Dean Frank
Board Chair
Hello, my name is Dean Frank and I am the current board president and had previously served in the community member position since November of 2022. I was asked to join the board given my history and knowledge of RBA. Since joining, I have led the Strategy and Continuous Improvement Advisory Committee, the Personnel Committee and served on the Policy Committee. I have nine years of experience working in education, six of which were at RBA from the 2015/16 - 2020/21 school years. I was a special education teacher for the first three years and social studies teacher for the last three years, giving me a broad understanding of both education and how RBA operates. Over that time period I made many close connections with families and staff. Currently I work at Central Farm Service as a Precision and Conservation Agronomist. There I work with growers’ data and innovative practices to improve their farming operations while also identifying ways to better manage natural resources within a grower’s operation. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my three young children. At home we love to read, play games, and spend time relaxing together. We also love to explore new things to do around Rochester, with Quarry Hill and Spark being two of our happiest places to visit.
Elisa Bruske
Vice Chair
I am honored to be able to serve on the board of directors at RBA as a community member. I previously worked at RBA from 2015-2024 starting as a paraprofessional and to a special education clerk. Since RBA opened its doors back in 2015 , I have shared and believed in RBA’s mission and vision. In spring 2024 I wanted to continue supporting our staff and students of RBA and made the decision to join the board. I believe that every student belongs and deserves a chance. With the continued support, hard work and dedication of the RBA staff, RBA has been a great place for our students to strive and be there best. In my personal life, I am married and have two adult daughters. When I’m not working, I enjoy planting flowers, watching the MN Vikings and spending time with my family and our dog and going for walks.
Christina Pruka
Treasurer
I am a wife, mom of 2, and work for Winona State University-Rochester in the Nursing Department as an Administrative Assistant. I have been on the school board since 2023 and joined because I see what the school has done to help my son and knew I could help make a difference for all the children in the school. My son attends RBA and will be graduating this year and moving into the SOAR program. I don't think he would be the adult he is today without the help he received at RBA and Scouting. My daughter is still in Elementary so we will see what her future holds! In our free time we love camping with family, boating and fishing, and traveling.
Khristie Cano
Secretary
I’ve seen firsthand how the teachers, administrators, and staff at RBA work together with dedication and care to bring the school’s Mission and Vision to life. Their commitment to inclusion and student success is evident in the way they welcome, educate, and prepare each child to become a confident, capable adult. Serving as a board member is my way of giving back to a school that has had such a meaningful and positive impact on my own children’s lives. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and am a certified Yoga Teacher with a specialization in Yoga Therapy. For the past fifteen years, I’ve also worked alongside therapists who support autistic children, an experience that continues to deepen my understanding of diverse learning needs and compassionate education.
Lizzi Clobes
Teacher Representative
Journeys are defined by people and experiences. My journey started with the vision of Melanay Flaherty wanting a safe learning environment for students with executive function disorders. Like me, this vision was rooted through her children. When a mother is given an autism diagnosis, everything in your world changes. By chance and people, our journey shifted and RBA became the ‘beacon of light’ for us. I have served many roles since they opened their doors; parent, volunteer, committee member, janitor, maintenance worker, fundraiser, organizer, paraprofessional, transportation para, teacher and now a teacher board member. All three of my children have been students at RBA. My oldest son was the first RBA graduate to cross our stage. I have watched and participated in seeing RBA fight and survive to become what we see before us today. I believed in what Melany set out to create for children and their families, because our school is about both. I consider it a privilege to have been part of this journey, and even more so to be one voice in continuing its vision and mission. Today I do that through the process of art. Because creating in some form everyday is what RBA and all the people who walk through our doors do.
Ellen Nelson
Teacher Representative
Ellen Nelson is the general education Language Arts Teacher at RBA. This is her 4th year at RBA and her 8th year of teaching overall. She holds a B.A. in English from St. Olaf College and a M.S. in Education from Winona State University. Ellen lives in Owatonna with her two dogs, Lucie and Maisie. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and learning new things.
