Our Team

As a first generation college student, closing the achievement gap and creating true accessible opportunities for youth is what fuels Courtney’s passion for working at createMPLS. Tackling a new LEGO set is the kind of challenge she enjoys. When not supporting programs, she loves to dance, be outside, drink chai lattes, and celebrate life!

Amy Svoboda is a graduate from Iowa State University with a degree in English. She recently spent two years teaching ESL overseas in Taiwan and Indonesia before coming back to America with the hopes of finding a new passion here. Amy loves working with createMPLS kids because they are always up for trying, even when the task is difficult. The excitement they feel when solving a more challenging code or program is contagious and inspiring.

Braden is a graduate from Michigan State University who studied physiology and psychology. He is spending a year between undergraduate and future education volunteering with Lutheran Volunteer Corps where he will spend his time with createMPLS. Braden is excited to spend a year bringing STEM and robotics education to students who would not otherwise learn about these fields in hopes of making STEM a more inclusive field.

Clara has lived in Wisconsin, Chicago, and Minneapolis where she has worked in the theatre and acting industry. She has also taught youth in the arts for many years and is excited to get the chance to work with youth for createMPLS. She enjoys spending time outside with her pup Moony, dancing, and playing board games with her partner and friends.

Laura studied Botany at University of Wisconsin-Madison with a focus on sustainable agriculture and food systems. As a hands-on learner, Laura loves getting to learn and play with Legos. As a child she was determined to hate science, so now she aspires to make STEM a more inclusive and exciting subject for kids.

Brita lives in Roseville MN and has attended a leadership development program for the past three years. Brita is the Family Ministry Coordinator at Hope Community Church Columbia Heights. She joined CreateMPLS in May of 2022 and is passionate about working with kids and allowing them to figure out their strengths and the potential they have.

Dan graduated from the University of Minnesota with a PhD in Computer Science focusing on computer graphics, scientific visualization, and high dimensional analysis. He has taught technology classes at both the college and high school levels. He enjoys sharing what he has learned with all his students. Professionally, he has worked as a software developer for over 10+ years, programming for companies including Dell Inc., Accenture Technology Labs, OATI, the University of Minnesota, and Los Alamos National Lab. In real life, he cherishes his time camping, biking, and exploring this world with his wife and two kids.

Anni joined createMPLS in spring of 2022, and studies business at Normandale College. Although she has some prior understanding with technology, Anni knows that working for createMPLS will continue to strengthen those skills. She likes to skate, drink iced coffee, spend time with family and friends, and hopes to travel the world!

Erin joined createMPLS to assist with managing the organization’s finances and provide administrative support to the team. She is also an Occupational Therapist and is passionate about helping people overcome barriers to living their most meaningful life. Although working somewhat behind the scenes for createMPLS, Erin is happy to contribute to improving opportunities for youth in the city she loves and grew up in. Erin lives in Minneapolis with her husband, twin boys, and her dog, Freya.