The teachers are almost like friends. They all say 'hi' and know your name,
even if you haven't been in one of their classes. I didn't realize how much
I don’t like big schools until I came here.

-Isaac, Watershed student

Faculty and Staff

Watershed High School is administered by faculty, staff, and a board working from a model of consensus. Faculty and board members work together to chart the course of Watershed based on the model of human development presented by Rudolf Steiner and the needs of the school’s community.

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Kristin Aitchison, Theater Director and Performing Arts teacher, has worked with Watershed in the past to direct the Medieval Feast and Senior Play. Kristin is the sponsor of this year's 11th grade.
Steve Andrews, Special Education Teacher, has BA in communications from Lindenwood College in Missouri, a MFA in Film Studies from Ohio University and a Master of Education from the University of St. Thomas. Steve has over 20 years experience teaching in both charter and traditional public schools, and is also licensed in Social Studies.
Daphne Bodene, special education assistant, also works with the community education program at the Whittier International Baccelaureate Community School. Daphne is a dedicated supporter of the arts, education and community development in the South Minneapolis neighborhood.
Betty Edwards, administrative support, has 12 years experience providing customer service and administrative support. She holds a BA in Communications from Linfield College and a Master's degree in Adult Education from the University of Minnesota.
Linda Gavanda, Mathematics teacher, has a BA in Mathematics and an Urban Teachers Degree from Metropolitan State University and a BA in Visual Arts from Bethel University. Linda has several years experience teaching in both traditional and charter public schools.
Phil Grant, administrator, has 15 years experience in K-12 classrooms and six years as a K-8 principal. A graduate of the University of St. Thomas with a BA in history, Phil also received a BS and Master's of Education from the University of Minnesota and has completed programs in educational leadership from Cal State-East Bay and the University of St. Thomas.
Emily Hanrahan, Language Arts teacher, has a BA in English Literature and Teaching Communication, Arts and Literature from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. In addition to Language Arts, Emily has experience teaching American Sign Language during her tenures at Coon Rapids and Bemidji High Schools.
Rebecca Iverson, Spanish and ESL teacher, has a degree in Spanish from the University of Minnesota and is currently pursuing her Master's in Education. She taught English in Japan for several years before joining Watershed.
Rachel Koniar, visual arts teacher, is licensed to teach visual art in K-12 schools. Rachel is the faculty co-chair, District Assessment Coordinator and the Enrollment Coordinator. Rachel is this year's 10th grade sponsor.
Matt McElrath, Social studies teacher, head of the athletics department, faculty co-chair, and 11th grade sponsor, graduated from the University of Minnesota with degrees in History, Business and French Studies. He did coursework at the University of Idaho, and received his Master’s in education from the University of Minnesota.
Mark McGarraugh, Social Studies teacher and 9th grade sponsor, has a BA in social studies from Yale University and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Minnesota in biostatistics and epidemiology. He is currently completing a Master’s in education at Hamline University.
Maggie Rozycki, visual arts and art history teacher and 12th grade sponsor, has degrees in studio art and sociology from the University of Minnesota, and a Master’s in art education.
Ben Timko, Life and Chemical science teacher, has a BS from the University of Minnesota. Ben is this year's 10th grade sponsor.
Seth Tupper, Licensed School Social Worker, has a BA in social justice and conflict studies from Hamline University and a Master's in social work from the University of Minnesota. Seth has seven years experience working with youth and adults in the Twin Cities through both schools and other non-profit organizations.
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