Kids College
an afterschool arts enrichment programOur Mission
Susanne Crane has over 30 years of experience teaching K-12 in many programs, including Girl Scouts of America, the YM-YWCA, and Leonardo’s Basement. Susanne has also worked for the Minneapolis School district as a paraprofessional for 25 years, working for Minneapolis Kids, Southwest Super Summer Program, and teaching gifted and talented students. She has also mentored many young emerging artists who have successfully launched their art careers. Susanne is the founder Kids College, a founding member of the Freeborn County Arts Initiative and also an established Minnesota Artist.
Laurie Hovendick has been teaching her entire adult life. She worked 9 years with mentally challenged adults in a residential setting, teaching life skills for independent living. Laurie managed the financial aspects, medical and other health concerns, as well as educational programs in the organization. After having twins, she spent several years as a stay at home mother of 3, before accepting a position with the Albert Lea school district as noon supervisor for over 18 years. Previous training in behavioral modification, behavioral management, and teaching strategies, were a great strength in this unstructured environment. Laurie also volunteers as a Sunday school teacher, vacation bible school teacher, confirmation mentor and co-director of the church’s nursery guild. She has been happily married for 35 years.
Elisha is a music and art teacher at St. Theodore School in Albert Lea, where he has been teaching since 2013. As both an educator and president of the Freeborn County Arts Initiative, he works hard to bring programming opportunities to Kids College. From coordinating our annual Christmas concerts to publishing the Swanfeather book series, Elisha helps make our neverending project ideas come to life. When he’s not teaching, he can be found playing music, making posters, or working at the Arts Initiative gallery.
Kylie Nelson
Kylie Nelson is currently studying education at the U.M. Winona while working in a day care to finance her endeavor. She has worked for the YMCA, Kids College, and for her church. Kylie is a highly creative and collaborative rising star in the educational realm who previously worked with Susanne, as her assistant, for over a year. Kylie runs the Kids College summer school program with grace and vigor.
Kylie Nelson is currently studying education at the U.M. Winona while working in a day care to finance her endeavor. She has worked for the YMCA, Kids College, and for her church. Kylie is a highly creative and collaborative rising star in the educational realm who previously worked with Susanne, as her assistant, for over a year. Kylie runs the Kid’s College summer school program with grace and vigor.
Logistics
Our summer program meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8am to 5:30pm.
Perimeters
Etiquette, self-respect, humility, and eagerness to learn are highly valued and rewarded here.
Fees
Snacks and art supplies are included. Optional field trips may, at times, cost extra.
Wellness
High fructose corn syrup, additives, and preservatives are not on our menu. We celebrate healthy options.
Safety
All families must have some form of health insurance.
Special Features
Our students exhibit in professional galleries and are trained as docents in the FCAI gallery.
Secrets of Swanfeather available now!
Contact Us
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Designed and hosted by Elisha Andrew Marin