Meet Bethel’s newest faculty members

At Bethel, professors are central to the student experience. They’re experts who know students by name, invest in their success, and create opportunities to learn together in the classroom, the lab, the studio, and beyond. As mentors and role models, they help students grow academically and personally while modeling how faith can shape their learning, work, and calling. 

Meet the newest faculty and academic support staff who are equipping students with the confidence needed to pursue what's next! 

College of Arts, Sciences, and Education

Kevin Bovitz, affiliate adjunct instructor, biological sciences

Bovitz joined Bethel as an adjunct faculty member in 2025. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic from Northwestern Health Sciences University and his bachelor’s in biology from the University of Minnesota Duluth. After 28 years in clinical practice, he transitioned to higher education and now teaches integrative biology and human biology. Bovitz enjoys mentoring students, encouraging curiosity in the classroom and lab, and helping students deepen their understanding of the connections between science and faith. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, biking, traveling, cooking, baking, and spending time outdoors with his wife and family.

Kasey Erickson, affiliate adjunct instructor, psychological sciences

Erickson earned her bachelor’s in biblical and theological studies from Bethel and her master’s in marriage and family therapy from Bethel Seminary. Alongside teaching, she works as a mental health therapist in the Twin Cities, specializing in trauma and couples therapy. Her academic interests include trauma, rest and well-being, and the intersection of theology and mental health. As a Bethel graduate, Erickson is grateful to return to the community and the classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the woods, drinking good coffee, and reading. 

Guanchen Li, assistant professor, math and computer science

Li earned her doctorate in electrical and computer engineering from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and is completing a second doctorate in computer science at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Her research focuses on trustworthy artificial intelligence, machine learning, and engineering reliability, with an emphasis on developing responsible and reliable technology. Before joining Bethel, she taught engineering and machine learning at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Li sees teaching as a calling to help students develop both knowledge and character, encouraging them to approach technology with wisdom, integrity, and compassion. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and playing table tennis.

Jonell Pacyga, associate dean of education

Pacyga earned her doctorate in educational leadership from Hamline University, with an emphasis in cross-cultural conflict resolution and education law, ethics, and compliance. She also holds a master’s degree in English as a second language and Minnesota K-12 licensure in ESL education and as a literacy specialist. Pacyga spent more than a decade working with students from more than 33 language groups at LEAP High School in St. Paul before serving as associate professor and interim associate chair of teacher education at the University of Northwestern St. Paul. Her research interests include multilingual education, linguistic justice, language and literacy assessment, and supporting students with limited or interrupted formal education. A lifelong Minnesotan, Pacyga enjoys spending time with family, baking, traveling, praying, and embracing Minnesota’s lakes and snowy winters.

Katy Wert, associate professor, music and performing arts

Wert returns to Bethel and her home state of Minnesota after more than 20 years in music education and performance. She earned her bachelor’s in piano performance from Bethel, a master’s in music education from the Eastman School of Music, and a doctoral degree in wind conducting from the University of Northern Colorado. Most recently, she spent more than a decade at Liberty University, where she established the university’s first University Band, conducted the Symphony Orchestra, and helped launch a graduate program in music education. An accomplished conductor, accompanist, and flutist, Wert has performed and taught across the United States and internationally. Her research focuses on music theory in dramatic storytelling and creating accessible music education for all students. Outside of work, she treasures time with her husband and family.

Haley Wireman-Sobba, affiliate adjunct instructor, history, philosophy, and political science

Wireman-Sobba joined Bethel in 2024 as an adjunct instructor and PSEO advisor. She earned her bachelor’s from Kansas State University and her master’s in public policy from Drake University, where she is currently pursuing her doctorate. Her research focuses on developing educational policies and solutions that help students in alternative education settings access and succeed in higher education, drawing on systems theory and Indigenous methodologies. Before coming to Bethel, Wireman-Sobba taught at an alternative high school, an experience that shaped her belief that every student should have access to an education that meets their needs. Her research interests also include youth voice and educational policy.

School of Business

Don Brushaber, associate professor, business

Brushaber joined Bethel in January after more than 25 years working in finance and consulting. Most recently, he served as U.S. CFO for Aptia in Boston, and he previously spent more than a decade in London in senior finance roles. He earned his MBA in finance and strategic management from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. A native of Massachusetts, Brushaber is an avid Boston sports fan and enjoys traveling, dogs, good ice cream, and spending time with his wife and two adult children.

Josh Harste, assistant professor, business

Harste brings more than 20 years of experience in sales leadership, operations, strategic partnerships, and project management to Bethel, where he will teach marketing and sales courses and help launch the professional selling program. He also founded and leads Cross Solutions Group, which works with churches, schools, and nonprofit organizations on technology and security solutions. Harste is completing his doctorate in business administration at California Southern University, where his research focuses on green marketing and consumer purchasing behavior. Previously, he taught business analytics and technology at Concordia University, St. Paul, and he enjoys helping students connect classroom concepts with real-world business challenges. Outside of work, Harste enjoys spending time with his family and is active at his church, where he mentors young people through its youth ministry.

Christine Olsen, associate professor, business

A 2006 Bethel graduate, Olsen returns to Bethel after more than eight years as an assistant professor and assistant dean in the School of Business at the University of Northwestern St. Paul. Before entering higher education, she spent more than 11 years as a CPA, serving nonprofit clients at CliftonLarsonAllen in Minneapolis. A relational teacher and mentor, Olsen is passionate about creating a classroom community where accounting is engaging, relevant, and interactive. She also values opportunities to help young adults grow in their faith through classroom discussions, conversations, and Bible studies. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, quilting, kayaking, traveling, and organizing.

Anderson Family College of Health Sciences

Cini Bretzlaff-Holstein, professor, social work

Bretzlaff-Holstein joins Bethel after more than 15 years teaching social work at Trinity Christian College, where she most recently served as director of the online social work program. She earned her bachelor’s from Olivet Nazarene University, her Master of Social Work from Baylor University, and her Doctor of Social Work from St. Catherine University and the University of St. Thomas. Before entering higher education, she worked in child welfare, residential youth services, community development, and program development. Her research interests include food and environmental justice, social work and humane education, the human-animal bond, and contemplative practices in higher education. Since 2018, she has been a fellow of the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics. In the classroom, she’s often joined by Frank, a pothos plant named by her former students. Outside of work, Bretzlaff-Holstein enjoys family bike rides, reading, traveling, drinking coffee, and spending time in nature.

JJ Ferguson, assistant program director and associate professor, physical therapy

Ferguson completed a sports physical therapy residency at the University of North Dakota and holds board certifications in sports and orthopaedic physical therapy, along with a fellowship in the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists. His clinical experiences inspired him to earn a Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy and research workplace burnout and professional well-being. His ongoing research explores how organizations can create supportive environments where employees thrive, and he shares his work through workshops focused on workplace well-being. Alongside his roles at Bethel, Ferguson continues to see patients at an outpatient clinic in De Pere, Wisconsin, where he lives with his wife and two children.

Marika Reese, affiliate adjunct instructor, social work

Reese is a licensed independent clinical social worker, board-certified behavior analyst, educator, researcher, and community-based practitioner. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a Master of Education, a Master of Social Work, and a graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis before completing her doctorate in educational leadership. Her professional and scholarly work focuses on mental health, social justice, community engagement, public safety, and historically marginalized communities. Her doctoral research explored trust, authentic community engagement, and relationships between institutions and the communities they serve. Reese lives in Minneapolis with her husband and enjoys being an active member of her community.

Meredith Richards, assistant professor, speech-language pathology

A Bethel graduate, Richards earned her master’s degree in communicative disorders from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. A certified speech-language pathologist, she brings more than 15 years of experience serving children and families in public education, with expertise in speech-language assessment and intervention, augmentative and alternative communication, clinical supervision, interdisciplinary collaboration, and special education leadership. Richards is passionate about mentoring future speech-language pathologists and creating supportive learning environments where students develop clinical skills, critical thinking, and confidence. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, running, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on her daughters in their activities.

Emilee Scheid, physician assistant program clinical and didactic staff 

Scheid brings 20 years of experience as a physician assistant, primarily in family medicine, to Bethel’s physician assistant program. Alongside her role at Bethel, she continues to practice at Allina Health Family Medicine in Eden Prairie, allowing her to bring current clinical experience to her students. Her previous experience at Mayo Clinic helped develop her passion for education, mentoring, quality improvement, and process improvement. Outside of work, she enjoys running, hiking, camping, skiing, gardening, photography, and cheering on her children at their activities.