Paladin Knights

Amanda joined Paladin in 2016 as an AmeriCorps Promise Fellow and has since transitioned to her current role as the Acceleration Coordinator. In this position, she warmly welcomes and introduces new students to Paladin. She is also the Promise Fellow Supervisor, continuing her work with MN Alliance with Youth and AmeriCorps in a new capacity. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Arts in Restorative Communication from Metropolitan State University. She is an Ojibwe woman with family roots in Leech Lake and Red Lake and has a deep passion for Indigenous Studies. In her personal life, she loves cheering on Gopher Volleyball, spending time with friends, doting on her pomeranian, Piper, and embracing her role as a proud aunt.

From student to staff. Kali is a Paladin alumni who graduated in 2014. Since graduating, Kali earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Music Business from McNally Smith College of Music. She looks forward to building relationships, sharing her passion and knowledge in music with the students. In her free time she enjoys being a mom to her two little girls, traveling, family time, and anything music, of course!

Maggie has been working as a paraprofessional for 2 years, building relationships with students and finding creative ways for each student to learn! Maggie is a licensed cosmetologist, specializing in nails and nail art! Maggie embraces Paladin’s hands-on learning approach and appreciates that Paladin takes people’s passions and turns them into learning experiences. In her spare time she loves spending time with her dog, reading and cooking.

Joel joined the Paladin team after graduating from the University of Northern Iowa with a masters degree in math. Years of tutoring experience have taught him that a good rapport and trust are needed with the student before any learning can begin. Teaching and memorization are two vastly different approaches, with the former being the correct one.

He believes anyone can learn math, it just requires patience and understanding.

When not teaching Joel can be found pretending he isn’t a PC gamer by enjoying the outdoors, boating, running, lifting at the gym, playing ultimate, volleyball or basketball.

Laughter, fun and learning is the way Derrick Jones likes to do things. Derrick believes that his true calling is teaching, mentoring, and coaching our young adults in math, reading and writing, sports, or just about life. He is in his 14th year as an educator and this is his 3rd year here at Paladin. Derrick has a blended family with 7 children that consist of 6 girls and 1 boy, and he loves to be with children. He is currently a special education coordinator, Quad lead, and a Student Success Coordinator. When students don’t feel connected and supported in school, Derrick’s true passion is to find ways to fill that void. It is clear to our students how caring Derrick is as a teacher, and how important each student is to him. His favorite sport is basketball and he loves the timberwolves, music, and having fun.

Collyn is joining Paladin this upcoming school year as a special education teacher. With several years of experience supporting students in both middle and high school settings, Collyn brings a strong focus on relationship-based teaching and inclusive learning strategies. He is passionate about helping students meet their goals by building confidence, fostering independence, and honoring each learner’s unique strengths.

His approach to teaching is deeply rooted in collaboration and compassion, and he is committed to creating a classroom environment where every student feels seen, heard, and capable.

When he is not in the classroom, Collyn enjoys playing guitar and singing, working out, and reading—especially books that inspire reflection and growth.

Emily Linderholm joined the Paladin community at the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year as a Specialized Education Services Coordinator.  Emily previously worked as a middle school special education teacher. Prior to being a teacher, she graduated from Winona State University in 2019 with her bachelor’s degree in Special Education. Emily is an avid believer that everyone brings worth and value to the world and that success can be defined in many different ways! She believes that acknowledging, celebrating, and building upon core values of student’s is an essential part of being an educator in today’s world.

When Emily is not in school, she enjoys painting, crafting, watching movies and TV, going to concerts, listening to podcasts, and playing with her two dogs. Emily considers herself a lifelong learner and loves learning through documentaries. One of her favorite documentaries is Intelligent Lives by Dan Habib.

Morgan is joining Paladin this upcoming school year as a student success coordinator and science specialist. Morgan has a degree in animal ecology and insect science. She has worked on various wildlife research teams across the country focused on conservation of critters such as monarch butterflies, bats and turtles.

Her interest in teaching students about science and the outdoors stems from her role as a trip leader through Iowa State University. She has instructed rock climbing belay courses and has led trips climbing, kayaking and hiking. She believes each individual has a unique pace they learn at best.

When Morgan isn’t working she enjoys playing with her dog, traveling and watching scary movies.

Summer received her BS in Psychology, with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis and Chemical Dependency. Before coming to Paladin Summer had experience as a professional Behavior Analyst and Behavior Therapist for six years. Summer is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, driver’s education teacher, and certified first aid and CPR instructor. In her free time, Summer enjoys camping, cold weather sports with her two sons, as well as coaching girls basketball.

Brooke Clysdale has been with Paladin since the Fall of 2022 as a Student Success Coordinator and Social Studies Specialist. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economics from Augsburg University and recently earned a Master of Arts Degree in Teaching from Augsburg as well. Brooke has a passion for economics, and business education and enjoys sharing this with students. She believes that financial literacy is essential and strives to equip her students with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions now and in the future.

Brooke absolutely loves teaching high schoolers, and finds this age to be the most fun and exciting! She loves hearing about her students’ day-to-day lives, and future goals. But, most importantly she loves seeing them reach important milestones!

In her free time you can find her trying out a new recipe, spending time with her husband and traveling!

Maly (Mah-lee) joined the Paladin team as a College and Career Transition/Work Based Learning Specialist in 2023.

Maly graduated from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University with a psychology degree in 2020. Prior to Paladin, Maly was an Upward Bound Advisor for first-generation and limited income students in the realm of college and career readiness. As a first-gen herself, Maly is passionate about mentoring and helping students navigate education and life. She is also passionate about helping students cultivate their strengths and reach their aspirations. Let Maly know how she can help you get to where you want to be!

Outside of work, Maly enjoys learning new things, baking, cooking, hiking, traveling, and being in the company of her friends and family. Her most favorite thing to do is try new foods! If you have a restaurant and/or dish she should try, stop by her desk to chat.

I am Darringer Funches, a dedicated individual with over three decades of experience in the nonprofit and education sectors. Throughout my professional journey, I have been actively engaged in various capacities, contributing to the betterment of our community. Over the years, I have had the honor of serving on multiple organizational boards and committees, furthering the causes that matter most. In addition to my involvement with nonprofit work, I am proud to hold the esteemed position of Human Rights Commissioner for the City of Bloomington. This role allows me to advocate for equality, justice, and inclusivity within our local community, and I am committed to making a positive impact on the lives of those around me. 

Beyond my professional commitments, I am passionate about nurturing the potential of our younger generation. As a Track and Field Coach, I find joy in mentoring and guiding aspiring athletes, helping them discover their strengths and pushing their boundaries to achieve excellence. My personal life is enriched by the love and companionship of my wife. Together, we have built a blended family, which includes a wonderful group of grandchildren. They bring boundless energy and joy to our lives, keeping us happily engaged in various activities and adventures. 

In all aspects of my life, I am driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference. Whether it’s through my work, community involvement, coaching, or spending time with family, I am dedicated to leaving a positive legacy that resonates for years to come.

Barb is a 43 year old mother of two teenage girls and received her BA from Perdue Global in 2014. She has been working with children for over 14 years, this includes all age groups with varying degrees of disabilities. She loves her work and taught one year as a ELA teacher for a high school in St. Paul. In her down time she enjoys painting, epoxy and wood crafting, spending time with her fiancé and girls.

Jake Sayre is joining Paladin for his second year of teaching special education, making the change up to the highschool level from teaching at an elementary school north of the metro. He enjoys all genres of music, with rap and metal being most preferred. Cooking, friends, and family are his favorite things in life, especially when the three are combined! Jake is looking to continue to learn and hone his skills at teaching and is VERY excited to meet and foster relationships with all of the wonderful students at Paladin.

Christine just started her 10th year of teaching. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Science Education from Augsburg University and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education from the University of Minnesota. Christine teaches a variety of classes including, Life Science, Earth and Space Science and Cooking Classes. She initiated and established Experiential Friday at Paladin.

Samantha Ross is in her 6th year at Paladin and continues to love every minute of it. She teaches social studies but also enjoys dabbling in the sciences, especially when it comes to climate change and saving the environment. Sam loves to paint, garden, and go camping/hiking with her family and their dogs, Dozer and Peach, in her spare time. She brings a passion for social justice, equity, and more to her classroom every day. Sam is also a success coordinator and a project guru, helping students have a better high school experience.

This is Tana’s 3rd year at PCTHS as an Art Teacher and Special Education Case Manager. Prior to Paladin, Tana was teaching art and case managing in the 916 Intermediate School District for 6 years. Tana obtained her Masters in Special Education from the University of Minnesota.

Tana also has a background expedition instructing in the outdoors. In her free time, Tana enjoys adventuring outside, whether backpacking, kayaking, rock climbing, or mountain biking. She is also an avid reader, knitter, and ceramicist. Tana is excited to create with students and is passionate about cultivating a brave space for students to grow as artists!

John Coleman joined the Paladin team in 2014. He is a licensed school counselor, math teacher, SSC and the 504 coordinator. John is a relationship first math teacher, as he knows students have a difficult time learning math from anyone a student doesn’t trust or like. Once the respect and relationship is established, then the learning of math can begin. John believes everyone has the ability to learn math and it just takes the right teacher, the right method, the right relationship for a student to find success. John prides himself on his ability to connect with every student about something. He wants to make sure he can help a student become the best version of themselves they can possibly be when they leave Paladin. In his free time, John enjoys hiking and traveling with his wife. In the summer, you probably can expect to find him on a golf course. He is an avid video gamer, especially sports and open world games like Skyrim.

Bemi graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2022 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Individualized Studies. Her focus areas are African American Studies, Social Justice and Mass Communications. She has a passion for working with students and ensuring their academic and personal success. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music with pop being her favorite genre. Her family and friends mean the world to her. She’s excited to join the Paladin team and hopefully make some impact in the lives of students!

Steven Bailey is a dedicated educator, proud husband, and committed father, often serving as a full-time chauffeur for his two boys, Caiden and Cameron.

With nearly a decade of experience in the charter school sector, Steven has spent the last nine years at Jennings Community School and is excited to bring his expertise to PCTHS. He specializes in history, language arts, and physical education and is enthusiastic about introducing and exploring new concepts in these fields with his students. His diverse skill set is further enriched by his long-standing appreciation for the arts, fostered through involvement backstage in local plays and musicals.

Steven also has a love for basketball, demonstrated by his ten years of service as an assistant varsity coach at Spring Lake Park High School. Outside the classroom, he enjoys traveling and often combines trips with coaching opportunities. Steven can’t wait to start at PCTHS and support the needs of the staff and students here.

Janelle is enthused to begin her first year at Paladin, bringing experience and passion for education and connection to this vibrant community. With a background in providing support to adults with disabilities, she has developed a strong commitment to enriching lives through personalized support. Janelle believes in empowering students to reach their full potential and is excited to contribute to the mission of Paladin.

Yannick is joining Paladin as a special education teacher this upcoming school year. He previously worked for four years for a public charter school in north Minneapolis. 

In his free time he enjoys playing soccer, learning about random topics, video games, 3D printing, and whatever his current hyperfixation is. His educational approach focuses on collaboration, creating a safe space, and building confidence. He is passionate about leaning into an individual’s strengths, interests, and making learning relevant and exciting. He is very excited to join the team, get to know everyone, and learn together.

Cecily Jorgensen is excited to begin her first year as part of the Paladin team. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Northwestern–St. Paul and is currently completing the final year of her master’s program in 5–12 English Education at Saint Mary’s University.

Cecily is passionate about literature, creative writing, and helping students build confidence in their communication skills. She believes every student has a unique voice and strives to create a classroom where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow as readers, writers, and critical thinkers. 

Outside of school, you can find Cecily acting, singing, reading, writing, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and dog.

Bri is a mathematics educator at Paladin Career and Technical High School. Her passion for mathematics, learning, and building meaningful relationships with students inspired her to pursue a career in education. She began her educational journey at Anoka-Ramsey Community College before continuing at St. Cloud State University, where she earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Outside of the classroom, Bri enjoys spending time with her five children (ages 15, 13, 8, 7, and 2), who keep her life full of adventure and laughter. She loves being outdoors, especially bass fishing, hiking, and exploring new places with her family. When she isn’t outside, Bri enjoys reading, writing poetry, attending concerts, and spending time gaming. You might find her playing Fortnite or exploring the magical world of the newest Harry Potter game.

Bri is passionate about helping students discover their strengths, grow their confidence in mathematics, and feel successful as learners. She believes that strong relationships are the foundation of a great classroom and strives to create an environment where every student feels seen, valued, and supported. Through building connections with her students and learning alongside them, Bri hopes to inspire curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.

Yo, Cody is the real MVP when it comes to looking out for everyone. He’s not just there for, like, homework help or school stuff; he’s the guy who’s always checking in when life starts getting heavy. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, breakup drama, or just need to vent, Cody’s got that chill vibe that makes you feel like you can open up. He’s super easy to talk to and somehow always knows exactly what to say to get you back on track. No judgment, no pressure—just solid advice and real support. Honestly, he’s the dude who keeps everyone from losing it. Absolute legend in making sure people are good, inside and out.

Sarah Sannes has worked as Licensed School Counselor at Paladin since 2014. She helps students transition from high school to the next steps of their lives, whether that means college, trade school, or a career. Sarah is passionate about helping students to expand their skills and interests and has helped Paladin form many partnerships at which students can earn credit, certifications, and in some cases, even a paycheck. Sarah likes to travel, go for long walks in the woods, relax near water with a book and a hammock, take her stand-up paddleboard out on a lake, play games, cook, listen to podcasts, and spend time with her husband and daughter.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, a College Counseling Certificate, and a Holistic Life Coaching Certificate. Through her own healing, she has learned how to help others transform pain into purpose. Katarina is also an entrepreneur and travel network marketer, running her own travel business. She is the proud mother of a four-year-old daughter named Dahlia Luna and enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures, baking, taking walks, connecting with people and being part of her spiritual community.

Lutonya Stigger is coming to Paladin Career and Technical high School as an Educational Support Professional/Driver. She previously worked in the Anoka Hennepin school district for 5 years as a Student Achievement Advisor, Security Monitor, and Academic Intervention Specialist. In these roles, she worked closely with students to help them achieve their required and desired academic goals by providing a support and guidance system where the students would check in with her on a weekly basis to monitor their improvements and achievements.

She facilitated various groups which included the Women’s group, Black Student Union, Quiet Lunch Group along with participating in the College and Career Visits,The Black History Month Celebrations and The Step team.

Lutonya’s prior role was a Commercial Driver which expanded 20 years where she would drive local and over the road. Driving is one of her passions; she doesn’t hesitate to take many road trips throughout each year.

Lutonya has 3 children and 2 grandchildren. She enjoys family time, traveling, shopping, watching good movies, and finding good food spots while traveling . Working with young people is important to her because they are our future and Lutonya feels we should all work to guide them in the right direction because she believes wholeheartedly ‘it takes a village to raise a child’.

Lutonya looks forward to working with the students and staff at Paladin and is excited to be a Paladin Knight.

The last three years of Amanda’s career have been working in childcare as the kitchen manager. She also has many years of experience in retail and outstanding customer service, leading to all sorts of amazing opportunities along the way. Amanda has been part of our Paladin family since her high school career, is an alumnus, and is very familiar with the school’s vision and mission. She is also a mother of two daughters, which drives her in her personal life. Being outdoors and learning new skills to teach to our younger generation is her vision, and she is so excited to now be a part of the Paladin staff team.

Dain has a rich inner life contained within his mind. He may seem sphinx-like at first, but he’s probably just thinking about a better way to arrange the books on that shelf over there or what his mother meant when she said he had a “flippant attitude.” He likes to ride bikes and start creative projects he knows he will not come back to. His animal guide is a sub sandwich.

Dain has a work history predominantly in back-breaking labor. In 2022, after he broke his back, he decided a career change was in order. He went back to school… to work. It worked… he thinks.
Yes, he also has a family, and they are pretty cool.