Apple Valley

I received a Master of Arts degree from Minnesota State University in 2013. I've been tutoring for over three years,including at Best Brains since it opened. I'm the abacus teacher here and I have creative methods to help students push themselves to strengthen their calculating speed and memory.

Casey enjoys: Play chess online.

My name is Christina Lytle, and I was born and raised in MN,lived in OH for 20 years, and moved back to MN 4 years ago.I am the mother of a 15-year-old and we enjoy camping,watching science fiction, and debating books. I have a MN license in Elementary Education K-6, Special Education ABS K-12, and Special Education K-12 LD. I have a TESOL Certificate, an Associates in Early Childhood Education, a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education K-8, a Bachelors of Science in Special Education K-12. I currently work for alocal public school as a special education teacher for grades K-12.

I enjoy finding the method that assists students to overcome stumbling blocks in behavior and learning to be successful with their learning and in turn life.

Christina enjoys: Camping, Watching Science fiction, Debating Books.

Hi my name is Emily. I am currently a senior in high school at The Academy of Holy Angels in Rich field. I am involved in National Honor Society at my school and have done over 60 hours of service this year. I have been working at Best Brains since it was opened at this location. I enjoy seeing kids grow in classes and love to help them achieve their goals.

Emily Elmer enjoys: Films and Teaching.

My name is Kain Kelling. I am a graduate of Winona State University with a major in elementary education and two minors, one in reading instruction and the other in coaching.I have been working with children my entire life tutoring, coaching, working in after school and summer programs.

My interests: Lifting, hiking and basketball.

I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education K-6 from the University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, WI (UWEC), and a master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers Of Other Languages (TESOL/ESL) from Grand Canyon University.In addition to teaching ESL; I have French Endorsement to teach Native Language French to students at all grade levels. Moreover, I also am a certified ACCESS for ELL 2.0 Test Coordinator. I have over 15 years of teaching experiences across the board. In years past, I've worked with community colleges in the field of Adult Basic Education (ABE) to teach English to adult ELL students.I value my students, and I enjoy what I do. My philosophy is that "Each day that goes by, is the best day to lead my pupils closer to success." My motto is: Respect,Kindness, and Fairness. I value teamwork, and I love the diversity in a school community.

Mariam Koivogui enjoys: Teaching.

Hi I'm Molly, a high school senior at Holy Angels. The intense curriculum ensures I am able to assist the teachers in their classes and grade homework books. I've been working here since April 2018, and am familiar with the style of teaching used by the teachers. I find it easier to connect with students by treating them with respect and fairness, so I always try to be kind and considerate with the students.

Molly Elmer enjoys: Reading and teaching.

Devoted to the performing arts for many years, after earning my BA in theater arts at San Francisco State University ,I taught countless students of all ages and levels , directed choirs, Jazz ensembles, orchestras, and theater Productions in San Francisco, Seattle, and Whidbey Island Washington,until I moved to the Netherlands in 1999. Though I continued to teach and direct voice, flute, and musical theater, I soon found English teaching international students there to be just as satisfying, first in Refugee centers, then in Dutch Jr and High Schools until re-emigrating to Seattle in 2015.

Since then I earned my ESL certification and have been blessed with some fine opportunities to teach Japanese and Chinese college students in Seattle, before moving to Apple Valley, where I have enjoyed teaching Speech classes, math and English to many wonderful students at Best Brains Learning Center since April 2018.

Never short on challenges I began a master's program in mental health and Ministry this year at GCU online as well which I plan to finish by December 2019.I have found no greater joy than contributing to the development of another person's gifts which is and always has been my favorite thing about teaching.

Abby enjoys: Music,films and painting.

Ms. Ellen (Hinck) - English and math teacher

Bachelor’s in Literature with Writing Emphasis and Psychology 

Master’s in Teaching

I’ve taught Language Arts in grades 6-12 for seven years. I’ve taught at Best Brains for 3 years. 

I love teaching all facets of language arts, from the basics of grammar and morphology to the advanced concepts of literary analysis and descriptive writing. I’m currently enrolled in LETRS training, which is a professional development program that equips educators with deep knowledge of the science of reading to effectively teach literacy through phonics and fluency.

I work at all our Best Brains locations (Apple Valley, Eagan, and Lakeville).

Ms. Jessie- Math Teacher

I’ve been teaching math over 15 years, mostly to middle school students. I started working for Best Brains in August 2025. I like meeting students where they are at and helping with any math confusion- you are not perfect, either am I, we will make mistakes but all we can do is try our best. I currently work at the Apple Valley and Lakeville locations.

My name is Yvette Toko! 

I am passionate about inspiring students to reach their highest potential and see themselves as confident, capable learners. For over 20 years, I have taught in K–8 classrooms, including teaching oral English in Togo and Cameroon. Today, I’m proud to teach 8th grade English at Eden Prairie Schools, where I blend creativity, rigor, and cultural awareness to engage and challenge my students.

I earned my B.S. in 5–12 Communication Arts from Metropolitan State University and my M.A. in Creative Arts from Baker University.

I started teaching Math and English at Best Brains Apple Valley location
in the late summer of 2025. 

Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with family, reading, art, and poetry.

A

Hello! My name is Ms. Valdivia and I am a 3rd grade teacher. I teach both English and Math.  I love working in small groups and getting to know all my students.  My favorite things to do in my free time is spend time with my daughter, get an iced coffee and go for long walks! I am currently teaching at the Apple Valley and Lakeville locations.