Mariah Gavin – Social Studies

Ms. Mariah Gavin attended Minnesota State University Moorhead and received a Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Secondary Education in 2007. She has been teaching at Excell Academy since 2011. She loves teaching social studies because there is always something new to learn, as history is made everyday. In her free time, Ms. Gavin likes reading, traveling, hiking, camping, spending time with her family, and 2 cats.

Carl Weber – Science

Katie Norton – Title I Reading

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!!

Erika Larson – Lead Teacher

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!!!

Julie James

Hello! My name is Mrs. Julie James. I am currently teaching 5th grade. 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.

Ashley Kock – Reading Intervention Teacher

Hello! My name is Ashley Kock and I am a Reading Intervention Teacher at Excell Academy. This is my first year at Excell. Before working at Excell I was Special Education Para at an Alternative School. I also taught 1st Grade in St. Cloud and a split 1st and 2nd Grade Class in Minneapolis.

I graduated from St. Cloud State with my degree in Elementary Education and am currently pursuing my Reading Licensure through Mankato State.

I am originally from Wisconsin. I currently live in Big Lake with my husband, our dog, and cat. We are expecting our first child in May so we will have a full house! When I am not teaching I love cooking, reading, watching football, and spending time with my friends and family.

Excell Academy

Doing Whatever it Takes

Specialist Teachers