Callie Jacobs, Superintendent

Dr. Callie Jacobs holds a B.S. in Neuroscience and Psychology from the University of Minnesota and a M.A. in teaching and Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas. She is a licensed life science teacher, having taught science and College in the Schools courses at SPCPA during its first three years in operation after teaching at the Center for Training and Careers and in the School District of Elcho, Wisconsin. She has been engaged in programs such as the Neuroscience Outreach Program and Brain Awareness Week, both established by the University of Minnesota to further engage teachers and students in opportunities that promote practical applications of science.

She continues to seek research opportunities for the purpose of integrating her interests in science, education, and leadership. In doing so, Dr. Jacobs obtained licensure as a school administrator and received a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at the University of St. Thomas.

Tim Sullivan, Academic Director

Tim Sullivan received his Graduate Certificate in Education Administration: K-12 Principal from Saint Mary’s University in 2017, a Masters of Arts in Teaching in 2001 from Dominican Univeristy, and a BS in Political Science from Northern Illinois University in 1995.  He has taught at every level from kindergarten to college, winning several teaching awards. He has also been an assistant administrator and a principal at two previous schools.

In 2014, he was appointed to the Woodbury Parks and Natural Resources Commission, eventually serving as a chairperson. In 2022, he was appointed to the Minnesota Nonpublic Schools Accrediting Association board. He’s also served as a basketball coach, assisted theater productions, and presented at several conferences on AI use in the classroom.

Elizabeth Tanner, Arts Program Administrator

Elizabeth Tanner serves as the Arts Program Administrator at Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists (SPCPA), bringing more than two decades of experience as an arts educator, administrator, director, performer, playwright, and curriculum developer. A multidisciplinary artist whose work spans theatre, musical theatre, vocal music, dance, creative writing, and visual arts, Tanner has built a career dedicated to developing rigorous arts training programs that prepare students for college, conservatory, and professional artistic pathways.

Tanner has performed, directed, taught, and developed arts programming throughout the United States and internationally. An accomplished classical actor and member of the Actor’s Equity Association, she is particularly known for her work in Shakespeare and has portrayed many of the canon’s most celebrated heroines. Her artistic work also includes playwriting, script adaptation, directing, choreography, and visual arts exhibition.

She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts, where she graduated with distinction, and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech/Theatre Education from St. Olaf College. While at St. Olaf, she studied vocal music under scholarship and performed with the internationally acclaimed St. Olaf Choir. Her additional training includes conservatory training at the Royal National Theatre in London, ballet study with renowned teacher Lorand Andahazy of the former Andahazy Ballet Company, and certification in Social Emotional Learning and Mindfulness.

Throughout her career, Tanner has received recognition for excellence in both teaching and artistic achievement and has served as an educational leader, department chair, adjudicator, mentor, grant writer/recipient, and nonprofit arts administrator. Her work reflects a deep commitment to artistic excellence, student growth, and the transformative power of arts education.

At SPCPA, Tanner is committed to strengthening opportunities for young artists through high-level rigorous training, innovative programming, and meaningful connections to the professional arts community.

Monica Lonergan, Director of Special Education

Monica Lonergan holds a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in Social Work and Psychology. She obtained her M.S. in Special Education from Purdue University and her Administrative License from Hamline University. Previous to her role as a Director of Special Education, she taught special education students in Kindergarten through transition-age programs. She has provided training to teachers on topics ranging from due process compliance to writing effective IEPs. Monica has received a Certificate of Recognition from the state for her work as a member of the Specific Learning Disabilities trainers network.