1. education
2. school

ST. CLOUD
STATE
UNIVERSITY
ST. CLOUD
STATE
UNIVERSITY &
& MASSP
MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
3rd Annual Symposium of Women Educational
Leaders
The second Symposium of Women Educational Leaders was held on May 3, 2014. The symposium was the
culmination of efforts led by Dr. Nick Miller, Associate Professor, and Amy Denneson, Rockford Middle School—
Center for Environmental Studies Principal. They collaborated with administrators from across the state to research
the issues and challenges that women leaders in Minnesota face. They identified common themes and fascinating
topics to explore through a variety of means. The initial response was overwhelming and what was to be a small
conference quickly grew to nearly 100 attendees. Symposium attendees engaged in meaningful conversations, shared
personal experiences, built professional relationships, and collaborated to become even strong leaders. Feedback
confirmed that professional development addressing issues that women educational leaders face is not only needed,
but welcomed!
The third symposium will follow a similar format to the first. Ms. Patty Phillips, Superintendent, School District 622
North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale Schools and 2010 Superintendent of the Year, will deliver an inspirational
morning opening address. Ms. Nancy O’Brien and Ms. Linda Saggau, Co-founders of Experience Happiness LLC,
will present on incorporating happiness into the education experience and its benefits for all constituents. Two round
table discussions will constitute the majority of the workshop. The first round table discussion will address challenges
leaders face at various level of leadership. The Second Round Table discussions will be facilitated by women
representing all levels of educational leadership and will focus on nine dynamic topics for successful leadership.
1) Mentoring and being mentored, sponsorship;
2) Negotiation (individual and with a group);
3) Issues affecting you personally as a woman leader;
4) Health and wellness;
5) Creating a balance;
6) Leading in a "Men's world";
7) Being our worst enemies;
8) Women leading women;
9) Working with marginal staff.
The day will conclude with a discussion, visioning the future of the Symposium and informal networking
opportunities.
We look forward to a day of sharing, networking, and celebration!
" “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength,
the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."“ -Harriet Tubman
www.stcloudstate.edu/edad
www.massp.org
ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY &
MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
3rd Annual Symposium of Women
Educational Leaders
The Educational Administration Department of St. Cloud State University with Minnesota Association of Secondary
School Principals is proud to present the 3rd Annual Symposium of Women Educational Leaders on April 23, 2015.
8:30-9:00am
Sign in, light breakfast, and opportunities to network
9:00-9:15am
Welcome-Amy Denneson, Principal of Rockford Area Schools and David Adney, Executive Director,
Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals
9:15-10:00am
Morning Address-Ms. Patty Phillips, North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District
Superintendent
10:00-10:10am
Break
10:10-10:40am
Group Talks -Addressing issues faced at various levels:
1) Superintendents’ Issues
2) Elementary Principals’ Issues
3) Secondary Principals’ Issues
4) SPED Directors’ Issues
5) Associate Principals’ Issues
6) Coordinators’ Issues
7) Aspiring Administrators
10:45am-12:00pm
12:05-1:00 pm
Table Talk –Focusing on:
1) Mentoring and being mentored, Sponsorship;
2) Negotiation (individual and with a group);
3) Issues affecting you personally as a woman leader;
4) Health and wellness;
5) Creating a balance;
6) Leading in a "Men's world";
7) Being our worst enemies;
8) Women leading women;
9) Working with marginal staff
Lunch and Networking
1:00-1:50 pm
Afternoon Speakers-Nancy O’Brien & Linda Saggau
1:50-2:00 pm
Closing Remarks-Trish Perry MASSP State Coordinator
2:00-2:30pm
Networking and Dessert
2:10-2:15pm
Closing Remarks-Dr. Nick Miller, Associate Professor, St. Cloud State University
www.stcloudstate.edu/edad
www.massp.org
ST. CLOUD
STATE
UNIVERSITY
ST. CLOUD
STATE
UNIVERSITY &
& MASSP
MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
3nd Annual Symposium of Women Educational Leaders
We would like to introduce our Round Table Discussion Leaders
Janell Bullard, Meeker and W right County Special Education Cooperative Director of Special Education
Ms. Bullard is the Director of Special Education for the Meeker and Wright Special Education Cooperative. Prior to this role, she served as the Assistant
Director of Special Education with the Southwest West Central Service Cooperative for the Willmar Public Schools. Ms. Bullard received her 6th year
certificate from St. Cloud State University. She holds K-12 principal and director of special education licenses and is pursuing her superintendent license.
Amy Denneson, Rockford Middle School—Center for Environmental Studies Principal
Ms. Denneson is completing her third year as principal of Rockford Middle School – Center for Environmental Studies. She is currently working toward her
Doctor of Education at St. Cloud State University. Ms. Denneson completed her 6th Year Certificate at SCSU, Master of Education at the University of
Minnesota – Twin Cities, and her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Minnesota – Morris. She lives in Rockford, Minnesota with her husband Travis and two
sons, Will and Andy.
Jenny Loeck, Roseville Area High & Middle School Principal
This year, Dr. Jenny Loeck is serving as both the principal of Roseville Area High School and Roseville Area Middle School. Previous to her current
assignment, Jenny has been the principal at RAHS for the past six years. She earned her Doctorate Degree from St. Cloud State University in 2013.
Karrie Boser, Pierz School District Principal
Ms. Boser has been serving in the Principal position at Pierz School District since 2008. Prior to that she was the Principal of
Long Prairie - Grey Eagle High School for three years. She completed her doctoral program in Educational Administration and Leadership from St. Cloud State
University in 2014.
Christine Osorio, Saint Paul Public Schools Chief Academic Officer
Ms. Osorio began her career as a teacher-trainer in the US Peace Corps. During her subsequent 18 years with Saint Paul Schools, Ms. Osorio has held multiple
roles. She began as a bilingual ESL teacher before becoming an Assistant Principal in 2002 and a Principal in 2004. She has been a member of the
Superintendent’s Cabinet since 2011 where she has held the roles of both Executive Director (Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development) and
Assistant Superintendent prior to becoming the CAO. Ms. Osorio completed her undergraduate work at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Degrees include:
B.A.S in English as a Second Language (K-12), and Elementary Education (K-6), and a B.A. in Spanish. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, she earned
a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and later her license in K-12 Educational Administration. She earned her Superintendent’s License at Mankato
State University.
Andrea Rusk, Brainerd High School Principal
Ms. Rusk is in her sixth year as principal at Brainerd High School. Her administrative experiences at Brainerd High School include roles as assistant principal
and dean. Ms. Rusk completed the educational administration program at the University of St. Mary’s.
Sara Johnson, Lakeside Elementary Principal
Ms. Johnson is the Principal at Lakeside Elementary in Lindstrom, MN and teaches courses through St. Cloud State University as an adjunct professor. Prior
to becoming the Principal at Lakeside in the fall of 2011, she was the Associate Principal at Chisago Lakes High School for nine years. Ms. Johnson has also
served as a school counselor and dean/counselor at CLHS.
Kim Hiel, School of Engineering and Arts Principal
Ms. Hiel opened the School of Engineering and Arts and was named the Elementary STEM Principal of the Year in 2014 by the Minnesota Elementary School
Principals Association. Her previous experiences include 13 years in the principalship, several years teaching, and a previous career in banking. Ms. Hiel is
currently pursuing her doctor of education from St. Cloud State University.
Trish Perry, New London-Spicer Middle School Principal
Ms. Perry is completing her eighth year as principal of New London-Spicer Middle School. Previous to this position, Trish worked in the Crosby-Ironton and
Eveleth-Gilbert School Districts. She is currently working toward completion of her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration at St.
Cloud State University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth and Master of Education in Teaching and Learning and
Post-Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Superintendent Licensure from St. Mary’s University. Trish also serves as the MASSP State
Coordinator. Trish lives in New London with her family and enjoys traveling around the world with her husband, David Schneider.
Aby Froiland, Pleasant Elementary Principal
Ms. Froiland is completing her third year as principal at Pleasantview Elementary. Prior to becoming a principal, she worked as the middle school dean and
athletic director at the Sauk Rapids-Rice Middle School. She completed her sixth year certificate at SCSU, her masters from St. Mary's and her bachelors from
UND. She lives in Sauk Rapids, MN with her husband and three girls.
Kris Thompson, Buffalo High School (BHS) Assistant Principal
Ms. Thompson returned to BHS in 2009 and has been in her current position as assistant principal for the last six years. Prior to that, she was the Assistant
Principal at Becker High School for two years.
Nancy Records, Sherburne/N W right Special Education Cooperative Director
Ms. Records is the Director of Special Education for the Sherburne/N Wright Special Education Cooperative, She has served as their Director for the past 15
years and prior to that served as their Special Education Coordinator. She received her Bachelors Degree from SCSU, her masters from St. Thomas and her
Admin Licensure from SCSU. In 2006, Ms. Records was named the Outstanding Administrator of Special Education by the Council for Administrators of
Special Education. In 2012 she was named the Special Education Administrator of the Year by the MN Administrators for Special Education (MASE) and most
recently awarded the Legacy Award also by MASE.
www.stcloudstate.edu/edad
www.massp.org
ST. CLOUD
STATE
UNIVERSITY &
& MASSP
ST. CLOUD
STATE
UNIVERSITY
MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
3nd Annual Symposium of Women Educational Leaders
We would like to introduce our Keynote Speaker
Patty Phillips
Patty Phillips is in her tenth year as superintendent of the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale
School District. Prior to this position Patty was an elementary school teacher in Duluth and
worked for over twenty years as a preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher, principal, curriculum director and superintendent in Virginia, Minnesota. Patty received both her Bachelor and
Master’s degrees from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. She completed her principal and
superintendent licensure requirements at St. Cloud State University. Patty was Minnesota’s
2010 Superintendent of the Year, currently serves as one of Minnesota’s delegates to the
Mid-American Association of School Superintendents and is a member of MASA’s Professional
Assistance Team.
www.stcloudstate.edu/edad
www.massp.org
ST. CLOUD
STATE
UNIVERSITY &
& MASSP
ST. CLOUD
STATE
UNIVERSITY
MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
3nd Annual Symposium of Women Educational Leaders
We would like to introduce the afternoon Keynote Speakers
Co-founders of Experience Happiness LLC
Website: www.experiencehappiness.biz
Nancy O’Brien and Linda Saggau co-founded Experience Happiness in
2007 with the mission of helping people and organizations thrive by
cultivating authentic happiness. Seven years of research, program
development and teaching helped them understand that once happiness
is redefined and understood as an "inside-out" endeavor, it can then be
learned, practiced and measured.
Nancy and Linda have over 25 years of combined experience in the
areas of Branding, Employee and Customer Experience and Business
Nancy O’Brien
Strategy in the categories of retail, finance, technology, hospitality, healthcare and consumer packaged goods.
Together, they apply that experience to the design, implementation and measurement of happiness programs,
which help people thrive, cultivate competitive advantage for organizations and ultimately make the world a
better place. Experience Happiness is a woman-owned, Minnesota company that is the leader in helping
individuals and organizations thrive by cultivating and measuring the impact of authentic happiness. Seven years of
research, development and work with hundreds or people led to the creation of their core offering - The Happiness
Practice™ (THP™). THP empowers and equips leaders to proactively
cultivate individual and organizational happiness while measuring
Return On Happiness™ (ROH™) using meaningful metrics tailored to
participants and the organization. THP helps people discover and
develop authentic happiness (“the innate ability to locate and
amplify personal serenity and excitement about life regardless of
outside forces”), which improves individual and collective
sustainability, resiliency and innovation in order to build competitive
advantage for organizations.
LinLinda Saggau
www.stcloudstate.edu/edad
www.massp.org
ST. CLOUD
STATE
UNIVERSITY &
& MASSP
ST. CLOUD
STATE
UNIVERSITY
MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
3nd Annual Symposium of Women Educational Leaders
Presentation Overview
Reading, Riting, Rithmatic & Happiness for ALL.
Economics, neuroscience, sociology and other scientific disciplines all point to the advantages of happiness, but
what happiness is and how to create it individually and collectively has remained elusive. Nancy O’Brien and
Linda Saggau built The Happiness Practice™ to tackle this exact challenge. During this presentation Nancy and
Linda will share their research insights and an overview of The Happiness Practice, which begins with a working
definition of what intrinsic happiness truly is and equips people with proven insights and tools for creating it on
their own via daily practice. Determining the Return On Happiness™ (ROH) is an essential part of their work. ROH
measures not just the improvements in happiness and well-being, but also business and academic performance
improvements propelled by happiness, including: resilience, innovation, sustainability, collaboration,
engagement, loyalty, and more. Excitingly, The Happiness Practice simultaneously addresses major issues in
education such as; teacher burnout, bullying, and social & behavioral issues – creating a major opportunity for
leaders and their organizations. “We believe that incorporating happiness into the education experience at every
age and grade level is a major opportunity for our society. After all, we place so much energy into teaching
“reading, riting and rithmatic;” however, we place very little energy into teaching people actual life skills. Too
many people feel powerless, lost and sad. The statistics are a collective cry for help. We believe it’s time to shift
our teaching to reading, riting, rithmatic and HAPPINESS.”
www.stcloudstate.edu/edad
www.massp.org