Our Founders
Kathrina O’Connell
Kathrina is passionate about making books accessible for all learners. Prior to 2020, she taught elementary students (P-6) and multilingual learners (K-12) in Spain, New York, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Kathrina also developed and led the summer Literacy Academy, for middle school students, from 2019-2023. Currently, she is an Associate Professor of Education at Concordia College. She is also spending the 2025-2026 academic year in Norway, serving as a Fulbright Roving Scholar. Her research focuses on students’ motivation to read, rural education, and supporting multilingual learners.
When Kathrina is not reading or writing, she can be found baking and spending time with her family.
Danielle Sullivan
Danielle is a lifelong lover of reading and writing, so it’s hardly surprising that she became an English teacher! She has taught secondary and college English in Alaska, Tennessee, Colorado, New Mexico, and Minnesota and currently is an Associate Professor of English at Bemidji State University, where she leads the English Education program. She’s passionate about helping all students engage with the power of literature, writing, and communication, and her research focuses on English language arts pedagogy, particularly in rural communities.
Danielle loves being outside, and in the summer, you can often find her paddleboarding with her family, friends, and dogs or reading on her patio.
Summer 2026 Pre-service Teacher Facilitators
Jenna Koscielniak is a sophomore at Bemidji State University, working towards her secondary English Education major and teacher licensure. Reading has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember, and sheI loves being able to read and discuss books with others. Besides her love for literature,she enjoys spending time at her family farm, listening to and playing music, writing, and taking her dog for walks.Jenna is excited to be able to join this program and will be leading June’s discusisons of Apple in the Middle.
Trinity Johnson is a transfer student from Anoka Ramsey. Achieving her Associates in English, she is now majoring in English Education at Bemidji University to pursue her teaching licensing. She has always had a passion for literature and developed a love for the teaching of it as well as the respect for the history of writing. It is Trinity’s belief that to see change in the world, one first has to pick up a good book. Trinity's main educational goals are to promote cognitive media literacy and develop critical thinking for the next generations. She is also known for implementing some humor into her lesson plans. So, don't be surprised if you hear some really bad literature dad jokes from her. Trin will be facilitating August discussions of Gather, by Kenneth Cadow.
Our Author Partners
What makes Reaching Rural Readers extra special? We don’t just read the books—we get to meet the amazing authors and illustrators who created them!
Teens and future teachers in our program say these visits are one of the biggest reasons they get excited to read and discuss the books. We get to hear firsthand about the writing and illustration process, the real-life experiences that shape their stories, and maybe even a few behind-the-scenes secrets.
Even better? These incredible authors and illustrators generously donate their time—or offer huge discounts—to join us. We’re beyond grateful for their passion, generosity, and the inspiration they bring to our readers!
Byron Graves, author of Rez Ball
June 2024
Claire Forrest, author of Where You See Yourself
August 2024
Kim Hyun Sook & Ryan Estrada, authors of Banned Book Club
June 2025
Natalie Warren, author of Hudson Bay Bound
July 2025