Advisory Committee
Achieve continually seeks ways to bring about desired change for the workforce. We believe diverse points of views are crucial to the design, implementation, evaluation, and revision towards successful, meaningful and inclusive policies and procedures. Therefore, the convening of an Advisory Committee is one step towards expanding and enhancing the funds of knowledge and professional experience that currently informs Achieve’s policies and practices.
Advisory Committee Members
The Achieve Advisory Committee is comprised of a group of community subject matter experts, representatives, advocates, service providers, and leaders in the field or those interested in supporting the MN Early Childhood Care and Education (MN ECCE) Workforce.

Marisol Chiclana-Ayala
Marisol has wide variety of childhood care and education experience. She has been a Family Child Care Provider, Child Care Teacher and Director. In addition, Marisol worked as the Infant Toddler Training Intensive Statewide Coordinator for Child Care Aware of MN. She has been a trainer and consultant for child care providers in the areas of Early Childhood and Education, infant and toddler care, inclusion in child care, cultural dynamics and other topics. For the last 13 years, Marisol has worked as a Community Engagement Planner with Ramsey County and now with the MN Department of Health.

Cyndi Cunningham
As the owner and operator of her own licensed Family Child Care, Cyndi provides a safe and enriched environment for children. She has a passion for advocating for Family Child Care and is a board member of the Minnesota Child Care Provider Information Network (MCCPIN). Cyndi also runs her own training and consulting business where she has developed trainings on topics including licensing inspections and provider self-care.

Deloris Friske
Deloris has been a licensed Family Child Care Provider for the past 35 years. She is actively involved in the Minnesota Child Care Provider Information Network (MCCPIN) and was recognized as the 2016 Child Care Advocate of the Year. Deloris is a trainer and curriculum writer for Family Child Care. She coauthored Essential Elements for Family Child Care as well as Family Child Care Mentoring program, this program has been trained in four states.

Marian Hassan
Marian is an empowering educator, consultant and children’s picture book author. She is an experienced and skilled bilingual educator committed to providing professional development experiences for teachers and providers to enhance the quality of care for young children. She advises, mentors and trains on areas in Early Childhood Education. Most recently, Marian has been speaking to dual language families and teachers about the importance of the home language to the development of the second language.

Jansel Hernandez
Jansel has a passion for education and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others as a Master trainer. He has been working in the Early Childhood Care and Education field since 2012. As the Education Coordinator, Jansel supports the teachers at Casa de Corazón by providing training and assistance with their professional development.

Angela Kapp
Having worked in the early childhood field since 1989, Angela has a lot of experience to offer. Over the years, she has been a Teacher, Director, Trainer, Consultant, Child Development Associate (CDA) Specialist, Head Start Manager/Advocate and National Association of the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Assessor. Currently, Angela owns and operates two child care centers in St. Paul.
Tonya Morris
Tonya is excited to represent and better support the Native American community and child care providers. She has been working in the Early Childhood field for seven years; starting as an Infant/Toddler Teacher and then moving into administration. As the Licensing and Support Coordinator, Tonya provides licensing and monitoring visits to build quality care.

Teresa Ripple
Teresa worked as an Early Childhood Education teacher for over 10 years and then as the head of school for several years before coming to St. Kate’s. Teresa directs and teaches courses such as Introduction to Early Childhood, The Art of Classroom Management and Assessment, and Science Methods for the newly developed early childhood degree programs. She also teaches research and directs the Montessori Master’s degree program. She actively consults and presents at local workshops as well as national conferences for the American Montessori Society (AMS).

Maxine Peterson
Maxine is the Family and Consumer Science Education (FACS) Specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education, Office of Career College Success in the Career and Technical Education division. At the Department of Education, Maxine oversees 383 FACS teachers throughout Minnesota, many of whom teach on subjects including Child and Human Development and Early Childhood Education. She has over 30 years of experience at the alternative, middle and high school level teaching Family and Consumer Science.

Deborah Schierbeck
As a Higher Education Instructor, Deborah enjoys teaching those interested in joining the Early Childhood Care and Education workforce. She has over 30 years of experience in the Early Childhood Care and Education field as a Head Teacher, Director, Creative Curriculum Coordinator and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Higher Educator Accreditor.

Sherry Tiegs
For the past 30+ years, Sherry has dedicated her life to serving children and families. She has held positions as a Teacher’s Aide, Day Camp Director, Student Mentor, Assistant Teacher, Preschool Lead Teacher, Program Director and Toddler Lead Teacher. Currently, Sherry runs her own Family Child Care and shares her knowledge with other practitioners as a trainer.