Get to Know Our Staff

Meet Jill! Her goal is to make sure that you meet your high school standards, but also make sure that the Art room is relaxed and enjoyable. Whether you like drawing or ceramics, you can enjoy small class sizes and personal attention and encouragement.

Meet Lacy!

Hello! My name is Dana Kappes.  I will be teaching Physical Education and Health at the Alternative High School this year.  I am so excited to start a new chapter here.  This is my 18^th year teaching and I am looking forward to this new school year.

I have been teaching at SWAHS since the 2007-08 school year. I teach English and Senior Seminar courses. I enjoy traveling, going to concerts, reading, and spending time with her dogs. When I'm not at school, you can usually find me teaching and coaching dance or working on her golf game!

My name is Kelly Meenan and I teach chemistry, anatomy, Earth & space science and 10^th grade seminar at SWAHS. I started teaching middle school in Des Moines, Iowa in 2011 right after graduating from the University of Iowa and joined the SWAHS family in 2017. I grew up in Woodbury and I am glad to be home after living in Iowa for a decade. Outside of the classroom I enjoy spending time with my cat and 2 dogs while reading or playing video games.

Hello, my name is Jon Colburn. I have been an English teacher for the last 13 years. I have only taught at one school, the South Washington Alternative High School. I enjoy reading all types of literature from novels to poems. My class focuses on novels to provide perspective and empathy for the world around us. I enjoy reading Native American folktales and stories that explore the world we live in. I also enjoy reading non-fiction to gather information and knowledge on various topics. Writing is important and invaluable to me and my classroom. In class, I like to write often and daily.  Students get to express themselves through various ways of writing from comic strips, short stories, and of course essays. Writing is a skill that will always be used and always be important.

Overall, I want my class to be exciting and engaging. As a class, we talk in small groups and large groups about current events and topics that the students deal with every day. I strive to make my class relatable, current, and informational all while offering a safe and welcoming environment. Beyond school, I have many interests from four-wheeling, woodworking, billiards, and outdoor games and activities. I enjoy the outdoors and love taking advantage of all the opportunities Minnesota offers. I wish to encourage learning and exploration of ideas in my class and hope to see you soon!

Meet Brad! He teaches, Biology, Physical Science and Environmental Science. Check out that Muskie!!

Hi!  I am Nicole Mills.  I am one of the math teachers at the Alternative High school.  This school is where I got my first full-time teaching job.  This program and the students that we serve are what makes this one of the best jobs in world!  I have been here for many years and hope to be here for many more.

A little about me, I am married and have 2 wonderful children.  Our family is often busy running from sport to sport for our kids but when we are not doing that, we enjoy outdoor activities like disc golf, fishing, and gardening.  We also like to try out new restaurants in the area, especially ones that let us bring our dogs with!  If you have any suggestions, let me know!

Meet Charlie!

Kate Jenkins is our guidance counselor. She works tirelessly to make sure you have all the tools, credits, and opportunities you need to graduate. 
 

Welcome back Linda! We are so happy that you will be looking after our students this year.