Meet Our Staff

Lisa M. Hoff ~ Co-Director

I am a 1994 Graduate of Red Wing Central High school and a 1998 graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree Bachelor Arts in Sociology a minor in Communications with a concentration in Human Resources. 

Since then, I have moved to the North Shore of Minnesota to Silver Bay with my husband.  I joined the Birch Grove TEAM in November of 1998 as the Birch Grove Foundation Director.  Since then I have had two children.  As part of the Foundation TEAM I assisted in the organization and founding of the Birch Grove Community School.  I have now moved into a Co-Director position of the Birch Grove Community School. 

The Birch Grove Community School is a very exciting place filled with wonderful initiatives and a strong community feeling.  I have known a gentleman that has guided me along in this process that has always ingrained in me that, "it is always about the children!"

Diane Blanchette ~ Co-Director

Natalie Shaw ~ K-1 Teacher

After graduating from the College of St. Catherine in 1993 with a BA in Elementary Education (MN K-6 License), I headed up to the BWCA and ended up staying longer than expected.  My first teaching position was at Sawtooth Mountain Elementary in Grand Marais as a long term Third grade Substitute.  Since then, I have had many educational adventures, including teaching Math and Science at an alternative middle school in North Minneapolis, to teaching the Gifted and Talented program in Henning, MN, where I also taught a year of Fourth grade.  Four years ago, I came back to Cook County and joined the Birch Grove family teaching the Kindergarten, First and Second Grade class.  I am very excited to be involved in the transition of becoming the Birch Grove Community School and look forward to the many adventures to come.

Nolan Chenavert ~ 2nd and 3rd grade Teacher

Christina Anderson ~ 4th and 5th grade Teacher

I graduated from Bemidji State University in 2006 with a BS in Elementary Education and a specialty in science. I also have a BS in Environmental Studies and Environmental Education from Northland College in Ashland, WI.

After graduating from Northland College, I moved to Seney, MI to work as a public use intern, designing interpretive programs for visitors. I then moved to Lanesboro, MN where I worked at Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center as a naturalist. However, I missed the "Big Lake," so I moved back to Ashland. I spent several months as an environmental education intern for the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute.

In 2000, my partner, Jeremy and I, moved to Grand Marais. I have worked many "odd jobs" trying to find my niche. I worked for nearly three years as the Youth Program Coordinator for Cook County Community Education, Extension and Kids Plus programs. Working with youth made me realize I wanted to become a teacher so I went back to school to realize that dream.

I look forward to the many adventures coming my way. And I am happy to be part of the Birch Grove Community. 

Marcia Beachem ~ Special Education

I grew up on a beautiful farm near Detroit Lakes, MN. In 1987 I moved to Duluth and attended the College of St. Scholastica, graduating with honors in 1991 with a BA degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Religious Studies.

From 1991 - 2001, I taught elementary school grades 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades in Duluth. In 1999, I completed training in Educational Therapy through the National Institute for Learning Disabilities based in Norfolk, VA.

In 2001, my husband Lance and I moved to a small town in west central Minnesota. While living there I worked as the librarian for grades K-12 at the Verndale Public School.

In January 2006, we moved to Silver Bay. We love living and working on the North Shore. I enjoy hiking, gardening and reading good books. I am very happy to be part of the Birch Grove team and enjoy working with our students and their families.

Sheryl Martinson ~ Paraprofessional

In 1981, I graduated with a BA degree in Elementary Education.  For 10 years I taught in the Twin Cities, before my husband and I moved to the North Shore.  For several years after moving here we were busy raising our 3 young children and building our lodging business, Superior Ridge.

When I started thinking about working outside the house again, I knew it had to involve children, preferably in a learning situation.  Birch Grove Community School has been a perfect fit.  I really enjoy interacting with children and staff at Birch Grove.  I love the family atmosphere, where everyone knows everyone.  The children are all friends and are lovingly supported and guided by teachers and staff.  I look forward to what the future holds for Birch Grove Community School.

Jackie Robinson ~ Paraprofessional

This past year I have enjoyed working as a paraprofessional at Birch Grove Community School. I have taught in elementary education as well as special education for over 23 years in Minneapolis and North St. Paul - Maplewood School District. I have worked with many students with a wide range of ages and abilities.

In 2001, I retired from teaching and worked as a social worker in Developmental Disabilities for 4 1/2 years. I enjoyed working with families directly and helping to coordinate services.

My husband and I moved to Little Marais in 2006 - a dream in the making for over 25 years. We have 2 grown daughters. My hobbies include reading, outdoor activities, and long coffee hours!

I look forward to the opportunity of working at Birch Grove Community School again in the coming year. Parents, students and staff are great to work with!

Alexis  ~ Pre School Teacher

Jessica Heil-Nelson ~ Paraprofessional

Born and raised in Lutsen. I am a 2006 graduate of Cook County High School. After graduation I spent a month in Surfers Paradise, Australia playing in volleyball tournaments for the MN/WI team. Upon returning to the states I lived in Duluth attending UMD. After changing my major a handful of times I transferred to DBU to graduate in Medical Assisting/ Billing and Coding. I spend all of my free time singing, recording, and playing with my Siberian Husky/ Black Lab Bailey Rae.