Academics
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 2023 Fulbright Scholarship Grant recipient to Klaipeda, Lithuania at LCC University. She completed a Fulbright Specialist Project in Vilnius, Lithuania in May and September 2024 to collaborate with the Lithuanian Center for Inclusion in Education as the country moved to an inclusion model on September 1, 2024. Dr. Bonawitz also has a heart for Ukraine and spent her 2021 sabbatical leading teachers across Ukraine in evidence-based strategies for students with disabilities.. . . read more.
Cheryl Bostrom
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Education | 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.
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 | Professor of Psychology | 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.
Leslie Helgerson
Program Director and Professor and Professor | sam-helgerson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2002
Rachel Jorgensen
Adjunct Instructor | rra35368@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
Dr. Rachel Jorgensen is a leader in work-based learning with experience in both general education and special education work-based learning programs. She also has expertise in the area of special education and parental support for students with disabilities. She is the author of two books published by Routledge. The first, Loving Your Job in Special Education: 50 Tips and Tools, is a resource on burnout prevention to help educators find lasting peace and joy in their work as special educato. . . read more.
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 served as an elementary principal for 10 years before joining the faculty. During her tenure, she led a successful turnaround initiative, transforming a school labeled "Needs Improvement" by the Minnesota Department of Education into a National Blue Ribbon School, recognized for high student achievement by the U.S. Department of Education. Tracy now focuses on the daily actions of school and district leaders that foster a culture of professional learning communities, hold high expecta. . . read more.
Lisa Silmser
Affiliate Faculty - 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.
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.
Pamela Zimmerman
Adjunct Instructor | pamela-zimmerman@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2007
Social gerontology and aging policy.
Faculty
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.
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
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.
Abigail Brubaker
Assistant Professor of Physician Assisting | a-brubaker@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2025
Hematology and Oncology
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Jessica Daniels
Professor 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.
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.
Anthony Dorn
Adjunct Instructor | agd26756@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2011
Data and decision making, managerial finance, and managerial economics.
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.
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.
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.
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
Alexis Greeves
Adjunct Professor | alexis@hopeandhealingmn.com | Started at Bethel: 2010
Play therapy with deaf and hard of hearing children
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.
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.
Polly Hendel
Assistant Professor | p-hendel@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023
Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program. Background in retail medicine and behavioral health.
Jennifer Henson
Assistant Professor of Social Work | jch47677@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023
Jennifer Henson, Ph.D., LMSW, is an Assistant Professor of Social Work with extensive clinical experience in inpatient psychotherapy at Oceans Behavioral Hospital in Waco, Texas. She has also served as a part-time faculty member at Baylor University. Dr. Henson holds both a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Ph.D. in Social Work from Baylor University. Her multimodal research focuses on assessing the practice of social work clinicians working with individuals diagnosed with autism.. . . read more.
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.
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.
Gary Johnsen
Adjunct Instructor | gjohnsen@bethel.edu
Human resource management, human resources transformation, leadership.
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.
William Kron
Adjunct Instructor | wjk97757@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2010
Teaching and Learning
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
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
Professor of Education | 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.
Jonathan Lofgren
Adjunct Adjunct | lofjon@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
I'm mainly a hospitalist, but teach adjunct at the PA 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.
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.
Abbie Marten
Instructor of Biological Sciences | ae-reynen@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022
Instructor of Biological Sciences
Peg McCormick
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.
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.
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.
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
Greg Nelson
Program Director | gregory-nelson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2007
International Baccalaureate education.
Blair Nelson
Assistant Professor of Medical Sciences and Director of Didactic Education | blair-nelson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 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.
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.
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.
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.
John Rudberg
Adjunct Associate Professor | john-rudberg@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1998
Managerial economics, managerial accounting.
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.
Sara Shady
Professor of Philosophy | 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
Paul Siebrasse
Adjunct Faculty | p-siebrasse@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
Microeconomics, macroeconomics, capital markets, econometrics, statistics
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.
Raymond Sperl
Adjunct Faculty | raymond-sperl@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2011
Instructional Technology Integration; Science Instruction
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.
Jeanne Szarzynski
Adjunct Faculty | j-szarzynski@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
Physician Assistant
Nicole Truniger
Adjunct Professor | ntruniger@gmail.com | Started at Bethel: 2019
Dr. Nicole Truniger is an experienced nurse leader and educator with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) in Healthcare Systems Leadership. She brings over a decade of diverse healthcare experience to her teaching, including bedside nursing and clinical operations. Dr. Truniger began her career as a medical-surgical nurse. She later advanced into leadership roles, where she has successfully led multidisciplinary teams and enhanced patient care delivery across multiple healthcare settings. . . . 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.
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.
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.
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 Director of Practicum Education; Associate Professor of Social Work | 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.
Adjunct Faculty
Tonya Allen
Adjunct Instructor of Education | 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.
Lisa Bekemeyer
Adjunct Instructor and Adjunct Instructor | ldb86486@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2001
I am passionate about teaching multi-lingual learners and helping our teacher candidates prepare for this worthy profession. In my courses, I emphasize teaching language through a wide variety of strategies that fit under the umbrella of CI (Comprehensible Input); I strive to help my learners actively engage and practice these strategies for teaching language through content.
Neil Best
Adjunct Instructor of Education | 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.
Joni Burgin-Hartshorn
Adjunct Instructor of Education | j-burgin-hartshorn@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2008
Educational Leadership, School Safety, Instructional Leadership, Policy and Administration
Kelsey Chavalas, LICSW
Adjunct Professor | keh64398@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023
Adjunct professor with experience in both public and non-profit child welfare, and public waiver programs supporting community inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
Jolyn Dahlvig
Adjunct Instructor of Education | 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.
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.
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.
Joel Frederickson
Adjunct Instructor of Psychology | 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.
Cindy Hansen
Adjunct Instructor of Education | 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, Minnesota, and Missour) since 2000. She is currently the superintendent of Jasper R-5 School District in Jasper, MO. Her research interests include principal and superintendent career paths, employee turnover and retention, and social, emotional, and spiritual health of both students and adults.
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 Instructor of Education | e-hering@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2005
Erica is a former elementary school teacher who has served in higher education for 19 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.
Ross Jahnke
Adjunct Instructor of Education | 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.
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.
Kristie Johnson
Adjunct Instructor of Physician Assistant Studies | kristine-kunnari@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2025
Family Medicine
Melanie Keillor
Adjunct Instructor of Education | 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.
Tiana Krueger
Adjunct Professor of Social Work | tin53748@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022
Tiana has practiced in a variety of social work settings including domestic violence, housing stabilization, child protection early intervention, youth programming, refugee resettlement, and parenting education. She is currently employed as a child protection case manager working with children and families to safely have children reunite with parents or stay in their homes. Tiana has also assisted with the accreditation and reaccreditation processes for the BSW and MSW programs at Bethel. . . . read more.
Michelle Langenfeld
Adjunct Instructor of Education | m-langenfeld@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2007
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. She also taught in both ur. . . read more.
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.
Amie Lorence Grubidge
Adjunct Instructor of Education | amie-lorence@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2016
Adjunct Instructor of Education
Michelle Louis
Adjunct Instructor of Education | 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.
Molly McKinnon
Adjunct Instructor of Education | 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 then . . . read more.
Scott Moats
Adjunct Instructor of Education | scm44939@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2018
I have been in Christian Higher Education for about 34 years. I have worked in many areas, including teaching, administration, and operations.
Scotti Moats
Assistant Provost for Student Success | sam33348@bethel.edu / scottimoats@gmail.com | Started at Bethel: 2025
My name is Scotti Moats. I grew up in Minnesota where I attended Bethel University for my undergraduate degree. I continued on in higher education at the University of Minnesota for my Masters and Ph.D in Higher Education. I have spent the past twelve years working in higher education, both as a faculty member and administrator. Currently, I am the Assistant Provost for Student Success at Southwest Baptist University in Missouri.
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.
Judith Nagel
Adjunct Instructor of Education | j-nagel@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2020
Dissertation Advisor/Reader & Adjunct Instructor
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.
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.
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.
Emily Rustman
Adjunct Professor of Education | 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.
Hendrika Schoon
Adjunct Instructor of Education | 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
Affiliate Faculty - Adjunct Teaching Partner Instructor of Education | s-tag@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2001
Psychology Mental Health Special Education
Laura Shaw
Adjunct Instructor of Education | laf72749@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2025
Laura Shaw is a dedicated educator, internationally selling artist, and mentor with over 25 years of experience in visual arts education. Passionate about integrating creativity, faith, and pedagogy, she is committed to equipping the next generation of teachers for impactful and Christ-centered careers
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!
Michelle Steffenhagen
Teaching Partner of Psychology | allmica@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
Steffenhagen's research interests include purpose and wellbeing in emerging adults.
Charles Strand
Adjunct Instructor of Education | 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!
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.
David Thomas
Adjunct Instructor of Education | 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.
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.
Chris Tuey
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Physician Assisting; Assessment Coordinator | tuey@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022
Interests include clinical medicine, medical information systems, and research.
Michelle Wang
Adjunct Instructor of Education | 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.
Martha Weber
Adjunct Faculty | mlw35262@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2025
Family Medicine and Urgent Care
Jodi Wolkerstorfer
Adjunct 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 of Education | annette-ziegler@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2010
Annette Ziegler received her masters in educational leadership and administration from the University of LaVerne, CA, and her educational doctorate in educational leadership from Bethel University. She is the Director of State and Federal Programs and Elementary Schools in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. In her 30 years in education, she also served as the Principal of Coon Rapids High School in the Anoka-Hennepin School District and the former principal of Coon Rapids Middle School. S. . . 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.
Timothy Shaw
Professor of Biological Sciences Emeritus | 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.
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.
Sandra Traudt
Associate Professor of Social Work Emerita | 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.
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.