Ojibwe Teacher

Lead Teacher and Language Arts Teacher

Molly grew up in southwest Minneapolis and found a love for reading at an early age. She studied Classics in college and graduate school. Through her studies, she learned Latin and Ancient Greek, gaining a deep knowledge of grammar, syntax, and sentence structure.

Executive Director

Lisa Skjefte is a visionary systems-changer and equity strategist who crafts transformational ideas to drive necessary, equitable change across institutions. With over a decade of experience in health equity, community wellness, and Indigenous advocacy, Lisa challenges the status quo through innovative problem-solving and strategic collaboration. At Children’s Minnesota, she has led system-wide initiatives that center racial equity, community voice, and culturally grounded care models. As co-founder of KweStrong, she empowers Indigenous women through wellness, movement, and leadership. Lisa brings a unique blend of passion, systems thinking, and grassroots insight to every endeavor.

Physical Education Teacher & Security Coordinator

Science Teacher

Walt Johnson believes that all things are connected—that we are all related, and that everything originates from stardust. His teaching philosophy reflects this worldview, honoring the web of life where no part is valued more than another. At Nawayee, Walt integrates Western science with Traditional Indigenous knowledge to offer students a holistic and meaningful approach to learning. He emphasizes the interconnectedness of all school subjects and grounds his science instruction in Indigenous ways of knowing, fostering both curiosity and reverence for the natural world. A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Walt has always felt a deep connection to nature and considers his relationship with Mother Earth to be central to his identity. He is passionate about sharing this perspective with his students. Walt earned his Bachelor of Science degree and teaching license from Bemidji State University. He lives in North Minneapolis with his wife, Annie, and their dog, Carina. In his free time, he enjoys long walks with Carina, perennial gardening, keeping aquariums, and hiking near the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Office Manager