People
Alicia Anderson Alicia Anderson
- Literacy Project Coordinator
- she/her/hers
- 612-626-7120
- akanders@umn.edu
![](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2024-02/headshot.jpg?h=5d753da6&itok=EhiQIX8C)
Jaime Ballard Jaime Ballard
- Project Manager
- 612-624-7230
- jeballard@umn.edu
Ballard's research focuses on the impact of trauma and poverty on families and the evaluation of programs that support parenting and family wellbeing. Much of Ballard's work has focused on the resilience of immigrant and refugee families.
![Jamie Ballard](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/JamieBallard.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=obVd4xY0)
Michelle Beauvais Michelle Beauvais
- Literacy Specialist
- she/her/hers
- 612-625-1138
- beauvais@umn.edu
Michelle Beauvais is a PreK-12 Literacy Specialist at the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) at the University of Minnesota.
![](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2024-03/IMG_3062.jpg?h=1ca873c5&itok=9fxHMcct)
Nancy Boyd Nancy Boyd
- Literacy Specialist
- 612-625-1168
- nblum@umn.edu
![](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2024-03/Nancy%20Boyd.jpg?h=825a1919&itok=WNJ4OOqh)
Jamie Burse Jamie Burse
- Literacy Specialist
- 612-625-1190
- jburse@umn.edu
Jaime Burse works as a Literacy Specialist, where she is currently providing technical assistance and outreach services on the implementation of high-quality literacy instruction to local and state educational agencies.
![Jamie Burse](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/JamieBurse.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=tcn6Dsch)
Bess Casey Wilke Bess Casey Wilke
- Research Associate
- 612-626-1366
- bwilke@umn.edu
![Bess Casey Wilke](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/BessCaseyWilke.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=1juQxKPq)
Marci Exsted Marci Exsted
- Research Coordinator
- she/her/hers
- 612-624-0998
- exstedm@umn.edu
Marci Exsted is a Research Coordinator at the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the U of M.
![](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2024-02/157638618_10160884880639498_1836033212754527929_n.jpeg?h=6e754b88&itok=QgCETqXB)
Abby Fangel Abby Fangel
- Literacy Specialist
- 612-625-1194
- afangel@umn.edu
![Abby Fangel](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/AbbyFangel.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=TyDp-qFs)
Kim Gibbons Kim Gibbons
- CAREI Director
- 612-625-9751
- kgibbons@umn.edu
Kim Gibbons, PhD, currently is the Director of the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the University of Minnesota. Prior to that, she was the Executive Director of the St.
![Kim Gibbons](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/kim%20gibbons.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=gXNZyQ7g)
Ashley Gillingham Ashley Gillingham
- Literacy Specialist
- 612-625-1205
- agilling@umn.edu
Kim Gulbrandson Kim Gulbrandson
- Associate Director of Effective Practices and Evaluation
- 612-625-1209
- kgulbra@umn.edu
Kim Gulbrandson, Ph.D., is the Associate Director of Effective Practices and Evaluation at CAREI. Her role spans the Literacy, MTSS and Research Cores, and she supports evaluation endeavors.
![](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2024-02/KimG3.jpg?h=ab8478a2&itok=iLwOzC1l)
Peggy Haapoja-Toussaint Peggy Haapoja-Toussaint
- Literacy Program Assistant
- 612-626-7118
- phaapoja@umn.edu
![Peggy Haapoja-Toussaint](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/PeggyHaapoja-Toussaint.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=CTwfLJP9)
Aleda Hinojos Aleda Hinojos
- Literacy Specialist
- 612-625-1211
- ahinojos@umn.edu
Aleda Hinojos is a Literacy Specialist at the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the University of Minnesota.
![Aleda Hinojos](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/AledaHinojos.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=SLvcLFGA)
Lindsey Hoy Lindsey Hoy
- Literacy Specialist
- she/her/hers
- 612-626-2818
- lhoy@umn.edu
Lindsey Hoy is a Literacy Specialist at the University of Minnesota's Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) to support implementation of the Minnesota READ Act legislation.
![](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2024-02/image000000.jpg?h=7d54d459&itok=4lzD_nbq)
Nichole Hughes-Bourgoin Nichole Hughes-Bourgoin
- Literacy Specialist
- 612-625-1218
- nhughesb@umn.edu
Nichole Hughes-Bourgoin is a Literacy Specialist for the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) at the University of Minnesota.
![](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2024-02/20231108_110450.jpg?h=11a72f85&itok=c8XI5dMe)
Molly Illes Molly Illes
- Research Associate
- 612-626-7114
- milles@umn.edu
![Molly Illes](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/MollyIlles.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=_6GLfs6_)
Clarissa R. Jackson Clarissa R. Jackson
- Literacy Specialist
- 612-626-7114
- clarissa@umn.edu
Clarissa R. Jackson, PhD, is a PreK-12 Literacy Specialist for the Center of Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI).
![Clarissa R Jackson](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/ClarissaRJackson.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=frZM0d3s)
Sara Kemper Sara Kemper
- Research Associate
- 612-624-7235
- skemper@umn.edu
Sara Kemper, Ph.D., is a former 5th grade teacher who is passionate about reimagining schools to foster high-quality and equitable learning environments.
![Sara Kemper](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/SaraKemper.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=_qBlON6m)
Nicole Kendall Nicole Kendall
- Operations
- 612-625-7240
- nkendall@umn.edu
I am highly organized, driven and tech-savvy. I am creative as well as a problem solver. One of the greatest assets I offer is my ability to work with many personalities and groups of people on all different levels.
![Nicole Kendall](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/NicoleKendall.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=BjGjKgo7)
Daniel Knewitz Daniel Knewitz
- Research Associate
- 612-626-7111
- dknewitz@umn.edu
Dan Knewitz is an experienced educator who specializes in the training and implementation of evidence-based frameworks of support in education.
![Daniel Knewitz](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/DanielKnewitz.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=OEUfUhWL)
Allison Koneczny Allison Koneczny
- Literacy Coordinator
- 612-625-1232
- akonecz@umn.edu
![Allison Koneczny](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/AllisonKoneczny.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=5hSadGMi)
Anne Larson Anne Larson
- Research Associate
- 612-624-7236
- lars4959@umn.edu
My research is primarily focused on the development and implementation of practitioner-supported and caregiver-implemented language assessments and interventions for young children.
![Anne Larson](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/AnneLarson.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=MAGjayEp)
Karen Lee Karen Lee
- Literacy Specialist
- 612-626-7144
- karenlee@umn.edu
![](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2024-07/Karen%20Lee%20Headshot.jpg?h=6524c25d&itok=fpROtgea)
Becky Linderholm Becky Linderholm
- Literacy Specialist
- she/her/hers
- 612-625-1254
- blinder@umn.edu
![](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2024-02/BeckyLinderholmPhoto.jpg?h=fe2aa2a5&itok=xKwzYTuN)
Michelle Marchant-Wood Michelle Marchant-Wood
- Research Associate
- 612-625-1256
- mmarchan@umn.edu
Michelle Marchant-Wood is currently a Research Associate at University of Minnesota at the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement.
![Michelle Merchant-Wood](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/MichelleMerchant-Wood.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=3IV56fOa)
Nicole McKevett Nicole McKevett
- Research Associate
- 612-626-7110
- nmckevet@umn.edu
My applied research is focused on the implementation and sustainability of evidence-based instruction and data-based decision making practices in schools, particularly in reading, writing and mathematics.
![Nicole McKevett](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/NicoleMcKevett.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=OXxRbBBa)
Christopher Mehus Christopher Mehus
- Research Faculty
- 612-624-0300
- cjmehus@umn.edu
I am a Prevention Scientist with a background in family science, family therapy, parenting interventions, primary care research, and psychological trauma.
![Christopher Mehus](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/ChristopherMehus.jpg?h=05f99ef0&itok=aBIOvnrG)
Mariah Mercil Mariah Mercil
- Literacy Implementation Lead
- 612-626-0409
- mjmercil@umn.edu
Mariah Mercil is the Literacy Implementation Lead for the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the University of Minnesota.
![Mariah Mercil](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/MariahMercil.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=5MqYuvwm)
Nicole Morrell Nicole Morrell
- Department Administrator and Director of Research Operations
- 612-624-2600
- morre006@umn.edu
![Nicole Morrell](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/NicoleMorrell.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=_nLhtGOK)
Meg Olson Meg Olson
- Research Associate
- she/her/hers
- 612-626-3288
- mols@umn.edu
Meg Olson is a research associate with the University of Minnesota's Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI).
Alyssa Parr Alyssa Parr
- Research Associate
- 621-624-7237
- akparr@umn.edu
In 2020, Alyssa Parr joined the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI) as a Research Associate.
![Alyssa Parr](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/AlyssaParr.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=5pRRQ4NQ)
Holly Pfeiffer Holly Pfeiffer
- Literacy Specialist
- 612-625-1261
- hollyp@umn.edu
Holly Pfeiffer is a Literacy Specialist with the University of Minnesota's Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement (CAREI).
![](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2024-02/Holly%20P%20photo.jpg?h=319ae917&itok=NO5yzbI4)
Jessica Qian Jessica Qian
- Literacy Specialist
- 612-625-1315
- jqian@umn.edu
![Jessica Qian](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/JessicaQian.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=6i_EfcqZ)
Sara Rist Sara Rist
- Literacy Specialist
- 612-625-1277
- serist@umn.edu
![Sara Rist](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/SaraRist.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=wEw4UGVQ)
Rachel Roesslein Rachel Roesslein
- Research Associate
- she/her/hers
- 612-625-1284
- rroess@umn.edu
Rachel Roesslein is a Research Associate at the University of Minnesota's Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement.
![](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2024-02/IMG_5576.jpg?h=079c0610&itok=6jF50_Su)
Kathy Ryder Kathy Ryder
- Associate Director of MTSS
- she/her/hers
- 612-625-1288
- kryder@umn.edu
Kathy Ryder is a Research Associate at the University of Minnesota's Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement, supporting the state of Minnesota and districts in implementing Minnesota's Multi-tiered System of supports framework.
![](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2024-02/Ryder_jpg%20%282020_11_15%2019_29_50%20UTC%29.jpg?h=68f5a01a&itok=XkeX652x)
Chad Schmidt Chad Schmidt
- Research Associate
- he/him/his
- 612-625-1293
- chadschm@umn.edu
I am thrilled to be a part of the CAREI team and look forward to making a positive impact in the areas of partnership, professional learning, research, evaluation, and MTSS implementation.
![Chad Schmidt](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2024-02/SchmidtC-2023.jpg?h=c19f5574&itok=EDDISa62)
Laura Sergeant Laura Sergeant
- Research Coordinator
- 612-625-8442
- serge016@umn.edu
![Laura Sergeant](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/LauraSergeant.jpg?h=cbe705e1&itok=DqIy8krS)
Wendy Stuttgen Wendy Stuttgen
- Associate Director of Literacy
- 612-625-1297
- stuttgen@umn.edu
Wendy Stuttgen, EdS., NCSP is Associate Director of Literacy for CAREI. She is also a certified Minnesota Department of Edcuation sponsored facilitatorr for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) and serves on the state and…
![Wendy Stuttgen](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/WendyStuttgen.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=zukgu077)
Mengchen Su Mengchen Su
- Research Associate
- 612-624-6366
- sum@umn.edu
Mengchen Su is an educational researcher with expertise in quantitative research methods and large-scale data analysis. She earned her PhD and MA degree in Educational Psychology and Quantitative Methods from the University at Buffalo.
![Mengchen Su](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/MengchenSu.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=2mRfGbB8)
Ellen Swanson Ellen Swanson
- Coordinator of Equity, SEL and Wellness
- 612-625-1311
- swansone@umn.edu
Dr Ellen Swanson currently serves as a Research Associate at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis/St.
![Ellen Swanson](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/EllenSwanson.jpg?h=d0dd59e8&itok=z-Bmj2lj)
Alisha Wackerle-Hollman Alisha Wackerle-Hollman
- Associate Director of Translational Research
- 612-624-3943
- wacke020@umn.edu
As an educational psychologist, my interests focus on two primary strands of research: a clinical foci on parenting education and engagement and an applied foci centralized around early childhood assessment, intervention and data-based decision…
![Alisha Wackerle-Hollman](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/AlishaWackerle-Hollman.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=iSFwUg69)
Courtney Wheeler Courtney Wheeler
- Assistant Director of Professional Learning
- 612-625-1325
- wheelerc@umn.edu
Courtney E. Wheeler, PhD, is the Assistant Director of Professional Learning at CAREI at the University of Minnesota, where she provides technical assistance, training, and conducts research around the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework.
![Courtney Wheeler](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2023-10/CourtneyWheeler.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=5yl3OlMS)
Laura Woolf Laura Woolf
- Literacy Development Manager
- 612-624-7970
- woolf030@umn.edu
![](/sites/carei/files/styles/x_small_portrait/public/2024-06/Laura%20Woolf.jpg?h=be0248d6&itok=vsWpRj1l)