Our Founders

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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. Her research focuses on students’ motivation to read, rural education, and supporting multilingual learners. When she is not reading or writing, she can be found baking and spending time with her family.

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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 2025 Teacher Candidate Facilitators

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Joslin Ray is an Elementary Education Major with a Science Endorsement and a Spanish Minor. While here at Bemidji State University, she has grown in her love for science and reading. She loves to explore how literacy can be developed in the Science classroom through books, discussion, writing, etc. She also enjoys spending her free time reading, ballroom and swing dancing, singing, and playing piano. She has always loved reading, and she most often got in trouble for reading under her desk while the teacher was talking during elementary school. This summer she hopes to finish the Eragon and Anne of Green Gables series. Joslin will be facilitating June’s book discussion on Banned Book Club.

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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 June’s book discussion on Banned Book Club.

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Merideth Klingbeil is an English Education Major at Bemidji State University and is returning for her second year as a facilitator in Reaching Rural Readers. She is looking forward to student teaching Spring of 2026. Merideth will spend her free time this summer reading by the lake and preparing for her piano recital in the fall. Merideth will be the facilitator for July’s selection, Hudson Bay Bound.

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Ivy Matejcek is a transfer student from Central Lakes College, Brainerd MN. After completing their associates degree and program certificates, they are now majoring in English Education at Bemidji State University and pursuing their teaching licensure. Ivy has had a passion for writing from a young age and aims to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all students to feel included in their lessons. Alongside writing, Ivy enjoys playing music on their instruments, tending to their plants, and sharing time with friends while cooking new foods. Ivy will be the facilitator of Hudson Bay Bound in July.

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Sophie Statsman is a Junior English Education major from Eveleth, MN. During the summer, she is a camp counselor, gaining more experience working with youth. Once she graduates, she plans on returning to the Iron Range and teaching there. She enjoys crocheting, hammocking, and spending time with friends and family. She’s so excited to facilitate Where Wolves Don’t Die in August.

Our Author Partners

What makes Reaching Rural Readers extra special? We don’t just read the books—we get to meet the amazing authors who wrote them!

Teens and future teachers in our program say these author visits are one of the biggest reasons they get excited to read and discuss the books. We get to hear firsthand about the writing process, the real-life experiences that shape their stories, and maybe even a few behind-the-scenes secrets.

Even better? These incredible authors 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

Byron Graves, author of Rez Ball

June 2024

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Claire Forrest, author of Where You See Yourself

August 2024

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Kim Hyun Sook & Ryan Estrada, authors of Banned Book Club

June 2025

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Natalie Warren, author of Hudson Bay Bound

July 2025