Administration
Robert Lynn Atkinson
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Bio
Robert Lynn is a Bethel University graduate with BA degrees in Language Arts, Communications, and Media Communications. After spending 24 years on staff in multiple roles including teacher, coach, Middle and Upper School Principal and Head of School at New Life Academy, Lynn brings a philosophy of education that is established on a simple foundation that education is the most important and valuable opportunity for students to build a lasting personal relationship with Jesus and a strong Christian worldview. He is excited about taking the next step in his Christian education career with the team here at Legacy.
Lynn and his wife Kendra are active members of Twin Cities Church. They have 3 children, 4 dogs, 1 cat and a bird! As a family, they have future aspirations to own and operate an animal care facility.
Lynn’s purpose statement is three powerful words: Love, Listen, Grow. He expands on that sharing, “Love others as Jesus loves them, listen to others and see the good they bring to situations, decisions and the team. Grow, invest in relationships with others giving them value and sense of belonging.”
Life verse: Psalms 16:8 “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Nathan Bellefeuille
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Bio
Nathan earned his degree in Elementary Education and Bible from the University of Northwestern – St. Paul. During that time he was the Director of Boys Basketball for Crossfire Youth Sports and was also on the Women’s Basketball coaching staff at UNW. After teaching 4th grade for 5 years in the Mound View School District, Nathan felt called to Athletic Administration. This led him to his role at Legacy as the Athletic Director and Boys Basketball Coach for the last five years.
Nathan’s purpose statement is summed up in these words, “I lead to help others passionately pursue their best selves, commit to character and provide a sense of belonging in a Christ-centered environment.” I am committed to helping students and coaches become better leaders for their families, communities and churches.
Nathan and his wife Krista have been married for 9 years and have 5 children.
Lynda Domino
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Bio
Lynda’s roots at Legacy are deeply rooted and the families that meet her through PreK and the admissions process immediately feel her passion for what happens within our walls. First as a student herself, then a parent, then an employee in 2005, Lynda has experiences that speak to almost every situation.
Under Lynda’s leadership the PreK program at Legacy has been voted “Best Preschool in Anoka County” for four out of the last five years. In 2014, Lynda and her colleague Kristin Zelin, were awarded a Grant for Teachers Needs from the Legacy Parent Association which allowed the PreK classroom to get an amazing new playhouse built in large part by Lynda’s husband Mark, also an MCCS/LCA graduate! In 2016, the Grant for Teachers Needs Program also awarded Lynda a “Buddy Bench” for the playground so all students have a chance to feel loved and included.
“I work at Legacy because I love God and I love people. As a teacher, I knew my students would not remember everything I taught them, but I wanted them to remember how I made them feel – loved! As PreK Director, I still feel that way. I always tell the families of my students that once they are a part of my program, they are always a part of my heart. As an Admissions Director, I want people to see that Legacy is different, that we are a family who truly love each other and want to honor God in all that we do. I want to invest time building relationships with people as we build the Legacy community – and God’s kingdom.
Sarah Klawiter
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Bio
Sarah obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology and health from St. Cloud State University and studied counseling and student personnel at Minnesota State University Mankato before finding a home in Christian education. The calling to develop untapped talents has been strong at Legacy. Since stepping in as Assistant Athletic Director in 2015, Sarah has held roles in athletics, marketing, communication, and administration. Sarah currently serves LCA as the Director of Operations where she enjoys working with amazing individuals in a variety of departments.
Sarah enjoys being active with her family, spending time at the lake and on the trails. She shares her love of an active lifestyle with her husband and children.
“My purpose is to create an environment of support so members of my teams feel valued and supported.”
Life Verse: Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Libby Manion
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Bio
Libby received her original elementary education degree from Cornerstone University and her masters in educational leadership from St. Mary’s University, and with her credentials, Libby has had the opportunity to present at both the Heartland Educators Conference and the Deeper Learning Conference. Libby and her husband, Eamonn, are expecting their first child in November of 2023.
As a Christian educator, Libby’s conviction is derived from her belief that all individuals are created in the image of God. This image gives honor and dignity to all persons and is her motivation toward helping steward individuals toward excellence holistically through their academic, spiritual, emotional, and physical selves. Libby seeks to empower and shepherd every student to follow God’s will and design in all aspects of life.
Jake Mulvihill
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Bio
Jake has walked through the halls of LCA in every pair of shoes possible (student, teacher, coach, chaplain, parent, board member, principal, and Head of School) so when he says that “LCA and its community is special because it is investing personally in each student in a way that helps them know and love God and be prepared to live life and influence culture,” you can trust he knows what he’s talking about.
When Jake graduated from MCCS in 1998 he headed to the University of Northwestern and attained undergraduate degrees in Social Studies Education and Bible before securing a Masters in Theological Studies. He has traveled to over 25 different countries leading mission trips, discipleship trips, or biblical history trips for high school students. In 2014 and 2015 he was honored by receiving the Anoka County Shopper Reader’s Choice “Best Principal of the Year” and in 2023 he received the MinnDependent Leadership Award which honors the best school leaders in private education in the state of Minnesota.
“I exist to intentionally and passionately know and love God and help others do the same. I strive to live out and accomplish (what I believe to be) the three “greats” in life: The Greatest Accomplishment: To know and love God. The Greatest Lifestyle: To intentionally and passionately live like Christ. The Greatest Legacy: To live in light of eternity. It is an honor to partner with parents in their journey to educate and disciple their children.”
Joel Nydam
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Bio
Joel holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from University of Northwestern and a Master’s in Educational Administration from St. Mary’s. Prior to joining the LCA Administration in 2012, he taught 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade in the White Bear Lake School District for 10 years, earning Teacher of the Year Finalist honors 2009-2011. As the Elementary Principal at LCA, it is Joel’s passion to help students and families experience learning surrounded by the wisdom and love that only comes from Jesus Christ.
Joel’s family of girls, wife Mandy and four daughters, Salomae, Brielle, Elliana and Audrey, receives the honor of selecting from over 250 board games in Joel’s collection on family game night.
“I love LCA because the staff, teachers, students, parents, and grandparents come together as a family. When there is a feeling that you are safe and loved, the learning that can take place is a wonderful experience.”
Dennis Zwirchitz
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Bio
Dennis comes to Legacy with a deep-seated passion for Christian education. He joins the staff at Legacy after first serving on the School Board for three years. He holds an undergraduate degree from Bethel University in Biblical and Theological Studies and a Master’s degree from St. Mary’s University in Counseling Psychology. Prior to Legacy Dennis worked in Student Development at Bethel University, private practice as a Financial Advisor and as a Real Estate Investor.
As Advancement Director, Dennis is charged with developing, managing, and administering Legacy’s philanthropic initiatives. With his long-term and strategic perspective on kingdom values, personal development, finance, and stewardship Dennis looks forward to advancing Legacy Christian Academy and the Kingdom of God both today and for the next generation.
Dennis and his wife Faith have two children at Legacy. In their spare time, they enjoy being in nature and engaging in a wide array of outdoor activities. When not at school you will find them playing together as a family.
“The Legacy community is an answer to many years of prayer. The Lord has truly given us the desires of our heart. We are grateful for the love, dedication, and excellence that is poured into our children each day in their education, character formation, and faith development.”
John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Romans 12:16-18 “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”