Board of Directors
Meet Our Team!
Most families these days survive financially on 2 family household incomes. When a parent leaves the workforce financially and economically those families suffer. We are here to help support your children and your family so you as a parent can get out there and tear up the world knowing your children are safe, growing, and learning and will be ready for you to pick them up after your long day of hard work and contribution into society.
We have a strong partnership of professionals working hard to move LACA forward, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this vision to life for the Blooming Prairie community.
Interested in becoming a Board Member? Apply by clicking the button below.
Doug Anderson, Academy Director
Doug is the academy’s director who will oversee day to day operations. Doug has over 36 years working in education. Doug began his career teaching in the classroom in 1985 and for the last 11 years served as a rural southern Minnesota community elementary school principal. Doug attended St. Cloud State University to obtain a B.S. in Education and Saint Mary’s University for a Master’s and certification as an educational administrator.
Doug’s professionalism and love for children is an extraordinary gift to the academy.
Q&A Session
If you could have any super power, what would that be?
What are 3 words you’d use to describe LACA?
- Inventive
- Relationship-Centered
- Experiential Learning
(I know that’s more than 3, but it is difficult to use just 3 when describing LACA!)
What excites you most about LACA?
Amy Hinzmann, Board Chair
Amy is the CFO/COO at Kruckeberg Industries. With her CPA and B.S. in Accounting, the Leo Augusta Children’s Academy is privileged to have her by their side.
Her many years of experience as an Accountant partnered with her ability to pivot smoothly through various industries will serve as a valuable combination in establishing our new organization.
Q&A Session
If you could have any super power, what would that be?
What are 3 words you’d use to describe LACA?
- Unique
- Driven
- Nurturing
What excites you most about LACA?
I’m excited to be part of a project in the community I was raised in and still call home that will benefit children, families, employers, and our community on so many levels. LACA will help instill the confidence in our young people to conquer the world, give working parents and their employers more opportunity for growth and success, and give our community additional support.
Nate Bastian, Treasurer
Nate is the Market President at United Prairie Bank in Waseca and has been in the banking industry for over 10 years. Nate’s responsibility for loan and deposit growth and credit quality provides the academy with a distinct business advantage. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Ag Business Management.
Working with local business owners for over a decade gives insight into the importance of quality childcare for the workforce and his knowledge and forward – thinking will be a fundamental asset for the academy.
Sara Winzenburg, Secretary
Sara is a licensed in-home daycare provider who holds a degree in early childhood education. Having been raised in a family of educators, Sara brings a valuable perspective and appreciation for building a strong learning environment.
We look forward to partnering with Sara; the children and families of our community will undoubtedly reap the rewards of her knowledge and experience for generations to come.
Q&A Session
If you could have any super power, what would that be?
What are 3 words you’d use to describe LACA?
- Innovative
- Self-driven Education
- Community
What excites you most about LACA?
LACA is another great example of the generosity and commitment to people we have in the community of Blooming Prairie. We have several organizations dedicated to our youth in this city, and I am excited to be involved in this new venture that will continue to exemplify what makes our small town unique and special. As someone who didn’t grow up here, I am continuously amazed at how this town pulls together and lifts each other up. I am excited for LACA to enhance and enrich this bond. I am also very excited about the unique educational experience LACA will provide.
Julian Currie, Board Director
Julian is Human Resource Director at Olmsted County. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration – Human Resources. The academy is fortunate to have Julian’s 15+ years of experience working with performance issues, grievances, and oversight of employment negotiations and contracts. He is also serving as a county liaison for Olmsted Human Rights Commission.
His extensive experience in Human Resources across numerous industries such as higher education, media, manufacturing, and government will be beneficial to the academy. Julian’s compassion for employees and families is second to none.