Kay Power

Ms. Kay is a beloved primary educator at The Innovation School, bringing over 30 years of experience working with children. Her journey in education began with running an at-home daycare and preschool for 11 years while raising her four daughters. She then spent 28 years as a dedicated local teacher, working with students across various grade levels. After retiring from teaching, Kay cherished time at home caring for her four grandchildren before returning to the classroom to share her passion for education at TIS.
Kay is dedicated to creating learning environments where students feel excited to learn, safe and supported, and free to play and be kids. Her wealth of experience and nurturing approach make her an esteemed part of the TIS community.

Amber Kemmet

Amber is one of the primary leads, where her expertise and passion for early education create an engaging, nurturing environment for young learners. With years of experience in primary education, Amber shines in primary settings, inspiring curiosity and confidence in her students through hands-on, project-based learning.
Amber is deeply committed to fostering a strong foundation for lifelong learning, and her ability to connect with young children helps them feel supported and empowered as they grow. Her warm and patient approach is a cornerstone of The Innovation School's mission to serve students with diverse learning styles.
Outside the classroom, Amber enjoys spending time with her husband, Alan, and their two sons, Seth and Jake. Amber’s dedication to her family and students makes her a cherished member of The Innovation School community.

Alicia Jeromchek

Alicia is one of the elementary & middle school leads. With a passion for hands-on, student-centered learning, Alicia thrives in applying her Speech and Language Pathologist experience to support and inspire students in meaningful ways.
Alicia earned her Bachelor's Degree from Minnesota State University Moorhead and her Master's Degree in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Over the past nine years, she has worked in education and outpatient pediatric settings, blending her expertise with her love for fostering growth in children.
A firm believer that "play is the work of children," Alicia incorporates play into her teaching to help students build deeper connections and unlock their potential. She is deeply committed to empowering students with a voice in their learning journey and is excited to grow alongside them at TIS.
Outside of school, Alicia enjoys spending time with her husband, James, and their two children, James and Sophie.  Alicia brings the same enthusiasm and creativity to her home life as she does to her work at TIS.

Kelsy Achtenberg

Kelsy is one of our elementary and middle school educators and also serves as the Dean of Students at The Innovation School. Born and raised in Bismarck, Kelsy holds a degree in Elementary Education from Dickinson State University and a Master’s of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment from the University of Mary.
As a founding member of The Innovation School, Kelsy has been with the school since the beginning and brings 13 years of teaching experience to her role. She has a passion for creating engaging STEM projects and helping students make meaningful connections across different subjects. Known for building strong relationships with her students, Kelsy is deeply committed to fostering individual growth and ensuring every student feels valued. She draws inspiration from Albert Einstein’s quote: “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
Kelsy is married to her husband, Carter, and they have two children, Reagan (5) and Nash (3), as well as their dog, Kaya. 
Kelsy’s dedication to her students, passion for innovation in education, and love for lifelong learning make her an integral part of The Innovation School community.

Lauren wray

Lauren is a long time employee of The Innovation School, where she currently serves as a classroom aide. Lauren supports students and teachers in creating a hands-on, project-based learning environment. Passionate about helping students thrive, Lauren brings patience, creativity, and a strong sense of collaboration to her role. She is especially skilled at providing individualized support to meet the unique needs of every learner, ensuring they feel valued and empowered.

Debbie Traynor

Debbie brings a special kind of harmony to The Innovation School as our music teacher. A proud mom and grandma, Debbie’s warmth and nurturing spirit make her a beloved figure among students and staff alike. Fondly known as "Grandma Debbie," she creates a welcoming environment where students feel inspired to explore the joy of music.
In addition to teaching music at TIS, Debbie also offers piano lessons, sharing her lifelong passion for music with students of all ages. Her kind and patient approach ensures that every student feels encouraged and supported as they discover their unique musical talents.
Outside the classroom, Debbie cherishes time with her family, including her husband Terry, her children and grandchildren. Her love for music and family shines through in everything she does, making her an irreplaceable part of The Innovation School community.
Photo credit: Lyra Lee Photography