FARGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Educating and Empowering All Students to Succeed
Self-Directed Academy Staff
At the Self-Directed Academy, teachers take on the roles of advisor. Advisors provide direct instruction, mentorship and guidance to support student learning, choice and voice. Our paraeducators and student teachers serve as Co-advisors, learning and teaching along side our Advisors.
Student Advisors are assigned during week 2 of school.
Dr. Kelly Dietrich, Principal
I am thrilled to represent the incredible students, families and teachers at Self-Directed Academy!
I enjoy working collaboratively as a school-within-a-school to support SDA's middle and high school experience that integrates student choice, project based learning, and competency based learning. Unique programs that challenge the abilities of the individual in an engaging and meaningful way are my favorite!
A Fargo-Moorhead native, Dr. Kelly previously served as the principal of Focus Beyond Transition Services in Saint Paul Public Schools. Before beginning the principalship, she was a Director of Special Education.
Dr. Kelly began her career in education as a Title I intervention teacher and coordinator of a hybrid online learning program for students with chronic illnesses. Her professional journey includes serving as a general education teacher, special education teacher, special education coordinator, assistant principal, online learning expert, and school finance consultant in the Twin Cities area. Dr. Kelly has also served as adjunct faculty at Hamline University and serves as a Minnesota charter school board member.
Dr. Kelly holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Middle School Social Studies from St. Catherine University, as well as a Master of Education in Special Education and a Doctor of Education in Education Leadership from Bethel University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at St. Cloud State University.
Ms. Jessica Gernentz, Middle School Advisor
Hello everyone! This is my third year in the district. I will be teaching half-time social studies at Self-Directed Academy and half-time social studies at Dakota High School. I hold a B.S. in Business Administration from UW-River Falls and a Social Studies teaching license from Bemidji State. Currently, I am completing my Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Trauma and Resilience at Concordia University in St. Paul.
I have taught a variety of subjects and spent nearly ten years owning and operating my own preschool while raising my family. Though I have a professional background in business, teaching is my passion. I love creating learning opportunities for students and giving them a voice. Seeing students grow not just academically but as individuals is one of the best parts about teaching.
Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and friends, traveling, reading, and walking my very spoiled dog. I look forward to a wonderful year of growth and discovery at Self-Directed Academy!
Mrs. Missy Jackson, Middle School Advisor
I am excited to teach and be a part of the team at SDA to watch learners take ownership of their learning and to help them engage in projects and ideas, as well as to ignite their interests and help guide them towards proficiency in their own way that gets them excited about their learning.
I am also excited to also ignite my passion for personalized learning and project-based teaching in a way that I have always believed is best for learners and educators to teach and learn!
A little about me:
-I have TWINS! They are 9 years old. I have TWIN step girls! They are 24. I also have a stepson that is 27!
-I am also a really huge sports fan, especially football! My team is the New England Patriots, although I am not sure how great they will be in these rebuilding years!
-I also really like to golf, kayak and cook for my family!
Mr. Bradley Reese, High School Advisor
A little about Bradley:
- Professional Background: In my previous role at Fargo South High School since August 2022, I used technology and instructional tools to enhance student learning and developed Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for diverse learning needs
- Passionate Educator: My previous experience includes fostering student-centered learning at Harshman Middle School in Indianapolis and working with Teach for America and the Montessori School of Dayton
Two unique things about me:
1. Multi-faceted Experience: My career spans roles from Special Education to English teaching and even store management at Starbucks, providing a unique perspective on leadership and education
2. Lifelong Learner: I hold advanced degrees in Education and Liberal Arts, reflecting my commitment to continuous learning and academic excellence
I look forward to connecting with parents and students to create an awesome learning experience at the Self-Directed Learning Academy this year!
Mrs. Christy Sorby, Middle School Advisor
I am excited to join the Self-Directed Academy. I can't wait to see how the year unfolds and what incredible things we discover and experience this year!
A little information about me:
-I grew up in Moorhead
-I graduated from MSUM-Moorhead and earned my Master's degree from the University of St. Thomas
-I began my teaching career teaching math and language arts at Ben Franklin Middle School in Fargo Public Schools, then continued by career teaching 7th-grade math at Horizon Middle School in Moorhead, MN
-I am married and have three grown children who currently live in MN
-My husband and I own a family farm in Minnesota, although we do not have any animals other than my wonderful and sometimes mischievous, rescue dog, Lily
-In my spare time, I love to cook, read and travel. I love experiencing new things and sharing them with the people around me!
Ms. Morgan LaRocque, Middle School Co-Advisor
A little about me: I studied ComsArtLit Education or what most people know as Language Arts/English with a minor in psychology! What interests me about the Self-Directed Academy is that I know the world of education needs to change, that students deserve better systems that work for them and I think that this is what the program seeks to do.
Two unique things about me:
-I participated in an internship through Concordia College working in the Mellon Grant Foundation in which I worked with the Indian Education Program here in the area and was able to help Indigenous students in the area as well as helping with curriculum for the ND Native American Studies regulations...this was something that was very important to me as I am Anishinaabe from the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.
-I have traveled to 7 different countries in one summer and was able to play in a large ensemble in each of those countries (I play the flute)! If you're really interested in which ones, I could list them all!