Our Team

As a first generation college student, closing the achievement gap and creating true accessible opportunities for youth is what fuels Courtney’s passion for working at createMPLS. Tackling a new LEGO set is the kind of challenge she enjoys. When not supporting programs, she loves to dance, be outside, drink chai lattes, and celebrate life!

Amy Svoboda is a graduate from Iowa State University with a degree in English. She recently spent two years teaching ESL overseas in Taiwan and Indonesia before coming back to America with the hopes of finding a new passion here. Amy loves working with createMPLS kids because they are always up for trying, even when the task is difficult. The excitement they feel when solving a more challenging code or program is contagious and inspiring.

Áine joined the createMPLS team in November of 2022. Her passion for technology bloomed with her experience coaching an all-girls Robotics team. She wants to help other students find that same kind of passion within themselves. Áine was born in Saint Paul but spent may years Living in Dublin, Ireland. Outside of work, she loves to crochet, take long walks, bake, and find fun in new places!

Greer is a graduate of Macalester College where she studied sociology and education and researched the impact of economic barriers in education. She wants to make sure that all kids are excited to learn and feel empowered in the classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys painting, cooking, and spending time with her dog.

Matt is a graduate of the Art Institute of Minnesota with a degree in Media arts and Animation. A lifetime learner of technology and art, he’s excited to promote ideas and creative problem solving in kids wherever it leads them. He loves to tinker, draw, and play games, and his favorite animal is the goat.

Mitchell graduated from Mcnally Smith College of Music with a degree in Music Performance. Throughout his career as a performer and educator he has gained a passion for gaining new knowledge about technology and cultivating growth the Twin Cities community. Mitchell continues to educate and inspire students by promoting creativity and individualism in the classroom.

Aaron graduated from Carleton College with a degree in History. There, he gained an interest in utilizing technology as a tool for learning and expressing creativity. After that, Aaron served as an AmeriCorps member where he taught youth technology programs at the Ramsey County Library in Shoreview. Aaron loves helping kids discover their passions and learning new ideas.

Dan graduated from the University of Minnesota with a PhD in Computer Science focusing on computer graphics, scientific visualization, and high dimensional analysis. He has taught technology classes at both the college and high school levels. He enjoys sharing what he has learned with all his students. Professionally, he has worked as a software developer for over 10+ years, programming for companies including Dell Inc., Accenture Technology Labs, OATI, the University of Minnesota, and Los Alamos National Lab. In real life, he cherishes his time camping, biking, and exploring this world with his wife and two kids.

Erin joined createMPLS to assist with managing the organization’s finances and provide administrative support to the team. She is also an Occupational Therapist and is passionate about helping people overcome barriers to living their most meaningful life. Although working somewhat behind the scenes for createMPLS, Erin is happy to contribute to improving opportunities for youth in the city she loves and grew up in. Erin lives in Minneapolis with her husband, twin boys, and her dog, Freya.