Anchor Academy Staff and Tutors

MELISSA JOSEPH

Owner / US History
  

RENEE STEWART

Director / Karate
  

MATTHEW REPKE

Membership / Registrar / Billing
  

LAURA BROEKEMA

Asst. Director / Preschool and Elementary Programs
  

ROCHELLE RITCHIE

Volunteer Coordinator
  

KATHERINE ENGLUND

Literature / Language Arts / Writing
I’m Katherine Englund, a passionate educator with a deep love for understanding how the Lord designed our brains. My expertise lies in reading and writing, where I specialize in helping students with dyslexia and other reading challenges. With over 10 years of classroom experience and certification as an Orton-Gillingham teacher trainer, I bring a unique approach to homeschooling. Since 2019, I’ve enjoyed creating positive, engaging learning environments that recognize each student’s potential. I’m also a bit wacky, which keeps learning fun and lighthearted!

BROOKE TYSON

Literature / STEM
  

MELISSA SWENSON

LITERATURE / WRITING / PUBLIC SPEAKING / GEOGRAPHY
With experience as adjunct faculty at Crown College and Alexandria Technical College, I specialize in literature, writing, and communication. I'm starting my second year as a tutor at Anchor Homeschool Academy, inspired by a friend’s recommendation and a desire to invest my time using my skills and education.

I’m passionate about literature, Christian apologetics, history, film, and psychology, and I love making learning engaging by connecting it to students' lives. I strive to spark interest and motivation through relevant content and enthusiasm, even if it means making a fool of myself to keep things lively.

Outside of teaching, I enjoy reading, going to movies, and planning women’s events at my local church.

AUNDREA GJORVAD

Handy Crafts / Kitchen Science / Sewing
  

JULIE NELSON

THEATER
I’ve always had a deep love for the arts, from acting and dancing to singing. I majored in Theater at Mankato State University and have taught Theater at South Heights Christian Classes since 2011, Anchor Homeschool Academy since 2022, and HRT Academy this year. I direct a full-length Christian play each year with homeschool students, offering them a chance to use their talents in Theater Ministry. Recent productions include Baggage Claim (2024) and Ben-Hur (2023).

I’m also working on a new Community Christian Theater Company, which is set to open in spring 2025. My teaching experience spans Twin Cities Homeschoolers for the Arts, Southern Cross Christian Co-op, and more. I’ve developed programs for all ages and special needs, and I offer private acting lessons. I’m passionate about helping students explore their creativity and use their talents to glorify God and spread the gospel. I live in Apple Valley with my husband and our four boys, whom I homeschooled for eleven years.

DARIA GORDHAMER

Dance / Fitness
  

MEGAN PHILLIPS

Drawing / Sketching / Painting
I’m passionate about reflecting God’s beauty and love through art and teaching. Growing up homeschooled and involved in a co-op inspired me to pass on joy and creativity by teaching art to homeschoolers.

With experience in children’s and youth ministry, I’m dedicated to helping future generations experience God’s love. Psalm 37:4, which speaks of delighting in the Lord and receiving the desires of our heart, is a verse that encourages me deeply.

I love creating art, crafting, sewing, and being active outdoors. I enjoy gardening, learning to live naturally, and cooking to bless others. I’m excited to share joy with my students in art, learning, and the wonders of God’s creation.


TOPHER HUWE

Karate
  

DANIELLE HUWE

Science / STEM
I love learning about animal science, art, animation, handmade crafts, and karate. Those are also my favorite subjects to teach—especially karate, animal science, and art.

I was homeschooled from 1st grade through high school graduation. I first got involved at Anchor by helping with the karate class, and my role grew from there!

Most of my experience with kids comes from church, Bible camp, and my own younger siblings. I also volunteered one summer at the Minnesota Zoo in their summer camps program. 

Outside of class, I’m always learning new crafts or studying the art of animation. In the classroom, I try to bring a smile and remember that kids learn better when they’re having fun.
  

NATE ABELE

STEM / Robotics
My lifelong objective has been making creative tools that help people solve real problems, and I’ve been privileged to do that through a long and storied career in tech, where I’ve flown around the world talking to people about better ways to make software, and I’ve gotten to hang out with lots of amazing people, including the guy who created the iPod & the Nest, the founder of Atari and Chuck-E-Cheese, and the godfather of the video game industry, and one of the creators of the original Yoshi game. I’m excited to carry a few small sparks of their inspiration to my students.

Code I wrote is probably in at least one app on your phone.

CRYSTAL LANE

STEM
With 8 years of military service and a Master’s in Industrial and Organizational Psychology, I bring a unique perspective to education. Originally from Southern California and now in Minnesota, I’ve been homeschooling for 3 years and am thrilled to focus on Critical Thinking and STEM.

I specialize in fostering critical thinking skills, helping students question, evaluate, and make informed decisions. My approach includes brainstorming, connecting lessons to real-world experiences, and engaging students through their interests. Outside of teaching, I love exploring Minnesota with my family, hiking, discovering waterfalls, and enjoying local fall festivals.
  

HEIDI MAGNUSON

Literature / Photography
  

KIM WENTZLAFF

Math
I’m a Christian, pastor’s wife, and mom to two boys and two girls. Living in Lakeville, I’ve homeschooled for over a decade, teaching subjects like grammar, writing, math, and Chemistry in local co-ops. With a Master’s degree in Genetics, I enjoy Bible study, reading, knitting, and traveling. I’m excited to bring my passion for education and community to our homeschool co-op, helping to create a welcoming and enriching environment for all families.

RACHEL NELSON

 
I’ve always loved learning history, especially when I can visit the places I read about. At home, I study history with my kids and we’re starting a health unit this year. At co-op, I enjoy working with lower elementary students—they bring great energy to the classroom.

I’ve worked with kids since I was a teen and currently serve as the Children’s Ministry Director at my church. We began homeschooling in 2020 and joined Anchor in 2024. I’m excited to be part of this growing, well-led community.

Outside of teaching, I love reading historical fiction, usually a few books at once. I also enjoy pickleball and walking with a weighted vest. I see tutoring as a way to learn alongside students and encourage a love for God and His creation.

ERIN SALADIN

 
I love learning about God’s creation through Biology and Chemistry—and I’ll always notice a grammar error! My favorite subjects to teach are Algebra and Chemistry.

I graduated from Lakeville High School and earned a B.A. in Journalism (Editing emphasis) from the University of St. Thomas, with minors in Theology and Psychology. I’ve homeschooled my kids for 13 years, with a brief break to teach at a Christian private school.

My daughter loved her classes at Anchor, and with most of my kids in college now, I finally have time to teach here too.

Outside of class, I enjoy playing piano and knitting—something I’ve done for nearly two decades. My goal is to help students love learning for its own sake so that it sticks with them for life.

CLARE SANCHEZ

 
Hello, hello! My name is Clare Sanchez. I’m a wife to Adrian and mom to Magdalena and Maximilian. I was born and raised in North Dakota, where I earned my degree in Early and Elementary Education, with certifications in Reading and ESL.

After college, I served for two years as a missionary with NET Ministries—where I met my Texan husband. We lived in Texas for almost ten years, and I taught in traditional schools until our first child was born. That’s when we made a big shift: I left full-time teaching to focus on being home. I later taught at a hybrid homeschool program for two years and eventually became the director. That’s when my love for homeschooling truly took root.

In December 2025, we moved to Minnesota for my husband’s new job, and we haven’t looked back! We’re excited to have Magdalena at Anchor this year in Pre-K.

I love to read, take road trips to new places with my family, and try every Mexican restaurant we can find. Teaching has always been a dream of mine, and even with little ones at home, I’m so grateful to still be doing what I love—especially in this new community the Lord has brought us to.

Anchor Homeschool Academy

Messiah Lutheran Church
16725 Highview Ave
Lakeville, MN 55044