JAZMIN DANIELSON | SHE/HER | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jazmin is a mission-driven, collaborative, and strategic leader who comes to ACES with more than two decades of youth development and nonprofit leadership experience. Most recently, she oversaw safety and compliance for all the University of Minnesota’s precollege youth programs. Jazmin also served as Executive Director of Beyond Walls, a sports-based youth development afterschool program, and Youth Development Director of Eastside Neighborhood services, a social services organization serving multicultural and intergenerational constituents across Hennepin County. A passionate sports fan, Jazmin also teaches sports ethics and leadership as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota and coaches middle school basketball. Jazmin holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota and a master’s in organizational leadership from St. Catherine University.
MISHA EVERTZ | SHE/HER | EVALUATION DIRECTOR
Misha Evertz grew up through the Saint Paul Public School District before heading west to Whitman College, graduating in 2013 with a degree in biology and geology before returning to Minnesota to serve a term as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the Saint Paul Public Schools Foundation. Joining ACES shortly after, Misha has grown within the organization and is now the Evaluation and Grants Manager, working to develop and revise curriculum, train and coach staff, write grants, and evaluate program impact for the students ACES serves across Minnesota. Misha is an avid sports fan, soccer player, and geology nerd.
MALCOLM BAKER | HE/HIM | PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Malcolm thrives in his ability to empower connections between people and ideas to create authentic, structural change. Born in Louisiana, he has climbed up the latitudes as a Teach for America alum, holding bachelor’s degrees in French and Biology from Texas Christian University and a master’s in Education and Instructional Design from the University of Missouri – St Louis. Malcolm served 3 years as a science educator in Kansas City Public Schools and 4 years leading operational, programming, and employee learning & development initiatives throughout the Midwest. He is eager to champion ACES’s mission of achieving educational equity in Minnesota. Outside of the office, you can find him snuggling with his cat, Olive, exploring the city for new restaurants, and practicing or guiding others through his passion for yoga.
TAYLOR ANDERSON | SHE/HER | DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS
As Director of Development and Communications, Taylor works to grow ACES’s reach and impact through fundraising, marketing, and communications initiatives. Prior to joining the ACES team, Taylor led communications and grassroots development programs at Women Winning, Minnesota’s largest women’s political nonprofit. A Minneapolis native, Taylor graduated summa cum laude from Mount Holyoke College with a dual degree in Mathematics and Art History. Outside the office, Taylor can be found going for walks with her dog, Boomer, reading nonfiction, and cheering for the Minnesota Twins.
CHELSEA ELSBERRY SCHEER | SHE/HER | OPERATIONS MANAGER
Chelsea grew up in Madison, WI, and earned a degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. After graduating, Chelsea served as a program supervisor for the University's Multicultural Student Services afterschool youth program, which sparked a passion for youth programming and mentoring. From there, Chelsea received a master's degree in Education from the University of St. Thomas and has continued to work in education as a teacher, board member, and administrator. She emphasizes restorative practices, community collaboration, and engagement in her work. Out of the office, you can find Chelsea reading at home with her two cats, cooking, collecting records, and building Lego sets with her partner.
KELLEY MUNSON | SHE/HER | PROGRAM MANAGER
Kelley has worked in the field of education since 2006 as a social studies teacher, administrator, and in the registrar’s office at Bethel University. Kelley has worked in the traditional classroom, as well as virtual learning classrooms, and started with ACES as an Academic Coach, before coming on board full-time as a Site Coordinator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Master’s of Education, Master’s in International Relations, and is currently completing a dissertation for her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. When not working, she enjoys traveling, cheering for the Milwaukee Bucks, watching movies, and reading.
MARIE REGALA | SHE/HER | PROGRAM MANAGER
Marie was born and raised in Saint Paul, Minnesota and is excited to return to the Twin Cities after 10 years away. She received her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Special Education, English Language Learners, and Reading from Drake University. Upon graduation, Marie spent 5 years teaching 2nd grade in Chicago. In addition to her passion for education, Marie finds immense purpose in the nonprofit world. Since 2015, she has volunteered with an organization that supports children in Honduras. When she’s not working with the ACES team or visiting Honduras, you can find Marie enjoying time with family or diving into a big bowl of ice cream.
ELLIE GREEN | SHE/HER | PROGRAM COORDINATOR
After growing up in Wisconsin, Ellie moved to the Twin Cities to pursue her academic interests at the University of Minnesota, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics followed by a master’s in education with a focus on mathematics education. Ellie spent eight years teaching middle school math in the Twin Cities, fostering a love for learning in her students and honing her instructional methods. In her current role, Ellie is dedicated to enhancing ACES’s math programming and ensuring impactful educational experiences for youth. When she’s not working, Ellie enjoys spending quality time with her husband, toddler, and their two dachshunds. Together, they explore Minneapolis’s lakes and waterways, watch birds and wildlife, or discover new restaurants in the city.
RACHEL SAWDY | SHE/HER | PROGRAM COORDINATOR
With a passion for creating equitable, deeper learning experiences for youth, Rachel brings over a decade of diverse experience in education to the ACES team. Rachel started with ACES as an Academic Coach and Site Leader in 2015-2016 before spending six years teaching in New York City public schools. In addition to her classroom work, Rachel has held roles in restorative justice implementation in schools, social science research, arts-based informal learning programming, and curriculum writing. She holds a Master of Education in learning design, innovation, and technology from Harvard Graduate School of Education, a master’s in teaching English grades 7-12 from Brooklyn College, and a bachelor’s in English with a minor in education from the University of St. Thomas. Outside of work, Rachel enjoys crafting, reacquainting herself with the Twin Cities, and everything reality TV.
SARA SUNDERMAN | SHE/HER | PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Sara was born and raised in northern Iowa. She graduated from the University of Northern Iowa where she majored in Leisure, Youth, and Human Services and minored in Family Services. Sara has worked in various youth programs including resorts and camps. Outside of ACES, Sara enjoys walking around the lakes, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.
KOU THAO | HE/HIM | PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Kou was born and raised in Minneapolis and graduated with a degree in intercultural studies and a minor in Chinese studies. He brings to ACES a combined ten years of experience in youth work, mentorship, volunteerism, and education. Kou recently spent a year teaching English in Taiwan, prior to joining ACES, was a second-grade classroom teacher at a Twin Cities charter school. Kou is passionate about learning languages and cultures, hopes to use those passions to equip a growing generation of global citizens. He loves to travel and has visited China, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Taiwan. In his free time, you can find Kou going on bike rides, kayaking on the waters, or hiking around Minnesota’s beautiful parks. Most recently, Kou has developed a strong interest in pickleball and tries to find as many opportunities as possible to get out on the court.
CLAIRE WILLIAMS | SHE/HER | PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Claire was born and raised in Minnesota, north of the Twin Cities. She graduated in 2007 with a degree in culinary arts and went on to work in restaurants and bakeries. She got her start in her teaching career when leading adults and youth in cooking classes! She began with ACES in early 2015, finding her passion as a youth worker. Claire is the Site Coordinator of our North Minneapolis sites and loves the youth and community she has the privilege to serve. Her favorite part of her job is the real and long-lasting connections she establishes with her youth and their families. Outside of ACES, Claire spends her time with her partner, three dogs and a cat and enjoys cooking, gardening, and word searches.
MARITZA ZAMBRANO | SHE/HER | PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Maritza grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Special Education. She has been an educator for six years in both Mexico and Minnesota, teaching grades ranging from kindergarten through 8th grade. Most recently, Maritza taught both Spanish and Art. She started at ACES as an Academic Coach and is excited to continue her work as a Program Coordinator. Outside of the office, Maritza enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends and shopping.
KALA HORGAN | SHE/HER | CURRICULUM COORDINATOR
Kala graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and a Master's of Education in Integrated Curriculum. Before coming to ACES, she spent six years teaching 4th graders in Fridley. She is passionate about education and helping students find success as well as mentoring new teachers entering the field. At ACES, she works to write, revise and develop the curriculum. When not working, Kala enjoys spending time with her 1 and 2 year old boys, baking sourdough bread, being with family.
