Hi, my name is Brittany Flaherty, and I taught for 14 years District 196. The subjects and grade levels I taught were K-5 Special Education and 2nd Grade; Reading, Writing, Math and Social Skills. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education K-6 and Middle School Communication Arts/Literature 5-8 from The College of Saint Benedict and a Master’s Degree in Special Education K-12 from The University of St. Thomas. I have been trained in Orton-Gillingham, Reading Recovery, Addvantage Math Recovery (AVRM), and Leveled Literacy Intervention. I also continue to immerse myself in continued training and best practices related to The Science of Reading. What inspired me to become a teacher was that I have always loved children and helping others. I always knew I wanted to change lives; I truly value relationships with others. In my free time, I love to travel with my family, go to concerts (especially Morgan Wallen) and try new coffee shops. An interesting fact about me is that I was a competitive swimmer most of my life- I swam competitively for swim clubs around the Twin Cities area and for Eagan High School.

Hi, my name is Emily Borhauer and I have been teaching for 5 years in District 196. I teach K-5 Special Education: reading, writing, math, and social skills. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Special Education from Iowa State University. I also have a Master’s Degree in Arts of Teaching from Morningside University. I am trained in the Science of Reading through Des Moines Public School. I have also completed an Online Language and Literacy Academy certification from District 196 on Structured Literacy. Inspiration to become a teacher came through my church community, I served on mission trips, camps, and youth groups to support children in my neighborhood and other cities across the country. Since I was in middle school, I have always thought about being a teacher and continuing my journey of helping children as a career! In my free time, I really enjoy reading whenever I can! I also like doing puzzles, going on walks with my family, and trying new recipes when I am up for cooking or baking :) A fun fact about me is that I grew up going to school in District 196, and I even work with some teachers in the district that I had growing up! :)

Hi, my name is Katie Vanderport and this fall marks my 13th year teaching in district 196. I have taught 1st, 3rd, and 4th grades, as well as a longer position in kindergarten. I have a degree from St. Cloud State University in K-6 elementary education and a special education minor. I have a masters from Bethel in K-12 education. Inspiration to becoming a teach is driven by helping others love learning! In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors or reading a book. A fun fact about me is that in high school, I worked at a roller rink and served pizza while on skates.

Hi, my name is Christina Hanson. I will be going into my 4th year of teaching in District 196, which covers Apple Valley, Eagan, and Rosemount. I began my teaching career as a 3rd grade teacher and then quickly switched to kindergarten. I love both grades so much! I graduated with my bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. My bachelor degree is Bachelor of Elementary Education and my graduate degree is Master’s of Education. I am certified to teach K-6 with a tier 3 license. There are many reasons why I was inspired to become a teacher. One, I love kids. They bring joy, curiosity, and personality to everything they do. Two, they are the future and it is an educators job to embrace who they are and what they want to be. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, taking Archie (my dog) on walks, trying new restaurants, running, and reading! An interesting fact about me is that I was a level 10 gymnast.

Hi, my name is Maren Gustafson - also known as Miss Gustafson! I’ll be starting my fifth year of teaching in September 2025 in District 196. In that time, I have taught 5th-grade math, reading, writing, science, social studies, and social-emotional learning. I also have experience in Special Education at Valley Middle School, supporting students in reading, writing, and math. I earned my undergraduate degree in Integrated Elementary and Special Education from the University of Minnesota - Duluth in December of 2021. I recently received my Master's in Education with an Emphasis on Trauma and Resilience in Educational Settings in December 2024. I proudly received Westview’s “Human Microphone” award (yes, I’m loud—in the best way!). I’m also a member of Westview’s PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) Leadership Team. Inspiration to be a teacher runs in my family - my grandpa, mom, step-mom, step-dad, and sister have all been teachers. Growing up, I loved helping my parents set up their classrooms and even begged to help grade homework! I was always drawn to the funny stories, meaningful moments, and strong connections they built with their students and families. I knew I wanted to be a part of that. Teachers have such a powerful impact, and I’m honored to be one of them. Outside of teaching, I love spending time with my nephews (they’re 3 and 1)! I also enjoy reading, discovering new hobbies, watching documentaries, and making memories with friends and family. I have a class pet snake named Biscuit! My 5th graders love having him around. He is often part of our lessons, and students can even hold him while they work!

Hi, my name is Zach Miller and I have been teaching for 2 years in District 196. I am a 6th and 7th grade special education resource teacher. I teach mostly math. I graduated with a bachelors degree in special education from University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire in K-12 specific learning disabilities and developmental disabilities. I became a teacher because I enjoy helping students learn and become the best versions of themselves as possible. In my free time, I enjoy disc golfing, playing ultimate frisbee, and getting together with friends. An interesting fact about me is that I have a twin brother!

Hi, my name is Rebecca Benusa and I have had the pleasure to have 24 years of teaching experience in District 196. I have experience teaching special education learning disabilities, as well as classroom experience in both 2nd and 3rd grade. Currently, I teach 3rd grade at Shannon Park Elementary in Rosemount. I attended UW-Eau Claire where I received my Bachelors Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. At the University of St. Thomas I received my Masters Degree as a Reading Specialist. I am also trained in Reading and Math Recovery programs as well as a certification in the Science of Reading. I have always loved helping others be their best! It is one of my greatest joys to see student’s ‘light bulb’ moments when things make sense and learning is fun. I enjoy helping learners find books they connect with and can’t put down. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends. Traveling and being at the lake are places you may find me. I love to do photography and art as well. A fun fact about me is that I love fashion and vintage shopping with my daughters.