Administrative Staff

Ryan Kirk
Executive Director

I joined Kaleidoscope in October of 2010, and am excited to be a part of this wonderful organization. I graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead in 2006, and got my first taste of South Minneapolis as the Program Director of Safe Place, a drop in tutoring center in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. Since then I have worked in the juvenile court system and obtained my Minnesota teaching licensure for Literature Arts and Communications, working as a reserve teacher in multiple districts. I also had the pleasure of working with Pillsbury United Communities and their excellent North Minneapolis youth programs. I am very pleased to be back in South Minneapolis, and I look forward to a long career with Kaleidoscope and its incredible youth.

Luke Paquin
Program Coordinator

I graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in the spring of 2010 with a B.A. in Chemistry. Upon graduation, I spent a year abroad volunteering in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, working as an English teaching assistant and swim coach for youth in Bethlehem. Though I had worked with youth the past four years of college, it wasn’t until my time abroad that I knew that working with youth was something that is essential in my vocational calling. Before coming to Kaleidoscope in the fall of 2012, I worked briefly as a Special Education assistant in Coleraine, MN, as well as, assistant coaching the local YMCA swim team in Grand Rapids. I am thrilled to be a part of the Kaleidoscope team and have thoroughly enjoyed working with the staff, volunteers, and students here!

Paige Pedersen
Education Director, Teacher

I graduated from St. Cloud State University in the spring of 2012 with a degree in Elementary Education.  During my years at SCSU I had the opportunity to teach kindergartners, third, fourth, and sixth graders.  The past two summers I have been a part of the Kaleidoscope staff teaching 2nd-4th graders and I am currently teaching that same level during the school year plus being the new Education Director.  I love working with students and am very excited to be a part of the Kaleidoscope team and getting to know all of the students!

Leyla Sahal
Family Connections Coordinator, Teacher

I am a junior at Augsburg College, majoring in Political Science Public Policy, Political Change and Pre-Law, with a minor in communications. I am a native of Somalia, however, I was raised in Minneapolis, MN. I previously worked at the Minnesota Judicial Center, Habitat for Humanity, and Center for Health and Counseling Promotions at Augsburg College. I also facilitated the tutoring program for the Confederation of Somali Community, daycare programs for the local Abubaker As-Saddique Islamic Center. I joined Kaleidoscope to fulfill my interest in teaching students. I enjoy working at Kaleidoscope because of the awesome and enriching environment produced by our wonderful students and staff.

Matt Christenson
Information Technology Officer, Teacher

I graduated from St. Olaf College in 1992 with a B.A. in Psychology and Religion. From that point I worked in the Information Technology field, but I knew I wouldn’t be there forever, as my heart to work with children and youth grew. I have been at Kaleidoscope since September of 2003. I started as the K-1 Teacher, and then took on some additional responsibilities as a Program Director for our Youth Village middle school program, and currently as the Information Technology Officer. I love Kaleidoscope because the kids are incredible and it is a healthy place for them with staff that really cares!

Jennifer Davis
Teacher

I am currently a student at MCTC with a major in Education. I have been a part of Kaleidoscope since the summer of 2003 at the age of 14. I started off as a Teacher’s Assistant and was at Kaleidoscope for 4 years. Took a break and came back in the summer of 2009 as a Teacher. I taught 2 summers and then got hired on as a year-round Teacher. I enjoy Kaleidoscope because of the positive learning environment and the long lasting personal relationships with the kids. I look forward to meeting all the new faces and extending my family here at Kaleidoscope.