Lisa Schmitz
Instructor
Psychology and Mathmatics
Phone: 651.846.1530
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Lisa Schmitz has been a full-time instructor at Saint Paul College since 1999. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, Math and Art, from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls, and a Master of Science in Statistics from the University of Minnesota.

After graduating from the U of M, Lisa moved to California and worked as a computer programmer, writing statistical algorithms for casinos and mushroom farms, before moving back to Minnesota and working as a systems analyst at Medtronic.

She went back to school for a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology at the University of St. Thomas, and led individual and group therapy sessions at counseling centers for women and abuse survivors in Minneapolis. Lisa is happy to be teaching again, in the areas of Psychology and Math. Her other interests include writing creative nonfiction, traveling, and riding and training her appaloosa.

Ba Su
Instructor
Mathematics
Phone: 651.846.1671
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Ba Su received a B.S. from University of Wisconsin - River Falls in 1990. In the spring of 1993 he received a M.S. in Mathematics from Iowa State University.

For three years at ISU, he was a teaching assistant in the Mathematics Department. Prior to becoming a math instructor at Saint Paul College in 2003, he was a mathematics instructor at Minnesota West Community & Technical College in Worthington, MN for ten years.

At Saint Paul College his teaching range from Intermediate Algebra to Calculus. The most satisfying aspect of teaching throughout the years is the interaction with his students. 

Sarah Cherry

Sarah Cherry
Instructor
Mathematics
Phone: 651.846.1672
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Sarah Cherry has been a full-time Math Instructor at Saint Paul College since 2006. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from St. Olaf College, and a Master of Science in Mathematics with an Emphasis in Education from the University of Minnesota. After graduating from St. Olaf College, Sarah worked as a computer programmer for a large commercial insurance company in St. Paul.

Sarah shares her work experience in the developmental and transferable math courses that she teaches and applies the content to business and industry contexts. She has been instrumental in introducing the EnableMath Program to the College that provides support resources for math students, including on-line homework tutorials. As part of the EnableMath Grant Team, Sarah is working with colleagues in the Saint Paul Public Schools and other Minnesota State Colleges and Universities campuses, to help students with academic progress and retention in math courses.

Sarah's other interests include spending time with friends and family, traveling, movies, and athletics. She is passionate about the value of math for work and life roles, and helps students find the answers to the question, "When am I ever going to use this?"

Francois Nguyen
Instructor
Remedial & Applied Math
Phone: 651.846.1543
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Francois has been an Instructor at Saint Paul Technical College for over 25 years, teaching Math, and Emerging Technology. He is a strong advocate for technology equity. Francois is also a prominent leader in the Asian community of Minnesota, and has served as an Asian leader in both non-profit and governmental agencies related to educational policy. He received the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Community Service. He received the Pioneer Partner Leadership Award for Innovator in Educational Technology from The Great Lakes Governors Council. And was selected as a finalist for Leaders in Learning, Cable Industry Leadership Award.

Francois received his B.A. from University of St. Thomas, M.Ed. from University of La Verne and completed graduate math courses from Converse College. He received a certificate in Preparing Administrative Responsibility from the University of Minnesota. He also participated in the Leadership for the Common Good program at the Hubert Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs.

Francois received his Doctor of Education in Leadership and Technology from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Currently, Francois is a council member for Minnesota Online (http://www.minnesotaonline.org/) a place to promote high quality online learning for all students.

Francois was born and raised in Vietnam. He came to the United States in 1975 and keeps strong ties with his native country and is very active in the Asian Communities. He is very proud of his family. He has a loving wife and four children. Francois is a very strong advocate for supporting diversity in Higher Education. He loves teaching and using technology in classroom and goes extra miles to help students to succeed so they can contribute to society.

Sasha Goftarsh
Instructor
Mathematics
Phone: 651.846.1703
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Sasha Goftarsh is a full-time instructor in the Math Department and teaches College Algebra and Fundamental Math courses. She began teaching at Saint Paul College in 2007, and previously taught various math courses at Century College and at North Hennepin Community College. Her instructional experience also includes teaching at several high schools in the Minneapolis area. Sasha received her B.S and M.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science Education from Russian State Pedagogical University. She enjoys teaching very much and states it is a pleasure to be able to share her knowledge and skills with all of her students. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, Sasha moved to the United States in 2001 and says she now “enjoys every moment of life here with my family”. Traveling and art photography are her two passions.