Cultural Liaisons
Working with students, families, and staff throughout the district to increase student and parent engagement with various programs and district activities.
African American Liaison
MILES WEBB SR.
African American Cultural Liaison
651-407-7685
My name is Miles Webb and I am extremely happy and excited to work in the White Bear Lake Community as the African-American Cultural Liaison. I spent the last ten years working in the St. Paul Public Schools, first as a special education TA, then as a Behavior Specialist at Bruce Vento Elementary school. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Concordia University-St. Paul and I am currently enrolled in a masters program at St. Mary’s University. I live in Hudson, Wisconsin with my wife and four children.
Latino Liaisons
BRIANA SANTOSCOY
K-12 Latino Cultural Liaison
651-407-7625
Saludos a todos. My name is Briana Santoscoy and I am looking forward to another year of collaboration and innovation with all of you here in White Bear Lake! In my role as district-wide Cultural Liaison, I focus on creating equitable access to information for Latino families, on supporting and mentoring Latino students K-12, on helping to build staff capacity, and on creating sustainable systemic improvements that work for my community. This will be my third year here in WBL after more than a decade working with Latino families, students, and staff in Minneapolis Public Schools. I love working with my community, and I love addressing challenges collectively. My husband, our three children, and I live in Minneapolis.
AMY OTTAVIANI
Early Childhood Latino Cultural Liaison
651-653-3157
“Saludos! My name is Amy Ottaviani and this is my 7th year working as a Cultural Liaison with WBLAS Early Childhood Programs serving our youngest learners and their families. I primarily work as an advocate for Latino students and families, but I also work as a School Readiness Teacher with preschoolers and parents from many cultures in our Family Literacy/Adult ESL class at Normandy Park. In these roles, I will continue to help families understand and navigate the school system, encourage family engagement, connect students and families with any needed community resources, and be a support for early childhood staff. Before coming to work in WBL, I spent 15 years teaching 1st and 2nd grades at Adams Spanish Immersion School in St. Paul, at two schools in Minneapolis, and one in Mexico City. I live in WBL with my husband, my three sons and my dog. I love the outdoors, eating spicy food and spending time with family and friends! I look forward to continuing this important equity work with students, families and staff.”
Hmong and Asian Liaisons
NIRVANA YANG
Hmong & Asian American Cultural Liaison
651-407-7623
Nyob Zoo (Hello), my name is Nirvana Yang and I am honored to be the Hmong and Asian American Cultural Liaison for the White Bear Lake School district. As an alumni of a college prep program for first generation students coming from low-income families, I understand the difficulties student face while applying to colleges. I want to connect with families who need the additional support as well as create programs to help students feel welcome to their school. Overtime I want students to feel that the school they go to is theirs, not just a school they attend.
CHENTE XIONG
Early Childhood Hmong Cultural Liaison
651-653-3157
Nyob Zoo! My name is Chente Xiong and I came here as a refugee from Laos. I have worked many jobs during my time here but have always found my way back to helping those in need, especially families. I am a huge advocate in providing resources and building cohesive relationships with those who come into my care. I enjoy working with communities of color and believe that diversity is equity. I'm excited and look forward to working with you all this coming school year!
Native American Liaison
JORDAN ZICKERMANN
Native American Cultural Liaison
Indian Education Program Contact
651-407-7647
“Boozhoo (Greetings) - My name is Jordan Zickermann and I am proud to be part of White Bear Lake Area Schools as a Cultural Liaison. My role in the district is to serve as a liaison and resource for all Native American and Native Hawaiian students and families. Apart from liaisoning, I also serve as the point contact person for our growing Indian Education Program.
Prior to White Bear, I served as a Youth Support Specialist for the YMCA’s Youth Intervention Services. This was a great opportunity to work with underserved youth - which was my goal following graduation from the University of Minnesota Morris. While at UMM, I majored in Psychology and Native American studies while playing Women’s Basketball. I’m grateful that these experiences have lead me here - to be a bear! Actually now that I mention it, one fun fact about me is that I’m Native American and my family, culturally, belongs to the Bear Clan. Further, my Native American name is Ajidamoo - meaning squirrel. You can call me that if you wish! I look forward working with you during 2018-2019 school year!”