OUR VALUABLE TEAM MEMBERS
Yellow Parachute’s success over the past years is due to the value each team member places on creating relationships. Not only are Yellow Parachute Coaches experts and specialists in their areas of teaching, but they also place highest value upon successful education and life-long learning for each of their students.
Cara Thorpe
Founder + CEO
Cara Thorpe
cara@yellowparachute.com
After graduating from Grinnell College with a major in German and a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies. Cara attended the University of Minnesota, where she completed her Master’s degree in Elementary Education. She taught at Creek Valley Elementary School in Edina at the first, third, and fifth grades, for a total of seven years. Cara saw after-school tutoring as a way to create meaningful student growth and formed a small team of teachers to make a greater impact.
Cara continues to seek the most practical business applications for a company that values people over process and has grown to a team of over 50 individuals. She is a member of the global organization “Entrepreneur’s Organization” and has recently completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.
Jenny McKeand
Student Connector & Learning Coach
Jenny McKeand
After graduating from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Jenny followed her passion for working with children and young adults, as well as her lifelong love of literature, and received her secondary teaching license in Communication Arts and Literature and her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of St. Thomas. Meanwhile, Jenny worked at a local high school in their Support Services program, working intensively with students who have learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, and other learning obstacles.
Jenny loves being a Yellow Parachute Learning Coach and helping students to be organized, thoughtful, and successful learners. She finds nothing more rewarding than guiding students towards “a-ha” moments—moments when they finally understand a difficult problem or topic. Jenny works with students on organization/study skills (her true passion–she loves teaching students how to learn, not just what learn!), English, and ACT prep in the Southwest Metro.
Jenny is not only a certified Learning Coach, but also Yellow Parachute’s Student Connector. After many years of tutoring, she is thrilled to be working more closely with all Yellow Parachute families and helping their students obtain the personalized learning that she enjoys giving her own tutoring families.
Jenny is happiest when spending time with her husband and four children, cooking, traveling, reading, and cheering for her kids on various sport sidelines.
Courtney Johnson
Marketing & Public Relations
Courtney Johnson
After obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communications from St. Cloud State University, Courtney has spent her career working in a number of communications roles including journalism, media relations, public relations and internal communications.
Courtney shares her home with Zac Borncamp and their kitties. In her free time Courtney can be found running around Carver, playing BARGO, gardening, knitting, cheering on the Green Bay Packers and hanging out with family, including her nephews, Luke and Landon.
Darin Anderson
Learning Coach
Darin Anderson
Specializes in science, math (algebra, trig, geometry), and ACT test prep.
I have enjoyed math ever since competing in mathematics competitions in high school. I tutored math in college because I enjoyed seeing the satisfaction on fellow students’ faces when they would understand how to find solutions for themselves.
In college I received a BS degree in Computer Science with a minor in Mathematics. I have spent my professional career as a software engineer and manager for almost 25 years. Recently I left the software field to focus on a real estate investment business.
I am married with two sons and spend a lot of time at their various extra-curricular events. My youngest is just completing his black belt in Karate. He also competes in snow board competitions and plays in multiple guitar bands through his school. My oldest plays basketball and baseball and I have coached his teams in both sports for a number of years.
In the past few years I have been tutoring my niece, nephews, and sons in the topics of Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Physics. This has sparked a renewal of my love for mathematics and my desire to begin tutoring again to help students achieve their full potential in these subjects.
Kirsten Anderson
Learning Coach
Kirsten Anderson
Specializes in Orton-Gillingham, reading, and writing.
Kirsten graduated from St. Olaf College in 1997 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education. She has taught k -4 music and worked in the Special Education as a paraprofessional 1:1 with Early Childhood students with autism and DCD. Kirsten then went onto earn licensure in K-6 Elementary Education with an added specialty of Middle School Language Arts, in addition to a Master of Education from the University of Minnesota. In recent years, Kirsten has become certified in Orton-Gillingham instruction for reading through the Institute for Multi-Sensory Education and has been specializing in teaching students with dyslexia and other learning disabilities how to read.
Kirsten believes that her wide variety of experience in education makes her a very versatile educator and private tutor, and she forever will be dedicated to teaching! In her free time, Kirsten enjoys singing, yoga and Pilates, being outdoors, reading voraciously, and spending time with her husband and two sons.
Susan Bloom
Learning Coach
Susan Bloom
Specializes in SAT/ACT test prep.
Having survived several advanced degree programs and academic posts in a variety of institutional settings, Susan has found her happy place tutoring for Yellow Parachute. Her uncompromising passion is to meet each student where they are and advocate for them with every skill, tool, and trick that she has in her bag. Each time is new for Susan, and she loves the challenge of discovering the student’s “open sesame” to learning and confidence. Accordingly, it’s difficult for her to declare a true “student niche,” but Susan resonates with anxious testers, appreciates the hard-driving student, and strives to find the right combo of cheer and challenge for each person. Along the way, Susan tries to make the experience as painless as possible and hopefully more than a little bit of fun. At the end, they’ve learned a little, and she has learned a lot. “Best. Job. Ever.” says Susan Bloom, M.A., Ph.D. (Susan lives in the Minnetonka school district, tutors throughout the West Metro, and loves coffee, dogs, Pink Floyd, books, and sports.)
Lisa Boes
Learning Coach
Lisa Boes
Specializes in college resume building, StrcngthsFinders for teens, and some organizational coaching.
Lisa’s career in higher education began with orientation programs and residence life at Miami University, SUNY Cortland and the University of Maine. After earning her masters in College Student Personnel at Miami University and doctorate in Learning & Teaching at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, she coached new teachers at the Bok Center at Harvard as a post-doctoral fellow. She returned to undergraduate advising, and for seven years served as Allston Burr Resident Dean of Pforzheimer House at Harvard College. As a member of the faculty of Education at Harvard, Lisa offered a course on college student identities and development. She also served as Dean of Academic Services at Brandeis University for three years, leading a staff of 22 academic advisors and student service providers focused on academic achievement and success for a student body of over 3,800.
Throughout her career she has supported young adults in their development with a focus on service-learning, public service, and civic engagement.
Eve Burdick
Learning Coach
Eve Burdick
Sharon Coppi
Learning Coach
Sharon Coppi
Specializes in math, reading, and organization skills for students with ADHD, learning disabilities.
I’m a wife, mom, grandma, sister, and auntie. I travel with my husband on adventures like Thailand and Mexico, always looking for a photo op that will thrill my grandchildren and great-nephews/nieces. When I travel I’ve been fortunate to tutor electronically. I’m a tutor who loves to tutor, which I’ve been lucky enough to do so since high school. I’m also a mentor to young women through church. During the summer I work in my garden, play golf, bike ride and travel to take my grandchildren on educational adventures.
I am passionate about tutoring students with learning differences. I am passionate about de-mystifying dyslexia, ADHD, and executive functioning weaknesses. I love to inspire my students to take ownership of their strengths and weaknesses, to take control of their individual learning plan, to identify their anxiety, and to develop strong self-advocating skills with their teachers. Watching consistency grow in my students because they have skills to compensate for their weaknesses is rewarding – – I love it when they find their strengths in school!
Lynn Gerebi
Learning Coach
Lynn Gerebi
I have a BS degree in Business/Marketing. My background in business includes 6 years as a Sr. Sales Executive for Hewlett Packard, 3 years as an owner and Sales Manager for SLP Company, and 5 years as a Sales Representative at AmeriData. I have been working as a Private Tutor for 5 years with Yellow Parachute. My husband, Nick, and I have four children, and we live in Victoria.
My goal is to help students feel confident about the ACT. I work with students to understand the exam and its unique set of requirements – what I call its personality. Developing a strategy for success is essential and unique for each student. Learning, studying, and exam pressure can look and feel different for each High School Student. Over the past five years the average increase for the students I have tutored is 3.3 points. The range increase is 1-7 on the composite score.
Kim Gronholz
Learning Coach
Kim Gronholz
Gabriela Grosshans
Learning Coach
Gabriela Grosshans
Specializes in math (all levels), Spanish, organization/study skills, UMTYMP, and gifted and talented.
Gabriela is a Learning Coach. In addition to ACT math and science, she tutors the following subjects: math for grades 6-12 (including AP Calculus AB and BC, IB Math and the Math 1 and Math 2 SAT Subject Tests) as well as through all levels of math in higher education. She also tutors Spanish through AP/IB levels.
Gabriela loves to teach math. Her passion is teaching math in a way that makes sense. Gabriela teaches students to problem solve instead of just memorizing steps. She loves seeing students’ eyes brighten after understanding a new math concept.
In addition to helping students with all levels of math from arithmetic to calculus, Gabriela is a top-notch Spanish tutor. Gabriela continues to use her Spanish in her travels, especially in Guatemala and Spain, where she has pursued many different types of charity and educational work.
With respect to her ACT tutoring, Gabriela is passionate about helping students realize how quickly and effectively they can raise their scores. One inspiration behind Gabriela’s tutoring was a theoretical neuroscience course that she took while pursuing her undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota.
In her free time, Gabriela enjoys skiing in the winter and hiking during the summer. Of course, above all, Gabriela enjoys learning new things!
Claudia Gute
High School Mentor
Claudia Gute
I am 16-years-old and currently working as a hostess at a restaurant in Chaska. I have two brothers, a little sister, and a little dog named Gus. I am currently a junior at Chaska High School. When I’m not working or at school, I like to spend my free time with my friends and family. I enjoy running in my free time, and going to the movies with my friends. I also enjoy writing.
I am extremely passionate about helping and watching people learn and grow in both their education and as a person. This is why I was drawn to becoming a learning coach at Yellow Parachute.
Alece Henderson
Learning Coach
Alece Henderson
Specializes in elementary reading and math.
After graduating from Grinnel College with a major in German and a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies. Cara attended the University of Minnesota, where she completed her Master’s degree in Elementary Education. She taught at Creek Valley Elementary School in Edina at the first, third, and fifth grades, for a total of seven years. Cara saw after-school tutoring as a way to create meaningful student growth and formed a small team of teachers to make a greater impact.
Alece has been an elementary teacher for 12 years. She loves teaching and feels very fortunate to have found a career that she is so passionate about. The connections with the students and their academic growth was remarkable and kept me motivated and eager to help more students. The confidence that students gain during individualized instruction is so rewarding.
She recently finished my Masters in Education – Curriculum & Instruction with a K-12 Reading Endorsement from Concordia University in St. Paul. Alece calls herself a lifelong learner as she continues to seek new teaching strategies and ideas.
Tim Hereid
Learning Coach
Tim Hereid
Specializes in comprehensive ACT writing, organizational and study skills.
Tim Hereid, MAT is a licensed teacher and provides outstanding tutoring in ACT, SAT, PSAT, college essay, writing and study skills to hundreds of students since 2009. He has taught in Maine, New York, Wisconsin and Minnesota. He’s a daily writer, and the author of The ACT Accelerated as well as numerous short stories. He is the proud father two wonderful and energetic boys, a kayaking enthusiast, and a passionate reader.
Subjects: ACT, SAT, AP, PSAT, College Essay, Language Arts, Math through Algebra II.
Jessica Kast
Learning Coach
Jessica Kast
Specializes in special education, organization, reading, writing, language arts, social studies, and social sciences.
Hello!
My name is Jessica Kast and I am a special education teacher at Eden Prairie High School. I have a Bachelor’s degree in music, a minor in psychology, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a Specialist of Education degree in special education (Ed.S.). I have been working in education and caregiving for 25 years with 12 years of direct teaching experience. I have experience working with students from birth to age 21. I live in Eden Prairie with my children, a daughter who is 13 and a son who is 7. As a special education teacher, my skills are in individualizing instruction for each student. That’s why I love tutoring! In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with my friends and family.
Layna Kitson
Learning Coach
Layna Kitson
Specializes in elementary reading, writing, math, and English 5-8.
Whether in small groups, one-on- one, or in a traditional classroom setting, I have had experience working with students of almost all ages-infant through 12th grade! I have taught in both public and private schools. I especially enjoy getting to know my students through small group and one-on- one interactions. Building relationships with my students is the highlight of my job as a learning coach! I hope to empower my students as they work hard.
I enjoy running. I have run two half marathons and the TC 10 mile. I enjoy time at the lake with my family and friends. One interesting fact is that I have been to the Minnesota State Fair every year of my life!
Allison Klos
Learning Coach
Allison Klos
Specializes in math, science, organization, reading, writing, and ACT test prep.
Allison’s love for education stems from the fond memories she has of spending time with her grandmother, a retired kindergarten teacher. They would play school together utilizing all of her old lesson materials. Her grandmother instilled in her how fun learning can be and the importance of a quality education, which Allison is hoping to share with others.
Allison is a 2019 summa cum laude graduate of the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science with an emphasis in Pre-Professional, a minor in Psychology, a Multicultural Certificate and Honors Certificate. In college, Allison was a volunteer student tutor in reading and writing at an elementary school and taught English to preschool through eighth graders while on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. While abroad, she was able to help bring educational opportunities to communities where education is almost nonexistent. Allison was able to bridge the gap and help students realize their potential. She has the most experience helping students in reading and writing; however, with her education she would be able to assist any age student in math or science as well.
Allison enjoys the outdoors, swimming, spending time with friends and family, Minnesota sporting events and traveling. During the summer months you will find her spending as much time as possible at her cabin in Northern Minnesota where she loves to fish, kayak, hike, bike and relax by the lake.
Lisa Koeppen
Learning Coach
Lisa Koeppen
Specializes in math (all levels through calculus, including AP statistics) and ACT test prep.
Lisa Koeppen is a former high school math teacher at private, public and international schools. She is a mom of 3 teenagers and has spent extensive time volunteering in their classrooms over the years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of St. Thomas, and a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Lisa is also a trained ACT Prep Learning Coach and enjoys working with students in building their confidence across all subjects. She especially values working one on one with students to capitalize on their unique learning styles. The best part of teaching is the eye-opening, confidence-building moments when comprehension clicks.
Lisa enjoys working with motivated, hard-working students. She prefers to work in the West Metro area including Chanhassen, Chaska, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie and Edina.
Ashley Langer
Learning Coach
Ashley Langer
I grew up in Lino Lakes with my Mom, Dad, and older sister. I bought a townhouse in Coon Rapids in 2017 and currently moving to Victoria. I have a niece and two nephews that are the light of my world!
Every since 3rd grade, I have wanted to be a teacher. I went to St. Cloud State and got my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Development (birth-3rd grade) and minored in Human Relations and Special Education. I love watching the light bulb go off when kids finally get and understand what they have been working on for so long. I taught at New Horizon Academy and Primrose for a few years before starting my own business. Not only do I love teaching kids, but I also love educating parents on how to help their kids live a healthier life.
Outside of work, I love line dancing, Zumba, golf, and football! I am a big DIY crafter and love making seasonal decorations.
Isabel Larus
Learning Coach
Isabel Larus
Specializes in math (up to calc 1 or statistics), science (physics, biology, chemistry), AP math, science, reading, and writing.
I am very excited to be a Yellow Parachute Learning Coach! I grew up in Minnetonka with my parents, older sister, and two dogs. I am currently a senior at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a major in Biochemistry and my minors are Chemistry, Neuroscience, and Philosophy.
While new to Yellow Parachute, I have years of tutoring experience working with students to improve their reading, writing, math, and science skills and sharing my love for learning. Though my area of expertise is science, I enjoy working with students across disciplines. I love working one-on-one with students because it allows me to tailor instruction to one’s individual learning style and needs, which I believe is most conducive to growth. I was drawn to be a Learning Coach because I enjoy helping students gain confidence in areas in which they are struggling and watching them grow in their abilities to eventually excel in the subject area.
Outside of coursework, I work as an undergraduate researcher in a Medicinal Chemistry lab at the U of M Center for Drug Design working to develop a drug to treat giardiasis.In my free time, I love to travel, listen to podcasts, read books about science and philosophy, and explore Minnesota’s lovely nature areas through hiking and camping. I am very passionate about learning and teaching, and am looking forward to sharing this passion with my students!
Diane Lavin
Learning Coach
Diane Lavin
Specializes in Orton-Gillingham reading.
Life is full of changes, challenges, and adventures. Our family recently encountered all three when we left Texas after living there 15 years and moved to Minnesota. The move allowed me to focus on our two daughters Katie and Sara and help them adapt to winter weather. Minnesota winters are no joke! Now that we have bought all the winter gear you can imagine I spend my time trying to keep one step ahead of two amazing teenagers, train and work with our sweet dogs, and advocate for students with dyslexia.
My bachelors degree is in Elementary Education from Kansas State University. I have had the opportunity to teach grades 1st through 8th (with the exception of 5th) in 4 different states; Kansas, Georgia, California, and Texas. My master’s degree is from California State University, East Bay in Reading. I am a certified Reading Specialist.
Reading instruction has always been my passion, but when my youngest daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2010 I realized that I needed additional information and training. This lead me to The Shelton School in Dallas Texas where I trained for 2 years to become a Certified Academic Language Therapist. I am certified as a dyslexia specialist through The International Dyslexia Association as well at the Academic Language Therapy Association. My goal is to help students achieve all they can, encourage them to embrace their strengths, support parents as they learn how to help their child, and educate the local communities on dyslexia.
When I am not coordinating all the schedules of my wonderful and crazy crew I can usually be found doing one of four key things; hanging out on my deck enjoying beautiful Minnesota skies, working out or walking the wonderful paths in the area, snuggling our older dog Chevy, and training our new puppy Bentley to be a therapy dog. I am a mom, wife, teacher, crazy dog lover, advocate for kids who loves to laugh as much as possible, and encourage those around me to work hard, have some fun, and love fiercely.
Austin LeTexier
Learning Coach
Austin LeTexier
Specializes in middle and high school math and science.
Austin has always enjoyed math and science. It wasn’t until the tail-end of his collegiate freshman year that he began to think heavily about the teaching profession. He has been coaching youth football camps since 2007, but it wasn’t until 2012 that his attention began to turn towards coaching in the classroom.
Austin received his B.A.Sc from the University of Minnesota Duluth in Secondary Math Education, where he is licensed 5th grade through 12th grade, in 2015. Fun Fact: He also played football for UMD from 2011 – 2013.
Upon graduation Austin immediately began his teaching career at Washburn High School in Minneapolis, where he is still currently teaching. He is also coaching football (Offensive Line) at Washburn and has coached for them for three seasons.
Austin has been tutoring since 2012 unofficially for family and friends in other states (WA, ND, SD, GA, and NY) and is extremely excited to be a coach at Yellow Parachute.
He is beginning his Masters in Education, emphasizing differentiation, from the University of Concordia in Saint Paul.
“Keep working hard until you no longer need to introduce yourself” – unknown
Allie Martin
Learning Coach
Allie Martin
Specializes in middle and high school English and writing, math through algebra, and ACT test prep.
My name is Allie Martin and I recently finished my Masters in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University. I am an outdoor enthusiast with my husband and 1 year old son and we love activity of all kinds! I played rugby in college at the University of Minnesota Duluth and have since been working with students of various ages in middle and high school while pursuing my Masters. I love to help students organize their lives and realize the fun that can be found in English Language Arts! My perfect day would be spent hiking, reading in a hammock, eating tacos and exploring someplace new. It’s invigorating to share your passions with others and I love to read and write essays (and you can too!)
Darcy Miller
Learning Coach
Darcy Miller
Specializes in upper elementary, middle and high school English.
Working with students of all ages is something that Darcy has been doing her whole life; she especially loves the one-on-one interaction with students as a learning coach. She capitalizes on students’ strengths and develops instructional strategies that optimize individual learning experiences.
As a native Minnesotan, Darcy has been a life-long MN Vikings fan. She and her husband love traveling, golfing, and spending time at the cabin in northern Minnesota.
Jessica Pocrnich
Learning Coach
Jessica Pocrnich
I enjoy living in the south metro with my husband and two wonderful teenage daughters. Together we love to go camping, spend time at the cabin, watch movies, and travel to destinations near and far. We enjoy learning about the local and natural history of the area when we travel and like to visit museums.
I graduated from the College of St. Benedict with a degree in elementary education in 2002. Following graduation, I taught Kindergarten and first grade in Prior Lake. The last few years I was fortunate to stay home taking care of my family until I joined Yellow Parachute as a Learning Coach. My background as a classroom teacher and parent has fueled my passion for helping individuals achieve success, with an understanding that each child brings with them his or her own uniqueness and strengths. It is my goal to help each learner identify their strengths and use them to achieve their learning and personal goals.
Lauren Rice
Staff & Family Coordinator
Lauren Rice
Kelsey Robinson
Learning Coach
Kelsey Robinson
Specializes in elementary math, reading, writing and special education.
I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth with my K-5 Teaching License as well as a K-12 Special Education: Academic Behavior Strategist License. I am currently a Center-Based Special Education teacher in Eagan, MN for kids ages K-5th grade. Prior to getting my job in Eagan, I student taught in Galway, Ireland which was an amazing experience where I was able to learn a lot about how different countries approach academics. I was recently trained in Leveled Literacy Intervention and with this, I enjoy showing students the joy they can find in reading! I like to also look for fun and interesting ways to get kids interested in a subject. When I teach math, I often find that kids respond best when the math concepts are introduced in a version of a game. I love working with students, finding their strengths, and building relationships that will foster success. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy being around my friends and family, hiking, and doing yoga. Traveling is also an important part of my life as I think seeing the world and meeting new people is so important. I also love to read when I have the time, especially historical books. I live in Edina with my husband and golden retriever, Barley!
Ryan Schultz
Learning Coach
Ryan Schultz
Specializes in science and math.
Ryan Schultz was born and raised in northwest Iowa and since that time has been attempting to do a little bit of everything from classical piano to SCUBA to swing dancing to video games. He recently returned from a three year excursion to Sydney, Australia where he earned his Master’s in Biomedical Engineering with a thesis focusing on 3D printing screws out of titanium and steel. Because you can use a laser to print with metal. He also has a BA in Physics from Luther College.
Ryan is driven by curiosity, and part of that drive is to inspire curiosity in others. To that end he has taught as part of after school programs, adult education classes, and most recently Australian HSC (High School Certificate). He believes that the best thing in the world is to not know an answer, because then you get to learn something.
Kevin Smith
Learning Coach
Kevin Smith
Specializes in math (up to pre-calc), science (physics and chemistry), ACT test prep, study skills, organization and overall academic support.
Kevin has been tutoring ACT, math, and study-skills to students since December of 2012 and has more than ten years of experience in the classroom working with a variety of students. Kevin grew up in Edina, attended St. Thomas Academy for his prep education, then sailed through the U of Minnesota’s Honors program with a degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Art History. He has a casual style which helps students come alongside him in their personal learning process.
Jenny Thomas
Learning Coach
Jenny Thomas
Life is full of changes, challenges, and adventures. Our family recently encountered all three when we left Texas after living there 15 years and moved to Minnesota. The move allowed me to focus on our two daughters Katie and Sara and help them adapt to winter weather. Minnesota winters are no joke! Now that we have bought all the winter gear you can imagine I spend my time trying to keep one step ahead of two amazing teenagers, train and work with our sweet dogs, and advocate for students with dyslexia.
My bachelors degree is in Elementary Education from Kansas State University. I have had the opportunity to teach grades 1st through 8th (with the exception of 5th) in 4 different states; Kansas, Georgia, California, and Texas. My master’s degree is from California State University, East Bay in Reading. I am a certified Reading Specialist.
Reading instruction has always been my passion, but when my youngest daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2010 I realized that I needed additional information and training. This lead me to The Shelton School in Dallas Texas where I trained for 2 years to become a Certified Academic Language Therapist. I am certified as a dyslexia specialist through The International Dyslexia Association as well at the Academic Language Therapy Association. My goal is to help students achieve all they can, encourage them to embrace their strengths, support parents as they learn how to help their child, and educate the local communities on dyslexia.
When I am not coordinating all the schedules of my wonderful and crazy crew I can usually be found doing one of four key things; hanging out on my deck enjoying beautiful Minnesota skies, working out or walking the wonderful paths in the area, snuggling our older dog Chevy, and training our new puppy Bentley to be a therapy dog. I am a mom, wife, teacher, crazy dog lover, advocate for kids who loves to laugh as much as possible, and encourage those around me to work hard, have some fun, and love fiercely.
Reid Thorpe
Learning Coach
Reid Thorpe
Reid Thorpe was born and raised in the rural Wisconsin town of Platteville and grew up spending countless hours hiking, canoeing, and enjoying the outdoors of his home state. He now lives and works in Chaska, Minnesota. Reid attended Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where he received his B.F.A. in Studio Art. He went on to receive his Art Education degree from The University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Reid has taught a variety of subjects including Jewelry and Video Production in the classroom. His expertise lies in the two-dimensional realm of drawing and painting. Reid’s current work focuses on the land of the Upper Midwest; trees, architecture, and wide-open spaces, and the way each interacts with color in nature, inspire him.
Jake Troxell
Learning Coach
Jake Troxell
Specializes in high school organization and reading.
My name is Jake and I currently tutor at two high schools in the 622 school district Monday through Thursday and then also help with youth development at a YMCA branch in Woodbury. I’ve been working with youth the past 4 years of my life ranging from last chance schools to boys homes and public schools and just mentoring one on one.
My passion for tutoring/coaching came from my lack of direction in my life. I never had someone there to help me see life in a broader sense and to show how things all connect and to ask me questions that would make me think about the future in a relatable way. I never want a young man or woman to go without having a trusted source in their that can lead them to a fuller understanding of themselves.
I love just hanging out with people and getting to know them better and hearing about who they are more than anything else. Aside from time with people there is an Anime called attack on titan that is very dear to my heart. I also like learning things about how life works and the deep connections the world shares.
Chelsea Zerr
Learning Coach
Chelsea Zerr
Hi! I’m Chelsea Zerr. I am currently a sophomore at Normandale Community College, and working towards my bachelor’s in elementary education. Along with being a full-time student, I work at Eileen’s Cookies, and College Nannies, Sitters, and Tutors. When I have free time, I love to spend it with my younger brother, who is a junior in high school. I also love to spend time reading, exploring, and volunteering. I currently volunteer at a kindergarten classroom in Bloomington and am loving it! I have even been to Ecuador on a service trip! I have always enjoyed leadership roles and helping others be the best versions of themselves, which is what drew me to being a learning coach. I think that it is the most rewarding feeling when you can help someone have that “aha” moment in learning when all the pieces fit together. Education has always been important to me, and I can not wait to share the learning experience with others.
Join Our Team!
Yellow Parachute is growing and looking to add talented, passionate individuals to our team of experts. If your goal is to make a difference and help people reach their full potential, we would love to hear from you!
