Advisory Board

Kim Ellison

Kim Ellison is a parent and educator. She is also a parent of a LearningWorks graduate, Isaiah. Through Isaiah's experience at LearningWorks, Kim grew committed to the value of the program. Kim brings a wealth of experience to the LearningWorks Advisory Board, including board membership with Juxtaposition Arts and Steppingstone Theatre.

Kelley Nelson

Kelley Nelson moved to the Twin Cities after spending seven years in Boston at The Steppingstone Foundation. During her tenure, Kelley served as Admissions Coordinator, Placement Coordinator, Dean of Support Services and Dean of Placement while the organization grew from six staff members to more than 30. A graduate of Colby College with a BA in Sociology and Women's Studies, Kelley is the Co-Director of The Blake School's Center for Diversity and as such is responsible for ensuring that all members of the Blake community feel respected, welcomed, and valued regardless of their background. Kelley and her husband Matt, have one son, Tyler, who just celebrated his first birthday. They enjoy hiking, yoga, reading, and traveling together.

Bill Sternberg

Bill Sternberg joined The Minneapolis Foundation in 2002 as the Professional Advisor Development Officer. His professional experience includes sixteen years in business development and relationship management roles with Citicorp Private Banking, Piper Jaffray & Co., and Fisher Investments. He has previously served on the Alumni Board of The Blake School and the Boards of several non-profit organizations.

Bill earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Entrepreneurial Studies from Babson College in Wellesley, MA. He has also completed coursework in Fundraising at U.C.L.A. Bill is a native of Minneapolis, but spent 13 years living in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. He now lives in Plymouth with his wife Manon and their children, Noah and Emma.

Robert Zelle

Robert Zelle, who is currently teaching seventh grade English and social studies at The Blake School, has been teaching and coaching at independent middle schools for 18 years. His teaching career includes stops in Israel, Chicago, England and St. Paul. He also enjoys bicycling, writing, drawing and is a professional storyteller.