MEET THE TEAM
MISS CARRIE, PhD
Executive Nerd
she/her
Carrie Lauber received her undergraduate degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2004 in Biology, her Master’s in Education from the University of Mary in 2010, and recently finished a PhD in Educational Research at the University of North Dakota. She worked in a research lab for two years before deciding to pursue her passion for education. Dr. Carrie has taught in public education, informal settings and at the college level and worked as a STEM Outreach Coordinator before opening the Inspire Innovation Lab. She now focuses on her passion which includes creating innovative learning opportunities for teachers, students and the community with a focus on building resilience. Dr. Carrie is a creative problem solver who is devoted to her family and her pets (which include an expansive number of birds and dogs). She believes in the power of asking questions, even the difficult messy ones, and encourages others to embrace the benefits of up-to-your-eyeballs-in-alligators levels of messy, chaotic learning.
Ms. Amber
Master Mover and Shaker
she/her
Amber Sazama received her Bachelors in Music Education from the University of Northwestern, St. Paul and her Masters in Music Education from the University of Saint Thomas, St. Paul. She dedicated eight years to teaching in Minnesota K-12 public schools. Amber has spent time teaching, learning, and performing in Jamaica, Nepal, eastern Europe, Mexico, and Panama and thrives in providing a diverse and rich education. Amber is passionate about equitable education, health for educators, and has studied qualitative research methods with Dr. Karen Howard. She has presented at music education conferences in Minnesota and North Dakota, and will be published in education magazines in both California and Minnesota this coming year. In her free time, Amber enjoys traveling, camping, fishing, creating art, and spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Sammie
Champion of Letters and Stories
she/her
Sammie Binkard has over 9 years of experience in direct service and special education, is trained in the Nurtured Heart Approach, and is working towards her masters in special education. Sammie has two imaginative boys who attend Innovation Academy and she is excited to join the teaching team! She believes in using her position to ensure that everyone feels safe, seen and supported and in creating an environment where everyone can express themselves without judgment. When Sammie isn't teaching, she loves to bake extravagant cakes and she enjoys literature, music, movies/tv, stories and art. "I love to hear what kids have to say. Most of the time they are better at problem solving than adults, and it is fascinating to watch and learn from them."
MISS KEELY
Captain of Scallywags
she/her
Keely Dahlquist has a background in mental health and behavior work both in the non-profit world and in the school system. She worked for eight years as a Mental Health Technician and another four as a Positive Behavior Technician with Fargo Public Schools. After taking some time off to support her own mental health, Keely found her way back into the schools as a Lunchroom Supervisor at Ellen Hopkins, specifically supporting students with behaviors. While there, Keely learned about Inspire Lab from students and was excited by what she was hearing. One thing led to another, and now Keely is the lead teacher for the class of Explorers in the Innovation Academy! Affectionately known as Captain Keely by her students, Keely has brought her passion for creating positive behavior change and her enthusiasm for learning to the classroom at Inspire Lab.
Ms./Mx. Charlie
Supreme Silly Goose
they/them
Charlie Williamson, originally from Denver, Colorado, moved to the Fargo-Moorhead area just over a year ago. They have a background and passion for theatre, with a focus on performing and arts based education as well as a minor in American Sign Language. Charlie has extensive experience in K-5 education, both on stage and off, utilizing various teaching styles and methodologies, including Montessori and project based learning. Charlie even spent time teaching in Costa Rica! Charlie learned about Inspire Lab through local connections with Theatre B and is excited to be taking on the challenge of lead teacher for the class of Discoverers! Charlie believes in the power of learning through storytelling and play and is known to be the lead of any and all silly goose parades.
Mx. RACHEL
Keeper of the Brains
they/she
Rachel Geinert studied English Education at NDSU before she realized that she really hates the current model of education and set aside her lifelong dream of being a teacher. They met Carrie while doing improv and quickly fell in love with the mission of Inspire Lab and has been working here ever since! They have a background in teaching theatre to children, both here in Fargo/Moorhead at FMCT and North Dakota Governor's School and in New Jersey, through the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. She is also very active in the local LGBTQ community and believes strongly in creating an open, accepting place for children to discover their own identities. Mx. Rachel loves reading, telling stories, laughing, theatre, and giant bear hugs.
Ms. STELLA
Instigator of Lightbulb Moments and Wellness Warrior
she/they
Stella Snyder is a mother to 3 children and 2 bonus children! They range in ages from 5-15 years old so she has a wide array of personal at home experience with all sorts of personalities, learning and helping her kids through tough times. Besides being a mom, Stella has worked as a paraprofessional at various public schools in Fargo and West Fargo for about 5 years. Stella is also working on getting her bachelors degree in Psychology. Stella has a big spot in her heart for kids who are typically misunderstood in the regular school setting and kids who have gone through trauma. She hopes to utilize her knowledge of psychology to create a safe space for kids of all ages to feel comfortable and safe in their learning environment at the lab. In her free time, Stella enjoys photography, art and gardening.
MR. JACOB
Director of Play
he/him
Jacob Hartje has a deep love of storytelling, art, and play. This has served him well as a director of children's theatre with various organizations, such as Hope, INC and Theatre B, independent writers, and the city of Rutland, ND. He is also a recognized Dungeon Master for the local Dungeons and Dragons scene, which has led to the development of our very own D&D club at Inspire Lab! Before Jacob landed at the Lab, he had a decade-long career in direct care, including time at the North Dakota Autism Center. Jacob can often be found at Inspire Lab running around on the playground, playing "Brain Eater" with the kids.
ISABETTA (ISA)
Creativity and Kindness Guru
they/them
Isa Herrera has over nine years of experience guiding youth-led public art projects and is excited to take their dedication to teaching in a new direction with Inspire Lab. Isa is passionate about finding and focusing on the intersection of arts and sciences to create a new generation of innovative and creative learners and creators. They are constantly working towards building access to educational opportunities for queer youth and youth of color and is looking forward to finding new ways to incorporate that goal at Inspire Lab. Isa has recently completed training in art therapy and hopes to utilize that new skill in supporting the students at the Lab. In their free time, Isa enjoys cooking, fashion, and travel.
Miss Sam
Curiousity Quencher
she/her
SUBSTITUTES
Miss Keri
Expert Animal Whisperer
she/her
Miss Kelly
Shenaniganator
she/her
Miss Kortney
Fairy of Smiles
she/her
Miss Ashlyn
Curator of Vibes
she/her
MISS SARA
Chief Cat Herder and Head of the Unicorn Division
she/her
Sara Gurath has over 25 years of teaching experience, including starting and running two schools in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has also done a deep dive into curriculum development, including work done at Stanford in reading, writing, history, and discussion. Her passion is creating independent, passionate, critical, and lifelong learners. Miss Sara finds deep joy in singing with the kiddos and sharing her love of reading with them. When she's not busy teaching, Miss Sara is an active runner, an enthusiastic reader, a joyful music maker, and above all, she is a dedicated family woman.