Votruba studied education at Carleton College. While she didn’t know exactly what area of education she wanted to pursue for a career, she decided to first work with College Possible to get some more experience working with students. She has been loving the chance to support CHHS students with the college application process. Her favorite thing to do outside of school is running.

Ho recently graduated from Augsburg University in Minneapolis with a major in Finance. He started working at College Possible because he was interested in exploring careers in the non-profit world, where he could make a difference in people’s lives. 

Riley earned a degree from St. Olaf College in Northfield. They are hoping to be either a teacher or a social worker in the future. When they found out about this AmeriCorps position through the Minnesota Alliance with Youth, they knew it could provide a lot of good insight and experience working in a school system. Outside of school, they love to hang out with friends and play pickleball and soccer! Also, they love to thrift. They would like everyone to know that they’re super excited to be here at CHHS and get to know the students and staff!

Born attended college at the University of Minnesota—Duluth for his bachelor’s in Psychology and then got his master’s and specialist degrees in School Psychology at the University of Wisconsin—River Falls. He ended up in his career originally wanting to pursue clinical psychology as a counselor. He wanted to combine supporting children with education, so his professor recommended school psychology. Outside of school, he loves comic books (especially “Spider-Man”), video games, drawing and spending time with his new cat Peter. One thing he wants everyone to know is that when he was in school, he received special education services, and those services helped him focus on his strengths and overcome the hurdles he faced. He finds it incredibly rewarding to not only find what students need support in, but also to [find] their strengths so they can also support themselves.

Nachtigall got his bachelor’s degree in theatre from South Dakota State University in Brookings. He then got his Master’s of Education from the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities. He says he got into his current career because he was directing children’s theatre shows and then met his wife, and when they decided to start a family, he needed a more permanent job, so teaching made sense. Outside of school, he loves comedy. He loves watching and performing when he has the time and energy. I also love trivia. He would like everyone to know he has four children now who “are awesome” plus a “cool” and talented wife.

Otterness started out her journey at Century College before going full-time at St. Catherine’s University for her Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing. When she finished high school, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. She took a few years off from school and ended up becoming a PCA (personal care assistant), helping clients who required care in their homes. This sparked a passion and interest for her to become a nurse. In her free time, she loves camping, hiking, snowmobiling, gardening and more. She also considers herself crafty and loves to refurbish furniture and create with her Cricut machine. Otterness and her husband had their first baby, Wesley, last October, whom she calls “the center of [their] world. They also adore their dog Koda and cat Lyla. 

Carlson is a temporary social worker while Caitlin Whitney is on maternity leave. She attended St. Olaf College for her Bachelor’s degree and the University of Tennessee for her Master’s degree. She ended up as a school social worker because she has always loved supporting people. Her favorite things to do outside of work are play with her dog Mocha and take care of her houseplants!