Faculty
Bachelor of Arts
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
Mary Lindell
Program Director | 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.
Faculty
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.
Cara Cardoso
Adjunct | cara-cardoso@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2021
Cardoso is grateful God brought her to Bethel University to interact with aspiring teachers and use her as a tool to further His work! Her husband and she live in White Bear Township where they enjoy getting outdoors with their two children. As a School Psychologist, she enjoys problem-solving using a team approach. She is motivated to connect with families and help them navigate the Special Education process. Each child is a new opportunity to extend the grace and love that she has been gi. . . 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.
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.
Erica Hering
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.
Amie Lorence Grubidge
Adjunct Instructor of Education | amie-lorence@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2016
Adjunct Instructor of Education
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.
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.
Lisa Ouren
Adjunct Professor | Lmo72847@Bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2016
Lisa Ouren is an adjunct professor in the CAPS/GS Special Education Program.
Linda Probert
Adjunct 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.
David Thomas
Adjunct | david-thomas@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2019
I am a proud graduate of Bethel (class of 2005). I am married to my incredible wife, Lindsey (class of '06), and we live in Lino Lakes with our 4 kids. Although I started out as a high school social studies teacher, I have spent most of my career as a special education teacher working with students with emotional and behavioral disorders. I find great joy in sharing Jesus's love with my students and coworkers. Every day God shows me grace and mercy, and I try like crazy to do the same thin. . . read more.
Jodi Wolkerstorfer
Adjust 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.
