The Team Behind Your Diploma

Rod Clarkson

M.B.A., Ed.S.

President/CEO | District Leader

Rod Clarkson is the CEO and District Leader of Excel Education Systems, bringing a wealth of expertise in business development, leadership, and technology. As an EdTech entrepreneur, Rod recognized the importance of offering innovative, accredited, and technology-driven educational solutions for students...

Mark Ulven

M.A., Ed.D.

Chief Expansion Officer

Mark Ulven serves the critical role of Chief Expansion Officer for Excel Schools. Mark is a State licensed educator and has taught both math and science for many years in the public school arena. Mark is passionate about education and...

Nate Herrmann

B.S., M.B.A., SHRM-CP

Chief Operating Officer

With over two decades of dedicated service in higher education administration, Nate brings a unique blend of academic experience and practical business acumen to his role as Chief Operations Officer. Armed with a SHRM-CP certification and an MBA from Globe...

Heather Farmakis

Ph.D.

Chief Strategy Officer | Superintendent of Schools

Heather Farmakis, PhD, is a distinguished leader in global education and strategic operations, currently serving as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and Superintendent of Schools for Excel Education Systems. Drawing on a wealth of experience as Chief Operations Officer and...

Kate Clarkson

B.S., M.B.A

Director of Product Strategy

Ms. Clarkson came to Excel Education Systems in 2016. Before joining Excel, Kate was employed as a Sales Manager at Life Time, Inc. In her role, Kate consistently ranked in the top ten nationally out of 600 sales agents for...

Jay Kadambi

M.S.

Director of Technology & Engineering

Jay brings more than two decades of experience in technology to Excel Education Systems, with a career spanning the healthcare and consumer packaged goods industries. Throughout his career, he has built business-critical systems that support organizations at scale, combining his...

Max Marsland

BA, MA

Director of Academics and Curriculum

Max comes to Excel after having spent 10 years in teaching and education in a variety of schools and roles from a technical secondary school in Rwanda, to a gifted magnet school in Manhattan, and most recently a charter school...

Jon Armajani

B.S.

Director of AI and Education Technology

Jon Armajani is Director of AI and Education Technology at Excel Education Systems, where he leads the design and implementation of intelligent systems that enhance learning and strengthen educational infrastructure. With over a decade of experience in education, including work...

Robert Ulven

B.M.

Education Technologist

Rob plays a critical role in advancing digital learning innovation across Excel High School and its affiliated institutions. In his position, Rob focuses on designing, implementing, and continuously improving technology-enhanced learning experiences within our proprietary Learn Stage LMS/SIS platform. Robert...

Kelly Bredesen

B.A., M.B.A.

Student Services Manager

Kelly is a higher education professional with 11 years in admissions and university management. He believes education is essential for society to evolve and creates opportunities for each individual. Kelly believes every person deserves a quality education and is dedicated...

Jackie Noel

B.S.

Education Technologist

Jackie is originally from Northern Michigan, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education with an emphasis in mathematics from Northern Michigan University. Throughout her teaching career, Jackie’s passion for education has taken her to various states and grade levels,...

Noah Sevett

B.S.

Educational Technologist

Noah holds a degree in Kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a concentration in Physical Education. Following his college education, he worked for eight years as a PE teacher for K-5 students at two different schools. During his teaching...

Abby Berndt

B.S.

Curriculum Support Specialist

Abby Berndt is a state-licensed science teacher with five years of experience in both high school and higher education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Life Science Education from Crown College. During her time at Crown, Abby worked as...

Megan Balcer Lapensky

B.S.

Academic Coach

Megan Balcer Lapensky is a state-licensed educator with a background in Psychology and holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree from Saint Cloud State University. During her time at SCSU, Megan gained valuable classroom experience working with Kindergarten, 3rd, 5th, and...

Mike Bohme

Auditor

Mike has been with Excel High School since its inception in 2005, bringing over two decades of experience and dedication to the team. Prior to joining Excel, Mike worked in the transportation, import, and export industries before transitioning into online...

Erin Shevchenko

B.S.

Student Services Specialist

Erin Shevchenko brings a unique blend of interpersonal skills, leadership experience, and cultural curiosity to her role as a Student Services Specialist. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Youth Development with an Individualized Emphasis in Counseling from Crown College,...

Aaron Baker

B.A., B.Ed.

Registrar

Aaron Baker is a dedicated Success Coach at Excel High School, bringing over a decade of experience in education and student support to the team. Aaron holds a dual Bachelor’s degree in Education and Arts, with a major in English...

Malini Wijesinghe

B.S., B.A.

Student Engagement Manager

Malini is a dedicated educator and mentor at Excel Education Systems (EES). She attended Bradley University, where she played Division I tennis and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Philosophy and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. Before...

Makenna Heitman

B.S.

Success Coach

As a Success Coach at Excel Education Systems, Makenna brings a genuine passion for student growth and a deep commitment to supporting learners throughout their academic journeys. She holds a BS in Communications & Journalism from North Central University in...

Kylie Viesselman

B.A.

Academic Coach

Kylie brings vibrant energy and a strong academic foundation to her new role as Academic Coach. She has most recently worked as a 10th Grade Language Arts Teacher at White Bear Lake High School, teaching both general and honors sections....

Rachael Hernandez

B.S.

Success Coach

Rachael Hernandez is a native Minnesotan with a strong passion for language, culture, and education. As a Success Coach, she is dedicated to empowering students to achieve their academic goals while building confidence throughout their educational journey. Rachael earned her...

Lisa LaBeau

B.A, M.Ed

Academic Coach

Lisa earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where she studied Spanish Liberal Arts and Global Studies. During her undergraduate studies, she broadened her cultural and linguistic perspective through a study abroad experience in Valladolid, Spain—an opportunity...

Sloane Hager-Plahn

Office Administration Specialist

With over a decade of experience in childcare and education-focused roles, Sloane brings a nurturing, structured approach to supporting families and young learners. Her career began as a Site Director at the YMCA, where she led after-school programs and designed...

Shannon Trimberger

B.S.

Academic Coach

Shannon comes to Excel as an Academic Coach after spending 13 years as an award-winning high school (grades 9-12) English teacher of mostly honors and AP-English classes. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University in 2011...

Kendra Grothmann

B.A.

Success Coach

Kendra has spent 10+ years in middle/high school education as an English Language Arts/English Language Learner teacher. Kendra brings a rich and diverse background in education, both domestically and internationally. Most recently, she served as a long-term reserve teacher, working...

Jodi Alama

B.A.

Account Manager

Jodi discovered her love for teaching and supporting students early in her career. Jodi’s biggest reward has been watching her students progress and grow as learners and individuals. Before joining Excel, Jodi’s most recent experience includes working as a school...

Nancy Hoff

B.S.

Account Manager

Nancy was born and raised in Minnesota. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Paralegal studies from Winona State University. Before joining Excel, Nancy worked in the hearing health industry. Nancy has a passion for helping others improve their lives. In...

Adam Kiefer

B.S., MS.Ed.

Enrollment Services Manager

Adam comes to Excel with nearly ten years of experience in higher education and recruiting across the Midwest. His journey in education was centered within collegiate athletics with four different colleges and universities, serving as an assistant coach for football,...

Hannah Chisham

B.S.

Enrollment Services Manager

Hannah earned her B.S. in Elementary Education from Crown College. Prior to joining Excel in 2024, Hannah spent the last six years dedicated to the education field serving as a Regional Director to eight west metro early childhood schools across...

Noah Buggs

B.A.

Operations Training Lead

Noah has always had a passion for working with and helping people achieve their dreams. A Minnesota native, Noah earned a bachelor’s degree in Digital Video and Media Production at IPR-College of Creative Arts. Noah has since spent several years...

Jack P. Lund

B.A.

Lead Success Coach

Jack was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He attended the University of St. Thomas with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Education and STEM instruction. He was a K-8 classroom teacher and athletics coach for 7 years before...

Chris Hill

B.S., M.B.A.

Success Coach

Chris has spent 13 years in higher education as an Adjunct Instructor, Academic Advisor,  Professional Tutor, and Admissions Advisor. Chris has a strong passion for education and the doors it can open. Chris has taught college business courses and is...

Jennifer R. Ulven

B.S.

Curriculum Designer

Jennifer joined the Excel team in 2019. She brings over 25 years of music education experience to her students. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science in K-12 Vocal, Instrumental, and Classroom Education from Bemidji State University in 1997. Since then,...

Ty Ulven

B.S.

Curriculum Team

Ty attended Ashworth College, where he received his B.S. degree in eBusiness. During his studies at Ashworth, Ty studied various topics dealing with electronic media, marketing, and commerce. In his role with Excel High School, Ty works with emerging technologies,...

Nicole Drilling

B.S.

Student Records Manager

Nicole is Excel’s Registrar, and she has one of the busiest offices in the school. Nicole is in charge of student records and processes graduations, transcript requests, proof of enrollment requests, proof of graduation requests, and helps to manage the...

Brittanie A. Kruegel

B.A., MA, MSOL.

Registrar

Brittanie comes to Excel with 20 years of experience teaching in K-12 schools in PA, NJ, and VA with the last 10 teaching high school students. She holds a BA in English, MA in Spiritual Theology, and an MS in...

Christine Salm

B.S.B.A., MS.Ed., PMP

Success Coach

Christine brings experience across the education, business, finance, and museum sectors. She worked for 13 years as a Spanish language educator in New York, imparting her passions for language and culture. Her subsequent work in project management helped create higher...

Carolina Larr

B.A., EYFS

Success Coach

Carolina is an accomplished educator and dedicated professional with a diverse background spanning early childhood development and community leadership. She holds a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education from London South Bank University and earned her Early Years Professional Status...

Yasmine Norman

B.A.

Registrar

Yasmine earned her B.A. in Spanish and Psychology from the University of Northwestern – St. Paul. Before joining Excel as a Registrar, she spent three years in education, first as a bilingual paraprofessional and later as an ESL and Spanish...