Staff Bio's

Dan Chies – 5-6
This is my second year as the fifth and sixth grade teacher at GICS. I reside in Waconia, my mom and dad have lived in Apple Valley, and my younger brother lives in Greenville, NC. I graduated with a B.A. in Mass Communications from Winona State University, and received my teaching license from St. Mary's University. In my free time, I play baseball for the Arlington A’s, go fishing, play lots of Scrabble, and train extensively for triathlons. In September 2012, I will be competing in Ironman Wisconsin! 

Serenity Cox – Administrative Assistant
I am originally from Watertown, MN and I now live in Norwood with my fiancé Josh and our dog Cesar. We enjoy spending as much time as we can with his daughters Courtney (11 years) and Sirenity (9 years) on the weekends and during school breaks/summers. They irony of having a Serenity and a Sirenity in our family is not lost on us! I love the outdoors and try to go camping, bike riding, taking the Harley Davidson out for a ride, or just taking the dog for a walk around town as much as possible. I am also an avid reader and am always open for a new suggestion on what to read! I love coming to work every day and trying to keep up with all the awesome kids that I get to see every day.

Ann Czarnecki – Preschool
I am the preschool teacher at GICS. I grew up in the southern suburbs of the Twin Cities. After graduating from Rosemount High School I attended South Dakota State University where I earned a BS in psychology. Before coming to GICS, I taught preschool classes for homeschool co-ops in the south metro. I live in rural Belle Plaine with my husband, Pete, and four children who currently attend Green Isle Community School.

Julie Grams – 1-2 & Co-Director
Hi! I am Julie Grams. I grew up in Silver Lake, MN. I graduated from MSU-Mankato with my degree in Elementary Education. I have been teaching at GICS since 2005 when it opened. This year I will again be teaching grades 1-2 and I will also be Co-Director. I currently live in Norwood Young America with my husband Aaron and our son Joseph. We are expecting our second child in April. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, reading, going to the lake (in the summer), and playing with Oscar and Cassie our 2 Shih Tzu dogs. I love my job and the kids that I get to work with everyday! GICS is just a great place!

Melissa Isle – Math & Paraprofessional
Hello! My name is Missy Isles, and I grew up in Jordan, MN. I attended Minnesota State University, Mankato, where I earned my teaching degree. After moving around the south metro, I settled in Belle Plaine, MN, where I live with my husband, Brian, my brother, Josh, and our little cats Wiji and Buster. I love playing musical instruments, like guitar and mandolin. I also enjoy watching movies, cooking, and learning new things. I'm trying to learn to ride a unicycle and use sign language! This is my first year at GICS, and I'm so happy to be here!

Terry Kroehler – Kindergarten & Co-Director
Hi! I am Terry Kroehler. I grew up in Southern California. I graduated and got my Teaching Credential from Azusa Pacific University and California State University, Sacramento. I taught 2 years in California, then 4 years in Colorado. Next I moved to Minnesota and have taught at GICS since its opening 6 years ago. I currently teach Kindergarten and am a Co-Director at GICS. I am married to Keven and have 4 wonderful teenagers: Zach - 18, Ally - 16, Ben - 13, and Tim - 13. I enjoy reading, golfing, playing my guitar, shopping, and spending time with my family.

Kristy Konopacki – Specialist
Hi! I am Kristy Konopacki. I grew up in Bloomington, MN. I currently live in Belle Plaine with my husband and two daughters, Hannah (4) and Bree (7 months). I graduated from Augsburg College in the spring 2003 with an elementary education degree. I have been teaching at GICS since the fall of 2007. When I am not teaching I love spending time with my family, cooking, reading, or playing card games.

Kristine Schwartz – Special Education
I grew up on a dairy farm north of Henderson. I went to Minnesota State University, Mankato for Elementary Education and Special Education. This is my seventh year teaching special education and math at Green Isle Community School. I live outside of Green Isle with my husband, Todd, and five children Julia-13, Austin-11, Grace- 8, Hailey-4, and Jacob-10 months. I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, and camping. I also enjoy taking care of our dogs, ducks, geese, and chickens.

Kristen Strauss – 3-4
Greetings! I was born and raised in Southern Minnesota. I attended the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 2006. I started working at Green Isle Community School in January of 2008. I currently live in Belle Plaine with my family; my husband Mark, our daughter Jelena (5) and our son Emmett (1). I enjoy reading, fishing, camping, gardening and cooking.

Dorothy Saulsbury – Extended Day Coordinator
I grew up in Midwest Minnesota, the small town of Murdock. I went to Ridgewater Community College and played Fastpitch Softball while getting my generals done, I then attended Saint Cloud State University where I received my B.S. in Recreation and Sport Management with a minor in Communication Studies. I am now the Extended Day Coordinator for GICS and living on a farm outside of Carver with my sister and her family. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, photography, and being outside.

Eileen Brandt – Paraprofessional

Randee Carroll – Paraprofessional
I have completed degrees from Mankato State in Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene and Vocational Teaching. I have since combined the dental office with para-professional duties here at Green Isle Community School.

David Spellman – Paraprofessional
Hi my name is David Spellman and I am a Para Professional here at Green Isle Community School. I graduated from Belle Plaine High School and went to attend college up on Iron Range of Minnesota. There I studied and played college football and later transferred to St. Cloud State University and continued with studies and football. Then my soon to be wife and I moved to San Diego for 2 years and enjoyed ourselves in the Southern California sun until we moved home to start a family and grow some roots. In my spare time I enjoy visiting with family and friends, riding horses, and watching my son playing sports.