On Monday, April 14, the Wayzata School Board recognized Jean Parsons and Kelly Koehn as the April Employees of the Month! Read their full nominations below:
Kelly Koehn
Wayzata High School proudly recognizes Kelly Koehn as one of the Wayzata Public Schools April 2025 Employees of the Month! Kelly embodies dedication, compassion, and leadership in all that she does.
With over 30 years in education, Kelly began teaching in 1994 and has been a valued member of Wayzata Public Schools since 2004. As a special education teacher, she wears more hats than we can count—sometimes even a hair net when she’s working alongside students in the cafeteria!
Kelly seamlessly coordinates daily activities for 25 paraprofessionals, ensuring smooth operations and meaningful student engagement. She leads the Laker’s Breakfast Nook, a beloved workplace skill development program known for its fresh muffins and hands-on learning. She also manages the in-building employment program, where students gain experience in the café, laundry services, mail delivery, and more. On top of that, she supervises the PAES, or Practical Assessment Exploration System, helping students develop essential life and job skills.
Her impact doesn’t stop there. Kelly serves as Wayzata High School’s Special Education Department Chair and also oversees teacher licensure and continuing education approvals, ensuring educators maintain their credentials. She is an active voice for her colleagues as a Wayzata Education Association building representative, always advocating for staff and students. And beyond Wayzata, she has been sharing her expertise for over a decade as an adjunct instructor at Concordia University, where she teaches special education and differentiated instruction.
Kelly’s colleagues perfectly summed up Kelly’s influence, saying:
"Kelly Koehn is highly regarded by both her colleagues and the students she serves within the Wayzata High School community. She consistently meets the diverse educational and professional needs of the school through a variety of roles, from overseeing the Laker’s Breakfast Nook and managing the complex para schedule to facilitating department meetings and advocating for special education. Kelly is the force that keeps everything running, juggling countless responsibilities with ease while fostering strong relationships and bridging departments. When a crisis arises, or someone needs support, she is the unwavering constant—always there, Recognitions Employee of the Month Chace B. Anderson, Superintendent always ready to help. With her approachable demeanor and problem-solving mindset, Kelly is truly irreplaceable, and Wayzata Public Schools is fortunate to have her as a valued member of the team."
Kelly’s tireless commitment to students, colleagues, and the entire Wayzata community is extraordinary. Her energy, heart, and innovation make Wayzata High School a remarkable place.
Congratulations, Kelly! This honor is so well deserved!
Jean Parsons
Wayzata High School is honored to recognize someone who has been nothing short of extraordinary, our second Employee of the Month, Jean Parsons!
Jean joined our district in 2015 and began serving as our districtwide School Nurse Supervisor, overseeing eight school nurses and 13 health paraprofessionals across 15 sites, in 2022. But as impressive as that is, Jean has gone above and beyond in helping launch Wayzata High School’s inaugural Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.
Jean wears a truly unique hat, one that makes this program possible. Her long-term care experience, a requirement of the Minnesota Department of Health, has been a critical piece in getting this initiative off the ground. She has worked tirelessly alongside Rachel Klick, Hanne Kim, Stephanie Ebert, Scott Tordeur, Tyler Shepard, and Deb Musser, not to mention our external clinical partners, to make this incredible opportunity a reality for the 120 students who have enrolled in the CNA program this school year!
Not only has Jean played a key role in developing the program, but she also tests students on nursing skills and supervises them in clinical settings, all while maintaining her full-time role as district nursing supervisor.
Jean’s colleagues shared:
“Jean is a passionate and dedicated leader who consistently puts students and colleagues first. With a wealth of knowledge and a collaborative spirit, she is a driving force behind the success of the CNA program at Wayzata High School. Her calm and encouraging presence, especially on skills testing days, reassures and inspires students. Beyond her role as a testing RN, Jean actively advocates for resources, fosters connections, and supports both students and staff. She leads with positivity, valuing the input of others and ensuring her team feels heard and supported. Her unwavering commitment, problem-solving mindset, and “let’s make this work” attitude make her an invaluable asset and a true inspiration. Jean is simply fantastic!”
Jean, thank you for your leadership, your commitment, and your unwavering support of students and staff. You are a gem, and we are so grateful for all that you do! Please join me in congratulating Jean Parsons!