About Us
Hands-on, project based learning for today’s world.
LAKE Academy was founded in 2023 as a way to prepare our children for a future that requires the knowledge and discipline of self-driven learning. We focus on teaching children to learn to connect, learn to think, and learn to lead. High academic achievement is valued alongside creativity, integrity, independence, and curiosity. We cherish each child’s individuality and are here to guide them in bringing their gifts to the world.
LAKE Academy Co-Founder & CEO
Brook Kirwin
As a little girl, I always struggled in school. I was in all the special classes, always had a special tutor to help me “catch up” and cried to my mom almost every day on the way home. By the time I was in High School, the light had gone out and I had lost all confidence in my academic abilities. Honestly, I wouldn’t even have gone to school if it wasn’t for the friends I loved and my desire to play sports. I had a deep belief system that “school wasn’t for me, and I just wasn’t very smart.”
That is until I got to college at MSU - Mankato and started studying Sports Medicine. I fell in love with Athletic Training because of it’s hands on, real life, think on your feet energy. The football field was my classroom and the athletes were my tests. For the first time in my life, I thrived in an academic setting. I started to believe that maybe I wasn’t dumb after all…. maybe the traditional school system just didn’t work for me.
LAKE Academy is the school that the eight year old Brook would have thrived in. A school based on real life problem solving and project based learning. A school that makes learning FUN & gives children confidence as they focus on their natural strengths. I believe there are other little girls (and boys) just like me who are struggling and LAKE Academy was created to offer them another option to thrive in life.
Education
Bachelor Degree in Athletic Training from Minnesota State University, Mankato
Masters Degree in Education from University of MN - Duluth
Professional Experience
Athletic Trainer for University of MN - Duluth
Founder of first Herbalife Nutrition Club in MN
Founder, Owner of Rapid Fuel in Grand Rapids, MN
Grew Herbalife Nutrition business to 25 million per year in sales
International Trainer and Speaker
Master CEO Coach
Co-Founder & CEO of LAKE Academy
When I am not at LAKE Academy you can find me watching our two boys play sports, relaxing in the pontoon on Pokegama Lake or traveling the world with my husband Karl. I have a deep passion for finding ways to use my skills & gifts to build businesses that impact my local community and the people who live here.
Sparks Guide
Jerzie Colter
It has always been a dream of mine to work with children to help them grow, develop, and become independent individuals. As long as I can remember, I have loved being around children. Helping little ones discover the world around them has been a natural pull in my life. I am dedicated to learning and seek out various opportunities to work alongside children.
Education
Grand Rapids High School Graduate
Montessori Early Childhood 3-6 Certification
Montessori Lower Elementary 6-9 Certification
Associate of Science Degree at Minnesota North - Itasca
Work Experience
LAKE Academy Guide since it's opening in August 2023
College For Kids instructor for 3 years
Volunteered in public school setting in multiple classrooms for 2 years
Nanny for over 6 years
At LAKE Academy, we foster opportunities for children to explore and build their character. I take pride in watching children become decision makers and take on challenges as they grow. I look forward to working with your children and developing a new generation of independent learners.
When I am not at LAKE Academy, you can find me adventuring with my family, going on camping trips with Myles, and soaking up the sun on any of the beautiful lakes of Minnesota.
Student Development & Learning Guide
Alta Simon
My purpose as an educator extends far beyond teaching academics. I am passionate about helping students grow into thoughtful leaders, lifelong learners, and positive contributors to their communities. I believe every child has unique strengths and gifts, and my goal is to help students discover those strengths while building confidence, character, and resilience.
Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to supporting children with a wide range of learning needs and helping them develop the skills necessary to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. I strive to create an environment where students feel safe to take risks, make mistakes, learn from challenges, and develop the confidence to navigate the world around them.
At LAKE Academy, I am excited to support students as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Watching children discover their potential and develop into capable, compassionate individuals is one of the greatest rewards of being an educator.
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of North Dakota
Bachelor's Degree in Psychology (Child Psychology Emphasis) at the University of North Dakota
Academic and Behavioral Strategist Licensure at the College of St. Scholastica
Master's Degree in Special Education at the College of St. Scholastica
Professional Experience
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher at the Grand Forks Public Schools
Kindergarten Teacher at the Grand Forks Public Schools
Special Education Teacher at the Burnsville-Eagan-Savage Public Schools
Special Education Teacher at the Greenway Public Schools
When I am not at LAKE Academy, outside of my role as an educator, my greatest joy is spending time with my family. As a mom of three young children, life is full of fun, laughter, learning, and beautiful chaos. Together, we love exploring the outdoors, swimming, fishing, boating, and making memories as a family.
In my downtime, you can find me reading a suspenseful book, enjoying fresh vegetables from my garden, playing cards with my husband, or tackling a new DIY project.