Dr. Lisa Snyder

Dr. Lisa Snyder has served in public education as a teacher, principal, technology director, curriculum director and superintendent. She retired from Lakeville Area Public Schools in 2018. She is committed to continuous improvement and transformation in public education through innovation and personalized learning. Throughout her career, she has been instrumental in creating new opportunities for student-centered learning through career-focused programming, the development of choice and charter schools and transforming public systems and schools. She recently served as Executive Director for EdVisions and continues to serve on their Board. She has served as a BOSS facilitator since 2017 and teaches at the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development in the Organizational Leadership, Policy and Development Program.

Dr. Mark Larson

Mark Larson, PhD is a participating member of the BOSS Cohort because he believes in the power of cohort learning. After retiring as a school district superintendent Mark has been an educational consultant and has been a keynote speaker at national conferences. In addition to his being a part of BOSS, Dr. Larson has worked with local school districts on innovative and creative uses of time and statewide organizations about strategic planning. As an Executive Coach, he finds joy in seeing leaders advance to their next level both professionally and personally. Mark Larson, PhD has spent his professional career in education as an English teacher, principal, executive director of teaching and leaning, and most recently as a superintendent.

Gail Lewis-Miller

Gail Lewis-Miller is an Educational Mentor and Consultant.  A retired Principal and Teacher at the Elementary and Secondary Levels, Gail has 25 years of experience in both Urban and Suburban schools. She also served 7 years as an Early Childhood Director in the private sector.  She facilitated several Equity and Inclusion teams in her schools and at the district level.  Gail attended Metropolitan State College in Denver, CO for Elementary and Early Childhood Education and Mankato State University, Mankato, for Educational Leadership and Educational Administration. Gail is an active member of the Minnesota Elementary School Principals' Association (MESPA). She has also received awards from the “Courageous Conversation Summit in 2008 and 2009 on Anti-Racism, The Leadership Achievement Award from MESPA, The Hopkins Human Rights Commission, The Metropolitan Principals' Academy and The National Association of Elementary Principals.

DR. DENISE PONTRELLI

Denise Pontrelli has dedicated her life to bettering educational opportunities for all students. She is a veteran educator and for the last five years served in the role of superintendent for the Stillwater Area Public Schools. She has over three decades of leadership experience as a superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, coordinator for curriculum, professional development and gifted services and classroom teacher. 

Denise is a proven instructional leader who is focused on improving learning opportunities for all students. She has a passion for supporting organizations in the areas of learning and innovation, organizational development, adaptive strategic planning, creating equitable systems, human centered design, community, business and faith based partnerships and leadership development.  

Julie Critz

Julie Critz is recently retired superintendent of the Alexandria, MN Public Schools. Between July 2007 and July 2015, Critz served as assistant superintendent for teaching and learning in Alexandria. She has provided oversight and development of district curriculum, student assessment and staff development opportunities. She was instrumental in leading the district in two successful building bond referendums and in 2020 an operating levy. She has been a catalyst in building business partnerships for the Academies of Alexandria, the school district’s new high school small learning communities program. Additionally, she was a key player in facilitating and implementing the district’s community-based strategic planning initiative. Critz has worked in K-12 education for 38 years: as a teacher, elementary and secondary principal, and district administrator. She received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota-Morris; her master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities; and a sixth-year certificate in educational administration from St. Cloud State University. Julie is now working with True North Consulting Partners to support the growth and development of school districts and their leaders to ensure best in class education for students around the nation.

JULIE FRED

Julie Fred has worked in public education, specifically special education, for 25 years. She has been a special education teacher, dean of students, special education coordinator, special education supervisor and currently has worked the last 10 years as the Director of Special Services in Shakopee. She spent four years as a participant in BOSS and is now in her second year as a facilitator. Julie is committed to building the capacity of leaders through cohort learning. She believes that cohort learning models emphasize collaborative leadership, a cornerstone of effective educational institutions. Education leaders immersed in cohort-based programs develop skills in teamwork, conflict resolution, and consensus building. They learn to appreciate diverse viewpoints and leverage the collective intelligence of their teams. This collaborative approach translates into cohesive and forward-thinking leadership, where decisions are inclusive, transparent, and reflective of the needs of all stakeholders. 

Kathy Zwonitzer

Kathy Zwonitzer is currently the Director of Student Services for the Centennial School District. She is is starting her 16th school year. Kathy has been a middle school English teacher, literacy coach, special education teacher and coordinator. Teaching is what fills her bucket! Whether it is working with a 4th grade student, mentoring a first year teacher or sharing a new strategy with a colleague, there is so much joy in helping people grow and learn. Kathy has been part of the BOSS cohort for Special Education Directors since it first began in 2018. Through the cohort she found support, laughter and connection to others who understood the day to day work in leadership. She is extremely honored to join BOSS as a facilitator and excited to continue learning alongside all the talented educational leaders across the state.