Kristen Nelson named Assistant Director of Early Childhood Programs

The White Bear Lake Area School District is pleased to announce that Kristen Nelson has been chosen to serve as the district’s new assistant director of early childhood programs, a position that was vacated when current assistant director Darcy Rodriguez accepted a position as the new early childhood family education specialist with the Minnesota Department of Education.

Nelson has worked in early childhood or connected with early childhood her entire career.  She has served as a preschool teacher, parent educator, home visitor and coordinator.  For the last 9 years she has served as the Early Childhood Manager in Elk River Public Schools, overseeing ECFE, School Readiness and Preschool Screening.  Prior to her time in Elk River, she worked as a family services collaborative coordinator for Morrison County Social Services and in various early childhood program positions in Albert Lea Area Schools and Austin Public Schools.

“We are excited for Kristen to be joining our team to lead early childhood programming in White Bear Lake Area Schools,” said Director of Community Services and Recreation Tim Maurer. “She’s highly regarded as a compassionate leader with a passion for high-quality early childhood programs, and has an impressive track record of building strong relationships with her team, families and community.”

Nelson will start in White Bear Lake Area Schools on July 1, 2024.