Meet OUR TEAM
The Yellow Parachute Team features certified tutors who are experts in their fields.
Backed by 20+ years of experience and thousands of happy clients. Our team of Yellow Parachute Coaches works with students, parents, and educators to build success as a team. Join us!
Discover what great minds can do.
Cara Thorpe
Founder + Performance Coach
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!)
Lindsey Mitchell
Learning Coach
Lindsey Mitchell
Specializes in writing, presenting, reading comprehension, poetry, and research.
Hello! My name is Lindsey, and I am ecstatic to be tutoring with Yellow Parachute! I grew up in Chaska and have my education license in 5-12 English in Minnesota. I graduated from Colorado Christian University in 2019 and have worked in various school and tutoring settings since then. Currently I work as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Waconia Middle School. In my free time I love seeing my family often, spending time outdoors, reading, music, ballet, and being involved with my church. I hope to meet with students and families who need a compassionate, down-to-earth help in making stories come alive and valuing the skill of great communication. I would be happy to help with any needs related to writing, presenting, reading comprehension, poetry, or research. I am willing to meet at any public library or in the occasional coffee shop or restaurant. I look forward to meeting you!
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.
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.
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.
Emmet Whitely
Learning Coach
Emmet Whitely
Hello! My name is Emmet Whitely and I am currently a student in the final year of my undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities where I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. I am in my second Co-Op rotation with Emerson Electric – Rosemount in Shakopee. My first rotation took place over the summer of 2021 when I worked as a Mechanical Design Engineering Co-Op in Rosemount’s Wireless division. I am currently finishing my second rotation working with Emeron’s Global Education team as a Software Engineering Co-Op. After my second rotation is over I will be returning to the U of M to complete my coursework for graduation.
During the spring semester of 2021 I had the opportunity to be an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant for a Heat Transfer course. The professor I worked with created a course structure that emphasized true comprehension of the material and core concepts rather than rote memorization of equations. This experience showed me how much fun it is working with students and how important it is for them to enjoy and understand what they are learning.
Some hobbies of mine include running, golfing, biking, technology, formula 1, music, and cooking. I love all things science and math related and I am also a huge public radio nerd. Unlike people who begrudge our cold Minnesota winters, they are actually my favorite time of the year because I am an avid nordic skier.
Subjects: Math through multivariable calculus and linear algebra, physics through college level, chemistry through AP chem, computer science (C, C++, Java, Assembly, and a little Python and JavaScript), and thermal science courses (thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer).
Chelsea Howe
Learning Coach
Chelsea Howe
Hello! My name is Chelsea Howe. I was born and raised here in the cities and am currently living in Plymouth. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth at the end of 2020 with a major in International Studies and a minor in Mathematics.
I spent a lot of time in college and in grade school before that helping and tutoring my peers and decided to continue doing so after graduating. I am passionate about exploring different learning styles and discovering what works for each individual person. I know how important the connection between a student and their teacher is and I strive to build that connection and learn the needs of each of my students.
I love traveling. I have been to 21 states, 22 countries, and 4 continents. I got to spend a semester in Barcelona in college and have many fond memories of the months I got to live there. I also love reading and swimming. I’ve constantly got a stack of books waiting for me, and I am eagerly awaiting warmer weather so I can swim in my favorite lakes up north.
Cole Nicholson
Learning Coach
Cole Nicholson
Hello, my name is Cole Nicholson. I am a senior at the University of Minnesota studying business. Before attending Minnesota, I played basketball at the University of Northern Colorado and Minnesota-Duluth. In my free time I enjoy golf, wake surfing, lifting weights, and reading. I have one brother, Brady, who is a former basketball player at Chaska and is going to play in college. My mom, Kristen is a real estate agent, and dad, Scott, is a financial advisor. I have my own personal training business where I have grown a passion for helping others, especially kids. I love helping them gain confidence and create a platform where they can continuously learn and have fun along the way. I also am in the process of getting my financial advising licenses. I am a tutor because I have seen my brother have difficulties with school; I have helped him in the past and seen him grow as a student. I believe that if kids are given the right tools and mentor, they can gain confidence and achieve great success in the classroom.
Anna Myrand
Learning Coach
Anna Myrand
Anna is incredibly passionate about teaching English Language Arts and special education to students with a variety of abilities and learning needs. She earned her teaching degrees at the University of Minnesota Duluth and Minnesota State University Mankato, and she holds licenses in 5-12 English Language Arts and K-12 Learning Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Emotional Behavioral Disorders, and Developmental Disabilities. Over the course of her work in both public and private schools, she has taught students at a wide array of levels, from early literacy to honors classes. She has also taught college admission essay writing and English in Belize.
Most recently, Anna designed and facilitated the high school ELA curriculum for a school specializing in serving students with ASD and related learning needs. Although she loves being a classroom teacher, she cherishes the opportunity to work one-on-one with students and has tutored elementary through high school. She considers it a privilege to be part of students’ growing journeys and be able to give deeply individualized support while building unique, meaningful connections with each learner. When not teaching, Anna enjoys writing, reading, and spending time with the two loves of her life: her husband and rescue dog, Robo.
Bob Plantenberg
Learning Coach
Bob Plantenberg
Bob Plantenberg is proud to be raising his dog and two cats alongside his wife at their home in Golden Valley. He currently works as a Government Grant Writer for Goodwill-Easter Seals of Minnesota but has a wide array of professional and educational experience. He has an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from the University of Iowa and has worked in the classroom with kids who have intellectual disabilities, tutored college-bound ESL students, and taught undergraduate writing workshops and literature courses. Professionally, he has worked in the nonprofit sector as a manager and supervisor among many other roles. He believes that critical thinking and organizational skills are the foundation of all learning, and that every student can succeed if they have the support they need. Seeing people succeed is his passion. When he is not working, he can be found writing, riding his bicycle, camping, or spending time with family and friends.
He is available to coach students in the West Metro and Minneapolis. He can coach virtually anywhere Yellow Parachute’s services are offered.
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! Learn more about Cara Thorpe’s Coaching Experience here.
