Meet MNprov
A leadership team dedicated to empowering neurodivergent individuals through the art of improv.
Michael Bruckmueller
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Co-Founder, Artistic Director, and Teaching Artist
Michael Bruckmueller is a teaching artist with more than 25 years of experience in theatrical improvisation. He holds an MFA in Theatre Pedagogy from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Minnesota Duluth. In addition to being a co-founder of MNprov, Michael works as the Director of Education at CSz Twin Cities, is an adjunct professor at St. Catherine University, and is a freelance coach and instructor.
Michael has facilitated Applied Improvisation workshops for the Autism Society of Minnesota, 3M, Cargill, Target, US Bank, Land O’Lakes, General Mills, United Healthcare, Comcast, and many more businesses and organizations.
“It’s a sneaky way of teaching.”
michael@mnprov.org
Kelly Kautz
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Co-Founder
Kelly Kautz is an innovative, national board-certified special education teacher with more than 20 years of experience. She holds a BS degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from the University of Idaho, and an MS in Special Education from Portland State University. Kelly completed the Autism Certificate program through Hamline University in the spring of 2005.
Kelly's interest in using applied improv to meet students' social, emotional and communication needs began in 2016, when she received a grant from the Minnetonka School Foundation to provide improv classes to her students. In 2017, Kelly started the Minnetonka High School improv club, creating an inclusive space for students to enjoy improv together. During the summer of 2018, Kelly attended a week-long improv camp for educators at Indiana University.
“We start by accepting students as they are.”
kelly@mnprov.org
Catherine Thimmesh
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Managing Director
Catherine Thimmesh is the award-winning author of many books for children, including Girls Think of Everything and Team Moon, winner of the Sibert Medal. Her books have received numerous starred reviews, appeared on best books lists, and won many awards, including the IRA Children's Book Award and Minnesota Book Award. She lives in Minnesota with her family.
catherine@mnprov.org
Teaching Artists
“You're laughing and having a really good time, and you're working on critical things, like listening to each other, accepting and supporting each other, and building confidence.”
Philip Simondet
“Sometimes it's fun to pretend to be someone else, and sometimes it's a safe way to express aspects of yourself you've been afraid to show. And sometimes, you're a goat.”
Michael Bruckmueller
Board of Directors
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Kelly Kautz
CHAIR
Kelly is a National Board Certified Special Educator who retired in 2018 to co-found MNprov with Michael Bruckmueller. -
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Lindy Fischer
TREASURER
Lindy was a CPA in the tax practice of BerganKDV and now volunteers for People Reaching Out to People (PROP). -
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Bradley Machov
BOARD MEMBER
Bradley is a licensed attorney working for Thomson Reuters helping lawyers publish practice guide books.
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Linda Peterson
BOARD MEMBER
Linda recently retired as a special educator at Next Step Transition and now supervises UMN preservice teachers. -
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John MacCormick
BOARD MEMBER
John helps run a family-owned manufacturing company. He also is an actor. -
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Ann Marie Wilson
BOARD MEMBER
Ann Marie Wilson is a financial advisor at Thrivent Financial. -
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Jillian Nelson
BOARD MEMBER
Jillian Nelson is an Autistic adult and the Community Resource and Policy Advocate for the Autism Society of Minnesota. -
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Rev. Dr. Shawn Moore
BOARD MEMBER
Shawn is the Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Eckberg Lammers, P.C. He has over 20 years of experience in the field of Cultural Competency, Conflict Resolution, and Community Engagement.
Standing Ovations