Meet our Team

Sam joined the ISMN team in December 2015. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from South Dakota State University, and a master’s degree in counseling psychology with an emphasis in school counseling from St. Cloud State University. She holds a Minnesota K–12 school counseling license and has been working in the field for over nine years. Mrs. Etim enjoys being able to work with students in the online environment helping to provide additional opportunities for their education.

Mr. Huber is the Head of School at Insight School of MN (ISMN). He began at ISMN in 2009 and has been leading the school ever since. Mr. Huber earned his BA degree in physical education and health education at the University of WI–LaCrosse. He continued his education at St. Cloud State University earning an MS degree in health education and a sixth year certificate in educational administration. Prior to joining ISMN, Mr. Huber was a teacher, coach, and assistant principal in a local school district. Mr. Huber enjoys the challenge of looking at the best of what is happening in a typical brick-and-mortar school and trying to replicate that in a virtual environment to provide as much of a traditional school experience as possible in an online setting.

Jenny joined the ISMN team in 2014. Jenny likes being able to provide the flexibility that students and families need for a successful school experience. She feels online learning gives students the opportunities to be successful in school without the stressors that can occur in a traditional school setting.

Mrs. Burke is a high school special education teacher who joined the ISMN team in 2017. She brings more than 15 years’ experience in education and professional development. LeAnn earned a BA in elementary education and special education from Minnesota State University, Moorhead. She holds license in elementary education, specific learning disabilities, and emotional behavioral disabilities. Mrs. Burke likes the fact that students have an opportunity for an education when they struggle and the setting online is positive and encouraging. Her words of wisdom for new students and Learning Coaches is to keep trying your best! It will get easier.

Mrs. E joined ISMN in 2011. Prior to teaching, she was the ELA director for multiple states in the area of English assessments. She earned her BA from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD and her MS Ed from St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN. She holds her teaching license in 5–12 language arts and communication. Her favorite inspirational quote is, “I am not afraid; I was born to do this!” ~ St. Joan of Arc. She loves being able to personalize students’ educational experiences in the online setting. She firmly believes in education being accessible to all students no matter what environment they find themselves in. Mrs. E’s favorite part about teaching is discussing good books with students and seeing them grow as fantastic writers and readers! Her advice to new students is to reach out to your teachers, come to Class Connects (live classes), and participate. We are always here to help!

Mr. Franklin began working for ISMN in 2018. He has a BA in ethnic studies within the United States with a focus in African American studies. Mr. Franklin continued his education at Washington State University and obtained an MA in political science. Upon graduation he began teaching at the community college level for three years. Returning to school, Bryan obtained a teaching license in secondary social studies. Mr. Franklin believes that online education provides a necessary platform for students to learn and excel in an environment that suits their learning needs. His favorite quote is, “With confidence, you have won before you have started.” ~ Marcus Garvey. Mr. Franklin’s favorite part about teaching at ISMN is interacting with students. For new students and Learning Coaches, Bryan would say be patient, ask questions, and work daily in the courses. We are here to support your academic goals and to help you reach your academic potential!

Ms. Kesting is a high school social studies teacher and has been with ISMN for eight years. She started in fall of 2012. She brings 10 years of teaching experience to Insight, and taught in South Saint Paul school district before starting with ISMN. Sarah earned a BA in political science and a Masters in Education from the University of Minnesota in 2009. Ms. Kesting feels that online school is a great opportunity for students because it gives them a safe space to be themselves and there are not the same distractions as the classroom with their peers.

Mrs. Lendino joined the ISMN team in 2013. She brings more than 15 years’ experience in education. Ann earned a BA in education and Spanish from College of St. Benedict, and an MA in learning technology from University of St. Thomas. She has been taking classes toward her K–12 reading licensure. Mrs. Lendino feels online learning is a great way for students to get personalized learning. They can go at their own pace and get as much or as little individual help as needed.

Ms. O’Brien joined the Insight School of Minnesota team in 2013. She brings more than 10 years’ experience in education and curriculum development. Kristin is glad to be a part of such a unique learning experience at ISMN and her favorite part is working with students and their families. Kristin earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Metropolitan State University; a master’s degree in teaching from the University of St. Thomas; a Creative, Gifted, and Talented Certification from the University of St. Thomas; and an elementary education license at Hamline University. Kristin holds teaching certificates in general science, life science, creative gifted and talented education, and elementary education. Teaching is the most fulfilling job she has had outside of being the parent of three elementary-age students. Her favorite quote is, “All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talent” ~ John F. Kennedy. New students, please do not be afraid to ask questions!

Mrs. Rittenour has been teaching for over 30 years with a third of that time spent in the online setting. Kathleen earned a BS degree in health education and coaching licensure from Southwest State University, a physical education degree from Moorhead State University, DAPE (Developmental Adapted Physical Education) certification from St. Cloud State University, and an MA in curriculum instruction with emphasis in physical education and recreation “how to play” from St. Thomas University. She also has held teaching certificates in Minnesota, Ohio, and South Dakota as well as these additional certificates: EMT (Emergency Medical Technician, CPR, First Aid, LGT, WSI (Water Safety Instructor), HSI (Horsemanship Safety Instructor), FSI (Firearm Safety Instructor), SSI (Snowmobile Safety Instructor) and many others. She takes pride in helping students understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle. She will also take an occasional “Bird Walk” in her classes to show that it is important to allow some “fun time” in life…that’s why her MASTER’S degree is in recreation/leisure… “How to Play.” She was brought up in a family that worked extremely hard but also PLAYED even harder.

Ms. Strauss is a special education teacher who joined ISMN in 2013. Karie earned her BA in psychology from Winona State University. She earned her teaching license from Augsburg University specializing in special education. Karie holds certificates in emotional behavior disorder and specific learning disabilities. Ms. Strauss loves teaching online because it eliminates any type of first-time impressions. As a teacher she gets to see students as who they are academically, not who they are behaviorally or even physically. She is able to see what they are capable of and make adjustments as necessary without any physical judgmental thoughts.