In July 2013, I joined the Technical Academies of Minnesota Board and started organizing a start-up advisory council for the Willmar location. In May 2014, I was hired as the School Social Worker for DREAM Technical Academy in Willmar.

My husband Doug and I live on a farm near Spicer with our 5 horses, our dogs Diego and Aspen, and 4 cats. Between the two of us, we have four daughters, their significant others, and five grandchildren. I enjoy spending time with family, reading, gardening, camping and traveling.

I chose to work at DREAM because I believe a small learning environment that offers individualized, project-based learning is what many students need to have a successful educational experience. I also like the staff-led school concept, which allows the staff to make decisions collectively based on what’s in the best interest of the students.

If I were a student at DREAM, my projects would be based on traveling to different parts of the country, whether in person or virtually, to learn about different cultures. My favorite quote is “Find something you love to do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” This is my hope for students that they will follow their passions or their dreams, which will lead them to find a career they love.

“If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them anymore.” —Michele Ruiz

Hello! My name is Siomara Garcia. I was raised in Marshall, MN. I enjoy hanging out with friends, listening to music, and shopping. I attended Southwest Minnesota State University, Marshall and graduated in May 2023 with a social work major and sociology minor. Before graduating from college, I was working at a middle school in Marshall. It was there that I fell in love with working with future generations. I chose DREAM because I agree with the mission and overall objectives of helping students succeed.

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” -Albert Einstein

Top of the day!!  My name is Mark Meier but my friends call me “Radar”. I grew up in Minnesota until I was 31, moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, and just recently moved back to Minnesota. I have been in the teaching field since 1997. I enjoy almost anything outdoors, especially if it involves water and a golf course. I have a 14-year-old daughter who is my Pride and Joy. I am looking forward to an awesome and amazing year.

My name is Tori and I work as the Office admin at DREAM. I was born and raised in Willmar. I am a 2012 Willmar High school graduate. I also represented my community as the Willmar Fest Aqua Princess in 2013-2014. Since then, I have grown my family, gone to school and started a career I love. I have one daughter named Magnolia who is 4 years old. She is the light of my life and my world revolves around dance, barbies and dinosaur chicken nuggets! Magnolia also enjoys coming to school to visit all of the students and her teacher friends. Being a part of the DREAM Team has been extraordinary and I can't wait to see what the future holds for this school!

Education: Bethel University - B.A. Visual and Art History

Favorite Quotes: 

"Success is falling nine times and getting up ten." - Jon Bon Jovi

“Take chances! Make mistakes! Get messy!” - Ms. Frizzle

“Don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while working.” - Henri Matisse

Hi there! My name is Jessica Schmitt and I joined DREAM as an Advisor in 2024. I’m originally from west central Minnesota, but grew up in the Twin Cities. My husband and I decided to move with our three kids back to the area in 2018 to be closer to our extended family. Some things to know about me include that I love making things and doing creative projects where I get to work with my hands - especially pottery, crocheting, or, most recently, I’ve been teaching myself to sew and other fiber arts. In addition to art, I also enjoy traveling to new places (and old favorites), camping, spending time with friends and family, going to baseball games, and playing board or card games. I’m also a proud geek/nerd that loves Star Trek, video games, science and history documentaries, legos, and Pokémon. I’m very excited that I get to work with such great people and at a place as unique as DREAM.

“Be who you needed when you were younger.” -Anonymous 

I grew up in the Willmar area and graduated from Willmar Senior High in 2003. After that, I began a family and spent many years working as a program coordinator for a group home, helping adults with disabilities, and as a reading interventionist for an area school. Luckily, this is where I discovered my passion for teaching. I then attained my teaching degree through SMSU in Marshall. In 2010, I began my own art studio, Blue Ice Studio, where I developed and taught art programming for all ages for the local community. Through my art studio, I was fortunate enough to work with several area organizations. I also had the wonderful opportunity to paint several community murals. I enjoy sparking curiosity in kids and strive to inspire my students to fall in love with learning. At DREAM, I am finding the flexibility needed to meet each and every student's unique needs, interests, and learning styles. I love the sense of classroom community and belonging that I am able to help shape and foster in my space, which is encouraged by DREAM's unique setup. My dream is to help make real, positive differences in the lives of my students. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, travelling, participating in local community activism, photography, listening to podcasts, camping, gardening, and doing home improvement projects. 

I am a (too many years to count) veteran special and elementary education teacher and am excited  to begin a new journey at dream. I love good conversation, good coffee, my husband and kids, and I truly think teaching is the best job in the world. The difference between a successful kid and one who is not can come down to just one relationship. It is a privilege to be in a position to have such an impact! 

Hello, my name is Aida Bautista and I am a new Special Education Advisor here at DREAM.  I moved to Willmar, MN., four years ago. I am originally from Elsa, TX. I have been in Education for 21 years. I taught 10 years in general education, teaching all different levels from 8-12 and all different subjects in Social Studies. Then I moved to a credit recovery center in the same district and stayed 6 years. I moved to Willmar, MN, in 2019. I worked for three years for SWWC, a level four facility, as their S.U.N. (student with unique needs) teacher. In 2022, I worked for Willmar ISD as a D.C.D. (Developmental Cognitive Disabilities). This school year I am excited about starting the school year here at DREAM. I love teaching, learning and meeting new people. 

“Most of my work as a Math Teacher isn’t even Math.  It helps students believe they can also do math.  We don’t talk about that enough.” - Jose Vilson, Teacher.

I decided to begin a career at  DREAM because I am passionate about education and Math in general.  I am looking forward to sharing the passion I have with the people here at DREAM.  I am a mother of 5 children from Spicer and have personal connections with many current and past DREAM students and have always admired the concept of the charter school.

I’m Luz Juarez and I’m a para here at DREAM. I graduated from Willmar before coming to DREAM. Previously,  I worked in a group home as a program coordinator. I worked with individuals with a wide range of disabilities. Then I went on to work in retail for a short time. I wanted to be a part of DREAM to make a difference in the lives of our students and to help them realize their potential, their passion, and their dreams. My dream project would be to coordinate a homeless shelter in our community to help the less fortunate.

Hello there! My name is Brady Sargent and I am a new paraprofessional at DREAM. I am actually from Indiana, but moved to Minnesota for college where I met my wife, Lily. I am a new father and love working with young people. I wanted to work at DREAM because I know I could have benefited greatly with this type of learning environment and want to help give that opportunity to other kids. When I am not working, I spend time with my family or playing my drum set. I am excited about being able to play a role in the education of children in our community!

Howdy! My name is Tabby and I am a new paraprofessional for DREAM Technical Academy this year. I am so excited about getting to know everyone and seeing what this school is all about. I was born and raised in Morris, Minnesota and now reside here in Willmar. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of North Dakota. I have a 1-year-old daughter and 2 cats. I am a Minnesota Vikings fan, enjoy watching sports, watching movies, music/singing/dancing, spending time with family and friends, and going to the lake. Let's have a great year!

Hello! My name is Deanna and I am the Food Program Coordinator and part time Paraprofessional here at DREAM. Project Based Learning is a newer concept for me, but I like the idea of students being in control of their own learning; it makes them more invested in their education. I am a 1993 graduate of New London-Spicer and have lived back in the Willmar area for 22 years. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and believe in nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and soul. I have 6 kids, 4 of whom are still at home. I am excited to (finally) be bringing a breakfast and hot lunch program to the students at DREAM!

“I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.” Whitney Houston

Hi, my name is Jennifer. I am originally from Texas but have lived in Minnesota for the last 12 years. I worked as a childcare assistant and a Personal Care Assistant before becoming a paraprofessional. I am glad to be part of DREAM this year!

Hello! My name is Lydia Molascon. I was born in San Diego & completed high school in Colorado Springs. I love creating art & connecting with others. I dream of making a more inviting, kind, exciting & stimulating learning environment.

“The best view comes after the hardest climb.” - Unknown

Hi, my name is Isabelle Keller, I am a Paraprofessional here at DREAM. I was born here in Willmar and moved around Minnesota until freshman year. I graduated from Atwater Cosmos Grove-City (ACGC) in 2022. I am currently attending Ridgewater college here in Willmar, where I am working towards my Associates degree. After I get my Associates degree, I plan to transfer to another college where I plan to continue my education. In the meantime, I plan on raising my daughter, Cataleya, who is currently 9 months old. She truly is my entire world. I do not know what I would do without that little girl. I am so excited to be a part of DREAM!

“If you have a dream, don't let anybody take it away.”- Selena Quintanilla

Hey, my name is Vivica and I am a paraprofessional here at DREAM. I was born in Willmar, but moved to California as a kid. My family moved back to Minnesota when I was in 4th grade. I graduated from Willmar High School in 2022. After I graduated high school, I worked at an elementary school for a year as a General Ed Para for preschool, then transferred to SPED. I got married to my now husband, Jose, in August 2023. We have our two fur babies (cats), Nimbus and Boots. I enjoy working at DREAM because it's a school that tailors education to meet the needs of each student.  It is a safe place for all students and staff to express themselves and be who they truly are.

Hello, my name is Renee Villarreal.  I've been working for DREAM since 2023.  I live in the Benson area with my spoiled pupson.  I'm originally from Texas.  However, at this point, I've lived much longer in Minnesota than anywhere else.  Go Vikings!  My favorite color is green.  I love anything that will keep my body in motion.  However, I also like to watch movies, to read, and to play video games, among many other things.  Also, I love to spend time with the people and animals I cherish.  My favorite thing is to feed them.  I have found DREAM to be a very fulfilling job for me as my personality seems to be fitting.  And, although I am here to help the students, they help me grow as a person every day too.  I am grateful to them and the staff at DREAM.  

“At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.”

― Maya Angelou