Excell Academy

Doing Whatever it Takes

Specialist Teachers

Physical Education and Health

Andrew Norlien

Hello Excell Academy Family!
My name is Andrew Norlien and I am the Physical Education teacher this year!  I will also be teaching Health classes and collaborating the Athletic Director role with Ms. Kroma.  I received my Physical Education degree from Bethel University in 2008.  After working in a supervisory role at UPS after my undergrad, I decided to follow my true passion and go back to school for my masters and initial teaching license.  In 2014, I obtained my M.Ed. in Health and Physical Education at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.  This is my 4th year teaching Physical Education and I am thrilled to be at Excell Academy!
I was born and raised in the Minneapolis area and currently live with my wife in Maple Grove.  Playing or watching sports has always been an interest of mine at a young age.  If there’s a Timberwolves or Vikings game on, you’ll probably find me near a television.  In my spare time I enjoy competing in men’s basketball leagues, going to the drive in movie, grilling out, running, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
At Excell Academy I agree to:
-Work tirelessly whenever I’m in the building
-Care for others and treat others with respect
-Respect the school and implement its core values
-Be responsible in my classes and my actions
Please contact me with any questions or concerns you may have!
Thank you,
Andrew Norlien

Art

Ariale Thibodeaux

Creative Learning Lab

Taybri Irving

Science

Carl Weber

Precious Walker

Reading Intervention Teachers

Katie Norton

Mrs. Norton: Title 1 Reading Specialist

Hello­ my name is Mrs. Katie Norton, Title 1 teacher here at Excell Academy. I am looking forward to another fantastic school year. I love helping students learn to read! I have been teaching Title 1 at Excell since 2009. I received my Elementary Education degree from the University of Wisconsin­ La Crosse in 2003 and my K­12 Reading Specialist Licence through St. Cloud State University in 2012. I currently live in Blaine, Minnesota with my husband, daughter Rosalyn, son Benjamin and 2 cats Boomer and Boogaard. I enjoy playing softball, golfing and camping. I also love to spend weekends at my cabin in the summertime. In addition, I am a huge Vikings football fan and had season tickets for 11 years. Go Vikes!!

Ashley Kock

Hello! My name is Ashley Kock and I am an ADSIS Reading Intervention Teacher at Excell Academy. This is my fourth year at Excell. I have also worked as a Special Education Para, First Grade Teacher, and Split First/Second Teacher.

I graduated from St. Cloud State with my degree in Elementary Education and am in the final semester of my Master’s Program for Reading through Mankato State.
I am originally from Wisconsin. I currently live in Big Lake with my husband, daughter, dog, and cat. I enjoy watching football (Go Packers!), March Madness basketball, kayaking, cooking, and reading.

Sharleen Blanco

Hello, my name is Sharleen Blanco. I have lived in Wisconsin and Arizona but spent most of my childhood in Fridley, MN. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education and Middle School ELA from MN State University, Mankato in 2012. I live with my husband of 15+ years and our two teenage boys in Bloomington, MN. I always say that I hit the jackpot with my boys; they are growing up so fast though and I’m trying to treasure every moment.
 
Prior to pursuing a second career in education, I worked in the medical field, commercial real estate in marketing and construction management, and with adults with developmental development and learning challenges. In the spring, when not teaching, you’ll find me outside in nature managing a staff of 12-15 adults at my greenhouse.  I enjoy working with adults, but LOVE working with children!
 
This is my sixth year at Excell and I currently teach Kindergarten. Prior to teaching at Excell, I worked as a MS ELA teacher with 7th and 8th graders. Teaching is the hardest yet most rewarding profession I have had. Even on the most challenging days, I feel so blessed. I enjoy helping students find their super-powers and seeing the possibilities around them. Some of my prior students have gone on to pursue degrees in publishing and media, the medical field, law enforcement, teaching, research, and as counselors. I believe strongly in identifying your passion and writing (and as needed, rewriting) your own story. I am never too busy to take a moment to catch up with a prior student; they are why I am here after all.
 
I value communication and making strong connections with my students. I look forward to meeting everyone this year!

Annie Schmidt

Academic Language Development 

Mary Zoubek

Hello!  My name is Ms. Zoubek and this is my fifth year as an ALD teacher at Excel. Born in Wisconsin, I am an enthusiastic Packer fan.  I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 2008 and finished my master’s degree in TESOL in January 2017. I have taught English as a Foreign Language in both South Korea and Taiwan.  I have also completed a year with the Minnesota Reading Corps as a kindergarten-focused reading tutor. I love our students and am looking forward to helping them develop academic language. In my spare time, I enjoy tennis, biking, running, hiking, and any other activities related to being outdoors.

Kimberly Nogle

Mikayla Melendez

Hi there! My name is Mikayla Melendez and this is my second year teaching at Excell Academy as an Academic Language Development teacher. I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and attended Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion as well as Main Street School for Performing Arts. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Race and Ethnic Studies and Educational Studies from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. I enjoy singing in choir, traveling, reading, hanging out with my cat, and spending time with friends and family. I am always excited to work with our outstanding students and staff! There’s no school like the amazing Excell!

Lead Teacher/Library Specialist

Erika Larson

Mrs. Erika Larson, formally Mrs. Larson, is a graduate from the University of Northern Iowa. She was married in the Summer of 2008. Mrs Larson loves children, the outdoors and dogs. She is a lead teacher at Excell Academy. Way to go, Mrs. Larson!!!

Academic Coach

Julie James

Hello!  My name is Mrs. Julie James.  I am currently an Instructional Coach.  I have also taught Title I, ELL, 2nd Grade, and 5th grade.   I love the community and families that I have the privilege to serve at Excell Academy.
   I am originally from North Dakota.  I received my B.S. in Education and my M.S. in Elementary Education from the University of North Dakota.  In my spare time, I like to enjoy family time.  I have a husband, Justin and two children, Eiley and Connor.  We watch and play a lot of sports and enjoy the outdoors together.

Excell Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is non-discriminatory in its organizational policies and practices. Excell Academy also offers Title 1 and Special Education services for all students as needed.

Excell Academy

Building Hours -- 8:45AM - 6:00PM 6510 Zane Avenue North #107 Brooklyn Park, MN. 55429 Phone: (763) 533-0500 Voicemail: (651) 272-0869 Fax: (763) 533-0508