Staff and Consultants

Susan Wetenkamp-Brandt - Senior Manager, Ed. Tech. & Digital Literacy, Literacy Minnesota. Susan has worked with technology and online learning in adult education for over 20 years. She provides training, technical support, and consultation to adult education practitioners on effective practices in technology integration, digital literacy, and distance.

Cathy Grady - Cathy is currently assistant supervisor at St. Paul ABE (Hubbs Center), where her role includes managing the distance learning program for approximately 4000 students served annually. She has supported and trained ABE teachers and managers across Minnesota on educational technology and distance learning for the past two decades.

Adam Kieffer - Adam is an ABE and digital literacy teacher at the Hubbs Center (St. Paul ABE). He facilitates DL 101 and 102 cohorts and provides professional development centered around digital literacy skills integration and instruction. He is also a member of the TVM Working Group and Review team.

Astrid Liden - Adult Education Professional Development Specialist, Minnesota Department of Education. Astrid coordinates the professional development system for Minnesota adult education and serves as the MDE liaison on the DL team.

Jason Brazier - Technology Administrator & Trainer, Literacy Minnesota. Jason oversees Literacy Minnesota’s technology infrastructure and provides program and administrative technological support and training.

Elizabeth Bennett - Statewide Distance Learning Coordinator at Literacy Minnesota. Elizabeth also teaches English classes at the Burnsville School for Adults.

Nick Houlson - Digital Navigator, Literacy Minnesota. Nick is the Digital Navigator for the Open Door Learning Centers. He provides adult learner assistance and troubleshooting in areas related to basic digital literacy and platforms for distance learning.

Community Advisors

Laura Twaroski - Laura is a Distance Learning and Digital Literacy teacher with Metro North ABE in Blaine. Having come from a background working in online and in-person high schools, she has loved the shift to helping adult learners earn their high school credentials through GED testing, adult diploma and credit recovery. She also works within her site as a technology advocate - offering lessons on everything from Google Suites to Excel, job prep and more.

Melody Stapleton - Digital Literacy & Computer Lab Coordinator at Learning In Style, an English school for adult immigrants in Minneapolis. She provides computer skills/digital literacy classes, computer lab assistance, and very basic IT support at her site.

Carly Voshell - Carly provides professional development as the ATLAS Adult Career Pathways and Transitions Coordinator. She brings 20 years of experience from her work in correctional education and in a school district-based ABE program, where she supported learners ranging from beginning English language to career pathway students. Carly is especially interested in how technology is transforming adult education—both in current practice and in shaping the future of equitable, accessible learning.

Polly Olthoff - Program Secretary and GED Math Teacher for Mankato Adult Basic Education. Polly enjoys teaching online as it allows her to reach and support more students in their educational journey through flexible, accessible instruction. 

Rebecca Jarvis - Rebecca is the Lead Teacher/Coordinator at Metro South Adult Education in Bloomington. She also coordinates online student orientations, manages distance learning  and teaches computer classes.