Writers
Jason Roering
Publisher
Jason is the founder of Minnesota Family. Jason graduated from Sauk Centre High School, earned an Associate Degree from Ridgewater College, a Bachelor Degree and a Professional Communication Certificate from St. Cloud State University, and is a Qualified Neutral after completing a course certified by the Minnesota Supreme Court.
Dr. Maegan Jones
Writer
Maegan is an Assistant Professor of Developmental Psychology, in the Department of Psychology at St. Cloud State University.
Emily Goenner Munson
Writer
Emily is the mother of four young adult sons and an assistant professor of Business Communications at St. Cloud State University. She is the author of the Business Communication Workbook: Skills and Strategies for the Working World. She hopes by contributing through Minnesota Family to help families be healthy and happy.
Brandy Browne
Writer
Brandy is a care coordinator for a mental health agency. Her education is in early and elementary education, she has a masters degree in parenting and child/adolescent development. Brandy is a wife to her high school sweetheart, they share three children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, writing, and distance running.
Jill Morgenstern
Writer
Jill has 13 years of teaching experience and a master’s degree in teaching reading. She is a mother of four.
Matthew S. Vorell PhD
Writer
Matt is a college professor in the Department of Communication Studies at St. Cloud State University, is the internship director for his department, and has worked with businesses as a consultant. He earned his PhD through University of Colorado at Boulder. Matt lives in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, is a husband, and father of two young boys.
Sandra Gordon
Writer
Sandra is an experienced health and medical journalist. She creates compelling health, medical and lifestyle articles to entertain and inspire families to improve their life situations.
JR Burgess
Writer
JR found his purpose for helping people be free from pain at a young age. As a high-performance coach to doctors and clients he regularly shows his commitment through transparently communicating and being vulnerable on how he has overcome a life of physical and emotional pain. His family has been through it all together and they will continue to grow and learn as a unit because that’s what family is about, being a team! JR believes we have a responsibility to lead our families by living a loving and fulfilling life while helping as many people as possible along the way. He is a husband, father of four, three-time #1 bestselling author and international speaker.
Sandi Schwartz
Writer
Sandi is an award-winning environmental author, journalist, and mother of two. She has written extensively about parenting, wellness, and environmental issues. She believes that happy, calm children turn into happy, healthy, kind, passionate adults that will lead to a kinder, safer world for all of us.
Tanni Haas, Ph.D
Writer
Tanni is a Professor in the Department of Communication Arts, Sciences, and Disorders. He is the author of five books and numerous articles which have been translated into many languages. He enjoys life with his wife and son. Tanni is contributing articles to Minnesota Family Magazine in the hope of inspiring readers to be the best parents possible.
Beka Swisher
Writer
Beka is an educator, school administrator, she earned her Marriage and Family Therapy license. She and her family love the outdoors, traveling together and their two pugs, Ben & Jerry. She is passionate about supporting parents and families throughout Minnesota.
Bryan Zollman
Writer
Bryan graduated from Hill-Murray High School, and with a Bachelor Degree in Journalism from Mankato State University. Bryan isprofessional writer, and is head coach for the Sauk Centre High School baseball team. He is a husband, and father.
Heather Zollman
Writer
Heather graduated from Armstrong High School, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Mankato State University, and received her 200 and 500 hour Yoga Training Certificates. She is a wife, mom of 3, former Elementary School teacher, healing movement teacher, life coach, speaker, and author.
Melinda Pedersen
Writer
Melinda is a certified life and wellness coach. She is passionate about helping others create lasting transformations in their lives, relationships, and health. As a coach, she encourages her clients to explore and embrace natural resources and practitioners that can enhance their well-being. She is dedicated to providing comprehensive and effective coaching. She is an ICF ACC Certified Coach and holds her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a focus on Marriage and Family.
Phil Polipnick
Writer
Phil grew up in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, where he played football, hockey, golf, and graduated. He met his wife Jacque at St. John’s University where he graduated with a degree in business management and finance. They have six children.
Kelly Radi
Writer
Kelly is a keynote speaker and award-winning author. Her powerful, relatable messages focus on personal accountability, healthy communication and nurturing relationships.
Melody Vachal
Writer
Melody’s passion is helping caregivers develop and prioritize the practice of self-care and integrate it into their daily lives. She is a well-known speaker, consultant, and leading expert on caregiving. Melody’s passion is helping caregivers develop and prioritize the practice of self-care and integrate it into their daily lives.
Mattie Murrey-Tegels
Writer
Mattie has been “in the trenches” as a medical Speech Language Pathologist around the world for more than 25 years. She is a regular state and national speaker in her field, an author, and a speaker for the National Alliance for Mental Illness. She is an executive committee member on the Minnesota Speech Language Hearing Association board.
Cheri Gough
Writer
Cheri spent 14 years teaching english. When she’s not at her writer’s desk, she’s likely on the trail or beach, in her garden, or cooking up some family fun.
Kelly Doss
Writer
Kelly is a certified professional life coach and is the owner of Resiliency Coaching located in Minnesota. She has B.A. degrees in political science and psychology from St. Cloud State University and has her master’s degree in politics from the University of Dallas. Kelly grew up in Alexandria, Minnesota, and has lived in St. Cloud since 2009.
Rachel Thompson
Writer
Rachel is a passionate travel and tourism professional leading the charge as Executive Director of Visit Greater St. Cloud. Her dedication extends beyond the walls of the organization, as she’s a self-proclaimed explorer with a deep love for uncovering the hidden gems and boundless adventures Minnesota has to offer.
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Mission
Entertain and inspire families in Minnesota
Vision
Allow passionate contributors to convey meaningful communication to families in Minnesota
Values
Optimism, quality of life, loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, personal courage, and commitment