BREAKAWAY ACADEMY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- 4th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Bio
I grew up in Rapid City, SD, and my class started the first hockey program there. I currently live in Farmington with two wonderful ladies, my girlfriend Renee and my dog Dakota. I love to visit family and friends, be outdoors, work out, and play guitar.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director of Admissions and Athletics
Bio
Andy is a founding member at Breakaway Academy and Director of Admissions. Andy also oversees all athletic programming as Director of Athletics.
Growing up in Bemidji, Andy played six years of varsity golf and three years of varsity hockey. Following high school, Andy went on to play at the University of Minnesota where he was a double sport athlete in both hockey and golf.
Remarkably, Andy has represented USA Hockey three times in international tournaments, including the 1994 World Junior Tournament. After college, Andy played three years of professional golf and won the MN State Open in 1996.
Andy brings over 25 years of hockey coaching and athletic training experience to Breakaway Academy. He continues to provide instruction to hockey players from mites to professional hockey players.
Andy is married to his wife, Holly, and father of three boys: Bobby, Joseph and Henri.
Bio
I live in Waconia with my wife, Danielle, and our son, Wayne. I love spending time with my family. I thrive on sports and competition. I have the hands of an NHLer, and when I am not dangling, you will probably find me on the golf course. FORE! I am an artist, and I play guitar for fun too. I have a natural gift for working with kids and absolutely enjoy it!
Job Titles:
- Physical Education Teacher
Bio
I live in Chaska with my husband Matt and our three kids. Lily (20) is a junior at the College of St. Benedict, Lucy (19) is a freshman at UMD, and Leo (16) is a junior at Chaska High School. We have a cabin in Aitkin, MN, where we spend a lot of time in the summer. I love to exercise and hang out with family and friends. I am a number one super fan for my kids!
Job Titles:
- 6th & 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Job Titles:
- 4th Grade Teacher & 7th Grade Skills Teacher
Job Titles:
- 6th & 8th Grade Math Teacher
Job Titles:
- 6th Grade Skills Teacher & Athletics Coach
Job Titles:
- Director of Education, CT
Bio
Originally from Long Island, Beth is a 1998 West Point Graduate where she majored in management and systems engineering, and was a 4-year starter on Army's Women Division 1 Soccer Team. She's a proven combat leader deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan in key leader positions during her 11 years of exemplary service in the Army as an engineer officer. She's also jumpmaster qualified with over 40 parachute jumps.
She resigned her commission to focus on supporting her husband Mike, a career army officer of over 26 years, and raise their three children: Brady, Brooke, and William. As her children grew, she returned to the classroom completing her associate in science in high school math and is completing a master of arts in high school math and education. She also holds a master's degree in public policy from the University of Missouri in St Louis.
A true hockey mom in all sense of the definition, she's supported her children's academic and athletic interests by working as a high school math tutor, and as a long-term substitute teacher at the high school, middle school, and elementary level, as it provided her the flexibility to be where her family needed her most, often times at the rink with her son.
As Director of Education for Breakaway Academy Norwalk, Beth is responsible for overseeing and enhancing academic curriculum and educational initiatives. In this key leadership role, Beth collaborates with teachers and fellow administrators to develop effective curriculum strategies and monitor student performance. She plays a pivotal role in fostering a positive and conducive learning environment that promotes academic excellence and student success.
Job Titles:
- Director of Hockey Operations K - 3
Job Titles:
- 5th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Job Titles:
- 6th & 7th Grade Science Teacher
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations and Technology
Bio
Colton is the Director of Operations and Technology at Breakaway Academy and while those are his primary responsibilities, he fills in anywhere a student, parent, teacher, or coach needs support.
Colton grew up in Chaska, graduated from Chaska High School and Minnesota State University. Upon high school graduation, Colton paddled a canoe some 2,200 miles north, nearly to the Arctic Circle. Years later, paddling partner Sean Bloomfield wrote a book about the journey, and together they published it. Since then, they have published a number of books by other authors as well.
Improving outcomes for children has always been an interest of his. Throughout his twenties, Colton taught skiing and snowboarding to kids and gave motivational speeches to schools, libraries, and civic groups. His favorite topics are attitude, habits, and character, with the canoe trip as a backdrop. Motivating people, especially children, to maximize themselves is an ever-present focus of his.
In his free time, Colton plays guitar and sings, reads avidly, and spends as much time outside as possible, backpacking, climbing, hunting, paddling canoes and kayaks, snowboarding, trail running, and anything and everything in-between. Colton has a partner of many years, Anna, and a cat named Tim.
Job Titles:
- 5th & 8th Grade Skills Teacher
Danielle, on-ice coach at Breakaway Academy Norwalk, played Division 1 hockey at the University of Maine. She furthered her career playing professionally in Munich, Germany followed by the CT Whale of the National Women's Hockey League. Danielle has been...
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director of Business Operations
Bio
As one of Breakaway Academy's founding members, Dave has turned his passion for hockey and learning into a lifelong purpose at Breakaway Academy. He currently serves as Director of Business Operations. Dave also focuses on fostering a safe, respectful learning environment and manages student behavior.
After playing three seasons of college hockey at the University of Minnesota and one season for the U.S. National Team, Dave joined the Buffalo Sabres in 1989. For two plus seasons, Dave played with the Sabres, followed by a trade to the San Jose Sharks. Dave finished his NHL career with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1993.
Most notably, Dave played for Team USA in the 1988 Winter Olympics. He also captained the University of Minnesota hockey team in 1989, and earned two MVP awards as a Golden Gopher.
After his retirement from the NHL, Dave earned a Master's Degree from the University of Minnesota and has been a licensed teacher for more than two decades. Dave spent over 15 years teaching 6th Grade science at Wayzata East Middle School before forming a partnership with Gary Hegenes and Andy Brink, Breakaway Academy founders.
Dave lives in Chaska with his wife, Ann, and is father to Jake, Ellie, Emma, and Jimmy.
Bio
Gary is one of the founding members of Breakaway Academy and also the founder of Hegenes Properties, Inc. - a property management service to the great Midwest states of Minnesota and North Dakota. The most important thing to Gary has never been the ‘brick and mortar' of his buildings, but rather the people who live, rent or work inside of them. Gary instilled an ethos of people serving people into every member of his company. It's a philosophy that has served the company very well over five decades of an ever-changing industry.
To compliment his people serving people spirit, Gary has poured his heart into helping children in the Minneapolis area however he can. He has co-founded or helped start three charter/private schools in the Minneapolis area. The first is Breakaway Academy. He is also heavily involved in Hope Farm School and Hope Academy, both academic schools for challenged youth in the inner city. In addition to the schools, Gary has served on, or directed several boards of many nonprofit organizations that focus on youth development and adult rehabilitation. Organizations include: The Boys and Girls Club (clubs for inner city youth), CCTP (helping felons reenter the work force), Student Venture (developing student leaders), and Big Brothers Big Sisters (pairing youths with adult mentors - 40 years of involvement).
Gary not only has a heart for youth but also has a passion for sports. He was a past sailboat and downhill/ nordic ski racer. He loves to coach sports and play hockey, racquetball, pickleball, golf, and go biking, boating, and walking. If that is not enough, Gary is a mountain climber, scaling such heights as Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa and Machu Picchu in Peru. Gary is a veteran of the US Army, and was a NCO serving over Battalion Training.
He is a golden retriever lover and you will rarely see him without his dog, Augustus, by his side. Gary is known for his heart, his smile, and his humor. The most important people in his life are his wife, Teresa, whom he married in 2021 and his son, Evan.
Job Titles:
- Director of Admissions and Athletics, CT
Bio
Gary Zegras' unwavering passion for hockey and exceptional leadership qualities make him the ideal individual to lead the admissions and athletic program at Breakaway Academy Connecticut. With over 30 years of involvement in youth hockey and a remarkable 15-year tenure as Vice President of the Mid Fairfield Youth Hockey Association, Gary's love for the sport has been a driving force behind his impactful career.
His dedication to developing young athletes both on and off the ice reflects not only in the success of the Mid Fairfield Youth Hockey Association but also in the achievements of his former players, including NHL talents Trevor Zegras and Spencer Knight, and countless Division 1 scholarships. Gary's coaching instruction, coupled with his ability to leave a lasting impression on those he mentors, showcases his commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of excellence.
As the Director of Admissions and Athletics at Breakaway Academy Connecticut, Gary brings a wealth of experience and a spirit that resonates with his passion for the game. His leadership, characterized by strength, dependability, and a deep understanding of the transformative power of sports, aligns seamlessly with our vision.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- Dean of Students, 4th - 8th Grade
Bio
Gretchen is responsible for student life and day-to-day student-programming for grades 4-8 at our Eden Prairie location.
For 10 years, Gretchen taught 8th grade English and Literature at Nativity of Our Lord in St. Paul. In 2021, Gretchen joined Breakaway Academy as a 5th grade teacher. Currently, Gretchen is currently the Dean of Students. She holds a degree from the University of St. Thomas in Elementary Education and Communications.
Beyond the classroom, Gretchen has spent the last decade at CrossFit Templar in Apple Valley as the Lead Athletic Trainer and Director of Operations. Additionally, she has coached girls soccer at Rosemont High School for 15 years and counting; currently serving as the head coach.
Gretchen makes her home in the Rosemount area with her children Charlie, Sophie and Cooper. She enjoys CrossFit, dog-walking, reading, and most of all watching her kids do what they love - playing sports.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Bio
Heather is a Health Specialist at Breakaway Academy.
Heather has 3 kids; Tyler (17), Junior at STMA High School, Adyson (14), 9th grader at STMA High School, and Hunter (12), a 7th grader who will be attending his first year at Breakaway Academy. She is married to her husband, Chris, and they have 2 dogs - Jazzy and Dubnyk. They have lived in St. Michael for almost 13 years. They love the "small town" feel it has. Both Heather and her husband grew up in "small town" Minnesota, and they wanted their kids to have some of the same experiences growing up. Heather spends most of her time at hockey rinks watching all 3 kiddos play hockey and supporting her husband as a coach, along with being a super awesome Hockey Uber! She enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, paddle boarding, trying new workouts, and spending time with friends and family at their lake cabin when she has free time.
This is her first year at Breakaway Academy, and she is excited to be a part of the growth and changes. Heather's primary role at Breakaway Academy will be the Health Specialist and onsite liaison to the Avera eCare telehealth staff. She has been a nurse for 24 years and has worked in all aspects of healthcare, most recently working independently as the primary nurse for STMA Middle School East. She enjoys the challenge, the independence, and the ability to continue growing in her nursing career. She studied at Alexandria Technical and Community College and has re-enrolled to continue furthering her education.
Job Titles:
- 1st Grade Teacher & on - Ice Coach
Job Titles:
- 5th Grade Language Arts Teacher & 8th Grade Skills Teacher
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director of Communications and Community Relations
Bio
As the director of communications and community relations at Breakaway Academy since June 2021, Jessica has been instrumental in building brand awareness that drives student acquisition and retention. Her responsibilities include overseeing all digital content and campaigns, planning external communications, managing office administration, and directing the Breakaway Foundation-a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the student experience at Breakaway Academy.
Previously, Jessica made significant contributions as the senior manager of brand activation & events at US Foods' corporate office, where she built and led a team responsible for activating brand messaging across print, digital, social platforms, and experiential marketing. Her exceptional event planning skills were put to use as she orchestrated in-person and virtual company events nationwide. Jessica's ability to create compelling content and presentations for events and programs earned her recognition from key stakeholders, including the CEO, CMO, and other senior leaders.
Prior to her corporate management position, Jessica honed her marketing skills as a marketing manager at US Foods in Minnesota, where she spearheaded multi-channel marketing plans for two operating divisions. She played a pivotal role in designing and executing integrated marketing campaigns, fostering brand awareness and loyalty among customers. Her dedication to excellence and adherence to the company's core values made her a role model for her team and peers.
Adding to her wealth of experience, Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from St. Cloud State University and has continually invested in personal development through courses in effective negotiating and communication from Karrass and Dale Carnegie.
In her spare time, Jessica enjoys her role as the venue coordinator at The Outpost Center, a position she has held since August 2022. She serves as the onsite event manager for weddings, ministry events, and other special occasions. Her keen eye for detail and passion for creating memorable experiences have left a lasting impact on those who have had the pleasure of attending events she has coordinated.
Jessica and her husband, Corey, make their home in Victoria. They have two children, Camden and Quinn. Jessica enjoys gardening, reading, and dining out - she's a foodie at heart. She also likes to travel with her family and explore new cities together. Her dog, Maverick, is her constant companion.
Recognized for her exceptional leadership and dedication, Jessica was awarded the US Foods President's Award in 2017, solidifying her reputation as a standout professional in her field. With a passion for excellence, a heart for service, and a love for family, Jessica Martin continues to make a difference both in her career and personal life.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- 6th & 7th Grade Science Teacher
Joe Hartwell, a native of Apple Valley, Minnesota, brings extensive soccer expertise to Breakaway Academy both as having been an impressive player and coach. Joe was a standout soccer athlete at Gustavus Adolphus. He was a two-time NSCAA All-Region Player of the Year and NSCAA All-America MIAC Player of the Year. After graduating in 2005 with majors in international management and Spanish, Joe stayed with his alma mater as an assistant coach for four seasons. Since 2011, Joe has been the men's soccer assistant coach at Carleton College.
Joe's dedication to coaching extends far beyond the collegiate level. Over nearly two decades, he has lent his expertise as a club coach . Joe's commitment to youth development was evident during his 17-year tenure as a youth coach at REV Soccer Club and his ongoing coaching role at Minnesota Thunder Academy since 2017.
His coaching achievements are truly remarkable, boasting seven Minnesota State Cup Championships, multiple MYSA League and State Championships, numerous US Club State Championships. Notably, he has coached multiple players who went on to play DI-DIII college soccer, and multiple NSCAA/USC All-Americans. Joe was named Minnesota Thunder Academy Girls' Coach of the Year for the 2021-22 season. One of the smartest and most talented defenders in the history of the men's soccer program at Gustavus Adolphus College, Joe was inducted into the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame in 2022.
Joe holds a USSF C License. He lives in Rosemount, Minnesota with his wife Jessica and their dog, Izzy.
My name is Jon Weill and I provide transportation to students from Maple Grove, Plymouth and Wayzata to and from Breakaway Academy. I have 3 children and 2 grandchildren. I currently reside in Excelsior. Hobbies include golf, reading, and socializing whether face to...
Josh was born in Morah, Minnesota and grew up in Wisconsin alongside his brother Casey, with parents Tom and Jodi. Josh played for four years at Minnesota State University as a defenseman and senior Captain. Injuries caused him to miss just about half of his senior...
Job Titles:
- Director of Education, 4th - 8th Grade
Job Titles:
- Director of Hockey Operations 4 - 8
Katie Lien McNeill owned Katie Lien School of Dance from 2001-2022. She began her dance training in North Dakota, studying with several local dance schools. During her childhood years, she performed on stage with Bob McGrath in "Sesame Street Live "...
Job Titles:
- K - 3 Skills Teacher & Small Group Instructor
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- 4th - 8th Administrative Assistant and Receptionist
Job Titles:
- 6th & 7th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Job Titles:
- 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Job Titles:
- Curriculum Advisor & K - 3 Small Group Instructor
Job Titles:
- 5th Grade Science Teacher, 7th Grade Skills Teacher, & on - Ice Coach
Michaela was born and raised in Reading, Massachusetts. She played collegiate hockey at Clarkson University where she brought home a National Championship as a freshman. Michaela went on to play two years at Robert Morris University in Pittsburgh, PA. Her path took an...
Job Titles:
- Officer
- Photographer and Bus Driver
Mike is a Photographer at Breakaway Academy. Mike lives in Minneapolis with his wife Maria and their son Conrad. He enjoys running, working out on the elliptical, his wife's cooking, playing with his boy, reading, and taking pictures. Several books of his...
Job Titles:
- Coach
- off - Season Soccer Training Coach
Coach Nels is a highly experienced soccer coach and director with over 30 years of experience in coaching youth soccer in Minnesota. He has coached boys' and girls' teams of all ages and play levels during his 20 years as a coach at REV SC, formerly Dakota...
Job Titles:
- Director of Hockey Operations 4 - 8
Job Titles:
- 6th & 7th Grade Math Teacher
Job Titles:
- Lead Physical Education Teacher
Job Titles:
- 6th & 8th Grade Language Arts Teacher
Job Titles:
- 2nd Grade Teacher & K - 1 Small Group Instructor
Job Titles:
- Transportation Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
Job Titles:
- 6th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Job Titles:
- Director of Soccer Operations
Job Titles:
- Performance Coach & Enrollment Sales and Marketing