work, integrative seminar, practice based research, ethics, experiential learning, and utilization of case studies in social work education.. . . read more.
Julie Ann Vingers
Associate Professor of Nursing | j-vingers@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2011
Dissertation research on lateral violence in nursing and nursing education. Nursing experience in Mental Health and Maternal-Child nursing. Has been working as a Certified Nurse-Midwife serving a diverse population of women since 1995. Named as a fellow to the ACNM in 2022. Currently teaching in the M.S. in Nurse-Midwifery program and practices at Minnesota Women's Care. Clinical interests include perinatal mental health, trauma informed care, and antenatal care.. . . read more.
Stephen Whiting
Associate Professor of Business | whiste@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2006
More than 30 years of management, consulting, and information technology experience. Interested in a biblical framework for technology/engineering and business.
Mary F. Whitman
Associate Professor | m-whitman@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2004
Whitman’s research interests include expatriate and repatriate adjustment, motivation, and job satisfaction. She has also worked on research exploring personality factors with both organizational and self-identified expatriates. Her research participants include expatriates and repatriates from around the world.
Taylor Williams
Supervisor of Student Teacher Candidates | t-d-williams@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022
Education Administration Special Education
Gretchen Wrobel
University Professor of Psychology | g-wrobel@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1988
Wrobel conducts research on curiosity as it affects relationships in adoption, including the adopted person, adoptive parents, and birth parents.
Nick Zeimet
Director of Field Education and Assistant Professor | nick-zeimet@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2021
Nick is a clinical social worker with more than 10 years of psychotherapy and community social work experience. He volunteers with Mount Sinai Human Rights Program conducting remote evaluations for those seeking asylum in the United States. He is the past President of SAMS - MN Chapter (Syrian American Medical Society) and Mental Health Committee member of SAMS - national. He was lead coordinator of the first SAMS Mental Health Psychosocial Support report and in 2019 led a mental health mis. . . read more.
Diane Dahl Ph.D., M.S.N., RN
Interim Dean of Healthcare Programs and Dean of Nursing; Chief Nursing Administrator | diane-dahl@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1998
Diane has been involved in nursing education and leadership for 30 years. She is the Interim Dean of Healthcare Programs and Dean of Nursing and Chief Nursing Administrator. Her interests include curriculum development, assessment, accreditation, and international programming.
Tonya Allen
Adjunct Faculty | t-allen@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022
Tonya started with Bethel University in 2022. Tonya is an educational leader within an intermediate school district and teaches within the BA in special education and MA in K-12 education programs.
Jodi Baker
Adjunct Instructor | jodi-baker@bethel.edu
Diane Banigo
Adjunct Faculty | dib72237@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022
Diane Banigo is a doctorate-prepared nurse-midwife (with in & out of hospital birth experience) called to do more than help women birth babies. When she is not at the bedside of moms, Dr. Banigo is journeying alongside women giving birth to their vision while living out their God-given purpose in life. As a fierce community advocate for Black Maternal Health matters, she is also a nurse educator, perinatal consultant, and business owner.
Aryn Baxter
Adjunct Faculty | arb64867@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2020
Dr. Aryn Baxter works at the intersection of international higher education and international development. Her mission is to enhance the capacity and commitment of individuals, teams and institutions to create a more just, peaceful and sustainable world by informing and expanding access to transformative global learning opportunities
Lisa Bekemeyer
Adjunct Instructor of Education | ldb86486@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2001
I am passionate about teaching language through CI (Comprehensible Input) and TPRS (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling). I base my courses on these tenants and strive to help my learners gain a variety of strategies for teaching language through content.
John Bergeland
Adjunct Professor and Thesis Advisor | jbergeland@isd12.org | Started at Bethel: 2005
Content Area Literacy, Disciplinary Literacy, Vocabulary Instruction, Teaching Reading, Middle School Education
Neil Best
Adjunct Professor | nabest@alaska.edu | Started at Bethel: 2021
Dr. Neil Best has been working in Higher Ed for almost 20 years now. He received his PhD from Azusa Pacific University in Higher Education and his dissertation explored on the campus climate predictors of sexual assault victimization. His Master’s degree is in Leadership from Trinity Western University. He has professional experience working in the areas of Equity and Compliance, Residence Life, Student Engagement, Leadership Development, and Student Conduct. He currently serves as De. . . read more.
Cheryl Bostrom
Adjunct Assistant Professor | c-bostrom@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1995
My areas of expertise include culturally valid assessment, international education, teacher education, educational leadership, English language learning, scholarly research and writing, and intercultural communication. In addition to teaching and advising at Bethel University, I am serving with TeachBeyond.
Joni Burgin-Hartshorn
Adjunct Instructor | j-burgin-hartshorn@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2008
Educational Leadership, School Safety, Instructional Leadership, Policy and Administration
Joe Burk
Adjunct Faculty | ijb83464@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
I have taught International Baccalaureate Middle Years Science and Diploma Program Biology for over 20 years and I have worked as the IB MYP Principal Examiner for Biology for over five years. I have also worked as a graduate level instructor for over five years and enjoy many aspects of adult education.
Jason Byers
Adjunct Faculty | jason.byers@allina.com | Started at Bethel: 2020
Lead Physician, Allina Coon Rapids Family Medicine Residency, St. John's/U of M
Meg Cavalier
Adjunct Faculty | cavmeg@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
I received a B.A. in Elementary and Science Middle School Education, M.A. in K-12 Education and Ed.D. in Education Administration from Bethel University. I currently serve as the Executive Director at St. Paul City School, a charter school district serving 550 PreK-12th grade students. My work in education has varied from teaching at the Minnesota Zoo to, an elementary Special Education teacher, 7-12 science teacher and secondary principal and a private school in Bloomington, MN. I have had. . . read more.
Alex Chan
Adjunct Instructor | alex-chan@bethel.edu
Kari Christensen
Adjunct Instructor | k-christensen@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2012
Christensen's teaching specialty is the International Baccalaureate Programmes - the Diploma Programme, the Career-related Programme, the Middle Years Programme and the Primary Years Programme.
Vicki Clark
Adjunct Faculty | vic58924@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
A lifelong learner paying forward the encouragement I received from others.
Dawn Dahlgren-Roemmich
Clinical Director and Clinical Assistant Professor | dawn-roemmich@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
Research interests include waterbirth vs conventional birth and the outcome differences
Jolyn Dahlvig
Adjunct Faculty | jed35737@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2018
My personal commitment/guiding statement: As a leader, teacher, family member, and friend living at my highest and best I am strong, courageous, spacious, and wise so that I can contribute to Shalom (inclusive community) so that others can freely live into their vision. I am a student affairs leader for Oregon Institute of Technology who works from the Portland-Metro campus, about 20 miles from S of Portland. My research areas of interest include student success and assessment, positive . . . read more.
Leona Derden
Adjunct Professor | ler43264@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2014
I am married and have five wonderful children and four grandchildren. My educational background includes me completing my Doctor of Education degree this spring at Bethel University, a Master of Arts in Teaching from St. Thomas University and my Principal Licensure from St. Mary’s University. I started my career as a social worker working with abused and neglected children in Chicago, Illinois and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In 1997, I relocated to Minnesota and was looking for a career . . . read more.
William Derden
Adjunct Professor | wid88763@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2019
Adjunct Professor Specializing in Special Education Due Process and Law Graduate of Bethel Educational Doctorate Program.
Anthony Dorn
Adjunct Instructor | agd26756@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2011
Data and decision making, managerial finance, and managerial economics.
Gregory Ekbom
Adjunct faculty | g-ekbom@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2012
Surgical oncology, with emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, general and vascular surgery, and GI endoscopy.
Nathan Elliott
Adjunct Instructor | nathan-elliott@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2013
Nathan Elliott has served as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, and educational consultant. He began teaching at Bethel University in 2013, and has since developed several new courses in the areas of instructional methods, assessment practices, and technology integration. He also enjoys advising students as they develop their thesis projects.
Kacia Engel
Adjunct Professor | kle57947@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2020
Strong passion for emergency medicine and acute care issue. Interested in wellness for healthcare providers; given all the stressors faced.
Toni Estis
Adjunct faculty | aestis57569@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022
I am a certified nurse midwife, with experience in hospital and birth center settings. I currently work for a community clinic, and support women from a variety of diverse backgrounds-which is one of my favorite things about the work of midwifery. My clinical passions include breastfeeding, postpartum support and truly just being present with families.
Karin Farrington
Adjunct Professor, Thesis Advisor and Thesis Advisor | k-farrington@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2013
Karin started her teaching career in 2004 in K-12 Special Education EBD, SLD, OHI, and ASD and has taught in federal settings I,II,III,IV. She received her K-12 Art teaching license in 2018, has four years of teaching experience as a K-5 Elementary Art teacher, and is currently a High School Art teacher. Karin began her adjunct position at Bethel University in 2013 in the Special Education MA program where she was an instructor, thesis advisor, and student teacher supervisor. After receivin. . . read more.
Paul Floyd
Adjunct Faculty | paul-floyd@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2005
Capstone/Business Plan Development and Senior Healthcare Legal Compliance in the MBA program and Business Law in the CAPS program at Bethel Univ.
Amy Fox
Adjunct Faculty - Student Teaching Supervisor, Thesis Advisor, Science Content Expert | beiamy@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2019
Secondary Science, Trauma Informed Instruction, Education Equity, Environmental Education
Joel Frederickson
Adjunct Faculty | frejoe@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1996
Frederickson's research interests include the psychological impact of apologies and how students change over four years from participating in college. This includes changes in cognition, beliefs, and spirituality.
Karen Gabriel
Adjunct Instructor | karen-gabriel@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2020
Karen has 40 years of experience in the field of education. More than 30 of those years have been in special education. Karen recently retired from Anoka-Hennepin District 11 after being a special education lead teacher for 20 years at a middle school. As department leader, Karen provided leadership and support to staff, parents and students regarding special education. She coached/mentored special education teachers and collaborated with general education teachers to successfully provi. . . read more.
Alexis Greeves
Adjunct Professor | alexis@hopeandhealingmn.com | Started at Bethel: 2010
Play therapy with deaf and hard of hearing children
Cindy Hansen
Adjunct Instructor | cjm54467@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
Cindy has been honored to serve God as a teacher and principal in PK-12 public education (Illinois and Minnesota) since 2000. She is currently the principal of Pine Island Elementary in Pine Island, Minnesota. Her research interests include principal career paths, employee turnover, and social, emotional, and spiritual health of both students and adults.
Rachel Hanus
Adjunct Faculty | rah79986@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022
Rachel Hanus is a nurse midwife with clinical experience in home birth, birth centers, and hospital settings. Currently working at the Minnesota Birth Center. She co-founded a non-profit providing transitional housing to homeless pregnant women in 2013. Her clinical interests include functional medicine in women's health, infertility, and increasing access to midwifery care.
Tedi Anne Hasapopoulos
Adjunct Instructor | tedi-hasapopoulos@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2006
New product development and strategic planning, applied ethics, data and decision making, business plan development, marketing, customer insights and research. Recent developing expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion organization best practices.
Erica Hering
Adjunct Enrollment Counselor, Program Coordinator, Faculty and Adjunct Faculty | e-hering@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2005
Erica is a former elementary school teacher who has served in higher education for 12 years. Erica has worked with the Doctoral and Licensing Program in Educational Leadership since 2006. She also received her doctoral degree through Bethel's program.
Jenny Hill
Adjunct Professor | jch93249@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2011
Jenny Hill (@Bibliophile84) has been recognized on WCCO TV for her work as an elementary school library media specialist. She recently completed her Doctorate of Education from Bethel University, St. Paul, MN. Jenny loves drinking strong coffee, reading good books, and savoring deep thoughts. You can find her book and blog online at walkingwithtension.com. Jenny lives in central Minnesota and attends Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove, MN.
JESSE JOHNSON
Adjunct Faculty | jessej6@gmail.com | Started at Bethel: 2022
Bethel Graduate (1968). Math instructor for 30+ years. Applied math experience as a network engineer for 15 years. Married 55 years to Bethel graduate, 4 grown kids, and 13 grandkids.
Ross Jahnke
Adjunct Instructor | ross-jahnke@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2011
Ross Jahnke teaches courses on leadership and higher education administration. His research has examined empowering leadership behaviors and trust in higher education contexts. Ross has also presented at accreditation conferences on topics including assessment of student learning and strategic decision-making. With graduate degrees in both theology and higher education leadership, he seeks to foster the integration of students' deepest beliefs and values with their approaches to leadership.. . . read more.
Gary Johnsen
Adjunct Instructor | gjohnsen@bethel.edu
Human resource management, human resources transformation, leadership.
Melanie Keillor
| mek94264@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2020
Educational leader committed to Interrupting the status quo. Currently serving Minneapolis Public Schools to identify strong solutions, create structures, and measure school improvement work. Research focuses on SLIFE, immigrant populations, and the under-served.
William Kron
Adjunct Instructor | wjk97757@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2010
Teaching and Learning
Michelle Langenfeld
Adjunct Instructor | m-langenfeld@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2007
Dr. Michelle Langenfeld Langenfeld served as the Superintendent of Schools and Learning for the Green Bay Area Public Schools from 2011-2020. Since retiring in 2020, Dr. Langenfeld served as an education consultant and was elected to serve on the Anoka-Hennepin Board of Education beginning her 4 year tenure in January of 2024. Prior to serving at Superintendent, Michelle served as an Associate Superintendent, Principal, Assistant Principal and Dean the Anoka-Hennepin School District. Sh. . . read more.
Daniel Leafblad
Adjunct Assistant Professor and Medical Director of Physician Assistant Studies | d-leafblad@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2009
Infertility, minimally invasive endoscopic surgery, laser surgery
Jonathan Lofgren
Adjunct Adjunct | lofjon@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
I'm mainly a hospitalist, but teach adjunct at the PA program.
Amie Lorence Grubidge
Adjunct Instructor of Education | amie-lorence@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2016
Adjunct Instructor of Education
Michelle Louis
Adjunct Faculty | mlouis@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2000
Dr. Michelle Louis is the founder of The Leading Mind, LLC which is dedicated to merging positive psychology and applied leadership practice. She is an executive coach, consultant, and speaker who specializes in translating concepts from psychology into practical strategies for developing leaders holistically and helping organizations thrive. Dr. Louis has spent 20 years in faculty roles in higher education, most recently as Associate Professor of Doctoral Higher Education at Azusa Pacific . . . read more.
Angela Mansfield
Adjunct Professor | alm68587@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2019
My professional objective is to be an integral part of making schools into the social equalizers they can be. I believe that leadership sets the tone for student achievement. Effective leadership is able to bring educators together toward a learner-centered philosophy thereby creating a common goal of learning and achievement for everyone involved. Solid leadership will guide educators to culturally responsive, equity focused, highly effective, research-based instruction and assessment pra. . . read more.
Michael Mignard
Adjunct Instructor | m-mignard@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2002
Introduction to Education
Melissa Miller
Adjunct Instructor | mam95375@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
2017. Adjunct Instructor. Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology minor, University of Saint Thomas, 1996. Master of Arts in Education, University of Saint Thomas, 2000. Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership, University of Saint Thomas, 2004.
Maia Miller
Adjunct Faculty | maia-miller@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2014
Maia has been working and teaching in the special education field for over 20 years. During this time she has worked with students in all disability areas. Maia started, like many, as a para in a special education classroom. For 10 years Maia worked with middle school students teaching reading, writing, and social skills classes. She also taught in a center-based DCD program for multiple years. For the past 9 years, Maia has worked as a Work-Based Learning Coordinator for high school s. . . read more.
Scott Moats
Adjunct Faculty | moatss@crown.edu | Started at Bethel: 2018
I have been in Christian Higher Education for about 28 years. I have worked in many areas including: teaching, administration, and operations.
Randy Moberg
Adjunct Instructor | ram44555@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2009
Moberg has worked at Bethel since 2009.
Glenn Morehouse Olson
Adjunct Professor | olsgle@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2019
Glenn Morehouse Olson is an adjunct professor for Bethel University, teaching the Language Arts Methods course in the CAPS/GS program. She is a Certified Journalism Educator who also has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in theater performance. Now in her 17th year as an educator, she teaches AP Lang and Comp, journalism (on-line, broadcast, social media, and print), theater, playwrighting and Language Arts (grades 9 - 12) at St. Francis High School. She has three daughters and her husband is also a. . . read more.
Jan Mrozinski
Adjunct Faculty | j-mrozinski@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2016
Professor Mrozinski's education and experiences are in the fields of both mental health and special education. Given this background, she is interested in preparing teachers to serve students and families in professional, focused, and compassionate ways.
Judith Nagel
Adjunct Instructor of Education | j-nagel@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2020
Dissertation Advisor/Reader & Adjunct Instructor
Jonathon Odom
Adjunct Faculty | joo97226@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023
Jonathon Odom has research experience in the cytoprotective pathways of cellular physiology as well as a passion for the clinical applications of anatomy and physiology in healthcare. He has special interests in the areas of curriculum design and assessment, faith-integration, and professional development of PA students.
Nichole Olsen
Adjunct Professor | nio53336@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2021
Living life out loud unapologetically for Jesus. Kindness, compassion, empathy, grace, these are the things I want more of everyday. Bethel has been a light in the world for me. A place to learn, grow, and thrive. Not just a building, but a community designed to equip you for a future to glorify our creator in all that you do. Worked in the K - 12 system for over 8 years full time, moved to part time this last fall. Joined the Bethel community as an adjunct faculty member to give back to th. . . read more.
DiAnna Olsen
| dio64579@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
President of Owl Bookkeeping and CFO Services and Small Business Consultant - Entrepreneur. I took over as President of Owl Bookkeeping and CFO Services, in 2019 and acquired the business in 2020. We have a staff of over 30 employees and over 200 clients. Leadership, strategy development, collaboration, delegation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution is a daily affair as well as the full suite of small business accounting. Having spent 35 years in this industry, and graduating with a. . . read more.
Richard Olson
Adjunct MBA Instructor | rwo62666@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
Adjunct Instructor of Business MBA Adjunct Instructor The majority of Ric Olson's working life continues to be dedicated to serving elders within the senior living arena. The focus on serving elders has resulted in work in numerous settings including but not limited to: health care, management, leadership development and training, accounting and finance, budget and planning, cash management, project development, strategic planning, operational assessments, Medicare, Medicaid, Managed Car. . . read more.
Chad Osgood
Adjunct Faculty | chad-osgood@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1998
Chad Osgood utilizes his 25+ years of leadership experience in higher education to provide appropriate administrative oversight as the Academic Dean of the College of Adult and Professional Students (CAPS) and the Graduate School (GS). Dr. Osgood spent the early part of his career as a faculty member, Department Chair, and Athletic Trainer in the College of Arts and Sciences. He then transitioned to the Graduate School to be a Program Director and eventual Dean. He has significant experi. . . read more.
Alecia Pankratz
Adjunct Faculty | a-pankratz@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2010
Alecia Pankratz is an adjunct faculty member in the Special Education Graduate program as a reading field experience instructor. She graduated from Bethel University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Literature and in 2008 with a Master of Arts in Literacy. She teaches high school English and reading at Anoka High School in Anoka, MN.
Breanna Reed
Adjunct Professor | Blw18873@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2021
Breanna Reed is a Board Certified Art Therapist specializing in Anxiety, Spirituality, and Depression. She has experience working with people with physical and developmental disabilities, adolescents, and young adults. She is passionate about incorporating her client’s faith perspectives into the counseling session. She is passionate about training the next generation of counselors and building a Christian support system. She is the Owner and Supervisor at Creative Connections Counseli. . . read more.
Ryan Richardson
Adjunct Faculty | rgr64245@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2024
Ryan is originally from the state of Mississippi and received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University. Following a season of mission work in northwest Montana, Ryan and his wife, Kristen moved to Texas and earned their Masters of Divinity degrees at Baylor University. After almost a decade of working as a university chaplain at Baylor, Ryan pursued further study in the field of Higher Education Administration, receiving his PhD in 2016 from Azusa Pacific Uni. . . read more.
Kaylena Riendeau
Adjunct Instructor of Social Work | k-riendeau@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023
Kaylena has the honor of investing in students each day at Bethel University, witnessing their expertise grow in social work, admiring their dedication to enacting positive social change, and mentoring them in their faith.
Kristi Romo
Adjunct Faculty | kristi-romo@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2018
Kristi Romo is an adjunct faculty member in the Special Education Graduate program as a reading field experience instructor. She graduated from University of Northwestern-St. Paul in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Literature and in 2008 with a Master of Arts in Literacy. She also graduated from Hamline University in 2015 with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing for Children and Young Adults. She is a Q-Comp Peer Evaluator for the Anoka-Hennepin School District. . . read more.
John Rudberg
Adjunct Associate Professor | john-rudberg@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1998
Managerial economics, managerial accounting.
Daniel Rude
Adjunct Professor | daniel-rude@gmail.com | Started at Bethel: 2020
Primary care practice with emphasis on acute care medicine, including urgent care and emergency medicine.
Emily Rustman
Adjunct Professor | emily.rustman@gmail.com | Started at Bethel: 2019
Emily is passionate about developing special education programs for students with special needs; focusing on social-emotional learning, strategic planning and systems theory. She enjoys collaborating and learning with other educational professionals to promote a growth mindset while developing high expectations for all students. Emily is currently the Director of Special Services for Westonka Public Schools.
Bethany Sahli
Adjunct Professor/Student Teaching Supervisor | b-sahli@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2019
I am grateful that God has led me to Bethel and am enjoying my second year on staff. I have spent 12 years in education, during which I have had the privilege to hold teaching and administration positions at elementary and middle schools across the Twin Cities and in my home state of Indiana. My husband, two boys (8 and 3), and I live in the heart of St. Paul. I am passionate about educational equity and school transformation.
Hendrika Schoon
Adjunct Faculty | h-schoon@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2021
Hendrika (Hennie) Schoon has served in various capacities within the student life department for the past twenty years including dean of students, judicial advisor, and community life director. She has earned a B.S.W (Calvin University), an M.S.W (Western Michigan University) and an Ed. D, (Bethel University) and has worked in both Canadian and American universities. Along with serving as an adjunct professor, Dr. Schoon serves as an Area Coordinator at Calvin University and is a Mental Hea. . . read more.
Susan Schwope
Adjunct Teaching Partner Instructor | s-tag@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2000
Psychology Mental Health Special Education
Jenna Seal
Adjunct Instructor | jks29647@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2016
Seal has held a variety of leadership roles in the field of aging services, in both assisted living environments and skilled nursing facilities. She is currently serving as the housing director of an assisted living community in St. Paul, and is actively involved in advocacy efforts for senior healthcare.
Marta Shaw
Adjunct Instructor and Adjunct Instructor | gilmara@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
Marta Shaw is a lecturer in the Institute of Public Affairs at Jagiellonian University in Poland, and an Adjunct Professor in the Doctor of Education program at Bethel University. Her research has focused on leadership and management of education, comparative and international education, intercultural leadership, and the implications of research in neurobiology for the theory and practice of educational leadership.
Heidi Simons
Adjunct Professor | heidi-simons@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2020
Heidi has taught Social Studies since 1996 at Bloomington Jefferson High School, been an Instructional Mentor to 1st & 2nd year teachers and has lead professional development. In addition, she has taught at MN State University - Mankato for their Graduate Teacher Program. She is very excited to become part of the Bethel University community and work with future educators in the courses she will instruct.
Shanna Slice
Adjunct Professor | smg97337@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022
Hello. I'm excited to be an adjunct professor at Bethel University for their graduate school art education program. After doing social service work for ten years, I went through the program I now get to teach for and became a high school art teacher. I'm passionate about both art and effective teaching in the 21st century. Outside of teaching, I enjoy creating art of course and camping, traveling, and spending time outside with my family. I believe as humans we all have the need to create. . . read more.
Rebecca Smith
Adjunct Faculty | rms23539@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2021
Rebecca currently practices in a large tertiary-care facility in southern Minnesota where she does inpatient and outpatient obstetrical care, as well as being an early pregnancy loss provider. She is pursuing a PhD with research in risk stratification in rural obstetrical patients and risk for severe maternal morbidity/mortality.
Melan Smith-Francis
Adjunct Faculty | mj-smith-francis@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2024
Certified Nurse-Midwife and Family Nurse Practitioner...loving what I do!
Krista Soria
Adjunct Faculty | ksoria@umn.edu | Started at Bethel: 2016
Dr. Soria teaches research courses for the Educational Leadership program.
Raymond Sperl
Adjunct Faculty | raymond-sperl@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2011
Instructional Technology Integration; Science Instruction
Stacie Stanley
Adjunct Faculty Member | sts44568@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2011
District Leadership, Instructional Leadership, Systems Change, Leadership in Urban and Urban Like Settings, Curriculum Instruction & Assessment, Quality English Learner Programs
Allison Steinke
| aja66338@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2020
I am a Ph.D. Candidate enrolled at the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I'm a qualitative researcher that utilizes in-depth interviews, content analysis, and netnography to answer research questions on topics related to journalism, digital and social media, and social justice with an emphasis on solutions journalism and the anti-human trafficking movement. I am minoring in sociology and am a research assistant for the University. . . read more.
Charles Strand
Adjunct Faculty | c-strand@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2000
I enjoy my work at Bethel University in the area of Special Education! As a retired special educator, my greatest passion now is to help Graduate Students be more successful as special education teachers!
Maya Sullivan
Adjunct Faculty | mas43936@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2019
I work full time as a higher education administrator. Teaching other future higher education leaders is my great pleasure!
Barry Sullivan
Adjunct Instructor | b-sullivan@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2000
Highlights Dr. Sullivan served for about 30 years in the Office of Government Relations in the Minnesota Department of Education, where he coordinated the development of state education policy recommendations to the legislature; interpreted state and federal education regulations for school leaders and the public; and acted as a liaison between the department and other federal and state agencies. Included in these tasks were yearly, detailed summaries of new state laws along with presentati. . . read more.
Cameron Svihla
Adjunct Faculty | cameron-svihla@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022
I'm MN born and raised. I completed both my undergraduate and graduate studies at Bethel University, completing my PA studies in 2019. For the first 2 years of my practice, I was at the CentraCare Plaza Urgent Care. I am currently a provider in the emergency department at HCMC where I plan to be long-term. Outside of medicine, I spend my time with my friends/church community, finding new music, working out, and playing a variety of sports (tennis, pickleball, golf). I'm so excited to be ba. . . read more.
Jeanne Szarzynski
Adjunct Faculty | j-szarzynski@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
Physician Assistant
Teresa Maria Taylor
Adjunct Faculty | t-taylor@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2018
Dr. Taylor is a teacher at heart. Since 2014, she has served as an educational leader in higher education. Before transitioning to her current administrator role, she served as a K-12 educator. Dr. Taylor is passionate about empowering others through education and teaches a variety of graduate-level courses. Her research is in culturally responsive teaching and is an advocate for educational equity. Dr. Taylor received her doctoral degree from Bethel University.. . . read more.
Corey Tolliver Sr.
Adjunct Instructor of Social Work | c-tolliver@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023
Corey currently serves as the Director of Operations and Clinical Lead for Life Services Mental Health Agency in Richmond, Virginia. As Director of Operations, Corey implements strategies and plans to service the homeless community suffering from increased mental health symptoms, chronic homelessness, and limited support from family and friends. Corey has implemented community assistance programs and workshops for professionals on self-care and building healthy relationships with those in t. . . read more.
Nicole Truniger
Adjunct Professor | ntruniger@gmail.com | Started at Bethel: 2019
Dr. Nicole Truniger is an Adjunct Professor at Bethel University teaching Healthcare Policy and Economics. Nicole earned her Bachelors of Nursing degree and Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Nursing Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Nicole brings experience caring for patients as a bedside nurse as well as healthcare operations and leadership experience in a variety of care settings. Nicole continues to share her passion for learning as an adjunct professor for both St. . . read more.
Lauren Van Gomple
Adjunct Instructor/Lecturer | lsv89686 | Started at Bethel: 2018
As a Bethel Alumna, Professor Van Gomple is proud to contribute to the valuable learning that takes place at Bethel. After many years in the special education classroom, she brings her experience and expertise to her role as a teacher educator! Personal areas of expertise include social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, evidence-based intervention, literacy, assessment, and instructional design.
Michelle Wang
Adjunct Faculty | mfw38922@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2018
Michelle's research interests focus on effective school leadership practices specifically focused on change management. Topics include equity, data/assessment, standards, school reform, and adaptive leadership.
Ruslana Westerlund
Adjunct Associate Faculty | r-westerlund@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2002
Drawing on her identity as a transcultural Ukrainian immigrant, Professor Westerlund's passion is to advocate for linguistically and culturally minoritized people, including students in school systems at various levels.
Jodi Wolkerstorfer
Instructor of Education | woljod@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
Jodi is passionate about supporting current and soon-to-be educators on ways to collaborate and find success for all students including those with special education needs.
Annette Ziegler
Adjunct Instructor | annette-ziegler@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2010
Ziegler is the principal of Coon Rapids High School and was the former principal of Coon Rapids Middle School. She served as assistant principal at Sandburg Middle School and Anoka High School following her tenure as dean of students in Kern Unified School District in California.
Susan Larson
Adjunct Faculty | susan.larson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2013
Susan Larson is a licensed Speech Language Pathologist with a history of working in public, private, and charter schools. She currently works in an urban school district as an SLP and clinical supervisor. Her strong interest and experience working with autistic individuals from age three to 21 led her to Bethel University where she began to teach in the special education program in 2013. Susan teaches courses in autism and is also a thesis advisor, a role she thoroughly enjoys. Her professi. . . read more.
Allen Mork
Adjunct instructor | ajmork@gmail.com | Started at Bethel: 2025
I am currently a practicing family physician in Cambridge, MN where I have lived and worked for the past 33 years. I will be retiring in January 2025 and am looking forward to working with the PA program at Bethel! My wife and I have 6 children and 6 grandchildren. My interests include camping and canoeing the BWCAW, fishing, hiking, reading and beekeeping.
Anthony Nichols
Adjunct Instructor of Counseling | at-nichols@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2024
Anthony Todd Nichols is a licensed psychologist in the State of Minnesota. He has been Executive Director of the Family Attachment and Counseling Center, located in the Twin Cities, since 1997. The center specializes in working with trauma in adults and children and specifically in adopted children who experienced early life maltreatment. Dr. Nichols is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and other modalities. . . read more.
Eric Roesler
Adjunct Professor | err79847@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2016
Eric Roesler brings over 20 years of teaching experience in Business and Marketing Education, including leadership as a department lead at Bloomington Jefferson High School. He holds an M.Ed. in Business and Marketing Education from the University of Minnesota, with additional certifications in Work Based Learning and Online Teaching from Bemidji State University. Eric excels in curriculum development, innovative teaching methods, and student mentorship. His proactive approach integrates te. . . read more.
Emeritus/Emerita Faculty
Nikki Daniels
Associate Professor in Organizational Leadership Emerita | n-daniels@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1989
Self Analysis, Self Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Team Development
Jamie Dolieslager
Associate Professor of Human Kinetics and Applied Health Sciences, Athletic Trainer Emerita | doljam@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2000
Associate Professor Dolieslager taught in the Human Kinetics and Applied Health Sciences department
Neal Dutton
Associate Professor of Human Kinetics and Applied Health Science | dutnea@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1980
Athletic Training, Nutrition, and Wellbeing
Jason Li
Professor of Psychology Emeritus | j-li@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1985
Li focuses his research on cross-cultural and multi-cultural competence in counseling. He also has a passion for exploring the integration of psychological and Christian perspectives in counseling.
Craig Paulson
Professor of Educational Leadership Emeritus | craig-paulson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2002
Craig is a tenured faculty member within the Bethel University Doctor of Education: Leadership in Higher Education Program as well as the Doctor of Education: Leadership in K12 Administration and K12 Administrator Licenses Program. He has moved from full-time to phased-in retirement focusing on Comprehensive Examinations, Institutional Review Board approvals, and dissertation advising.
Ruben Rivera
Associate Professor of History Emeritus | ruben-rivera@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1997
Ruben was the Chief Diversity Officer at Bethel University, and has long been a faculty of the history department and taught one course each semester at the college and one in the summer at the graduate school. As Chief Diversity Officer, Ruben engaged in numerous strategic initiatives across all our schools, including the Shalom seminar, developing institutional capacity in cultural intelligence and intergroup dialogue, racial and other forms of bias mitigation, hiring for inclusive excell. . . read more.
Jone Tiffany
Professor of Nursing Emerita | tifjon@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2001
Dr. Tiffany is a Professor of Nursing, Healthcare Education Consultant, and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach. In her academic role, she is involved in designing and implementing simulations in the lab and in virtual settings; the use educational technology; and teaches Innovations in Nursing Education and Nursing Informatics. She also chairs the Credentialing and Privileging sub-committee of the Board of Directors for the Fairview Care system in Minneapolis, MN. Dr. Tiffany has presented n. . . read more.
Samuel Zalanga
Professor of Sociology Emeritus | szalanga@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1999
Zalanga's doctoral fieldwork focused on the comparative role of ruling elite coalitions in development policy formulation and implementation in Malaysia and Nigeria. He specifically studied the process and politics of neoliberal economic reforms and implementation in the two countries as part of a broader global political-economic issue of the relative role of states and the market in the contemporary incarnation of global capitalism. Zalanga grew up in the rural, social margins, and peri. . . read more.