Meet the transitions Staff at Lionsgate Academy:
Shawn Bortel is the transitions coordinator, you can reach him via email at: sbortel@lgamn.org
Mr. Bortel’s Bio: “My journey in education has always led me right where I need to be. My experiences and training are in working with emotional behavior disorders, at risk youth, ministry and Autism have all prepared me for this role as Transitions Coordinator. At home, I enjoy spending time with my wife and three daughters. We often enjoy going to the local park or attempting in having our girls watch a Vikings and/or Twins game. I’ve really enjoyed becoming a part of the Lionsgate community. I see the transitions department thriving because of the dedication and care of the students, staff and families.”
Sara Bydzovsky is the transitions teacher for grades 9-12, you can reach her via email at: sbydzovsky@lgamn.org
Sara B’s Bio: “Hello everybody! Ms. B here. I have had the privilege of working with students on the autism spectrum since 2005. I was hired in May of 2009 to be a part of the transitions program at Lionsgate Academy. It has been an amazing experience watching our students grow, gain awareness of themselves and make connections with fellow students, staff and the greater community. When I am not teaching, you can find me at your nearest consignment shop, breakfast joint, movie theater, dance floor or traveling the world. Hopefully wherever you find me I will have a smile on my face and a story to tell. Thanks for your interest in our program and for wanting to learn about the contributions our students are making both within and outside the classroom walls.”
Jason Walz is the transitions teacher for grades 7 & 8. You can reach him via email at: jwalz@lgamn.org
Teresa Lamo-Nelson is a case manager and transitions teacher for grades 7 & 8. You can reach her via email at: tlamonelson@lgamn.org
Ms. Lamo-Nelson’s Bio: “I grew up in south Minneapolis, am married, and the mom of 2 college students. Oldest has Asperger’s, and I have an autism ribbon tattoo. My family loves animals, so we always have lots of pets. A dog, a cat, a tortoise, an iguana, and a python are part of our family right now. I love to travel and to spend time hanging out with my extended family, and I’m a trekkie.”
Sasha Reanier is an Educational Assistant for grades 9-12. You can reach her via email at: sreanier@lgamn.org
Sasha Reanier’s Bio: “Greetings! This is my third year at Lionsgate Academy, making me one of the original team LGA members. My educational background is a concoction of credits predominately stemming from the realm of theater. I continue to explore new avenues in higher education as my passions and pursuits change. Originally from Oregon, I first ventured to Minnesota after high school to work at a summer camp for people with developmental disabilities. This was a terrific experience! Each summer I returned to work at the camp my affinity for Minnesota grew stronger and I have now lived here full-time for the past three years. Outside the halls of LGA I enjoy streak running (not to be confused with streaking) and roller skating. While I have played a variety of roles at Lionsgate Academy, I particularly enjoy working in the transitions department where I have the opportunity to volunteer with students in the community and serve as a facilitator of new and enriching opportunities.”
Laura Ondich is an Educational Assistant for grades 7 & 8. You can reach her via email at: londich@lgamn.org
Laura Ondich’s Bio: “Hello – I am Laura Ondich, and I have been a part of Lionsgate Academy, and the Transitions Program, since we opened our doors in September, 2008.
I first began my career working in schools in 1997, and I came to Lionsgate with experience in all areas of Special Education, with a focus on Autism. I also have many years of job coaching experience as well.
I am married, and have two adult children, and two grandchildren. In my spare time, I enjoy doing laundry, riding my wonderful mare Rayna, fishing (both open water and ice), ATVing, snowmobiling, spending time with my family, and being outdoors. I also enjoy doing nature photography, cooking, and singing.
I am very happy to be here at Lionsgate Academy, and am very excited about helping students as they learn, grow, and develop into distinct individuals, both in the Transitions classroom, and in the community.”
