Hello Friends!

I want to tell you a bit about me, since I have been learning so much about you as I door knock New Brighton!

I grew up in a big family from a small town. I am number nine in a family of thirteen kids, and I learned early on that we all had to pitch in and work together. I also learned the importance of self-reliance – I’ve worked steadily since age fourteen and put myself through high school and college.

Sartell was a just a village when I grew up there, surrounded by farms and the paper mill. After graduating from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud, I attended the College of St. Catherine’s in St. Paul to pursue a degree in teaching. I took a break from school to travel, and then got married and started a family. While raising my three children, I started a successful home child care business and returned to school. By taking classes on nights and weekends, I graduated from St. Kate’s at age 35.

After serving as a Family Resource Advocate for the Way to Grow program sponsored by the United Way, I began teaching 6th grade in inner city Minneapolis. That experience taught me a great deal about our education system and the importance of community support for our schools. I’ve since taught at several schools, most currently as a Library Media Specialist in the Robbinsdale Area Schools. Learning is a constant driver in my life. I’ve recently earned my Masters Degree in Information Media from St. Cloud State University and have just begun my graduate studies in Native American Studies—a life-long desire to better appreciate my mother’s heritage as a member of the Standing Rock (Lakota) Tribe and the wealth of diverse cultures.

In January, I “retired” after 13 years as the Banquet Manager at St. Maron’s Cedars Hall, a position I held in tandem with my teaching. My husband Tim and I grew the banquet and catering business at Cedars Hall from its very inception to being one of the most popular celebration and meeting centers in NE MPLS.

Tim and I have a blended family of six children. He is a transportation manager with Old Dominion. Family is a vital part of our lives and often find our home the hub of family gatherings and celebrations.

I appreciate the time you took to read a bit about me.  I cannot wait to meet you as I travel through New Brighton.  To learn more, check out http://kunesh-podein.com/