Our Staff

Our vision at The Journey School (TJS) is to empower teachers, engage parents, and inspire a community by setting high expectations through technology-supported teaching and learning, implementing high standards, and measuring results. Our staff works towards this vision on a daily basis.

See what they have to say:

My name is Ms. Hare and I’m so excited to be teaching kindergarten this year! I graduated from Concordia University – St. Paul this past spring and will be starting my first year of teaching this fall. I was born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota. In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, swimming, reading, and spending time with my family. I’m looking forward to helping all students become lifelong learners each and every day!

Ms. Hare, Kindergarten Teacher

Hello! My name is Ms. Richards, and I am so excited to be teaching at The Journey School this year! I grew up in Madison, WI with four younger siblings, but I now call Minnesota home. I graduated from the University of St. Thomas this past spring with a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and a Minor in Spanish. In my free time I love to read, sing, run, knit, play with my cat, and dream up new ways of making my classroom as creative and welcoming as it can be!

Ms. Richards, First and Second Grade Teacher

Hello! I’m so happy to be back at The Journey School for its second year. We grew a lot last year, and I am excited to see us continue to grow. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris with a degree in Elementary Education and an emphasis in Spanish Education. Before settling down at TJS, I spent four years as a traveling teacher. I worked with National Broadway tours to work with the young children that were performing in the show! During those four years, I was able to travel all over the country, including a few trips to Canada and one amazing trip to Japan! Besides teaching, I am currently working on my Masters degree in Educational Leadership at Concordia University-St. Paul. I also am an assistant varsity volleyball coach at St. Paul Academy. While I don’t always have a ton of free time during the school year, I enjoy spending it running around Como, biking along the Gateway trail, or just relaxing with some Minnesota teams playing on TV. I look forward to working with you this year!Welcome to The Journey School! My name is Mr. Lundquist. The last four years I have been on quite the adventure. I toured around the country as a traveling teacher, working with Broadway shows that had child performers. Through that, I was able to travel to 34 different states, as well as Canada and Japan! This year, I’m excited to get back to my roots– I grew up in a small town about an hour north of the cities and graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris. I’m my spare time, I enjoy watching any of the local sports teams, or training for endurance sports such as half marathons or triathlons. 

Mr. Lundquist, Third and Fourth Grade Teacher

Hello! I am Ms. Yakin. You can also call me Ms. Y! I am excited to be your teacher this year. We are going to have a great time, no matter the format. I will teach you and grow a relationship with you in any way possible! That is my promise to you.

I have been teaching for the past two years in the isd622 district. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Metropolitan State University. My teaching program at Metro was focused on culturally responsive education.

At home, I have a cat and a husband. My husband’s name is Brandon and my cat is Miko. You will definitely get to know Miko throughout the year! I love sharing pictures of her. Let me know if you have any pets.

In my spare time I like to go hiking, biking, and camping. I love the outdoors! When the weather is crummy, I love to watch movies. Some of my favorite movies are 80’s action, scary, and from Marvel! I also love playing Dungeons and Dragons with my friends.

Mrs. Yakin, Fifth and Sixth Grade Teacher

My name is Ms. Gold. I am thrilled to be here at The Journey School. This is my twenty-second year of teaching. I’ve taught almost every grade Pre-K through 8, and for the last twelve years my focus was in middle school. I am the mother of four grown children, two of whom are teachers as well! I enjoy being a part of the educational lives of children and look forward to a wonderful year. My hobbies include running, yoga, and reading. Teaching is definitely my calling, and I love it!

Mrs. Gold, Seventh Grade Teacher

Hi my name is Sheila Shambley.  I live in Maplewood, Minnesota.  I have worked in the Special Education Department for seven years: four years as an assistant; three years as a teacher at LoveWorks Academy.  I’m currently a student at Minneapolis Community and Technical College to further and enhance my career in Education.

I enjoy walking around the lake and roller skating.  I volunteer once a month at Mary’s Daycare working with four-year-olds to prepare them for school.  I am excited to be a Special Ed Teacher here at The Journey School and look forward to working with all the children.  This year will be a wonderful experience!!

Sheila Shambley, Special Ed Teacher

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