Curious why families chose our school for their student? Watch this short video:
Mike Benson
Middle School Humanities Teacher
Mike has been a middle school humanities teacher at FSMN since 2019. Prior to coming to Minnesota, Mike taught at The Wilkinson School, a small progressive, independent school in the San Francisco Bay Area. He taught there for 12 years.
After choosing to be home with his pre-school aged children for a year, Mike joined FSMN. He is excited to work in a school that shares his values and can build upon his teaching experience and fun, creative approach.
Monique Wentzel
Third and Fourth Grade Teacher
Monique Wentzel has served as the Bayou 3/4 teacher since 2026.
Before teaching grades 3/4 she taught grades 1/2 at Friends School. She came to Friends School of Minnesota with a wide reaching teaching background. She has taught English and creative writing to adults at Stanford University’s Continuing Education Program, Portland State University, and St.Thomas’ Dougherty Family College. She has held substitute teaching positions in public school districts and most recently at Great River Montessori School.
Monique earned a BA from St. John’s College in New Mexico, an MFA from Portland State University, and a creative writing Stegner Fellowship at Stanford. She is working on a thesis for a masters degree from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities with an emphasis on ethics and social justice.
She loves to share her love of language, music and social emotional learning with her classroom, and is passionate about curating a space where joy, curiosity and mutual respect can flourish.
Natalie Gonzalez
First and Second Grade Teacher
Natalie Gonzalez has served as a 1st/2nd Grade Prairie Teacher at Friends School of Minnesota since August 2026.
Natalie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.
Prior to working at Friends School of Minnesota, Natalie taught and supported children in a variety of elementary education settings, including 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade classrooms. Her background includes classroom teaching, student teaching, ESL support, and arts education. She is passionate about creating hands-on learning experiences that invite children to be curious, creative, and connected to the world around them. As a certified herbalist, Natalie also brings a deep love of nature and the outdoors into her work with children.
Natalie returned to Minnesota after several years in Colorado and is enjoying being closer to family. She loves spending time outdoors hiking and biking and enjoys creative pursuits including earth-pigment watercolor painting and ceramics. She also practices yoga and loves gardening, working with plants, and exploring the natural world.
“What inspires me most about FSMN is the belief that children are capable, curious learners. I love being in a community where we can slow down, listen to children’s ideas, and give them space to wonder, explore, create, and discover.”
Pie Paulson
Development Director
Pie has served as the Development Director since September 2023.
She holds a BA in History and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership. Prior to working at FSMN, Pie has worked in fundraising at several different nonprofits in the Twin Cities over the past decade, including Greater Twin Cities United Way.
She lives in NE Minneapolis with her two sons (cats) Kevin and Big Mike. Pie enjoys volunteering at animal shelters and spending time with her friends and family.
“It has been so refreshing working at Friends School. There is an atmosphere of respect, exploration, creativity, and warmth here that really adds to my work day.”
Ryan Hogan
Teaching Assistant
Under construction. More information coming soon!
Shahzore Shah
Music Specialist
Shahzore has served as the K-8 Music Teacher since 2023. He joined FSMN in 2015 as a Voice Instructor. He has also served as Choir Director, After School Music Coordinator, Teaching Assistant and briefly, Librarian.
Shahzore holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education as well as a Bachelor’s of Art in French. Prior to working at FSMN, Shahzore performed as a classical singer, directed youth choirs and taught voice lessons; he designed and led many educational outreach sessions with students and educators while working as a performing artist in Cantus. He also recently taught Music Together classes.
Shahzore lives in St. Paul and enjoys spending time with his husband and children. Favorite activities include cooking and gardening, visits to the duck pond, landscape arboretum, Como Zoo, and traveling outside of the state.
“I love working in a community of educators, students and community members committed to using every possible opportunity to make the world a better place, whether holding a conversation between two people, designing a science project, learning a piece of music or sitting in silence together.”
Shane Zack
Admissions Director
Shane has worked at FSMN since 2004. Shane has held many positions throughout his tenure at Friends School of Minnesota, both inside and outside the classroom. He is very familiar with the school community and the academic program from kindergarten all the way through 8th grade.
He has a B.A. in Philosophy and Classics from Hamline University and an M.A. in Education Policy and Leadership from the University of Minnesota.
Shane is also a bluegrass musician and plays locally in King Wilkie’s Dream.
Steve Moe
Facilities Director and Plant Sale Coordinator
Steve has been the staff coordinator of the Plant Sale, in charge of select facilities functions, community outreach and transportation since 2018. He began teaching middle school science in 1998. He has a B.A. in science from Earlham College and an M.S. in botany from Iowa State University.
Previously, Steve worked as a field biologist and an environmental consultant in North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Colorado, Alaska, and Canada. He has also worked as both an ornithologist and a botanist and loves sharing those interests with students. Who else could get groups of middle schoolers up at 6 a.m. to go birdwatching?
Steve believes hands-on education is best and he is passionate about environmental education. He loves getting middle school students outdoors as much as he can.
“I love working at FSMN because progressive education supports learning in the real world. We get the kids out on lots of field trips so they can experience science first-hand.”
Steven Talberg
Teaching Assistant
Steven has served as Mississippi Teaching Assistant since September of 2026
Prior to being a teaching assistant, he was a member of the FSMN extended day staff, and also served as a Teaching Assistant in FSMN summer camps.
Steven holds a Bachelors degree in Theater Arts and Strategic Communication from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.…
Find Contact InfoSteven has served as Mississippi Teaching Assistant since September of 2026
Prior to being a teaching assistant, he was a member of the FSMN extended day staff, and also served as a Teaching Assistant in FSMN summer camps.
Steven holds a Bachelors degree in Theater Arts and Strategic Communication from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
Prior to working at FSMN, he was the logistics coordinator at Standard Heating and Air Conditioning
Steven lives in NE Minneapolis. He likes to rock climb, watch and make movies, and collect books and DVDs
“Kids don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.” ~ Jim Henson
Travis Bell
Front Office Manager
Travis has been at FSMN since 2017.
He came to FSMN from Galtier elementary school where he held a library position.
Originally from Florida, he moved to Minnesota with his husband, Alex. He has an AA in computer animation from Miami Dade College and a bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Studies with a Minor in Sociology from Florida Atlantic University. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in fine arts.
