Meet the Board
From a young age, I was captivated by science. Whether reading magazines, exploring research, or building quirky experiments, I was drawn to discovery and problem-solving. This curiosity led me to pursue studies in civil and mechanical engineering, and I began my career as a project manager—a role I held for four years before deciding to take a new path in education.
Transitioning into teaching was no small step. It came with its own set of challenges and rewards, but it offered me something invaluable: the chance to shape future adults. In the classroom, I strive to offer students a solid foundation while sharing my passion for science and social studies—subjects that inspire reflection, self-awareness, and critical thinking through the study of human experience, systems, and history.
Though English was initially a struggle for me, everything changed during a six-month internship in Nottingham, UK. Total immersion pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and I quickly discovered just how powerful that kind of learning environment can be.
I’ve now been teaching for eight years. Most recently, I’ve had the opportunity to work at Notre École, whose mission reflects my own values: a strong emphasis on science and engineering, combined with a deep commitment to meeting children's needs and creating a supportive learning environment. With empathy and the right guidance, I believe students can grow confidently in both language and logic, within a joyful and inclusive space.
After a year at Notre École—and my first year in the United States—I feel ready to contribute beyond the classroom. My background in project management and team coordination motivates me to take on new responsibilities, and I’m eager to support the school’s continued growth as a board member. I hope to contribute meaningfully to building a strong, thoughtful, and inspiring community—both within the school and in the broader context of French cultural exchange in Minnesota.
Nicole Patzer
Board Vice Chair
Term expires September 2027
I vividly remember my first French lesson in the 8th grade where I fell in love with the French language. I went through that first lesson completely transfixed and fascinated only to be brought back to reality by the bell, dismissing us for the day. After that first lesson, I remember promising to myself that one day I would become bilingual. Fast forward to junior year of college, I had the privilege of studying abroad in Nantes, France for a full year in an immersion program. The opportunity of being fully immersed in the language and culture created opportunities for me that not even my 8th grade self could have dreamed up. After my year in France, I graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris with a degree in Communications, Media, and Rhetoric and a minor in French.
Out of college I have spent my professional career in advertising, marketing, communications, and sales working at companies such as Colle + McVoy, Duluth Trading Company, WPS Health Insurance, and Healthgrades. In my current position at Healthgrades as the Director of Quality Solutions, I work closely with hospital executives to help them understand and promote their clinical excellence. I work with my clients to develop multi-channel marketing plans leveraging their awards to grow their brand reputation and awareness.
I am thrilled to be a part of the Notre École community to support our mission of equipping students with a solid foundation for future achievement in school and life through the immersion in the French language. A mission that is near and dear to my heart with hopes that every child has the opportunity to experience this type of education.
Jean-Noël Kouame
Treasurer
Term expires June 2029
I am a native French speaker (growing up in the Ivory Coast and France) and was immersed in the french school system throughout high school. I moved to Minnesota almost 30 years ago and had a chance to pursue higher education (BA at Augsburg College Minneapolis and MBA from the University of MN) and work in the field of finance and IT (currently at the University of MN). Together with the French language, the Ivorian and French cultures have remained fully anchored in my family here. My two sons have benefited from formal education in French at local french schools and Alliance française around the Twin Cities. This is a benefit that my sons have and through Notre Ecole, other kids will be able to have the same benefits.
Bill Horn
Secretary
Term expires September 2027
As the son of a scientist and a math teacher, I have a passion for science and its role in education. I am a native of Wisconsin, where I benefited from an excellent public education, including a strong foundation in French. My undergraduate work at UW-Madison was in mathematics, economics and international affairs and included a formative year studying in Paris. After working in Africa for a year, I went on to receive an MFA in photography at the School of Visual Arts in New York, where I lived and worked for 28 years, before returning to the midwest.
My professional life has been in marketing and communications, often centered around video and audio storytelling. I have worked for extended periods at UNICEF, The New York Times and now with a major bank as a content marketer. My older children attended a variety of very different New York City schools, each with their strengths and weaknesses. We were delighted to become part of the Notre Ecole community recently, and I hope to bring some of that perspective to supporting its growth and preserving its accessibility for all our families.
Jean-Christophe Ricaud
Member at large
Term expires September 2027
Growing up in France, with my mother who was a dedicated teacher and elementary principal, I have always been deeply involved in education. I’m also a proud parent of a student at Notre Ecole and I have also served as a board member at Notre École for the past three years.
I hold 2 master’s degrees, one in Finance and another in Accounting and I’m a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) so I can bring extensive experience in financial planning and I'am committed to using my background to support the school’s growth and ensure financial health. My passion for education and dedication to fostering a bilingual and bicultural environment will help our school continue to thrive.
Ben Moita
Member at large
Term expires June 2028
As a native French speaker (originally from Chad (Tchad), I started teaching French at Palmview Academy a Missionary Kids School in Chad when I was in High School. After two years, I passed a test and got hired by the US Peace Corps as TOT (Trainer Of the Trainees), taught French to Peace Corps Volunteers in different sectors: Water Sanitation, Public Health and etc.
At the end of my two years with the Peace Corps, I had the chance to be accepted at Bethany College in Minnesota. My new adventure started in 1997 as a College Student so did my love for teaching French reignited while in college; and landed a tutoring job at Normandale College. Years later I went on to complete with my undergrade in Health Education at Bethel University then a Master’s Degree in Epidemiology at Walden University. Medical Research is my passion and worked at Medtronic, AGA Medical now Jude’s Medical doing Clinical Research.
For over 25 years I have been part of the Alliance Française where both of my kids took classes there and the French Community in the Twin Cities. I am delighted to be part of Notre École School Board member and hopefully teaching also if there is a need.
Merci Beaucoup
Melissa Sisk
Member at large
Term expires June 2028
As an educator with a background in medical illustration and higher education instruction, I bring a passion for lifelong learning and a deep appreciation for the power of visual and experiential education. I'm a strong advocate for STEAM — integrating science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics— to help students become creative critical thinkers and problem-solvers. My professional experience uniquely bridges the sciences and the arts, and I believe this interdisciplinary approach enriches education in meaningful ways. I also am a printmaker, and this fuels my commitment to hand-on learning and exploration of one's creativity and outlook on life.
I was born in Germany and moved frequently growing up, which gave me a strong appreciation for diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives. Although I am new to learning French, I’m deeply committed to supporting immersive language learning and multicultural understanding. I’m excited to contribute my perspective, skills, and energy to support the mission of Notre École as a board member.
Thomas Hazen
Member at large
Term expires June 2028
Bonjour! I earned a BA in Psychology and an MBA in International Business from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, in the town where I grew up. I studied for a year at the Université d’Aix-Marseille III in Aix-en-Provence as part of my undergraduate program, then later a semester at the École Supérieure de Commerce de Marseille-Provence in Marseille as part of my graduate studies. I have also worked in France, both for a university study abroad program, and later for a cow milking machine company, spending a total of five wonderful years there, and I travel back to visit my French friends as often as I can.
Over the past four decades, I have been fortunate to be able to teach students of all ages, from preschoolers to retirees, in subjects ranging from French to English, to computer use, rock climbing, and high-performance driving. Recently I retired after working as a paraprofessional at Notre École for the 2024-25 school year. Prior to that I enjoyed a long career in information technology at General Mills. In the past I have served on several boards, including those of a residential cooperative, a neighborhood association, the French-American Chamber of Commerce, a vintage car club, and a home owners association.
My wife and I find joy in gardening that helps birds and pollinators, volunteering for local environmental restoration programs, and eco-traveling. I also run a hillclimb car race every September in the “Driftless Area” of western Wisconsin.
Julia Zubinski
Member at large
Term expires June 2029
My passion for the French language and culture began in middle school, where I chose French as my second foreign language. I was immediately drawn to France's rich history, culture, and gastronomy. That fascination eventually led me to move to France at the age of 19 to pursue my university studies, where I earned a Master's degree in Business Law. Learning a new language and adapting to a new culture opened countless doors for me and reinforced my belief that bilingual education is one of the greatest gifts we can offer children.
I went on to build an international in-house legal career spanning nearly two decades in investment banking. Most recently, I served as Head of Legal for the Middle East and Africa at a French corporate and investment bank in Dubai, advising senior management and boards on governance, regulatory matters, compliance and risk management across multiple jurisdictions.
While living in Dubai, as a family we made the deliberate decision to enroll our children in a French lycée. We valued not only the opportunity for them to become bilingual, but also the academic excellence, rigor and emphasis on critical thinking that characterize the French education system.
Since moving to Minnesota, I have been looking for ways to give back to the French-speaking community that has played such an important role in my own life. Notre École's mission deeply resonates with me and I am excited to contribute my experience in governance, strategic planning and organizational oversight while supporting the school's continued growth.
I look forward to working alongside fellow board members, school leadership, teachers and families to help ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive in a bilingual and internationally minded environment.
David Policard
Member at large
Term expires June 2029
To be published soon
Romain Lorentz
Honorary Member
Being a bi-cultural and bilingual household, my family has always valued immersion education. Our daughter attended a French school from preschool through 5th grade and she had a wonderful experience.
I grew-up in France, near Orléans (on the Loire river), where I earned my initial law degree. I then earned my Master's degree and Doctorate in Comparative Law at the Sorbonne, where I taught US Law for a couple of years. I met my wife in Minneapolis 20 years ago and I moved permanently to Minnesota in 2005. I have been teaching Business Law at the University of St Thomas Opus College of Business for many years. I served on the Board of Directors of the Alliance Française of Minneapolis/St Paul for several years as well as on the French Académie's School Council as a parent representative. I currently serve on the Board of Directors of Chloe's Fight Rare Disease Foundation.
It has been an honor to have been part of the Notre École project since the beginning. My goal as a board member is to foster a strong and mind-opening education through both French immersion and STEAM.